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.