Transitions

I woke this morning to the soft morning light filtering through sheer champagne colored crepe drapes. You don't need much else in Portland to block out the sun as it is continually obscured by grey clouds. I did not come here with the illusion of it being sunny and bright. My formative years spent in this area, I knew better but I failed to remember just how dreary it really is. I suppose my being here for a funeral service might add to that impression but Im here to honor a life and not wallow in grief so I don't think it is that. It simply is dreary. And as I reflect I can remember the joy I felt at 6 to see the sun those 3 days a year the clouds actual parted. I often think of home as always grey and foggy. Perhaps compared to the high desert that is true but in reality, the peninsula is quite bright considering. Regardless of the gloom (environmental and situational), I intend to make this a trip to happily remember.. reuniting with family will bring the biggest joy. I am also going to get in a visit with an old HS friend, Rebecca, who lives in the area. I am looking forward to it all. In other news, big changes are sweeping through our household. We are looking to buy a house. The reasons are multifaceted. First there is the fact that we are paying way more a month in rent than we would be paying a mortgage. Interest rates are low. We have put off the idea until now because of our previous home owning situation and the understanding that Greg's time with his company at this location is not guaranteed and in the future we may be faced with another long distance transition. But really... should we suffer a massive payment going towards nothing every month just because we don't know what direction life is going to take 1 year, 5, or 10 down the road? The only issue is finding a home that will work for us. We want something with more space and probably further off the peninsula and closer to San Jose. If/when a job change becomes necessary being closer to the job market in the city will be a boon.

Bloom and sneeze

Its beautiful out here, however, sinus headaches and other allergic reactions leave us enjoying the sights most often from behind glass.  

Crack the Ice and let the waters flow

Or more plainly stated.. spring is here and my grandfather has passed away.

It was not unexpected.. Grandpa was a champion when it came to longevity but 92 is long enough for anyone to stick around and he passed quietly in his sleep. He lived a long full life and danced through decades of change. When I stop to consider the world he was born into and the changes that have swept through his life, the wars fought and seen, the rise of technology, medicine, not to mention his own personal challenges such as childhood play forsaken early on to support his family during the Depression to the loss of  his wife (Feisty Grandma Bea, You too are missed.)  and his Son (Love you Dad!) .. and well.. everything.. it is pretty incredible. He lived long enough for 20 some odd great-grandchildren to grace his knee and managed to get two books of poetry published. He was a champion of the grill and the hunt. I can think of very few times where I ever caught sight of a frown. He lived positively, joyfully, with dedication, persistence and perspiration. While he may not have taught me how to sing he helped teach me to always listen for and play to the upbeat that pulses through this mortal existence. And so while a few silent tears may trace their way down my cheeks, a smile graces my heart and always will when I think of Grandpa. Peace be with you too Gramps!