Let’s begin with a schmaltzy sing along with Kenny G:
The weather outside is not delightful,
And the ice is oh so frightful
I had to find a place to go
Where to go? Where to go? Where to go?
I emerged from a cold hibernation
Bound for the western part of the nation
Looking for an affordable place to go
Found myself in Lake Oswego
Escaping Snow! Escaping Snow! Escaping Snow!
It’s just a bit south of Portland
In the great state of Oregon
Where no matter where you are at
You’ll find a good Democrat.
There’s only one thing I need
It’s friends, good friends indeed,
Portland, I hope you love me - so . . .
Screw the snow! Screw the snow! Screw the snow!
Play it, Kenny . . .
Well, there you have it. I’m moving to Lake Oswego, Oregon with Otis and Andy and not much else. Actually, I thought I was moving to Portland but the 4th house I looked at [out of 15 scheduled] is the one I bought. At the time I didn’t know anything about Lake Oswego.
They aren't thrilled with ANY change. Wait till they check out the fenced-in yard.
Many of of you know that in October my father passed away. That left me as the last member of my very close immediate family still standing. The best way for me to survive the inevitable is to have a a plan for the time afterwards.
From my dad I learned two important things:
- If possible, trade in your car before it turns 75,000 miles. When looking for a replacement, find the oldest car you can with the lowest mileage – and make sure it has a reputation as a long distance runner. So, I found a 2004 coupe with only 8,000 miles on it. It is almost out-of-the-box new. I love it. Problem solved.
- As a senior citizen if you live alone, make sure the place you live in either has a stair lift or is 1 story. The worst part of Dad's career as a fireman was to find someone at the bottom of the stairs several days after they had fallen. I have a leg problem that will probably not improve, so I'm buying a stairlift. Problem solved.
- If you have mobility problems, ice is not your friend - and black ice is your mortal enemy. Last year I lost track of the number of times I fell on one or the other. I'm looking forward to Portland's rain rather than Dixon's snow. Problem solved.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
As a lifelong resident of Illinois - except for the time I lived in California, Maryland, Indiana and Wisconsin - I need help.
- When it comes to being an Oregander, how do you do that?
- Why do you spell Milwaukee Milwaukie?? Isn't that just wrong?
- About that river - is it pronounced Will-a-met?
- How many times am I supposed to vote in a given election and where is my polling place?
- Who is my Alderman and when does he deliver my garbage can?
- Are Oregander Kossacks allowed to congregate in public, or must we meet in the privacy of each others homes - and do I need a special permit to invite everybody over?
Please help quick! I arrive Thursday night.
Thank you.