The Property

I got a great referral to a realtor in Portland--a sister-in-law of a friend in California.  My stipulations were for approximately two acres, at a price that didn't include any existing structures--since I planned to tear everything down and start from scratch.  I also wanted a sense of being in the country, but within sight of neighbors and some sense of security.  My hopes on top of that, were for a lot that wouldn't feel dreary in the rainy winters, a nice territorial view, and a big shade tree "out back."  

In three trips to Portland and six months, I bought the first property I'd seen--it felt right.  It also fit all my requirements, and more.  I'm on a gated street with only three other homes, I'm at the top of what's known as Pete's Mountain--well, if not the very top, it feels like it--with an eastern view of Mt. Hood, and I even have my lovely shade tree.

So I had landed.  In West Linn, I would be 30 minutes from my daughter and her husband--just enough to give them their space (and hopefully not feel the mom and mother-in-law oppression) but close enough for grand dog-sitting.  And I can hop in the car and drive to Seattle to see my parents in three quick hours--with a good book on tape!

And I got much more than a good realtor reference.  Suzanne and I hit it off immediately, enjoyed lots of laughs and wrong turns, and she became my first friend in Portland.