Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe

Coffee Girl - Astoria Oregon.  Many people who know me, know that I am a huge coffee lover.  From the first time  I visited Portland Oregon in 1987, I fell in love with the atmosphere and ambiance of Oregon's coffee houses.  Little did I know then, that I would eventually move from  southern California to southern Oregon. 

It's been 10 years since I walked into the Dutch Bros Coffee House in Grants Pass Oregon for the first time.  The atmosphere was a bit funky and eclectic, but nonetheless warm and inviting.  After tasting a Dutch Bros mocha, triple shot topped with whip cream, I knew I was hooked.  It didn't take long for this coffee girl to acclimate to her new surroundings. 

Upon searching the Web for various Oregon attractions, I stumbled upon a video of the Coffee Girl in Astoria, Oregon.  Another quaint coffee house with catchy music, scenic ocean views that are simply spectacular, and some of the most artful barista coffee swirls I have ever seen.  I have yet to visit the Coffee Girl in person, but it is on my bucket list of things to do in the near future.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the video.  If you are not already a coffee lover, be prepared to be converted :)

The secret to success and healthy living... Enjoy a mocha today and every day ~ Melinda Peterson

Short Sale - Pre-Foreclosure - 450 Midway Rd #22, Medford, Oregon 97501. Just when you think you couldn't afford to buy a home...

This wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1182 s/f Medford townhome was built in 2005 and presents itself with a great floor plan, granite counter tops in the kitchen, appliances, and all the modern conveniences of home. Nicely landscaped with private patio in backyard, and plenty of storage area. HOA $100/per month, which includes water, sewer and trash.

Why wait any longer to buy a home in Medford, Oregon? Interest rates are still low and you may qualify for the First Time Home Buyers Tax credit!

MLS# 52908346 - $85,000.

Cause for Pause. As I was walking to the Grants Pass MLS office, which is located only a few short steps away from my office, I had a cause for pause. You see, there is a resident homeless man who camps out on the side porch of our local MLS office. As I was walking on the sidewalk, he called out to me saying; "Watch your step, you don't want to trip, like the last time."

Initially, his comments startled me as I didn't see him right away. My next reaction was to focus on the sidewalk which was barely visible this time of year due to the fallen leaves from the trees, There is a raised section of the sidewalk that has buckled from an over-grown tree root. I had taken a tumble there once before, which was witnessed by the homeless man. He offered to help me then, but I quickly said no thanks, and went on my way.

On this day, I chuckled at his comment and said; "You remembered when I did the Superman slide on the sidewalk?" He laughed too. We exchanged smiles and I went on my way. But for several days after that, I couldn't stop thinking about our brief conversation. I wondered what caused this man to become homeless. I have seen him many times over the past year, but this was the first time I was able to look past his ragged dirty clothes and see a man who smiled and had a sense of humor.

Just a few days later, I asked him if he would like half of my tuna sandwich, and he said yes with a smile. It was a bit chilly that day with the temperature being somewhere in the low 40's. When I walked back to my office and made myself a cup of coffee, I thought he would probably like a hot cup of coffee too. When I offered it to him, I asked if he liked it black or with cream and sugar. He replied; "black," with another big smile on his tan weathered face. Once again, I went on my way.

It didn't occur to me to ask his name, but I hope to do so in the near future. For now, he is the homeless man who camps out on the side porch of our local MLS office. Today, I had a cause for pause. I will no longer ignore what is staring me straight in the face; the raised sidewalk, the superman slide, the kind words of a homeless man, and Loving Thy Neighbor as Thyself :)

The Active Rain Welcome Basket - Welcome to the Neighborhood! Whether you know it or not, you have landed here by divine appointment. We know how unsettling it is to move into a new neighborhood (we have all been there, and done that). So we want to invite you to your first House Warming Party. Your new Active Rain neighbors have filled your Welcome Basket with all sorts of goodies for you to enjoy.

As with any new move, you may experience some difficulty finding your way around. That's okay, we have all gotten lost a time or two. In your basket, you will find some great navigational tools, so you can always find your way back home. We also know how hungry you might be, since your fridge and cupboards are still bare. Not to worry, there is plenty of meat and potatoes in the basket as well. Eat as much as you would like, but be sure to save room for dessert! There's plenty of that too!

There may be times when you feel alone in your new community. That's understandable. It is tough to leave the familiarity of your old neighborhood and have to make new friends. Be patient. Lasting friendships are built over time. Take comfort in knowing that we are right next door and you're welcome to come over anytime and chat if you feel the need. We'll be here. The light is always on and something good is always brewing. Can't wait to get to know you! Welcome to the neighborhood!

How Grants Pass, Oregon - Got It's Name. Grants Pass is a quaint Oregon town nestled between two mountain ranges (Cascades & Siskiyous) in the Pacific Northwest, approximately 55 miles north of the California border. In the 1860's, Grants Pass was called "Louse Creek." The locals had petitioned the U.S. Post Office to establish a local post office (at that time, residents had to travel 17 miles to pick-up their mail). They didn't think the name "Louse Creek" would draw people to the area, so they decided to name it "Grant" in honor of General Ulysses S. Grant. However, they were told to choose a new name, as there was already a town named Grant, Oregon.

As originally told by George Parker, an early local historian, one day while a road crew was eating their lunch after a hard morning of carving the road over the pass of Merlin Hill, (now known as Northwest Vine and Highland Avenue connecting with Monument Drive), the topic of the town's name came up. One guy suggested they call the pass "Grants Pass." Another said that would probably be a good name for the old Louse Creek Station's new post office. So, that's how Grants Pass, Oregon got its name.

The first photo (It's The Climate) was taken in the 1920's and the second photo is Grants Pass, Oregon today. "It's The Climate" sign still hangs across Sixth Street downtown.