Or-e-gun

Have you ever noticed how people in the East pronounce some of the Western states' names incorrectly? Like Oregon. If you've grown up in the West, you know it's Or-e-gun. But people in the East often say Or-e-gone. Funny. Nevada is the same way. In the West we say it Ne-vaa-da. But in the East they say Ne-vah-da. I love to hear news people correct each other on the air.
"I've just been told the proper way to pronounce it is Ne-vaa-da." Then they look sort of incredulous, and I know they will continue with Nevahda and Oregone because they think it sounds better. Well, then, I'm going to start saying Mahssachusetts and Connecticut, pronouncing all the C's. Take that, East coast!

I thought I'd share a little more about what we did in Oregon when we weren't searching for a house.

First we visited some old friends from Boston. Here's a pic of me and Mandy. If I look travel-worn, it's because I was. Her daughter Alice did a great job of entertaining Kara while we visited. Thanks, Alice. We're glad to have some close friends in Portland, which is a mere 107 miles from our new house.

Kara spent a day or two hanging out with her cousin Kjersten. Thanks to Aunt Shauna and Uncle Jonas for watching her. Kjersten does not enjoy having her picture taken, at least not by me.

We took advantage of a nice afternoon and went on a hike just south of the city. Kara looks like a monkey on Kyle's back. We had more fun then it looks like from this picture. I don't know why we're trying to look tough.

We went out to dinner with my sister and her husband. Then we walked a bit around campus. This pic is taken outside of Hayward Field, where the Olympic track and field trials will be held right when we are moving there. Shauna has on tall shoes, but is not taller than me. Unless I'm shrinking.

Kara was a perfect baby on the flight home. She entertained quite a few people and enjoyed listening to music. She looks pretty hip!

I don't think I'm quite recovered from the time change. I hope to be soon, though, because I have lots to do this week -- like RUN A MARATHON. Ugh. We head to Traverse City on Friday and I meet my doom on Saturday. Feel free to include me in your prayers. I may need them. I am feeling a strange mixture of excitement and dread as I think about it.

Amy