Farewell Bend

"Bend" was originally named "Farewell Bend".  The name "Farewell Bend" was the designation used by early pioneers to refer to the area where the river water was low enough to cross and where the town was eventually established.  The name was later shortened to "Bend" by the US Postal Service because the postmaster felt the name was too long.  Good random info to know, huh?  Thanks to the Bend website and Wikipedia for providing the info.

That said, it is now (very sadly) time for our family to say "Farewell Bend".  It is a bittersweet time.  We are excited to get back to our home in Colorado and we are also sad to leave behind our friends and all the fun times we have had in Bend.

Prior to this nutty opportunity popping up in our lives, I had never given much thought to the state of Oregon or really even entertained the possibility of wanting to live West of the Rockies.  I have to say, Central Oregon is absolutely beautiful.

Here is a short list of some of the things we are going to miss about Bend:

* RECREATION!  We LOVE being outside.  Within 30 minutes of our house there is access to downhill skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, camping, waterfalls, lakes & lake shores (read places to throw rocks and play in dirt for little boys), rivers to float, and probably more things I am forgetting.  We have taken advantage of all these opportunities over the past 10 months.  Since the population in the area is relatively low, we have really enjoyed that the areas generally are not completely packed and crazy.

* The round-a-bouts.  I love them.  It took some getting used to, but now I absolutely love them.  Sitting at red lights now seems pretty lame.  

* All the pine trees and  the smell of the pine trees - especially early in the morning or right after it rains.

* Fred Meyer.  I LOVE this place.  I do not like to shop, so the fact that I can go to one store and get virtually everything I need is great.  They have a great produce and natural food section, decent prices, a gas station, and I can even drop E off at the play area on occasion.

* Coffee.  There are drive through coffee places everywhere - really handy when you aren't sleeping through the night and have two small kids.  There are also so many good local coffee shops.  I love all the coffee options.

* Definitely going to miss our "fancy-pants house".  There is something to be said for renting - especially renting a place where the landlord takes care of all the yardwork.  YAY!  When the refrigerator broke all I had to do was call the property management company.  So easy.  Not to mention the fact that the house is new, it's a ranch-style (which I now know I really like), and it is just pretty.  Soon it is back to the reality of our 30 year old home that needs a little bit of attention....

* Friends.  It is always hard to leave friends and we have been lucky to establish some good friendships after only living here for 10 months.  Thankfully there is email and cheap phone calling plans.  Definitely a plus.

* The coast!  We are only 4 hours or so from the Pacific ocean and we have definitely taken advantage of that opportunity with our  trips there.

* No Sales Tax

* Summer in Bend.  It was just great.  It isn't too hot and it is just beautiful.  There are most festivals and places with bounce houses than I could have ever possibly imagined- not to mention all the lakes that are accessible in the summer.  Always something enjoyable to do.
There definitely are some things we are not going to miss about Bend.  The months of April & May stand out the most.  When most of the country was getting ready for summer, it was COLD and dreary here.  As a matter of fact, it was snowing here Memorial Day weekend. 

Now, for the final part of our adventure..... we are off on a road trip back home.  :)

Looking forward to seeing many fun Coloradoans soon.