posting a bit after the fact:

Saying goodbye was impossible, though it happened so I guess I’ll say nearly impossible.  In the years we’d lived in Portland we had it great…great family, great friends, great home, great neighbors. & Of course we had, and loved, each other and that we get to bring with!  And it’s time for adventure, to conquer new territory, together.

A quick list of the top things that we’ll be missing, so we can move on to the adventure in Alaska bit:

1. Our kiddo-folk; the magician, the soccer guy, the cool treat, and my goofy purple sweetheart & their parents…we were spoiled to live so close (we already miss those that didn’t live in town with us!), video calls are not the same, we miss you terribly.
2. Family & Friends, I will miss being able to meet up for happy hour, sit by the fire, grab a quick lunch, and pop on over for a Sunday of just hanging out together. Also, Sadie, I’m so glad she’s having a year of fun doggy-ness “at college”, but I miss my constant companion, barks and all!
3. Our House & ‘hood…watchful & always up for fun neighbors, walking to the stores, the parks, the bars, the restaurants & then the house, I love our house and all the memories and comfort it just IS. May you find some good renters and return happily to us!
4. Sauvie Island, Willamette River, the glorious lakes of Mt. Hood, and the always grand Sand Lake.  We will miss visiting and kayaking with you so often.
5. Ah, Portland, your temperate climate & weekly curbside compost pick up…I suppose I’ll add taken-for-granted recycling (and the existence of curbside pick up at all) to the list.  & yes…I included compost and recycling in our top list; it’s practical?

& So, we WILL return…but for the time being we are Alaska Bound!