I know what you mean about not being able to survive here financially. The housing here is outrageous, the average price is about $250,000, you can buy a "fixer upper" for $180,000. "Fixer Upper" to me means "tear it down and start all over again!" Realtors love to sugar coat things. We have just finished a big boom in building and selling houses, it is finally starting to cool down here. My husband and I are hoping to buy a house again in the spring.

Hey Cole's Mom~ Our Average Here In Souihtern California Is Almost $500,000...so 250 Looks Pretty Nice!

I Live In An Area Right Next To 25 Year Old Duplexes, For 55 Years And Up, 900 Sq Ft Homes....selling Price For These Units Now? $328,000 +....years Ago, 1970, I Worked On These Same Type Units In This City...going Price Then Was $13,000! Should Have Bought A Bundle Of Them!!

Mare, what a thoughtful thing to post, and thank you for asking. Seems to be mostly Oregonians posting on here so I'll report in from "up north" in Seattle area.

There has now been a second death from the flooding and a lot of people stranded and had to be rescued. A bunch of people were up in one area hunting and a river changed course, completely stranding them and washing out the roads. They were rescued by helicopter but had to leave their vehicles and all their gear, and they said there may NEVER be a way to get them back out of it. One can't imagine how thick the forests and mountain trails are here unless they live in this area.. a lot of the forest and underbrush is so thick you can't even begin to walk through it.

I'm on high ground so haven't had any personal damage from flooding. Actually personally I love the rain and go out walking in it. But I do hurt for all the people whose lives have been devastated by it. As far as building in the flood plains yes I agree it is kind of stupid... BUT in this area it is hard NOT to build either on high hills or flood areas, etc., because there are so MANY rivers and there are so many hills and bluffs, as well as being in earthquake territory. But there are some risks anywhere we live and to me the glorious, moderate weather we have here and the unbelievable natural beauty everywhere is very much worth it... even the high prices and for sure they are. But I have lived in 4 states and one foreign country and couldn't stand to live anywhere but here so I moved back and make the sacrifices. :)

Again, thanks for caring, Mare... I will keep checking the thread to hear from others also.

Blessings

:rain: in Seattle

Prayers For All Of You!

Hope everyone up north stays safe and dry!

Michelle, I had heard about those two women who went walking on a beach where they were not supposed to and disappeared. Sad to hear the body washed up, and the other is also presumably dead. I can understand the fascination as I too am always tempted to go out where the water is high and rough... even fought that temptation in the Fort Lauderdale hurricanes. However, I never did it because I do realize the danger. But it can be really hard to resist for those with this kind of personality, etc.

Just got back from the coast, we only went up to Yachats. Everything was clear as far as the roads go and there was no flooding. Friday it was storming like mad and the wind was almost enough to knock the car off course... but Saturday was beautiful and warm. It's another storm though for us today, so I'm glad we made it back in one piece.... but it sounds like it's still a mess up north...

Misti
 

You are very welcome. I have some family members in Bend, OR as well as Renton, WA.

You people have had more than your share, just as So. Calif. has had too many fires.

I'm originally from Pensacola, FL. This is the first year I haven't worried about my entire family back there in years.