Although our house was on the market, it became unlikely that a move could be pulled off in time for the beginning of the 08-09 school year. Wishing to avoid transferring the kids mid year, we explored renting a place within the Eugene School District boundary. We were blessed with a wonderful offer from good friends to rent the lower level of their home in the District area which had our schools of choice. The rental amounts to something more like communal living than a landlord and tenant relationship. Our two families share meals, evenings, rides, and much of our lives these days. Mike and the kids stay at the “Winter Palace” 3 or 4 nights a week. The kids ride the city bus to school and back unless it's time to return to the “Country House,” where Jolyn stays at night with the furry members of our household. We all spend some of the evening together unless there are other activities (oh, that never happens...). It's not easy nor ideal but it's working out pretty well thanks to the gracious hospitality of our great friends!
We ended 2008 with a wonderful gathering of Jolyn's entire family on the Big Island of Hawaii. Prior to celebrating Christmas in paradise with a wacky gift exchange (nice girly scarf, Brendan), we endured the Pacific NW's record-breaking Snowpacolypse or Snowmaggedon, (as described by the press), along with canceled flights and horrendous driving conditions to Portland. But we all (15 of us) finally made it and delighted in just being together in that beautiful, warm place!
Comments