So, what's it like living..........

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.....on the Central Oregon Coast?

I get asked that very often by those of you who knew me before we relocated from Socal to Oregon a few years ago. And, I think it's because Oregon has such a bad reputation, especially from SoCalians.

Unlike the high dessert brown, it's green here. Very green. And, I don't mean recycling green although Oregon is big into reduce, re-use, and recycling as they call it here. The trees here grow tall, and the brush beneath them is very thick. And God waters his garden, but not as often as most of you might think. The air is always clean. So clean, our cars don't even have to have smog devices. And, the smells are abundant, from the freshness of the ocean air, to those of the flowers inland.

The people are different here. That's what I like best. There is very little crime here, and no need for me to carry a gun, although plenty of other people are licensed to do so.

They are simple here and seem to be content with the stuff they have. There are few fancy cars, hoity toity hotels, shopping malls, or plastic surgeons doing breast augmentations. Most everyone appreciates nature, animals, and wildlife. Most everyone walk or bike the countess miles of trails.

There might be more people (per capital) that live near the poverty level here. But, there are more that care about one another, and their community here. They support the schools, community events, youth programs, the homeless and the churches. To not be a volunteer somewhere, regardless of your age, would put you into the minority. Volunteer police, fire, hospital helpers, board members, museum curators, school teachers, coaches, home builders. Volunteers are everywhere!

A few local parades each year to honor our veterans, or the birth of America, and sell out crowds at the high school football games, remind me of where my priorities should be.

To sum it all up, I often make a simple reply when asked by Oregonians about my experience here, I say, "You know, in the 3 years I've been here, I've yet to meet anyone whom I disliked. Now, where I came from, I went much longer and never found anyone that I liked."

I'll leave it at that. For those that have never been, visit the Thought Dock and see for yourself. For those Oregonians that have showed me a new understanding of life, I say thank you, and be proud to be you.
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