Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Western American Diocese

Nicely photographed Diane.
A very small Cathedral but not unusual as I have seen simlarly sized Cathedrals on the Amakusa Islands in Kumamoto Prefecture Japan.

Yes, it is quite small. There are, I think, two other Russian churches in SF, one quite tiny and the other about this size. Others scattered around the neighboring cities and a tiny convent south on the coast. This is the "headquarters" of the Western American Diocese, however.

It looks headed for heaven.

Yep. I'ts going to blast off any day, now!

It must have been quite a change to move to rural Oregon from a vibrant town like SF! You had an enviable view!

It was horrible, but I didn't have much choice. My parents needed my help. I still don't like the cultural difference and will always think of myself as a Californian! www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZVKhgRSt3Q

Except the cost of living, I suspect...

Oh, there's absolutely no way I can go back unless I want to live in my car. And, I don't. Can't possibly live on retirement anywhere near SF. Maybe far north, like Crescent City or Weed. Anyway, my 91 y.o. mom is here and I have to stay (while my 3 brothers do as they please - hah!).

I was chatting with another SF refugee the other day and realized that I was in the early wave of economic refugees -- I left in '96 because I could make the same money and have half the cost of housing by moving to So Cal. I missed SF for many years, but visits in the past few have found the city to be not very enjoyable due to being taken over by wealthy hipsters who don't appreciate the historic culture.

Yes! A big culture clash happening, now, which began with Google kids moving in. (I mean, seriously, what young person would want to live in Mtn. View if SF is nearby?) People wearing Google Glass were kicked out of bars and it's grown from there. It's been painful for the "natives," who are quite upset about it all. Still, I'd much rather live there than here!

This photo not only brings memories back to you, but allows us to enjoy where you once were.

Do understand the part about the siblings....