I've lived in Oregon for two weeks now, and things have gone better than I expected. I am getting to know people in the community, finding my way around town, becoming involved with civic projects, and developing a good work routine here at home.

(I am also not the least bit homesick.)

One of the most intriguing things about my sojourn thus far is that I feel incredible: I don't get tired (even when I have to wake up earlier than usual) my skin looks so good that I am mostly avoiding foundation, and even my teeth and gums are in better shape. 

(I'm wondering what all this is about.)

I attribute some of it to the air, which is generally clean. Since I am quite literally living in the woods, I'm also getting all that good oxygen from the trees and other plants.

I also give the water here a lot of credit for my well being. It is good water. Really good water. 

(In fact, there's a funny story about the water.)

Before I moved up here, my landlord mentioned that the property has "well water". This caused me to enter a moderate state of panic.  You see, in Chicago, where I am from, "well-water" means a nasty, sulfuric, liquid that reeks of rotten eggs.  Not only do I not wish to drink (or cook with) such water, but as a tea writer, quality water is essential to my work.

I quickly informed my landlord that I would need to find a local source of filters for my filtration pitcher before I could do any tea reviews. He was accommodating, if a bit bewildered by my request. 

The first night here in the cabin, I decided to brave the "well water" to quench my thirst. To my astonishment, it was the most delicious water I had ever tried. Unlike Chicago, the wells out here are deep, and this water came up through 80 feet of shale.

(Best. Tea. Water. Ever.)

(My filtration pitcher remains in its box.)

In addition to the air and the water, the lack of light pollution means that it gets properly dark at night, which probably helps me sleep better. The lack of traffic, industry and crowds means I don't get overstimulated.

Seems to me that going rural was just what the doctor ordered.

(Who knew?)