I drove into Oregon for the first time in the spring of 1980 — I think it was April.  I had come up I-5 from San Francisco and was looking for a new home.  All I knew at the time was that I was heading to Portland or Seattle to “check them out”.  At bookstores in California, I had often admired photographs of the Pacific Northwest in picture books, so at the encouragement of a friend, I took only the things I thought I would need for a quick trip and set out.  My friend promised to ship the rest of my stuff to me should I decide to stay. 
 
Somewhere, south of Roseburg, my car crested a hill and began its descent into a lovely valley covered in flowers with cows munching spring-green grass.  A full rainbow arched over this tranquil scene, and seemed to bless my arrival in Oregon which soon became my home.  I settled in Portland (never quite making it to Seattle).  Then, I lived in Eugene for awhile, and I now live in Klamath Falls.  I never did go back to San Francisco to pick up my stuff.  My friend made good on her promise to send it to me.