I also know that housing is cheap compared to where I am now, but I'm worried that it's because it really sucks to live there or something.

Finally switched my (dental HMO) dentist to one near my house. Guess that means I have to go face the music at some point here (like... while I still have teeth)

It's only a year or so, you'd know by then. Hey, I'm going to Bellingham on the 17th for my sister's birthday, I'll wave as I drive through :)

Winky Dink, and you
Winky Dink, and me
Always have a lot of fun together
Winky Dink, and You
Winky Dink, and me
We'll be pals in fair or stormy weather.

All the kids who heard
Winky's magic words
Make a wish and then they all shout Winko

What a big surprise
Right before their eyes
Wishes do come true from saying Winko

Presto, Chango that's a thing of the past
Winko, Winko works twice as fast

Winky Dink, and you
Winky Dink, and me
Always have a lot of fun together
Winky Dink, and You
Winky Dink, and me
We'll be pals in fair or stormy weather

now that I'm singing the Winky Dink song, found the creamer and have taken a bath, I can begin my day all over again! Too bad I have to leave and walk dogs.

Hopefully the sun is shining :) (grateful that I don't know the tune to the Winky Dink song or it would be going through my head now)

I LOVE the Hammock-Bed. I wish I'd have thought of that for Nina (God rest her soul)

Please tell me you Googled that. It would frighten me too much if you already knew that by heart.

We actually looked at buying a house in Salem a few years ago. I don't know if I'd recommend buying in downtown Salem. There are some beautiful outlying areas that are wonderful. We were looking at South Salem or Keizer. It's funny to see how much growth there has been since then!

I personally love living in the Willamete valley. Everything is only an hour or two away, ocean beaches, skiing, lakes, rivers, wineries everywhere and Portland is very close. Silver Creek Falls is a must see!

I certainly wouldn't call Salem a swanky mecca or anything but it is a decent city. We actually go up there quite often for weekend entertainment and a change of pace in eating. My boys are in love with Busters BBQ and go up every chance they get!

I'd be happy to answer any questions or try to find more info on things for you, just let me know:)

Oooh! An inside connection. I'm going to be working a connection for a clerkship there, so I might be hitting you up for that info later on if things go well. I just wanted to get an hint of whether it was a yay or nay before going ahead with my plans. (The part where in the outlying areas I can get a 4 bed, 2.5 bath house for less than my condo will sell for is a definite bonus.)