@joanland My wife is concerned about SAD, but I grew up in upstate New York, with plenty of rain and snow. Our son-in-law is retiring from the Coast Guard in 2 years and then they'll know better where they'll settle. He's been stationed in Port Angeles, but they're thinking about Silverdale. We drove through there after visiting them and weren't impressed, but there are areas with less precipitation not too far away.

We moved from the valley to central Oregon 30 years ago, and do like it on this side of the mountain, especially right now when the valley is flooding while the sun is shining here. Our son lives in Indianapolis, not a place we're interested in living, not to mention the long move. Aside from that, we would be more comfortable living near our daughter. Olympia has less rain than the peninsula, right? My mother's family lives around McCleary, which seems less dreary, from our experience of being there for family reunions.

For now and hopefully for at least another 5 years, living north of Prineville suits us, with 14" or less of annual precipitation. Meanwhile, I'm trying to pare down my collections, especially my years of collecting vintage and new tools. Anything you need? 😊

Jim