Hiking and House Hunting

We started the weekend off heading up to the Woodburn Company Stores for some shopping.  We've been wanting to get more Le Creuset cookware since my older sister gave us a piece for our wedding and when I came across the outlet store, I knew we had to go.  We found this nice little saucepan which will really be handy and are also on their mailing list so they'll alert us to future sales.  Woohoo!

Earlier in the week I'd found a coupon for a free entree at Panda Express after 9pm on Friday.  Andy enjoyed a late night snack and Shadow and I went along for the ride.  :)


On Saturday, Andy and I headed out to Mary's Peak and expected to drive most of the way up and then do a little 1.5 mile hike to the top.  When we got to the park, we found out that the road was closed and the only option was a 5 mile hike to the top.  I was not thrilled about a 5 mile hike ( I was sore from exercising earlier in the week) but we decided if we'd come all this way, we should at least walk for a while.  After an hour and a half and 2 miles up hill, I called it quits.  My legs were killing me before we started and I had a mini meltdown on the mountain and told Andy I was heading back down to the car.  We were really close to the summit so Andy hiked to the top and took these photos. 

After the hike, we stopped in Corvallis on the way home for dinner  at Block 15.  Andy has been hearing about their beer since we got here so he was anxious to try their brews.

Today we went to two open houses to get an idea of the housing market here and to see what we can expect to get for the price.  Corvallis (where Andy works) is more expensive and Albany (where we're currently living) has pricing a little higher than Rochester.  We're hoping to start seriously looking in August and ideally we'd be in a house by December 1!  We will see!

Sweet, sweet air conditioning

Isn't it beautiful? 

We broke down on Tuesday and bought a window air conditioner for our bedroom.  Of course the forecast has changed and it's supposed to be 70-75 for the next week but I think we'll be happy we have it later in the summer.  The installation only took two trips to Home Depot which reminded me that I don't like the big home improvement stores and would much rather go into an Ace Hardware and give a really bad explanation of what I'm trying to do and have the cute retired man in the red vest hand me exactly what I need.   

I rode my bike down to Target yesterday and found out that the ol' girl needs a tune up (the bike, not the rider - okay, we both need some work done but we're talking about the bike here).  It sounds and feels like the gears are changing even when I don't want them to so I need to take it in and get it fixed up.  I also need a more comfortable seat -- I'm not as young as I used to be.  So the local Bike 'N Hike store will be getting some business this weekend since I've been bugging Andy to get a helmet and he's finally agreed it's a good idea. 

We figured out this week as we made it through all of our laundry that we're missing at least one bag of clothes.  Next time you're at Goodwill, take a look for my clothes.  Luckily, there are super cute clothes on clearance at Target.  I have also discovered a wonderful place. 

I went and spent over an hour wandering around.  It's not any different from a Hobby Lobby type place but it's all new stuff so it's fun.

The house inspection is over and went OK.  Apparently the radon levels were high so we need to fix that but otherwise, everything is good to go.  We're still planning to close on July 5th!

Silver Falls Hike

Andy and I went to a state park about an hour away to hike around today.  We did a 3.5 mile loop and were able to see lots of gorgeous waterfalls.    

Winter Falls (134 feet tall)

Middle North Falls (106 feet tall)

Showing my husband a little love after he told me he got a picture of my "caboose"

snail!

 

 

 

North Falls (136 feet tall).  The great part about the North Falls is that you get to walk behind the waterfall itself.  We're glad we saved this one for last or the rest would have been disappointing!

The green on that little hill there?  And all the green behind that?  Christmas trees! 

Saturday in Eugene

Saturday Market in Eugene

We had plans to go to Eugene and hit up the Saturday Market and Farmer's Market and decided to keep our plans despite the misty rain we had all day today.  Saturday Market is in downtown Eugene and features all local artists, musicians, food, etc.  If you want tie dyed clothes, beeswax candles, handmade soap or incense, this is your place.  Hippies galore!  Here's a photo I found of what the market looks like on a nicer day...the white tents go on for blocks.  We want to go back when the weather is better and spend some time looking around.

The Farmer's Market is right across the street and there were tables and tables of gorgeous fruit and veg.  We found these shelling peas that are just huge and super sweet and tasty, too! 

A Growwwler.   Haha.

Andy after a pint and two samples.  :)

After the market, we headed to the Eugene City Brewery which serves all kinds of Rouge beers.  It was clear when we walked in that Andy was going to love this place.  They come to your table with menus and samples of one of their beers.  He was in heaven.

 

A posthumous note from Brewdog, Chairman of the Board

Quick Sale of MN house? That'll work!

The big news in the past few days is that we got an offer on the house.  I never thought we'd be so excited by a low ball offer but paying to maintain a house we're not even living in has made Minnesota home ownership one of our least favorite things.  The buyer's offer was very low (10k+ under asking price) and she wanted new doors installed.  We countered saying we'd take the offer but would not do any more work on the house.  We just got word that the offer was accepted.  The big plus of this sale (other than the fact that we want rid of the house) is that it will be a quick sale, closing on July 5th and the buyer will be paying in cash.  We are still waiting on a home inspection since it seems the previous owners never got permits when they finished the basement so we're hoping that doesn't cause too many problems.  

Andy and I went to lunch in Corvallis yesterday so he could sign the offer papers and we could get them faxed back before the close of business central time.  When I was running errands yesterday, I saw this swarm of ducks just hanging out in the parking lot.  Hilarious.

 

Whatever you do, get a Safeway Club Card

Andy and Shadow enjoyed another hike on Sunday morning.  They went up to 3300 feet and came home EXHAUSTED.  They both napped all afternoon.  

Shadow taking a break at the top. 

As of today, both ladies of the house are licensed.  I went to get my official Oregon driver's license today and also picked up Shadow's doggy license and tag.  It was so sad when I went by the animal control office to pick up her tag.  There was a young family surrendering their dog.  Shadow's first family had to go through that and she obviously came from a very loving home so I really felt for this family.  Shadow's first family's loss was an amazing gain for our family and hopefully a loving family comes along for that sweet dog.  Andy's just hoping I forget how to get to the shelter...I will resist...I am 99% sure I will resist.  ( Andy, I promise I really will.  PROMISE.  But he was really cute and sweet...) 

Aren't they cute!?!

We have our Oregon plates now and Andy is officially the proud co-owner of the 2003 Honda. I guess now that we have local plates I'll have to act like I know where I'm going.  Luckily, people are very laid back here and don't even get angry when I have to cross two lanes of traffic right before I realize I need to turn.  

The Magic Money Saving Card

I ran 5 bags of bubble wrap and other packing materials to the landfill today -- there is a $28 minimum charge.  Yikes.  I guess we'll be taking advantage of the extra curbside pick up from now on.  Speaking of expensive, Andy and I went for a few groceries after he got done with work today.  12 packs of soda are "regularly" priced at 6.99.  A dozen eggs?  2.50.  It didn't take us long to get the Safeway card, which is free and dramatically reduces the prices.  Plus, you can go online and "load" up your card with other in store coupons to make the prices what we're used to.  Not sure why we need a card to do all that, but I'm willing to do it if that's what it takes!  The alternative of giving up my diet coke would definitely be more traumatic.  So, I've resorted to stockpiling whenever I can get it to 2.50/12 pack or less.  Desperate times, desperate measures, people.       

Starting to Feel Like Home

We're adjusting well to life out west.  The weather has been great and getting our things unpacked makes everything a little more comfortable.  I asked Andy to take the car to work on Friday so I would have no other choice but to get some more things done around home but I used him driving to work as a good excuse to sleep in and be lazy all morning.  Oh well.  I did get a *few* boxes unpacked in the afternoon.  We went to Salem today (about 20 miles away) to explore today and then out to dinner at the "best" Mexican restaurant in Albany.  In Andy's words, it was "not too shabby."  The food was good and the restaurant is also an official Oregon Lottery retailer, complete with Keno game slips right on the table for your convenience.  Needless to say, we'll be going back.  Here are a few photos of our place. 

Our Kitchen.  Sadly, it's about 1/4 of the size of our old one.

Living Room.   Can't see Shadow's chair in this photo but it is to the left of the couch and treadmill (currently the hottest place to stack unpacked boxes) is to the right of the couch.  Tight squeeze but it works!

Dining room.  We squeezed my hope chest behind the table and we're using the chest as storage for some kitchen things-- granted, we're using just about everything as storage.  Shadow's lucky her toy basket is not doubling as a bookcase right now. (WHY do we have SO many books!?!)  

And Shadow on her chair.  She really needs to start helping out around here. 

We have a "loft" upstairs that opens to the downstairs and Andy leaned over the half wall up there tonight, looked down into the living room  and called for Shadow to come and see him. Poor thing looked all over, ran back and forth downstairs and could not figure out where her buddy was hiding.  She never thought to look up.  Have I mentioned lately that she's the cutest thing ever?    

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

(Slow) Progress

Perched on the hill.

 It's coming along.  We have managed to unpack the kitchen, living room, bathroom and most of the bedroom.  As you can see, while we're busy working, Shadow is making herself right at home in her new backyard. 

 

 

Basking in the sun.

Andy is still enjoying work and observed some testing on one of the big printers yesterday.  They're working on what his team is calling the Jessica Alba effect.  The test they run prints a USA Today from last year and one of the photos features Jessica Alba.  Apparently, she looks a little orange and they're working on the balance of colors so that photos are true to the originals.  He is impressed with the facilities and the equipment they are given to work with (computers, etc). 

I went over to Corvallis to explore yesterday and do some shopping and ran to Salem today to pick up a few things that I couldn't get here in town.  Salem seemed HUGE even though it's only about 150,000 people.  I guess after being in a town with 50,000 people, your concept of big and busy changes.  Overall, I am really liking Albany and Oregon.  It is gorgeous, the people tend to be "midwest nice" and the weather has been great.  I promise to put up photos of the place this weekend!

Real Bed = Really Good Night's Sleep

Even though we were completely exhausted by the time our heads hit the pillows last night, and we probably would have slept anywhere, I must say, it was one of the most wonderful night's of sleep EVER.  No more air mattress!  Shadow is enjoying the bed too and likes to lay on it while we're gone so she can look out the window.  She’s still giddy when we come home and we’re seeing what Andy calls “happy bottoms” when she shakes her entire back end and her tail wags hysterically.   

I went and had all of our insurance stuff switched over today then ran some errands -- it's amazing how much "stuff" you need when you move.  New trash cans, drawer organizers, groceries, etc.  It seems like there is a new list each day.  I did some cleaning today and hung up some wall decor.  I also assembled our laundry sorter (it only took two tries to get it right!) in an attempt to help tackle the piles of laundry that need to be done.  The big trash bags we used to haul our clothes had a strange little plastic smell to them and now all of our clothes smell like a Hefty bag on steroids.  Hopefully by the end of tomorrow at least parts of our place will be photo worthy and I can show you our new place.  Right now, I can't find room amongst all the boxes to get a clear shot with the camera.  :)

Oh What A Night...

It was a long night.  The smoke detector in our room kept chirping.  We had the same trouble last week but a new battery made it happy for several days.  Last night, it decided to be difficult again.  Around 2am, we finally took the battery out and it eventually stopped.  Granted by that point, we'd moved the air mattresses into the other bedroom and shut all the doors, turned on the fan, etc to try to drown out the sound.  Needless to say, I picked up a super big gulp of diet mountain dew on the way back from dropping Andy off for his first day at HP.  

Our relo-cubes arrived by 11:30 and our moving help was scheduled to arrive by 2 but I got a call saying they would be late -- 3 or 3:30 maybe.  I ran to pick up Andy so we could get started unloading and when 3:30 came and went, I called the movers to see what was going on.  They said they were running late from another job and would be there by 4:30.  I was starting to worry that Andy and I would be unloading everything by ourselves in one night.  Luckily, our helpers showed up and everything was unloaded by 5.  This place is such a disaster.  I got most of the kitchen stuff unpacked but I am really missing my unusually large kitchen right now.  Andy got the TV, dining room table, couch and treadmill up and running.  We're struggling to find room for everything.  We're very happy we got rid as of much as we did before we left.  Hopefully once we find a place for everything, we'll be feeling more organized.

Andy had a good first day at work.  Some co-workers took him out for Thai food for lunch and he said everyone was very friendly.  He currently doesn't have a work station -- apparently they're short on space too.  For now, he's borrowing a co-worker's cube while he is out for a few weeks.  He said it's strange to feel absolutely clueless.  They are talking about sending him to a customer's site so he can see the printers in action and he'll also be meeting some co-workers on his team for San Diego when they come up to work in a few weeks.   

Last Weekend of Freedom

Andy got up early on Saturday and went on a hike with Shadow and I slept in.  

there's a little bit of a hippie vibe in this town

Later we headed out to see what the Albany Farmer's Market had to offer...right now it's mostly plants and flowers but we did manage to find some of the season's first strawberries and a pint of snap peas.  We went to a few thrift stores after that to see if we could find some night stands.  No luck there but I did eye a really cute coffee table that I may have to go back for.  It would need some paint to freshen it up but it has a lot of potential.  We also went and got Andy a cell phone.  I welcomed him to the 21st century.  He decided to go for it since we cancelled our land line -- plus this way I can track him down!  I am eligible for an upgrade but can't decide what kind of phone I want so I need to figure that out this week.

fun little plant neither of us recognized

Today we went to the Dave Clark Riverwalk with Shadow.  It's a nice little walk, about 2 miles round trip.  Shadow mostly behaved herself other than the attempted bird chasing.   Big day tomorrow:  Andy's first day at HP and our stuff arrives!

Fortune Cookie Says...

Townhouse!

It was a gorgeous day in Albany!  70 and sunny!  Today we headed out to Target (again) for a few more things for the house and had the pleasure of having a fabulous cashier named Tootsie (no, really).  What a riot.  We're supposed to "come back and see her some time soon."   After that, we headed to the post office to pick up our mailbox key.  Quite the business they have going on there -- $40 for keys so we can get our mail.  Really?! We drove over to Corvallis so Andy could show me where he'll be working and then hit my Trader Joe's for a few things.  Shadow has figured out that she likes the upstairs window in the bedroom best because it faces the street.  She also likes it when we agree to stack the two air mattresses on top of each other so she can lay  and look out the window.  She's so cute...and so spoiled.

 

We had this fortune in our cookie with the Chinese take out yesterday.  It says:  Now is a good time to try something new. Coincidence?

 

We Survived the Oregon Trail!

So the day Andy proposed, I took him to see the Pixar movie, "Up".  I LOVE that movie and decided that we needed our own adventure book, so here it is.  

We made it!  We arrived in Albany, Oregon last night after 2000+ miles on the road and three days of the poor dog wondering what kind of mean trick we were playing on her.  As you can see, she was a great sport even though she seemed really confused. She *may* have been treated to a hamburger when we stopped for lunch yesterday.   

The drive went pretty well, all things considered.  The third day of driving from Boise to Albany was by far the most scenic as we made our way through the mountains.  Gorgeous.  

 

We checked into our rental townhouse today and unloaded the car and ventured out for some new things at Target and a few groceries to get us through the next couple of days.  The town house is a little two bedroom place on a cul de sac and has a fenced in back yard for Shadow.  It's pretty empty right now and I'm not sure where all of our stuff is going to go but we'll figure that out when our PODS arrive next week.         

Shadow went to the groomer and got all shined up after the long trip.  She probably hated every minute of it but she smells so wonderful right now.  She'll be enjoying some time snuggling on the air mattress tonight.  :)