Cricket Massacre of 2015

Twas the cricket massacre of 2000, 10 and 5

Silenced the racket far and wide

And at who's hand did these poor souls expire??

A vengeful housewife, sleep deprived and dire.  

Experts report that men and women face hearing loss in different ways as they age.  Women lose the ability to hear lower, quieter tones, and men more of the high pitch range.  I've often thought this is God's way of providing peace in the household between couples as they mature... as women age and their voice gets a bit more raised, men physiologically CAN'T hear their requests, additions to the to do list, decades of resounding complaints, etc...  In our household, I may not have an elderly partner, but I do have a hunter that has shot guns without ear protection, and a welder that has been exposed to construction and refinery noise for a good length of time.  But, it seems to be a saving grace for him, in a much unexpected way, as of late.

As I have mentioned before, my study time is generally from the moment the kids close their eyes, until the point I cannot resist closing mine (often midnight or so if I am lucky).  I generally enjoy this time of quiet concentration; at least as much as a nursing student with two children possibly can.  This has recently been much disturbed by the most unruly guests though.  CRICKETS.  Now, when you think of crickets, you generally think of warm summer nights, picnics, camping with family and enjoying the peaceful flow of nature around you, possibly with a s'more or a glass of fine wine.  Those are not the type of crickets I am dealing with.  These crickets come equipped with megaphones and I'm fairly certain must be the size of a small cat with all the racket they make.  They like to wait until literally the moment I sit down at my desk, and then..... it's like a fire alarm, I don't know how they are so much louder inside, than out, but my ears are ringing by the time I go to bed.  And Cam..... he can't hear a thing!  It's my own private torture device.

This is generally how our comical nights go lately: bedtime routine with kids, Cam does his thing while I do homework, cricket torture begins, around 11 or so Cam's asleep and I go on a cricket killing rampage, Cam wakes up and comes out to me with flashlight and killing tool of sorts in hand, shakes his head, and we return to our prospective activities.  I can only imagine the thoughts he must entertain about the sanity of his wife.  In true Cam fashion though, he came up with a solution... cricket traps... Strips of duct tape with a line of agave syrup on it.  Two down so far!!!

Apart from our hunting this new species, life in the hills has remarkably continued.  Cal has been with us for the last few days, and I believe he has enjoyed the weather and the ample backroads for ATV adventures.  I was in the clinic for two days this week and have finals looming, so I'm really not
a bundle of fun, but such is life.  We have snuck in a bit of fishing, and have had some great meals courtesy of Cam.  He finally caught a little bear on his game cam, and we came across a mama turkey and her babies tonight on our quad excursion.  Cam, the kids, and I did take in the local rodeo today.  What a great time we had.  The kids, of course, were excited to see the bulls, horses, and cowfolk.  It was a fabulously small rodeo full of locals, free from frills, and such great family fun.  Bear was pretty amazed that yes in fact those guys were climbing on top of those great big bulls!  I'm happy with the culture that our kids will be surrounded with, a bit more home grown, more country to the heart of the word--less show, more content.   

 

BEAR SIGHTING CONFIRMED

It has been a good day for Team Brown.  Filled with real world science, adventure, and family time.  Just a sneak peak into our day.... 1st bear sighting of the year, an alkaline lake with Caribbean like water, baby turtles the size of quarters, A SNAKE, and thunderstorms..... continue reading if this trailer peaked your interest.

This past week I finished my last clinical at the hospital here in town.  I ended on a good note and feel like I have really grown as a nurse this quarter.  It's so nice to be out of the classroom and caring for real people; these are the days that drive and motivate me.  I have had so many amazing conversations, and hopefully have had a positive impact on those around me; it's inspiring to hear patient's powerful stories, and I have been so lucky to care for the people I have.  This side of nursing is what I love, really connecting and feeling like you are making a difference.

Friday Cam picked up another work day with our shop contractor.  It sounds like his business is picking up and he wants Cam to help him along.  It works out well because he is able to just pick up projects here and there, make good money, and work around school.  Everyone says work is tough to find around here, but what we are finding is, there is plenty if you want it and are motivated.  Cam has also been continuing on with our house plans, and we have it narrowed down----somewhat.  I can't wait!  Shop life is treating us well, but we are ready for that house on the hill.

Coop Invader!

Saturday was spent around the house, and then up at the Lake above our house.  The kids had a great day playing with the neighbor kids, and we all went swimming in the lake.  We are so lucky to have nature's playground in our backyard.  It's a secluded mountain lake, that is still, peaceful, and without disturbance from the outside world.  Very few locals visit, even though it is public, and our neighbor's folks have a GORGEOUS house right on it's banks.  As we sat drying off on their porch, I just thought to myself... it can't get much better than this; this is a picture of summertime fun and happiness. 

Did I mention it's already roasting over here?!  When I came home from my run this morning it was already pushing 70 something (I left the house around 6:15).  It's glorious; the days maintain in the 80's and the nights cool off for pleasant sleeping.  I am getting a nice natural glow and the kids have already been in the sprinkler and kiddy pool.  I could get used to this life I tell you!  

Example of a Cinnamon Black Bear

Today we set out on a bit of an adventure... TUNE IN FOLKS THIS IS WHERE IT GETS GOOD.    

We've been hearing local legend about a secluded lake near us that is crystal clear, and blue like the seas of the Caribbean.  Where locals go to catch mammoth cutthroat (I know I have Jeremy's attention) and jump off the cliffsides, and where even on Memorial Day weekend, the shores would remain empty of "coastie" tourists.  We hit town for some ice for our cooler and a few snacks and set out.  Barrett was just about done telling us how we'd been in the truck all day long and wondering where we were going for about the 1,000th time, when Cam hits the brakes, and says the magical words, "there's a bear."  We've been waiting for the first bear of the year, for well, way before the beginning of the year!  He was about 100 yards out, and Cam figured around 200lbs, a shining cinnamon beauty.  He noticed us right away as well and changed his trajectory and started to head back towards the hills.  The kids locked on and we all watched for a bit as he stood up on his back legs to get a whiff of us.  Bears are really fun to watch.  They are so massive, yet so nimble and slight when moving.  As we got our fill, he high tailed it back to the wilderness, leaving our smiles far behind.

Bear.... Check!

The lake did not disappoint.....  I regret to say I have no pictures; some days are just better sans technology and with my focus remaining on the rugrats at hand.  The water was like a blue crystal, so seemingly out of place in Eastern Washington (although there are several alkaline lakes) and there were a total of 2 other people to be seen.  We found a nice "beach" area and set up our blankets, got bathing suits on, and slathered on the sunscreen.  The kids headed to the water and I headed back to the truck to grab my book.  Meandering down the trail back to the family, my mind was daydreaming about a kayak to explore all these little lakes we have in our area, man I was putting it on my Craiglist priority list when.... FLASH out of the corner or my eye, double take, adrenaline rush... SNAKE!  I swore it jumped at me, but nevertheless, it was a brown and black good sized snake, 50-50 chance of being a rattler, within 6 feet of me.  Cooling off in the water was, what we would soon know, just a bull snake (these snakes look just like the rattlers around here, they get big, but are generally harmless and are actually known to eat rattlers--score one for bull snakes-- and us).  There is nothing like that predatory-prey rush you get in the wild.  Obviously we are pretty conscious of the fact snakes inhabit this new world we live in, but just like the flushing of a grouse, the split second sighting of these animals, dead or alive, gets your heart beating just the same.  We let the kids check it out from a distance and gave the kids the "snake lecture," AGAIN.  

Snake... Check!

 After he sufficiently cooled off, the snake slowly made his way back up into the bushes, and we continued on with our day.  We talked of bears, snakes, and such, and thought what a great classroom this environment is.. where curiosity thrives.  On our way back in from swimming, we noticed yet another natural marvel... a baby turtle!  About the size of a quarter (I kid you not), and probably one of the cutest darn things you've ever seen.  The kids were ecstatic, and each took turns holding it ever so gently.  Kendyl will promptly tell you now that "baby turtles are my FAVORITE."  After bonding, me and the kids did some reading, and Kendyl made friends with the "baby bugs" crawling all over.  Bear also tried several times to sneak up on two adult turtles who were trying to catch the sun on a stump near us.  After all this excitement, we finally headed out when we saw the beckoning of a storm cloud coming over the hills at the far end of the lake.  We will definitely be heading back here though (hopefully with those kayaks I was daydreaming about when I was so rudely interrupted).       

Turtles, Bugs, Storm... check

THE THUNDER ROLLS

THE DOPPLER

The rest of the afternoon we spent storm watching.  We had quite the system roll over our place.  One of Cam and my frequent discussions is the Doppler on his cell phone.... He loves tracking weather on it, and I'm more apt to just look outside.  Yin and Yang don't you know, it takes finesse as my grandma would say.  Anyway, according to the doppler AND the black skies, and rumbling thunder, a storm was upon us.  We of course took the kids out and listened to it roll and watched the skies change.  We both love a good storm, and the kids didn't seem to mind.  It rolled past us and we were able to do our usual hike after a fine dinner of waffles and EPIC homemade     strawberry jam (nothing better).  

Days like this make it hard to sit up doing homework when all I am thinking about is ways to continue to foster adventure and curiosity in our kids; ways to make learning real and fun; creating confidence and common sense.  More animals, more experiences, more time home, more real living world.  But, unless I strike it big in blog world... I better keep studying. 

Localized

I was pleasantly surprised to waltz in to the post office the other day and be called by name!  This could mean one of two things.... I do too much online shopping (I'm sure my husband will go with that one), or I am officially becoming localized.  We are becoming familiar with the back roads and short cuts, and know that all our errands must be done early because towns shut down early around here (not that we get out much).  I am starting to recognize people around town, and frequently engage in the traditional conversation of "How's your week?  Kids?  The weather IS dry!, etc."  We are coming to know which cows belong to which farmers, and which have the reputation of taking full advantage of the free range this valley is known for (we've been told to put up fences to keep animals out just as much to keep them in).  And yes we are privy to bits and pieces of local gossip, with the wonderful part being we can brush it off like dust from the driveway.  For two folks who didn't stray to far from home throughout their lives, it's somewhat exciting to be strangers.  I wouldn't trade the boisterous family get togethers of my childhood for anything; the loudness and laughter, having enough kids around to have a baseball game where we each took turns being Ken Griffey Jr., or the infamous question of "which Locker do you belong to?" (which I was always proud to answer).   But for us, the decision to strike out on our lonesome was an important part of our future family history, and our roots are just beginning to spread. 

Needless to say, we enjoyed a fine but very brief weekend back on the coast.  We were able to pack up the rest of Rudy's place, which looks pretty amazing.  Marc and Victoria sure did good work, and boy were we grateful.  Pat has made this whole thing so easy on us; family I tell you, it's a precious thing.  Selling a house always leaves you with conflicting emotions; we feel so fortunate that it's turned out the way it has, but I know it's hard on Cam to walk away from all the history he has on those couple acres, from his childhood, to bringing home a child; we will be taking the memories with us, that's for sure!  Saturday, we attended a fabulous wedding for an old co worker of Cam's and just had a blast... I love me a good wedding season, but this one hit it out of the park.  Such good people, a wonderful family, and LOTS of laughs... we reconnected with some old friend's from Ferndale and really whooped it up for the old married couples we are!  We left just smiling and full of happiness.  I honestly felt like I should be writing the newlyweds a thank you!  And then it was already Sunday...we unfortunately didn't have time to make the visiting rounds (sorry Gram), but are looking forward to my summer break for some snickerdoodles ;-)

Coming HOME to this HOME, is starting to feel pretty awesome.  The drive for me goes especially quick, I close my eyes and it's practically time for ice cream in Winthrop (Cam says it's like a 4 hour drive though).  Once we come down over that pass and start smelling that sweet roasted pine needle aroma,  we start smiling.  The chaos of our life is dulled a little, and suddenly the top priority is riding our quads up to check our game cameras that have probably been sitting capturing wildlife like real world National Geographic.  We unfortunately have yet to capture any big game, but got the funniest picture of  a cow staring straight at the lens from about an inch away.. free range remember?!  Our neighbors at the lake have had several bear sightings and came home to prints all over their sliding door recently.  I can't believe we haven't seen one yet, but like I've mentioned I'm pretty sure Kendyl's voice reaches across three counties, so they have more than fair warning. 

It's heating right up around here... in the 80's today.  I was up at 5 for a morning run before a half day of school, and could finally feel a bit of warmth left over on the 'ol dirt road.  Speaking of big game, it's a little more on my mind lately, but all I came across this morning were more of the free ranging steak producers.  Me and the kids have taken to hiking when I get home from school.  Bear is pretty intrigued with doing "homework" of his own, so we pack up our backpacks with books and drawing/writing material,  snacks and a blanket and set out.  Today we went up to the lake, which is just under a mile from our house.  I'm convinced tired legs and full minds are a good start to a mountain education, and the kdis are really a quick studies.  Kendyl takes a little coaxing to travel quite that far.. her new saying is "Mom, I need backup!"  I have tried to convince her she could be the fastest 2 year old 2 miler, but she's not quite there yet.  Once back from our hike, we took care of the growing chicks, and the kids hopped on the trampoline, with the sprinkler going.  As you can see from all exhibits, our kids have it pretty tough... but don't let if fool you, I fully plan on initiating child labor any day now! 

Besides getting a tan, I'm still hard at work at school, but have a much needed break coming up in a few weeks.  We have looked at quite possibly every house plan online, but are having a hard time narrowing one down (which is silly because what it want is about as simple as a square).  I think we both are getting excited to start in on that project surprisingly.  I can't wait to have the view where our house will sit, and of course a place to really make a home.  8 months we've been here, and for all we've endured, I think we have probably earned at least rookie LOCALS badges. 

 

Living in Hill Country

It's hard to find flat land around here.  Everywhere you'd like to walk, you are going to go up or down, or probably both whether you like it or not.  I've already thrown away my Romeo's due to their lack of any hiking ability.  And running.... well in my mind I give myself double credit for the distance I go due to the vertical feet I cover; and add a stroller??... I'm starting to sweat just thinking about it.  When we first bought this property I remember hiking up to our highest peak and actually getting a case of vertigo when looking out over our range.  Whenever I run around here, I think of my Dad telling me the story about the football player Waltor Payton and this hill he used to run everyday to get in shape, and how it became somewhat of a legend (come to find out it was a 92 foot hill within a landfill), needless to say, I think he'd be impressed with my series of hills, and he might have appreciated the scenery... if only I had more time to attack them.  It's started to shape how I think of our life over here, climbing hills, sliding down, sweating, struggling, then getting a break and starting it all over again.

My run today took me to the top of Carter Mountain, the highest peak near us, with a 360 degree view allowing us to see Tonasket, the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area, and darn near to Omak.  It's a trek.  It's hard not to have a moment of reverence when you're sitting on top of a mountain; it definitely gave me a moment to reflect, to look down on that little tan spec of our shop and take it all in for a moment (I don't get many moments of peace).  First, I'm happy to have the pleasure of being a mother.  **Happy Mother's Day to all Mama's out there**  What a journey that rocks your world to it's core.  I'm so excited right now about the direction our family is going, and so blessed to see the smiles, laughs, and adventurous spirits of Cam and my little one's.  My mind is on fire right now with all the ideas of where this new life is taking us, and it's giving me a strength in myself I never really explored; to be strong enough to forge the life you want for your children, to not be satisfied with the norm, and most of all to take action to make it all happen.  Thankful, was another thought I had, in between catching my breath.  Thankful for the blessings that Rudy gave us (it would be his 93rd birthday today), and thankful for his legacy of self sufficiency, and all the tales he spoke of and knowledge he possessed. With that I'm confident that Cam and I didn't just choose the easy road, for that would have meant not taking a chance, but instead we set out to forge a new road for our family.

Strength, was another idea that came to my mind.  It's been much like running hills around here for the last almost eight months; climbing and climbing, briefly sliding down and starting another circuit just when you think you are catching your breath.  We have had some incredible blessings, but that doesn't mean it has been without struggle, or elbow grease.  But just like the peace of finding your running groove, sometimes the struggle feels good, gaining some muscle, and knowing that each step you take is due to your own efforts and is making you and those around you stronger.  I told Cam tonight we should be used to this way of life and not stress about anything in our path because we know it will always work out.  But the flip side of that is that it works out because WE work at it.  We are finding our stride as a family--- it's far from perfect, but it's an amazing time of growth and togetherness, and I'm proud to climb any hills with my husband, and I'm not sure there exists one that we could not conquer together.

Homemade Mother's Day is the Best!

Nothing like a good Mule

Needless to say it was a good day!  Cam and the kids made me an herb planter, which I immediately put to use, and me and Bear got a few more things in the dirt, including watermelon starts (which he was extremely excited about).  Dirt is really therapeutic, and of course has wonderful payoffs come harvest time.  I ran during nap time, and later Cam set out to scope out a job he's been hired for.  I knew it was only time til someone asked him for a favor, so this will be a good introduction to business in Okanogan County.  This past weekend we took the kids over to Winthrop to meet up with Derrick and Anna and enjoy the 49ers Day Parade.  Lots of good mules.. and plenty of candy for the kids--who sat with Anna anxiously waiting.  We were able to check out the house of one of my school friends and the kids got some more play time in.  It's feeling good "becoming one with the locals," meeting some new buddies for the kiddos, and putting down some roots.  We all came home tired, a tad sun burned, and with full hearts.




The chicken coop is pretty much wrapped up, besides a few pieces of interior decorating.  Cam made a gynormous pen and ordered a net to span the entire thing to protect our egg droppers and fried chicken breasts from avian predators.  Our brood is growing quite nicely, and with the warm weather, I could forsee them venturing outside in the near future.  What's next you ask??  Possibly a house!  My uncle Pat has blown our socks off and provided us with what could be the fastest real estate deal in history (secondary only to hostile takeovers).  If all stars align, we could be starting in on the countdown from shop life.  We most definitely said we were absolutely never building a house by ourselves again, but I guess that's why they say NEVER say never.  Maybe Cam should not be such a handy guy!!!  I'm actually getting excited looking through plans and talking things out with my husband, who doesn't share quite my excitement as he will be the one building walls not just picking out their color.  Such is life in hill country, one day you conquer, the next you begin again.       
   

FISH ON

All is calm on the bank of Fish Lake.  It's a gorgeous day (as usual), the sunshine is sparkling off the water, and kissing our skin with a natural glow.  Bear is playing with Vera and keeping a keen eye on Dad's fishing pole.  Kendyl is anticipating the glories of fishing victory from her camp chair on the bank, blowing bubbles to keep her mind off her obvious eager anticipation.  I am geared up ready for action as well, throwing out the fishing juju like Bass Pro meets The Real Housewives of the Country.  Kids are sun screened up, snacks available, and no drowning hazards or rattlesnakes are in sight.  Suddenly, the wind calms, clouds part, and that rod takes a dive.  FISH ON!  

 After a lucrative visit to the local farm store, we were geared up for fishing action.  Cam had to purchase a new rod, after his last trusty one met it's end after our trailer toilet got clogged one interesting afternoon (not really a good way to go if you ask me).  He is also famous for a time, many moons ago, when we were still dating, he bought a new rod and was trying to demonstrate the incredible flexibility and engineering prowess of the Ugly Stick and may have put a little to much into it and snapped it right in half!  Needless to say Cam prepared our trout slayers for the following day, and we slept well with visions of rainbow scales in our cast iron pans.

We had breakfast at home and set out.  Although it was my day off from school, with a test looming I was equipped with flashcards and reading material along with the usual kid collection of distractors, food, and sunscreen.  As I mentioned previously, Fish Lake is only a short drive over the hill down the valley, so it wasn't long before we snagged a prime spot with a good beach, good view, and good prospects (judging from the action some people down the way were getting).  It wasn't more than two casts and we hooked on.  Fishing is so much more enjoyable for children when you are catching... not just fishing.  Our luck continued throughout the day and we came home with 7 or 8... 4 of which hit the frying pan for supper.  The taste of accomplishment is so sweet, there is nothing that compares to food harvested and prepared by your hands.  We did learn though, to cook smaller trout like these with the head on, so you can pull the head and all the bones out when they are cooked, that way you are not fighting bones all night.

I got done with my normally long clinical day a bit early on Thursday, so we took the kids to Chelan for Mexican food and some play time.  The state park on the lake was a hit for both kiddos, Bear met some kids and played hard while Kendyl was hot on pursuit of squirrels and ducks.  They must be somewhat tame because she would get within an arms reach and only then would they scurry away.... needless to say they both left the park with smiles and tired legs.  SUCCESS!  The fun continued the next day when we headed out to one of our first formal social gatherings since we have moved... a birthday party for the kids of a friend of mine from nursing school!  Another successful day with happy kids resulting.  We scurried home to make dinner before our neighbors were set to arrive to watch the boxing match.  I will not go in to detail about the results of the fight as to the fact my husband is still in the tender stages of mourning.  Needless to say we had a fun visit and the kids had a great time with their playmates.

Today was the perfect Sunday.... nice weather, no need to get right up in the morning, somewhat lazy, and family filled.  I've been baking, the kids played a bit with the neighbors, Cam's driver won the Nascar race, and we hit Fish Lake for yet another beautiful evening of fishing.  I'm really happy with how things are shaping up around here.  Each day is intentional.  We are not just creating a life, we are forming a lifestyle.  We have so much learning to do, so many adventures to have, and so many projects to tackle.  While we are busy, we lack the distractions we had previously and fill our days more purposefully, with our families intentions at the helm.  And it's exciting; both to feel like we are right where we have worked to be, and with the possibilities of all there is to come.

Everyone Gets Along While Fishing!