I haven’t been here on my usual Wednesday and Friday dates sharing what I’ve been up to. Instead, I have been preparing to put our home on the real estate market and move to Portland, Oregon. The plan was put into action in February and we arrived in Portland on June 22nd. We’ve purchased a condo in the Pearl District and anticipate a July 30 closing. Until then, we are exploring our new home town and catching up with friends in the area.
The entire west coast has been experiencing quite a heat wave since the day we arrived. Yesterday we decided to escape the high-90 degree temperature of the city in favor of a trip to Cannon Beach. And what a great decision that was!
We arrived just minutes before the start of the annual July 4th parade down the main street. This small town fairly drips with wholesomeness, Americana, Norman Rockwell. . . you get the picture.
Click on images for a larger view. Folks in the parade were tossing wrapped candy out to the kids. And here comes the big truck.
Here are the lifeguards for the beach. This was the place to be! As we savored the fun of the parade I could almost hear Charles Ives’ Holiday Symphony.
After our picnic lunch by the band stand — where else? — we drove up into the nearby state park for some great views of the beach.
The sky was not completely clear, but we were so grateful for the mid-60s temperatures that we didn’t mind. Here’s Haystack Rock.
The only art I’ve created in the last few weeks happened just a few days ago while consuming copious amounts of cold water and wishing for cooler days to come.
Cheers!
Franki -So glad to hear from you! What an exciting adventure for you and your husband!
Nice to hear from you too Michele! This is quite the adventure. Stay tuned for updates.
Welcome to the neighbourhood. Portland is a such a wonderful spot and so is Cannon Beach. Used to go there regularly. Also has a wonderful quilt shop in Cannon Beach. As there are also up and down the coast. Good luck with the move and stay cool.
Thanks! We are planning to get out on the coast more. We have traveled the Oregon coast several times over the last decade and look forward to more leisurely visits.
Portland sounds like a really good fit for you two. Congratulations on finding your new condo.
Franki!!! Welcome to the PNW!! I have been meaning to check in with you and see how things are going, but I have just been a scatter-brain I guess. I just always think of you when I am not near the computer and, of course, I forget when I am near the computers 😛
We have been out of the country since April and I am now In Atlanta until Tuesday (where the weather is unseasonably cool, lucky me!). Good idea to escape to Cannon Beach to cool off. We just love Cannon Beach!
Hey – I am thinking about coming to Portland for the NW Book Festival to woo some writers with my book cover designs. I will let you know if I end up coming down. It would probably be just for the day (July 25), maybe we can meet for lunch or coffee (iced!).
Hope you are settling in nicely and adjusting to the “next phase”. 🙂
Whoa! Glad to hear you’re back in the US. Get in touch via email if you plan to come down and we’ll make some arrangements! Would love to meet you for whatever time will allow.
Glad to know you’re there and enjoying it despite the heat.
We’re glad to be here as well. And, heck, the heat will pass!
Glad you arrived safely! Barb and the girls and I miss you around the ‘hood….
And we miss you! Stay in touch.
we just got back from an 8,000 miles drive across country, lots to see, but taking weather under consideration, did not see any place we would move to.,, Tired
Surprised to hear that you are planning on moving..Do you have family in that area and why the move,,, just curios..How long have you been at your present location?
Hi Vivian, The deed is done — we’re in Portland, not planning. Escrow closes at the end of the month. No family here for us, but we have friends.
Welcome home, girlfriend!
Thanks! We’re glad to be here.
So good to see you back on the blog, Franki. The pictures and sketch were so fun to see. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Miss You! Keep in touch!
Thanks Kris. I will keep in touch. We’ll probably meet at a SAQA conference.
Love the Pearl District. Congrats!
Hola Sis—Glad to hear you have “settled” for the moment. You two are whirlwind fast. Can’t wait for the pics. xoxo, Sherry