I moved out to Portland in July 2001 with friends from OU, and I visited Jess and Robyn's house off and on over that first year to spend time with Melanie and Betsy. I didn't know Jess very well; I knew her name and her face from the years in Athens, but I mostly knew her as a friend of my friends. That said, I admired the home she and Robyn had built in Portland. It was in a very non-hip area of town, and I was impressed by Jess and Robyn's willingness to live a bit outside of the popular areas of town. I was also immensely impressed with the spirit of the house--full of dogs and good food and excellent energy. Just knowing that there were other OU kids out in the Portland at the same time as me made my first year less lonely. I felt like if other midwest transplants were making it, I would, too. I'm so sorry to hear about Jess because I know that her friends and family miss her so much. I send my sincere condolences to all of you. -Anne L.