We had an offer on our house the day after it went on the market. Oh but it was for an FHA loan so to get qualified we still had to do some work. Never ending I tell ya'! So scraping off the paint on ALL exterior windows, refinishing the back porch, putting windows in the upstairs sun room, etc. But we did it. I even got to break out my climbing gear to secure Michael to the roof, via the attic, so he could paint the trim. We were both sweating through that. But we finally passed the inspection and Michael was off to Oregon in the Subaru.
Which was the last time I saw my beloved Helen, as her engine blew in Iowa between to cities. So $350 of towing, two nights stay in Des Moines, and a new to us 2005 Subaru Outback later...Michael was back on the road. Did I mention he traveled with Mewosey? What an adventure!
Here is the car broken down on the side of the road. Michael and Meowsey are sitting under a tree in 90 plus degree weather.
Gilbert labeling moving boxes.
So started the packing process while Michael worked for about two weeks in Oregon, then he flew back. We finished the packing, loaded up the Penske with the Golf being towed behind, and drove across this great country of ours.
Here we are at our first Oregon rest stop...with a recycling bin! Getting closer!
A little behind schedule we drove 700 mile on the final day and made it to Portland in six days.
So here we are back in Portland! The first four weeks I think I was in a bit of a daze. To be quite honest it seems like I never left. Almost like we never went to PA. But now I return with an almost two year old, a husband, and no job. So I guess things are a little different. Gilbert and I do similar things as when we were in Chambersburg, but with more activities to add as a family and with friends. We have been to a few BBQs, dinner outings, hiking, meeting up for drinks, gatherings within our condo complex "The Rosegate", etc. All of these thing were missing in PA and I am so happy to have that social side of things back. Oh and when you go the the playgrounds here there are actually people there with their kids and they TALK to you. I think there were times when I went weeks without talking to anyone outside of the YMCA.
BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL........Cyclocross season has started! So that means every weekend is racing through mid-December! Right now it is a bit of a love-hate as we are trying to figure out how to manage being at the races with a two year old who is a runner. So for now we are trying different combinations of his bike, the portacrib, the umbrella stroller, the jogger, etc. It is tough because our races are back to back and right in the middle of his nap time. So either way I don't think we can win on this one. Oh and the rain and mud that goes along with the races hasn't even started. Looks like we are just going to have to chill out and take it as it comes.
But for our two races we have both had top ten results, so things are looking good. Well and we are both a little out of shape with everything that we just went though to get back to Portland. But our room is booked for Nationals in Bend in December, so with that as a goal, I think we will be fine.
Most important thing of all is that Gilbert is doing well. Um except for this is how he feels about no longer being at the YMCA. Boy does he miss those ladies and all of his friends there.
But for all of you that know Gilbert, this is what he is really doing....just chilling and enjoying life!
