It's The Holiday Season

Whew... We now OFFICIALLY have internet service.  Hopefully unfaltering and steadfast ready for nursing school, late night craigslist extravaganzas, and of course this.....  Like many obstacles that we have conquered on this journey... it's weird to have easiness at our fingertips.

Let me backtrack a little to catch up on where we are.  I successfully survived my first quarter of nursing school.  There is much I could write about this, but since survival seems to be the theme, we will leave it at that... and pray for repeat survival for the proceeding 6 quarters.

We spent our first nights in a real bed and bedroom after school was over.  So nice to have a real mattress!  The kids stayed a couple nights with my folks while Cam and I journeyed to the wine country of Walla Walla for a short stay in a gorgeous historical hotel.  We had such a good time, I would highly recommend visiting there (just ignore the high security prison on the way into town).  Good food, wine, scenery, and company...and a couple snowmobiles to call our own.

Back at home without kids was... well quiet.  We worked around the shop, ran errands, did some unsuccessful coyote hunting, and honestly didn't do all that much. Our hopes for big snows have been crushed by El Nino, and we have been left with more rain than expected and lots of challenging road conditions.  Still have my hopes up to get more snow though.

Cal and Dottie graciously returned our kiddos to us and spent a couple days here.  We journeyed out on the quads (in the snow) to find a Christmas tree.  I really wanted a pine tree to truly get a taste of

the local flavor, and we found a beauty not far from the shop.  Cam let me cut it down with the chainsaw and I have to say it looks grand in our "living room."

My folks and Cam and Michael were next on the party schedule and we enjoyed steaks, decorating Christmas cookies, and the Polar Express with them.  Everything was going as smooth as a sunburn
on Santa's belly UNTIL..... we had no water.  Apparently the electrical board for the pump in the well didn't like being submerged in 5 feet of runoff.  Being without water is really annoying, but also extremely frustrating for people who just acquired the ease of running water and flushing toilets (and now have 4 guests as well).  I told Cam it's not necessarily the fact it broke, but the fact we had already hurdled this obstacle, and going backwards is well, not quite as productive as going forwards.  After a good chunk of money the next day though, hooked back up and flushing away!

Here's the update on our living situation now: pretty much a full kitchen (fridge, stove sink, laminated wood countertops and open shelves--loving these), bathroom remains the same with currently flowing water to tub, toilet, washer/dryer, 1 bedroom for me and Cam with our bed, dresser, and a bit of shelving.  The kids are still sleeping in the trailer which will hopefully make it's exit soon.  I didn't love this arrangement, but Bear still comes and finds me to snuggle at his usual time, so I guess all is right with the world.  They've taken to falling asleep and sleeping together in the same bed, not sure if this will come back to bite me, but I love the closeness they share, and am glad they find safety and comfort when close.  Today Cam built a railing around the loft which will soon be a kids play area/storage/guest "bedroom."  It was a big chore, but looks great and will be so nice for them to have a space of their own.

As most of you are, we are preparing for Christmas.  Santa seems like a hot topic around here this year, which is so exciting! It is different being on our own of course, but it has it's own peace as well, and for a moment we can relax and reflect on the journey these last three months have been.

A Survival State of Mind

We have awoken from the dark ages... Yes, we now have DirectTV.  We live in a shop, cement floors, no furniture (well I'll come back to that), plywood countertops, some drywall siding, but we have like 500+ channels.  I'm still not sure how I feel about it, well I guess I know, but one has to compromise when one has made vows.... 

I somewhat enjoyed the quietness of no TV.  I have no clue what is new in the movie theatre or what celebrities have been acting foolishly; it was quite freeing.  But, when winter sets in and kids get restless, I'm not going to lie, sometimes a movie is a saving grace for a bit of peace, and let's not forget NFL Sunday ticket.  Nevertheless, we are hooked up and besides the game on Sunday and all the subsequent games, have not had enough energy to finish a show.  Cam is greatly enjoying his recliner though (that's the furniture I was mentioning). 

Enjoyed the weekend with my parents.  The kids were thrilled to have them and I was happy to have someone to cook a huge cream and butter laden breakfast for now that I have a regular sized stove (French toast casserole and biscuits and gravy--- woah).  We always wonder what people think coming over; leaving our beautiful home and the normalcy/comfort of regularity.  We really aren't freezing or hungry, but I'm sure our living situation would be strange for some! 

Went for a late night (7 or so.. late now that we're parents), quad ride in the snow one night.  A little tricky navigating the ice.  Cam told me to go against natural instinct, let off the brake and give it some gas.... if that is not a metaphor for our life right now I don't know what is.  It's crazy at times, and yes I at least feel a little like I'm sliding around trying to gain some traction, but sometimes the best thing to do is just to let go, and press on, the ice has to melt at some point. 

I finished my first of 3 finals this morning.  I saw a sign the other day that said "I'm a nursing student... now I understand the reason for the nursing shortage".... HA! So True!  Sometimes I want to just be a farmer (well all the time if it paid near as well).   Stress relief on a homestead (yes with DirectTV) consists of chopping wood, then a quad ride to check the game cams and explore the area.  Not too shabby of a way to spend an afternoon with the family. 

Work continues in the shop.  Cam's working on a bedroom for us, we now have lights in the bathroom, and our kitchen sink seems to have stopped leaking.  Small Success everyday.  I have two more nights of hitting the books hard and then I'm sure will have some good stories from our time off.... A sneak peak: Christmas tree cutting in the wilderness, toddlers and quads in the wilderness, may be purchasing some snowmobiles, and possibly some husband-wife coyote hunting while the kiddies are away at Grandma's.... 

Problem Solving 101

Ok my few faithful followers.  I am back, somewhat.  Back to struggling with internet service.  I really have enjoyed hearing everyone’s feedback on our stories… I gotta say, the outhouse is a big topic of conversation surprisingly (who knew it would be such a hit)!  I’m glad we can keep in touch and give everyone a sense of what like has been like for us.  How has it been…hmmmmm…. Cam calls it problem solving 101 around here.  I feel like we’ve climbed so many metaphorical mountains that we should probably be in a lot better shape.

Let me rewind a few weeks to our first snow on November 21^st.  I had come home from my last day of clinicals to a wonderful winter wonderland, and two happy kiddos.  What a feeling it was to have our first snow, somewhat magical I’m not going to lie!  We made it through 9 degree weather, I made it through another milestone at school, and nature’s beauty rewarded us.  Even as a kid I always felt the snow just blanketed the world… muffling noise  
 
 
and bringing this calm peace and happy excitement.  That held true… for a couple more hours at least until our visitors, who were trying to drag themselves and a travel trailer to our property got a dose of Problem Solving 101.  Let’s just say it took a FEW trucks to get them up our driveway where we immediately threw them into slave labor so we could get the insulating machine back in the morning….  Through their stay their water heater broke, quads broke down, quads broke the tailgate, and departing wasn’t much easier than arriving!  Talk about fun J Great visitors though and much appreciated for their cooking for us and company. 

We did manage to move the trailer into the shop on Day 2 of Snow.  WHEW…..  Words cannot express the feat that Cam accomplished by doing this.  Tasks that consumed Cam’s day (thawing hoses, fixing hoses, patching hoses….and repeat) are now much easier or avoided altogether.  Our good friend Mr. Sands, once again came to our rescue over Thanksgiving and blessed my life with the joys of modern day convenience: TOILET….. SHOWER… AND….. WASHER/DRYER.  I continually think that if I can ever repay this man for half of the generosity he has shown us, I will be moving in the right direction.  HONESTLY>>> my life has significantly changed.  I may have become a born again housewife.  Laundry is so enjoyable I practically throw food on the kids myself!  And flushing a toilet… walking indoors to do so…. Pretty fantastic in negative 1 degree weather.  So now, thanks to the hard work of many men we have an insulated shop, equipped with a woodstove (awesomeness), a bathroom with washer/dryer, a cook stove and fridge.  Sleeping is still done in the trailer but we no longer battle the cold and have freely running water and electricity.  SO MODERN! 

I made our first voyage back to the homeland over Thanksgiving.  The kids traveled wonderful and driving conditions were great.  Being home…it was so fabulous to see everyone, catch up, share and give thanks with those we love!  It went by so fast, and I missed about a half of my list of people to see.  I did miss this land though.  It’s becoming ours… We are making a life here, and it feels good!  Exploring the area, establishing relationships with neighbors, working for every ounce of what we have on this property.  There is definitely a part of me that feels I have brought my family history full circle.  I’ll be proud to raise our kids here because those are the stories I love the most… country folk, animals, hard times, struggle, and FAMILY.  Cam and I are lucky that we share that goal.  Nothing is really ideal right now honestly, but there are only two options when faced with Problem Solving 101… roll over or start climbing..

One We Will Never Forget

Well the elusive winter set in on our side of the mountain.  A friend and I were talking the other day and she eluded to the fact that Cam and I never seem to be on the easy path... it's always the path of MOST resistance.  Maybe we like to punish ourselves, or maybe we don't feel alive unless we are hanging upside down by the tip of our toes over a burning fire...

Most of you probably know, but we used to love all the Alaskan survival shows... one thing we always noted was how much time is spent merely surviving.  Getting water, making fire, acquiring food, staying warm.  It all becomes very basic when you take modern conveniences out of the picture, but that doesn't mean it doesn't take time and lots of work.  Granted, we are still cruising to the grocery store, but it is amazing the hours Cam has spent collecting water, thawing pipes, or contemplating how to keep our water supply running in the almost two months we have been living in the trailer.  I make a bonfire daily when I get home from school, and while we have a good stack of wood, it's disappearing quickly!   On the other side of our life, I am in a super intense nursing program that requires I am prepared... and don't look like a dirty pioneer in the mornings. 

It's taken me a while to contemplate this post, because there is a fine line between talking about struggles and whining.. but I want to give an accurate portrait of some of the challenges we have been facing...

• Laundry: I used to do at least a load of laundry a day..  With kids and a hard working guy I had plenty to do!  Now we try to stretch it to once weekly.  Not our most favorite chore.  The Laundromat is a combination between the mall and Jerry Springer.  It would be a great place to study society. 
• Cold:  It hit 9 degrees on my way to clinicals the other morning... There has literally been ice on the inside of some of our trailer walls!  Luckily our neighbor gave us some hay bales to put under our trailer... WOW!!! What a difference that made.  Nevertheless it has forced us inside at earlier hours which makes for some crazy toddlers at times. 
• Water: Constantly running water was just a passing luxury as pipes are frozen daily now, adding another task to Cam's schedule and taking time away from other projects.  Showers are timed at just the right point in the afternoon where they are late enough to last into the next day and early enough that the pipes are still ok. 
• Shop: Building is coming along, doors should be up soon and then we will get inspected and be able to move our trailer in and get going on the luxuries (washer/dryer, TOILET, and fireplace).  It's really looking good. 
• School:  Talk about a challenge!  This is an intense and unforgiving program... You fail a test and you are done.... Yikes.. Talk about pressure. I had to re do my first, (#5 of 6) skills test, which was a hit to my ego, but I'm trying to remember all the good sports psychology I know and keep my head right!  We are finally out working in the community though and that has resurged my commitment to become a great nurse. 

It is  crazy, and I know for our loved ones it seems REALLY crazy.  But Cam and I have yet to back down or give up on a challenge and we certainly aren't going to start now. 

Oh and for anyone who hunts... talk about bucks galore... cold weather really brings them in!

Snowflakes on the Horizon

Woke this morning and saw a snowflake on the forecast for this coming Thursday... WOW!!!  I never knew so many emotions could be tied to the weather app.  It's very exciting to be living in a land of true seasons now, but of course we are in a hurry to get our living conditions up to the challenge of surviving a winter.  Today was definitely one of the coldest we have had yet, but spending so much time outside we seem to be well adapted, and just seem to build bigger and better fires!

Cal and Dottie joined us for the weekend.  It's so nice having them, and although we are so busy, it's a definite comfort.  Enjoyed good times around the campfire, and the kids love running down to their trailer in the mornings.  Today we trailed the quads up Sinlahekin Valley again.  The kids were bundled... wrapped... squished... and then some!  It was a chilly ride, but oh so gorgeous and fun to have our quad family all in a row.  We made it up to the middle of no where and made a big fire right in the middle of the "road."  Kendyl fell asleep in-between Cal and Dottie on both the way up and back down.  Bear started nodding off behind me as well and I had to rouse him so he wouldn't fly off on a corner... I've tried to take pictures of the land we ride around in, but it really doesn't do the landscape justice.  It's a combination of typical Eastern Washington awesomeness.... and the alps.  You come around some corners and it just opens up before you.  Although the colors are fading as winter nears, the expansiveness is breathtaking.  


































Back at home the guys got to work hanging lights in our shop.  It was so weird to see light.  We have been so used to the darkness after sunset, the shop looks so foreign down there now.  The trailer is getting quite small though, and I'm day dreaming of a washer/dryer, bathroom, and a few more square feet.   

150 Square Feet... Or LESS

I calculated today that we live in around 160 square feet... That being the shell of our trailer, so I would say realistically it's about 100 square feet of "livable, movable, breathable space."  I mean, sit down and think about that for a minute!  That is an 18th of our modest 1800 sq. foot house we previously lived in.  Add two busy kids, a three foot stack of nursing books, my laptop and printer, and all the accessories we all come with, and you can only imagine what mayhem often ensues... AND that is not counting my closet hahahah (Most of that lives in a Rubbermaid under the trailer).    Like I've said though it's really not that bad.  Cam and I still seem to really like eachother, the kids think endless camping is great, and we are still living a relatively posh life (never hungry, cold, or miserable).  There are times at the height of child chaos where Cam and I just look at each other and all we can do is laugh... But the best option really is to not be in 100 square feet... The best option is to be outside. 

 
Sunday was really a great day.  We trailered the quads up the Sinlahekin Valley where we unloaded and set out on our first longer ride.  It was a little chilly, but the scenery was unbelievable.  Heading up the canyon we followed a frosty creek winding up roads lined with Aspens, whose yellowy orange leaves carpeted the logging road and framed the roads like a something out of a painting.  We road through a herd of cattle and squared off with two enormous bulls.  Yes, Kendyl was delighted and yelling "Moo Cow!" the rest of the trip.  After one quick pit stop we made
it up to Cam's late archery high hunting camp and made a fire.  It was nice to warm our hands and give the kids a chance to stretch their legs.  We finally decided we should head back down before it got too cold, so we loaded the troops pointed our trusty machines downhill.  Must have been a smooth ride because Kendyl zonked right out and I had to ride the rest of the way with her in front of me.. belly to belly.  It's a rough life I tell ya.






Back at the homestead fires have been blazing and the kids have been occupied with a pile of mill ends that they organize and build things out of.  It's childhood at it's finest to watch.  Even Riggs the dog lucked out and Cam built him a dog mansion that is insulated to
boot!  Cam is trying to research ways to train him to find sheds, and we were out hiking around looking for some today after school.  The weather is really changing and brings a sense of urgency to get prepared to deal with snow.  Maybe because it's our first year over here, or we just are enjoying our pioneer life, but facing these challenges is somewhat of a thrill... Everything is a little harder, riskier, and takes conscious effort.  This is our opportunity to grow and instill a sense of confidence in our kids.  We have a long way to go, but we are on the journey. 

A Day Home On The Range

Enjoyed such a nice day at home after a CRAZY week.  I put in 15 hours Wednesday for a nursing conference in Wenatchee followed by my first clinical days at the long term care facility in town.  Cam and the kiddos were limited by rain, as were the workers and shop progress.  As always, we made it through though.  Rising to the occasion seems to be a specialty around here.  No pain, No Gain!

Halloween is one of my favorite times... All fun, No stress.  Luckily my clinicals started at 6am
(early!!) so I was done by a decent hour and home to dress up the little guys.  Minnie Mouse and Spiderman were soon pillaging the local businesses for candy.  Kendyl was a little unsure about some of the kids' costumes and both of them became mutes when they actually had to say trick or treat, but all in all a great night. 

Done early, we visited our neighbors and let the kids play with their crew of 5.  Good talks about self-sufficient living, schooling options for kids, and family life.  The variety of life is amazing; and though you are certain to encounter differences, it's amazing the common ground you can find with near strangers.  It's a bit intimidating at times breaking in to a new world, and we have been hesitant to do so (Not to mention we have no free time); but it is nice having a little connection here and there.  We are recreating every aspect of our world it seems, forming into what we want.

 After much excitement, the kids slept well and we woke to a beautiful clear day.  After a good breakfast we decided we were going to stay home ALL day!  So, we set out on the quads to do some more exploring.  Up to the state land and we were met by the views that I can't seem to get enough of. Cam found a really cool shed (deer antler) and we saw some SNOW... in the distance at least.  The wind was blowing pretty good on the lookout, but the kids didn't seem to be bothered by it and they scouted the area.  Explored some new areas on the way home and checked out progress on the shop. 

 

 

Our bones are ready for a roof!  The walls are framed in and things are taking shape.  Although our living space will still be small, boy are we ready :)  It has really changed the landscape to see a structure evolving.  Cam got a good amount of work in with the two man crew while me and the kids caught up on some much needed sleep which energized us for an afternoon hike.  It was really a good day!  Chickens and bees are my springtime goal.... I like to have something to look forward to. :)

Power to the People

We have officially been hooked into the grid... Like the Keurig is already thinking about my coffee in the morning.... when I have to wake at 4am to head to Wenatchee for a health seminar.... Like I don't have to run out to turn off the generator after I finishing studying tonight... Less propane, more current. 

Now all we need is a washer/dryer and a few more square feet and we will be set.  This whole experience does really change your perspective on routine life.  Don't get me wrong we are warm at night and sufficiently fed, but take away running water and power and getting those things take a good amount of time throughout a day/week.  We have been using a big water tank in the back of the truck that we have to haul to town and back to fill the trailer, that's at least an hour and a half (and enough of a trip where we have been watching our water usage=less showers).  The generators have treated us well, but when in the course of a normal day do you provide any effort at obtaining power, other than to write the check to the PUD.  It all adds up to time and effort. 

 



The floor is poured on the shop, trusses are delivered and ready to hang, metal colors are picked out, and it's getting chilly! Coats are on and the fires are getting bigger.  The movies are beginning in our heads of backing up to the wood stove in our shop while the snow silently covers our property... And lucky for us Cam just found out our neighbors bought an amazing snow plow!!!!  Lucky :)






It is gratifying watching the kids enjoy the outdoors and
gain their independence in play and activity.  Bear's mind
is getting imaginative and I so remember the places mine would take me playing in the woods and I delight knowing that he does the same.  Kendyl is such a force and so independent, this life will not hold her back from much I doubt. 
We've been discussing school ideas for them and different ways to grow their confidence and give them both skills and wings.  Maybe we will go way out on a limb :)  We shall see what the next few years brings us, but I can't think of a better place to grow than in the wild.    

The next few phases of the shop will hopefully go fast and we will soon be setting it up for living quarters.  Can't wait for that. Never again will I complain about folding hoards of laundry in my own home, on my own time.  You want to take a sample from people of various walks of like... head to your local Laundromat!  Speaking of luxuries... I think I'm going to go charge something :)

Strong BACK (Barrett Amanda Cam Kendyl) Farm continues pressing on...........................................................................................................................................

Let the Levee Break

 
 



You would think we had hit an underground oil well...  Something that would make us rich as we watched the oil rig methodically pump liquid money out of the depths of the ground; while we sipped home brew on a wrap around porch and used hundred dollar bills for coasters.  It's practically the same emotional process for us as... we now OFFICIALLY have running water.  After much ado, Cam figured out the correct hookup to run the new pump off our generator (until power gets hooked up).  Buying property without a well was a huge gamble over here.  Where our old well back home was 20 some feet, this one is 300 and the amount of water we get is no where near the same... but we have water.  That alone makes property value spike over here as it is not a given.  Like always it has not been a simple process for us, but we made it happen.  Daily showers anyone??  





This was a good weekend, my folks and brother
made it over for a great visit and a bit of exploring.  

Cam, the kids, and I treated ourselves to a night at the hotel as well.  It was nice to have some space and a long hot shower.  Bear woke up at 5:30 because he was so excited to see everyone.  They loved the visit and getting to swim with Pop Pop and Uncle Cam.  We took the "backroads" to Palmer Lake and Bonaparte Lake, the latter of which we had a good lunch at.  It's fun to share our love for this landscape with others, it's truly a great place for any outdoor adventure.  I really did miss my family and it's a bit bittersweet to say goodbye. 


My Mom made the kids and everyone "Mummy Dogs" (hot dogs wrapped like mummies)  at our property for lunch, and then they were on their way.  It turned into a beautiful afternoon and the guys both got haircuts in my outdoor salon, overlooking the valley.  We took a hike through our draw and explored a different part of the meadow.  It's fun to walk through and envision a herd of our cows, horses, and sheep... and pigs.. :)  After we got back the guys started a fire on the landing where our trailer is parked; there is definitely a chill in the air and higher up the valley I saw the first glimpse of snow today.


 
Team Brown 2014




Our reflections on moving are so far focused on the fact that while things are not exactly easy and "normal" right now, taking the plunge/making a change will reshape our lives.  We are insisting on a different way of life, and we are going to make it by the sweat of our brows. Brick By Brick. While it's hard to be away from family and our comfort zone, life is all of a sudden very intentional.  Where we had just been going through the motions, every moment seems to matter now.  And there is something to say for that. 

Easy Street Is Overrated

Cam tells me that if things were easy we wouldn't have any stories to tell... Hmmmm maybe I will have a book to write by the time we come out on the other side of this adventure.  Another busy week at school for me.  Our main instructor is out on medical leave and the rest of the quarter is packed full.  Just one thing after another, but I'm trying to battle back.  I will be starting clinicals soon in the local community!!!  Looking forward to getting out of the classroom and out into the real world.   






We discovered it does actually rain East of the mountains, and when it does it means it.  Cam and the kids toughed it out on the ponderosa though.  I'm sure the trailer will shrink in size once the weather changes, and we will feel like kings in the shop.  It's the best to come home to all three of them. 
 





Our shipping container full of our previous life arrived this week as well.   It's amazing how much stuff we have and how we have not once wanted or needed anything from it.  Simplicity is quite a nice way to exist really, and a practice I would love to continue.  If it weren't for my mile high stack of books I have I could really get into it.  "Lloyd" as we like to call the container was nevertheless a welcome sight.
Building progress this week was focused on digging the water line from the well to the shop, getting the pump and accessories for the well, and pouring the concrete for the shop floor (they did half of it).  Cam is brainstorming ways to set up our living quarters.  As always it's a lot to think about and you have to be able to visualize the future and determine the best way to not mess it up!  Hello??  Easy Street??  Maybe we could just try you out for a while???

Oh For the Love of Pinecones....

It's a bit of an inside joke between Cam and me that I have a strange obsession with collecting pine cones from our travels.  I think it began on our honeymoon, and every subsequent trip since then I have picked up one on our camping trips.  He always asks why I am bringing home such a commonplace object, and I always respond that it could be worse.... I could be in to collecting fine art, diamonds, or something more costly.  Sometimes we need a reminder to take joy in the smallest places of our lives.



 


Sunday was not the best day.  Let's just say that technical difficulties and stress do not always play nice.  Luckily my husband is unfaltering in dealing with whatever life throws our way, and Team Brown once again prevails!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday and we are back at it again.  Half day of school for me.  Cam lining up the pump for our well, waiting on the electrical inspector so we can actually get hooked up, and workers continuing on the shop.  All the while racing the proverbial snow this area is known for.  For those who don't know, my commute home is not completely ordinary.  About 20 miles North of Omak you head West toward the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area, a prestigious valley that looks like something out of a Kevin Costner movie; home to Double R Ranch (sells meat to Haggen), and the area that sucked Cam and I in (ranches, mountains, wildlife and VIEW).  From the highway we drive just over a mile and hit gravel, we stay on gravel for the next 20 minutes or so, winding through ranches and canyons, climbing up to our driveway... Still Water Hill Road is our driveway and from gravel road to our house site is just about a mile and a half.  It has been somewhat the topic of conversation among our parents as some of the road borders some steep country.  Let's just say there is no zoning out... full attention is paid to the road and deer alert is high.  It's great :)

After the kids woke up and lunch was had me and the kids set off to hike our property.  60 acres makes me feel like quite the land baron... like I should probably have a horse to ride the fences (hint hint Mr. Brown)... oh and we need some fences too.  There's an anticipatory feeling when you are exploring around here; you never know what you might see: bears, deer, turkeys, grouse, it keeps things interesting.  Bear likes to find the biggest stick he can carry and pretend it's his gun.  It makes for slow walking, but good times.  Here are some of the pics from our journey through the draw today. 



 















It's becoming "normal" life around here.  Good days: delighting in not hearing the hum of I-5, amazed by the number of stars, in aww that this is really our view/backyard.  Bad days, realizing we aren't just camping, there's no king bed and double head shower waiting for us at home... and yes it's pouring out and we have to walk 100 yards in the rain (both ways) to use the bathroom.  .   It's not always pretty... but it's REAL. 
      

Becoming

 

 

 

Our visitors left this morning.  Although I was absent often for school, it was nice to have our family and friends here to enjoy our new land and visit with us and the kids.  As always we were spoiled and very well taken care of, with warm yummy meals every night!  Much appreciated.  I'm sure Bear will wake up wondering where Godigo's trailer is.  They played hard everyday that's for sure.  Pat was kind enough to bring some pumpkins along and we had fun carving them in the rain, under a tarp, with a fire warming us :) 


And then there were just 4... We hit the grocery store in town after the guests cleared out. The kids both had a good nap this afternoon while I attempted to study for a looming Pharmacology exam taking place this coming Wednesday.  It will be a long week of school for me so I am trying to get ahead of the game.  Hopefully my internet will cooperate.

After the kids were rested and fed we set out on a truck excursion.  The land here is so vast, there is much to explore.  Today we set out on the back roads to Conconully hoping to maybe catch a deer on the way.  We took a road going North West out of Conc and found ourselves in the woods, following Salmon Creek.  It was a gorgeous area spotted with idyllic campsites, and the road could actually be followed all the way into Winthrop.  We decided not to voyage too far and headed back to the ponderosa.

  Much excitement ensued upon returning to our property.  After a walk with the kids, I returned to camp to find Cam with his eyeballs glued to his binoculars scoping out the top of our hillside.  Was it a buck?  The thing of legend?  The fabled animal we had yet to see this entire past week of modern rifle hunting season?  The answer was only available to those willing to journey out.  So, up the hill I went.  Now, for those who haven't been here, I should explain that our property is STEEP.  I've delighted in knowing that I will have strong legs living around here.  Nevertheless, it didn't take too long to grab my rifle and make it near the top.  Talk about adrenaline (and a bit out of shape), I felt like a biathlete ready to stop skiing and take a shot.  I put the stalk on....

Trying to replay all my hunter knowledge didn't take long as I don't have much.  Don't touch the trigger, be quiet, and make sure it has at least 3 points on one side, is about as far as I got by the time I got close enough to check out the suspects.  Nope, still not close enough to distinguish horns from brush.  Creeping through the sage brush I was finally breathing normal and gaining some confidence.  Hiding behind a pine tree within 30 yards or so I raised my binos one more time.  

Brush... not horns... sage brush.  With a sigh I stood up, bid goodnight to the deer and headed home to make dinner... B yelling "MOM" all the while as I descended (only those who have heard the intensity with which she yells this will truly appreciate it)..

This move for us has been an active step to create the life we want to live and one maybe a little out of our norm for the kids.  We are not experts... While I wish I had the knowledge of a seasoned hunter (I was proud I remembered how to unchamber my bullets after my little evening hunt),         veteran rancher, and model mom, I don't.... but we are LIVING.   

Power and Shelter

Tuesday was a big day at the  Strong BACK farmstead.  Power lines were run, and ground was broken for our shop.  Luckily I had the day off to see the progress!  It only took a mere couple hours to hook into the modern world of electricity.  The trench was dug and wire laid all the way down our hillside.  It's a bit bittersweet connecting into the real world, but I'm sure it will come in handy :)  Part of me was looking forward to truly living off the grid, but daily showers and a coffee pot don't sound too bad either. 






The plateau of "moon dust" has now become a construction site!  The crew has begun work on our shop... It is weird having hired help, but I am not complaining, they move fast and the threat of winter is near.  Bear of course loves to watch them and all their machinery and tools.  His Tonka trucks are out and in full production mode.   














Cal and Dottie arrived Tuesday as well, with their friends John and Pat.  Is nice to have some company and a chance to show people our new place in the world.  The kids are excited to have them and it reminded me of being a kid when Bear woke up and wanted to go to Grandma's trailer first off...

  Unfortunately, my technological problems continue... Had to make a mad dash to town late last night to submit a Pharmacology quiz.  Gone are the days of studying books, I guess!  Hearing the little one rustling around waking up from her nap, so signing off for now, more to come. 

A Hunting We Will Go

Our first weekend at our property was a lovely one.  Nice weather and time off was a welcome change to the 10 hours we'd been spending on the road the past couple weekends.  And, while we had some chores to do (and I was preparing for my first Exam), there was a sense of some much needed free time as well.  So..  we went hunting! Deer season has brought traffic to our usually barren roads, activity on the surrounding hills, and much excitement to Mr. Brown.  Thankfully, he doesn't mind the rest of the crew tagging along, and I was so happy to stretch our legs and get a chance to explore some new territory. 

 

Our first excursion was up farther into the Sinlahekin Valley.  It was a bit of a drive up Cecile Creek Road, but some cool country.  The Tamaracks lent a brilliant pop of color to the dense woods we were in, and appeared to always have a burst of light on them.  We finally parked the truck and all four of us hiked for around an hour; we didn't see one deer.  Bear did a good job running along with us, and Kendyl rode in my backpack.  We saw some moose sign and plenty of cow pies, that lined the road like explosives.  The kids hit their limit on the way back to the truck and we still had a bit of a drive back home.  I whipped up some burgers for us and the Boyer crew who are set up down in the meadow.  The Brown's hit the sack and Mom got some studying in before pulling the blinds on a good day.

Sunday we enjoyed a good breakfast and then the kids and I hit the local park while Cam did some hunting up on the state land above our property.  The kids enjoyed the park and especially loved a lively squirrel that was hanging out in a nearby tree.  Home for lunch, naps, and another hunting expedition. 
Hunting with my husband reminds me a lot of the book "The River Why?"  Two different personalities/styles/thought processes colliding in one outdoor endeavor.  In that book it's the "plunker" vs. the fly fisherman.  Here it's much of the same.  Much like marriage... you take two very different people and you have to work it out.  Cam always tells me a good hunting partner is hard to come by... I'm working on it! 




The hunt ended on a South looking plateau.  We sat, had some snacks and glassed the hillsides around us.  I'd say it's about the most Quality time could get.  Active, adventuring, together. 

 

Through An RV Window

Blue skies and a nice breeze rolling over our hills and through my window.  Kendyl is napping in her bunk while the boys are out "deer hunting," and hiking the ravine.  Homework and coffee are on my horizons.  Feels good to have a day off, and gives me a sense of this being home now, and a routine slowly beginning to form.
Up around 7:30 this morning with a Bear covering most my face.  Soon heard the little one say mom a few times followed by her favorite obsession "MOOO COWWW."  If we ever get cows I'm thinking Kendyl will never leave their sides.  "Pony" is one of her newest words as well, much to the exasperation of her father!  Picked up our few square feet before heading out to breakfast, dump, and grocery store.  The blue skies are a welcome sight, and doing "normal" activities is fun in a new location.  Attended the Tonasket vs. Oroville football game last night... was very different.  Fun, small, and welcoming, but there haven't been too many sporting events where I have felt like an outsider, and strange to think of the kids being on their own over here.  I told Cam I was tempted to suit up and pretty sure I could beat half the team, after all my dad has said I would be the best nose guard this side of the Mississippi ;)  The kids met the tiger mascot and relished in a bag of gourmet popcorn which was deemed far better than Les Schwab.  Bear got a look at the elementary school playground, and actually thought it looked like fun. 
We have noticed an influx of hunters, and I have already made great plans in my mind to someday conquer the higher country where no one wants or can hike into.  I mean in all my spare time.  Speaking of time, my study clock is ticking as is nap time.  Back to work learning how to heal. 

Out of the Draw

Writing this sitting near our future house site, under a HUGE moon.  You can almost see all the hills surrounding us under it's light.  Today we moved the trailer up out of the meadow to the hillside.  Up here there are copious amounts of the following: dust, internet service, VIEWS, dirt, fresh air, dusty dirt, and sunshine.  It will be much easier for me to complete my homework up here, and looking around I feel like this is the view I longed for.  The kids loved riding in the trailer with me while Dad pulled the trailer up the mountain, even if he almost tipped us over once :).  The kids proceeded to cover every crevice of their body with dirt... and I believe Dottie was right when she said they often could pass as the kids on the Please Help Me Posters!
Signed our final house paperwork today in Okanogan, got a title company cup and a small profit out of the deal.  Feels good to not have that bill, I think we were pretty lucky how fast and easy that process was. 
Power and the beginning of our shop are on the docket for the coming week.  I have my first lab test tomorrow, but I am confident that not waking up at 5 am to get to the coffee shop will help my concentration. 
Last nights ATV ride up the mountain brought several visits with the neighbors.  Bear already calls the neighbor boy Granger his "new friend," and always looks forward to seeing them.  Met Jason's parents who live on Turtle Lake.  They seem just as nice as the rest of the clan and offered their house and any help if we were to run into trouble during the winter.  Barb is a nurse as well, so that's handy.  It feels like we have a good "neighborhood."
We have already moved on from the outhouse to a port-a potty.  Quite the upgrade to high society if you ask me.
Our days seem to be packed with something to do every second right now.  But at least we are together. 

The Beginning

Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Woke this morning to frost on my windshield. Made for a quick dash to the outhouse before leaving for school. These past two weeks have been a busy blur of action and exploration. We arrived two Sundays ago, on the eve of my beginning nursing school. Home is now a 24 foot travel trailer parked in our "Draw;" an underground spring-fed meadow down the hill and South of our building site. Generators run our power and water is limited to what we can bring in a 40 gallon tank, as the well down here has already seemed to run it's course. Did I mention we have an outhouse??? It's a funny mix of pioneer and modern life. Our travel trailer lacks rustic charm, but daily life is no longer as easy as turning a switch for lights or flushing the toilet thoughtlessly. Much more planning goes into our week, but yet we are not without the ease of a propane stove or the occasional movie outside in our tented "living room." Unfortunately I am also tied to technology as school seems to now exist online rather than in the classroom. Part of me is ready to pull all electrical plugs and enjoy the absolute quiet.

The kids seem to enjoy this life. Spent together for the most part, sleeping close to one another, and spending the greatest portion of our time outside. Kendyl loves going down the driveway and saying hi to all the "Moos," (cows) while Bear corrects her that they are in fact "Yee-Haws" (Horses). Bear has found a love of hiking, especially up any mountainside, which are many. Cam blazed a circular trail around and through the draw, and that is a particular favorite of Bear's as well. His first blood was drawn after a particularly rough day I had at school. Pulling a bungee with all his stength led to a short lived red gyser from his head. It was not a good day and we were happy to move on to the next one. Nevertheless, all parties lived.

Water, power, and a shop are on our horizon. I am settling into school, and Cam is holding down the fort with his usual positive nature. I am lucky to have a partner in him, and at the end of the day it's very exciting to be on this adventure.


Monday, October 6, 2014
Finished packing up our Loomis Trail house yesterday. Took the whole weekend and a lot of help. It was a bit bittersweet saying goodbye to the house that Cam built. I remain grateful for such a good home to raise my kids in for the first few years of their lives. We had many good times amongst those walls, but the most important things are those that would be coming with us; the feelings we share, the memories we have together, and Team Brown love. Breakfast was great at Grams as well, but hard to say goodbye to those two. Lots to say about that, but don't know if I'm ready for that on a Monday morning!

The truck was loaded down on the drive over, and all parties (except the driver of course) had good naps. Didn't get home until after dark and it was a mad dash to get a few things in order before all of us zonked for the night. I was up at five am and off to the coffee shop in Omak to finish some homework online before class. School is a bit of an adjustment. Being away from the kids, meeting new people, and staying on top of the work load. I'm ready to feel a little more comfortable and settled, but the only way to do that is keep on chugging. It seems like the stakes are high right now; we have such high expectations for our life here; now we are fighting with all we have to make it a reality.