we live in Sequim, WA (lavender country) which according to the locals is "God's waiting room" due to the high number of California retirees and seniors. The ferry to Victoria Canada is 20 minutes from my front door and Forks (Twilight territory) is 70 minutes. Our home is in the "Blue Hole" which means we get 15-20 inches of rain year-round, temps in the summer are high 60's to mid 70's, maybe 2 weeks of snow in January and average winter temps in the low 40's.
With the senior population, it is common to find fabric or woodworking tools for hubby at "take it away" prices. We garage sale at least twice a month and always find something to add to our treasures. Now the trick is to use it before it ends up as part of our estate sale!! I quilt for Project Linus and with the fabric costing virtually nothing, I can give away lots without breaking the bank. The other bonus to living here is the Project Linus coordinator makes the 2 hour drive every 3-4 months to Warm Company to pick up multiple rolls of batting. I've donated 250+ quilts in 4 years since we moved here......yes, we lived in California and it's a great place to be from!
Abyssinians are very high energy, curious, and will follow you around the house or sit on whatever project is in process. Jasper is the first one we've had over the years who insists on escorting you to the bathroom and demands to be held while you are on the throne.