I haven't updated this blog very much in the past year - largely because we haven't done much due to the pandemic - and - because I want to be positive and in these times that often left little to say.
Three years ago we launched the plan to retire and move out of expensive, crowded LA and move in with my sister Pam. We talked about moving 3 or 4 times across the country, exploring each region for as long as we were able! Our first choice was Beaverton, Oregon because it was fairly close to LA with a highly rated international airport, great medical facilities and cut our monthly expenses virtually in half. Our son John decided to come along and get his own place.
We explored so much of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia that first year and fell in love with the entire area - even the seasonal changes - brand new to Southern Californians.
Pam made monthly trips to LA to visit her growing family of grand kids and after a year - moved back to Southern California. We moved from the condo in Beaverton to a large house in Hillsboro (just a few miles away) and our son John moved in to save expenses as he launched his real estate business.
THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT - LOCK DOWNS STARTED AND LIFE STOOD STILL!!! We were well situated to survive lock downs, shortages, peaceful protests turned very violent and it was still very difficult and it is far from over, unfortunately, here in Oregon.
Two weeks ago we traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas and by the end of our stay made the decision to runaway and retire to Arkansas in May. John is going to take the Arkansas Real Estate test and start his business there. So many factors to consider but mostly the cost of living, the pace of life and the central location of the city made the decision easy. I WISH PACKING AND MOVING WAS AS EASY!!
Time to start planning - making lists - checking them twice. Right now I am not sure if I am more excited or exhausted just thinking about what is ahead for our family!
Gabi
