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Elly did a good job of giving us her reasons for living where she does. I have similar reasons for living where I do.

First of all, I was born only a few miles from where I now live. Growing up, I had no choice about where I lived, but have always been happy that my parents, who were born in Oklahoma, chose to move here and make it their permanent home long before I was born.

Oregon has a very mild climate. The part I live in is about 70 miles from the ocean so we can visit beaches in the summer often. We live in the Willamette Valley which is protected from a lot of winter weather that is more common in the eastern part of the state. I think we had a couple of inches of snow for a day or two last winter, and a sprinkling once so far this year, but when I read of the difficulties people in other places are facing because of the snow, I am happy to do without it. Besides, an hour-long drive to the east of our home can take us up into snow country where we can build a snowman with our grandchildren, take a few pictures of them with it, and head back to our cozy little valley.

We do have a lot of rain, but we are used to it, and because of it, we have seemingly endless green forests, and lots of water to irrigate gardens in the summer when other people are having to let their plants die for lack of water. I consider abundant rain a real blessing and am thankful for it.

There is more crime than there used to be, as our population grows at a really rapid pace, but still, in comparison to larger cities, life is pretty peaceful here.

The people are friendly in Springfield. Clerks in stores seem happy to see you, and smile and thank you for buying, or even for just stopping by.

Eugene, a larger town, is only across the river, and has a nationally known university so if you want to go to school for a degree or just pick up a class or two that interests you, it is practically at your fingertips. A 2-year community college is also just a few miles down the road.

Many stores have help wanted signs in their windows, so, although I am not presently looking for work, it seems as though our economy is doing okay. Houses are being built all over town, and new business are moving here on a regular basis.

To sum it up, I would say the best feature of this area is the moderate climate. Very few days below 32 degrees in the winter, and a mild average of 70-80 in the summer. Sometimes we have a few days in the 90's but rarely more than a few.

I have traveled to many areas of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and, so far, have not found any place that has even tempted me to move. Maybe I will someday, but, until then, I will just sit here, content in the state where I am. If I recall, Paul, in the Bible, says something similar to that. I just know that I am thankful to be where I am, at least for the time being.

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