Our final week in the Greater Portland Metro Area was a whirlwind of activity – bidding farewell to the people and places that have meant so much to us and tending to the final details of the big move.

Thinking back, our tenure as Beaverton residents provided the opportunity to become immersed in community. I joined the Beaverton Chamber of Commerce shortly after we arrived and was a member of the Leadership Beaverton Class of 2012. My husband and I are graduates of the Beaverton Citizen’s Police Academy which equipped us to serve as safety services volunteers. I participated in the Community Emergence Response Team program. And we both completed training as Washington County Master Gardeners.

We were drawn to the Beaverton Farmers Market the first time we visited the area and counted ourselves among the regular attendees. It’s a GREAT market with tons of fresh produce, fish, meat, sweets, beverages (spirited and otherwise), flowers, and crafts as well as a host of places to order up breakfast or lunch. The May through September season offered live music each week with our final visit featuring a Marimba band. I’ll miss it!

I was a member of ISing Choir for 10+ years. This Beaverton-based ensemble offered a diverse collective of choral music while shining a spotlight on and collecting donations for local charities. To date, the total amount of charitable giving by the group, its audience, and its matching fund donors exceeds $400,000. Beyond the great music and good works, the group brought many, many special people into my life with whom I hope to sustain lasting friendships.

With a few tears in our eyes, we watched as our expert movers loaded up our belongings in three tightly-packed U-Haul boxes last Friday. It was a wonder that it all fit! Three cheers for their skill and our downsizing efforts!

While the boxes make their 12-day journey to Colorado, we are breaking up the long drive with family visits in Eagle, ID and Fort Collins, CO… with an additional overnight stay in Rock Springs, WY. As the fatigue gradually lifts, I’m feeling the weight of closing this chapter of our lives. Oregon was good to us, and we’re grateful for all the wonderful times we had there.

And now, onward to Colorado!