Keep On Keeping On

Well, it is heating right up around here.  Down in town it's hit 100 for the last week or so, and up in our hills we are only a few degrees behind.  Today it hit 103 and Cam noted that is a full 100 degree change from some of the coldest days in winter.  While it has limited our "heat of the day" activity, we seem to be tolerating it, and last night was the first that Cam mentioned he had a hard time sleeping due to the warmth.  It has been cooling down some at night and the early morning is a beautiful time.  The kids seem to be enjoying the summer, although every once in a while Bear asks when it's going to snow! 

Heading back to school was rough after my break.  I enjoyed my days at home with the family and being back on the kid schedule.  This is a quick quarter though, and at the end I will have my LPN and only 3 quarters left until my RN.  I can't believe we've already been here the best part of a year, and have now seen ALL seasons.  Summer is yet another beast.  It's harder on animals, little people, and the land.  The threat of wildfires is already here, and it's just another reminder that we are actually part of the natural world around us; that as much as technology has advanced us, mother nature still has the final say.  Luckily we have a metal shop distanced from the timber, but still worry for those around us, and what such a dry year may bring. 

 The three of us took a little journey over to the Spokane area to scout camping sites for the week we will spend when I have to work over there in July.  It's fun being in a new region, and while I am a bit nervous about the job at hand, having my family there will make it all the better.  We stayed a night in Spokane, went out for Italian food, and explored the city a bit.  Home of my beloved Gonzaga Bulldogs, so I wasn't complaining.  Then it was back home for kids doctor's appointments and real world chores.  The kids and I took a quick trip back to the coast to make the rounds with the family before school started up again.  We enjoyed some quality time with my folks and grandparents.  Cal and Dottie spent several days with us last week.  We enjoyed their company, many good meals, and they were able to explore a bit on their quad; Cam and I even got out on a date night!  Cal helped Cam build an overhang above the door to our shop, and over the area where we stack wood in the wintertime.  This was really the one chore that needed to get completed before the cold weather sets in, so I'd say our winter list is looking good; we have plenty of wood, a weather proof shelter, and now a place to keep our wood supply dry and easily accessible.  We also had a great visit from my cousin and his family.  It is such an amazing thing to see those you love grow and flourish.  I loved sharing our new world with them, but I especially loved seeing the happiness they have as well, and our visit definitely left my heart full!  There are many ways to go about this life, but it's a personal choice to make it how you'd like, and it takes a strong person to make strong decisions for themselves and a family. 

After our company had gone, it was back to the grind for me.  The big event at home has been the filling of our pool!  We were a bit nervous about testing our well, so spread it out by 4 days, and have been enjoying the cool water ever since (and the water supply seems to be holding nicely).  A nice dip definitely helps to ease the heat of some of these days, and I often feel like I sizzle upon entering the water.  I have a feeling Cam was right, that it might just be a necessity this summer. 

The other BIG BIG news around the ranch involves our game cameras.  After a couple weeks off from checking them, we rode up after dinner last night to discover a ton of new pictures that included a LARGE COUGAR.  Cam and I have seen one cougar together in the wild, the only one either of us has ever laid eyes on.  We were bear hunting up behind the North Fork Brewery up the Mount Baker Highway, cruising along the backroads, when I spotted a cat on the side of the road.  I let out the only words I could muster, and we slowed.  It was like a slow motion movie when that animal looked right at us for what seemed like forever.  LONG, skinny, and powerful, is what I remember, with a very long tail, and eyes that have anything BUT fear.  Cam of course wanted to shoot, but I asked him not too and remarkably he watched the animal athletically head into the trees.  I told him he would have good hunting karma for allowing what he considers one of the hardest kills to walk on.  THIS cougar, looks a little bigger than what we saw.  We caught the picture at about 10pm above the lake by our house.  Here's the thing... we know we are surrounded by them, we even talk about it when hiking sometimes, wondering how many we have probably passed.  With little ones, there is of course a greater concern, and if I could send out a memo to all the mountain lions in the area, I would tell them my hat is off, you have my respect, I'll gladly keep my distance and enjoy your legend as long as you stay away from my legacy.  Very cool to see really, but makes you think a little more when you are running in the morning.......

Apart from being in awe with our surroundings, we haven't been doing all that much.  I'm back to late nights and early mornings, and IT's HOT.  I feel like we should be planning for next year, as far as a garden, animals, and food storage, but with building a house on the horizon, it seems we are ok with a bit of "down time."  That's not to say it's all smooth sailing around here (it wouldn't be Team Brown without a little excitement), for today the washing machine broke, and the AC in both our travel trailer and my car went out.  The travel trailer was an easy fix, Cam will look at my car tomorrow, and order a part for the washer... Does anyone know where the gravy train is?? Because we certainly have yet to find it!  Needless to say, we high tailed it to the lake today to cool off and get out of the shop for a bit.  Cam made me crab stuffed salmon (courtesy of Jeremy and Elicia---such good fish!) for dinner, and now all is quiet on the Eastern front.  There is a lot of work heading our way that I'm guessing will be accompanied by copious amounts of sweat, to the soundtrack of thunderstorms and joyful children and nail guns.  In this moment though, I'm happy to be on this journey; I'm tired because I work hard to have a career that will be good for my family, my husband can fix anything that breaks, our kids are thriving, and we are keeping on together. 

On Hiatus.... and Back Again

Well, I certainly apologize for the delay in postage.  I have had threats of discontinued subscriptions and calls for change in management.... my editor, Mr. Brown, has been encouraging, (aka bugging) me nightly to sit down and write.  I must admit, I needed a brain break during and after my spring finals.  I was happy to finish the quarter on a good note, but it did take it's toll as I developed quite the cold, that I am happy to be free of now.  I'm amazed we have made it through nine months of nursing school, and I do say WE because it is an all consuming undertaking.  It feels good to check goals off, and to be moving forward, but also to have a little break to be home and enjoy all that is around me.

Evening Hike in the Heat

Lake Time

Wow... where to start to catch up on two weeks of the Browns!  As you can imagine I probably

haven't been all that blog worthy with my stuffy nose stuck in a book for the last few weeks.  If you found alterations in cell functions or pharmacology noteworthy... well I'd say you're probably reading the wrong blog, or we can chat later :)!  The weather has really been heating up around here, pushing 100 degrees on more than a handful of days.  We seem to have become lake dwellers, whether it is up the driveway or up near the border, we can often be found on the banks enjoying the sun after a cool dip and watching the kids play.  Cam was able to travel home to attend Derrick and Anna's son's graduation a few weekends back.  He enjoyed his time there, slept out under the stars with his buddy, and represented our family at the special occasion.  Derrick also generously lent us his aluminum boat, which has become quite the centerpiece of life around here.  12 feet of pure lake born freedom.  Cam added some seats and away we have been exploring several local lakes.  The kids seem to enjoy the water, and Bear is trying his hand at driving.  It reminds me a bit of a treasure map when he drives, zig-zagging all over the place,  but with a big smile on his face.  The first night we took it out, it was so gorgeous.. the kids were turtle hunting, it was a picturesque night, and we saw tons of wildlife, including a beaver right at the boat launch that slapped his tail and made the kids jump a foot!  We've also been back up to Blue Lake, the alkaline lake with the baby turtles, and boated the length of the glass like water and went swimming at the far end. 

 A big highlight for the kids lately has been watching their caterpillars transform into butterflies.  Aunt Connie got them a little kit, and we immediately sent off for the caterpillars which soon arrived in a small jar.  Over the next couple weeks we watched them climb around, hang from the top of the jar and form their chrysalises,  complete metamorphosis into a butterfly, and hatch.  We read the book that came with and learned about the process, and the kids tried their best to say both "metamorphosis" and "chrysalis."  This study was culminated with the release of 5 beautiful butterflies.  I love seeing curiosity peaked, and there is nothing that can do that quite like nature.  It's amazing how fast they learn, just being a part of the world around them.  My parents always thought I

Morning Butterfly Release

would be a teacher, because I would come home, construct a seating chart and lesson plan and carry out a school day with my stuffed animals.... I guess there is part of me that loves to "teach," but as a parent I'm amazed at how much of a spark already exists, and how time, attention, and adventuring together are powerful ways to nurture their growing lives.  Pretty cool stuff to be a part of.

After my tests were over, we were able to celebrate with our friends Jeremy and Elisha and their daughter Madison.  We so enjoyed their company and being able to show them around our new neck of the woods.  We went to quite a few lakes (like I said... lake people!), did a lot of relaxing, a little fishing, and ate way too much good food!  The kids enjoyed playing together, and we even hit the

Pine Cone Bird Seed Feeders

waterslides in Chelan, which was quite the hit!  It was nice to sit around with real folks, and even have some moments of doing NOTHING.  While the weather had cooled off for the beginning of their trip, it warmed up, and we had some gorgeous evenings, and star filled nights.  We do of course miss our dinners together, but we are happy to share in a new chapter of our lives, and know that most understand the logic for our move, and we enjoy when people can see that first hand.   



Like all vacations though, time flies, and it seems reality comes around much too quickly to snap you out of the day dream.........  So after our guests departed today, we were back to work.  I had a couple of things to handle for school, and then we made a stop at the building supply store in town to talk to a gentleman about drawing our house plans!!  It seems my uncle has pulled off a less than 24 hour deal with the first person who placed an escalated offer on Rudy's house, and it has officially closed.  I'm not sure it could have gone more smoothly, once on the market.  We feel pretty lucky, and humbled.  But, in true Team Brown fashion, one door closing, means the construction of another.  Exciting, and overwhelming at the same time, when you are doing it yourself.  There is a zillion items running through our minds right now, but at the end of the day, I am certain nothing will stop us. 

 

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!

 

Snakes, Tics, and Cremation

Morning View From our Bedroom Window

I know I have been exalting the beauty of spring around here... and believe me, I could go on for posts and posts about it without giving it due diligence... Seeing the seasons change is such a magical, soul filling experience, and I know because it's our first year here, we are especially tuned in to the nuances of the world around us.  We noticed the leaves begin to arrive, the weird dark buds that appeared on the sage brush, the unique sound of the sand hill cranes flying so high above us, and the smell of the sun baked pine needles... aaahhhhh makes you smile right?!  But there is a bit of an interesting side to all this beauty.  As the snow melts, the creatures awaken to, like us, turn their faces to the sun and revel in the fact they made it through another winter, to a time and place of abundance.

I'm talking about snakes, tics, bears... a not so friendly crew really.  

In the same week, we saw both our first snake (not a rattler), and discovered our first tic (on the dog!) and Riggs found another cougar skull.  I have yet to spot my elusive bear, but I know one of these days, we will have our moment of reckoning.  Growing up near a river, the threat of cougars was something we thought of while riding horses or running, but we could generally spend our days outside without a worry in the world.  Living around here requires a bit more spatial awareness.  Am I scared?  Heck No... as my husband would tell you God gave us thumbs (and trigger fingers) for a reason.  Nevertheless, there is a bit more focus on the task at hand when sharing space with those who's predatory instincts far surpass the great white hunter.  We have purchased snake bite kits for all quads and vehicles, and we are,  as of now on the lookout for tics on our person or the animals.  We have instructed the kids on not touching snakes, or sticking hands in holes in the ground.  Ridgebacks are supposed to be flea and tic resistant, which is quite serendipitous.   As far as the lions and tigers and bears.... I'm happy to observe from afar with wide eyed wonder.  I'm a good neighbor (I definitely prefer animal ones), I don't mind sharing this space.... just don't eat my animals, or else!

If My Shop Burned Down, This is What I'd Save

Our chicks have been quite the attention grabbers around the old ponderosa.  I once told Cam let's make the inside of our house extremely boring, so our kids never want to be in there.... he must have made the chicken coop really interesting, because the kids seem to be in there non stop.  The coop is extremely cute, but we may just have a couple ranchers on our hands yet!  It seems though, when you order chicks in the mail, you are guaranteed to lose a couple of birds. Facing the perils of the trip... Flying from Iowa at only a day old, with some green electrolyte goo they put on the bottom of the cramped box, usually means you will say goodbye to a handful.  Seems logical to you or me, but to a 2 and 4 year old, let's just say it makes for an interesting afternoon.  As the kids get older, this part of animal raising is important, and teaches them compassion just as much as caring for the more upright chickies does.  Anyway, we lost a couple chicks, and Bear looks at me and does one of his thoughtful looks and says... "they die?"  The kid is completely aware that a while back we did in fact eat his piggies, but you never know quite how these situations will go, or what sort of counseling you could be setting yourself up for 15 years down the line.  So, I say yes Bear, they die, tell him what probably happened, and that it's ok, but it's an unfortunate loss.  "Sorry chickies" he says as we placed them back in their box.  "Sorry."  Compassion AND a sense responsibility for the lives of our animals... I like that!  I didn't want to just chuck the things in the garbage in front of the kids, so we gave them a proper cremation... a Nordic sendoff right on top of the bonfire. 

On a brighter note... it's fishing season!  I believe my husband has caught the bug, so to speak.  We took a drive up to Fish Lake (about 15-20mins from our house in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area farther up Pine Creek Rd.) and took the kids and dogs for an after dinner walk.  We spent some of our property hunting time camped out in that area, and man it is something.  It's this valley sunk between the hills that hold clear lakes and cattle country, as well as some of the area Cam has spent hunting these last few winters. The lake is supposed to be full of beauties too, so we will be headed to get our licenses soon.  I'm excited for some family time on the lake, and fish tacos don't sound half bad for dinner.  Bonus! 

Cam spent another weekend over on the coast, working hard with my cousin on the house over there.  We are very grateful for his help, and he is going to continue to do some work for us, which is such an amazing blessing, and will hopefully mean we can take this coming weekend off... FISHING REMEMBER???  Sorry that you cant join us for that Marcus, we love you!  Cal and Dottie came and spent the weekend here, and although I'm not the best hostess at the moment, it was sure nice to have them, and nice to have the company.  Cal got a chance to ride his quad and we all enjoyed stretching our legs.  Monday morning though and it's back at it for me, and I am beat!  This week I also begin an online homeschooling course that I found from a homesteaders blog I follow.  I'm excited to learn a little bit more and get inspired with new ideas.  There's no timeline on it, so I can listen to it as I please.  I'm becoming excited with the potential of shaping this part of the kids lives, and my mind is spinning with ideas.  It will fit well with the family sufficient life we are trying to create for our kids.  Learning as we go, and working toward something together and giving our children skills: wonder, independence, drive, and confidence.
Education is the Kindling of a Flame, not the Filling of the Vessel.  --Socra

      

Moments

Johnny Appleseed

 Right now it seems we live for little moments we can steal from the tornado of busyness around us.  While we moved here to find a solace that didn't exist in our life on the coast, we have yet to find ourselves sitting on the front porch watching the cows come home.  That being said... the moments we do find, have surpassed our expectations of Eastern Washington life, and get us through the long weeks we do have. This will be a life that our kids will hopefully flourish in, where running free is the norm, and they will be able to explore as far as their legs will take them.

View From Beneath our Wild Plum Tree

We had another productive weekend working back in Ferndale; it's a bit of a grind, but it's getting there, and man I have to say things are really shaping up.  The place is looking good, and my cousin will be working out there this week, so we will be lightyears ahead when Cam returns this coming weekend.  He's hoping it will only be two or three more weekends, and then the commute over the hump will be done.  It's nice to get to see everyone over there.  Kendyl really latched on to my Grandma, which really filled my heart, and we even were blessed with her fried chicken, which is equivalent to winning the lottery if anyone has ever tasted it.  Better than the lottery.... like hoard in your purse on July 4th sort of good (you all know what I'm talking about).   We were able to spend some time with more cousins and had a great time!  I'm proud to see these guys and the people they are. 

Chicken Farmers

Sunday, it was back over the pass, dinner in Winthrop, and back to the ranch.  I was up at 5 to do some last minute studying for my test today, which went well thank God.  Then, just when I needed a pick me up, a call from the post office... CHICKS ARE IN!  28 little balls of homestead happiness.  I like to order online so I can get just what I want from hatcheries I like, and it's fun heading to the post office and hearing their chirps.  The kids were so excited too, and I was probably enough for all of us... I can't help it, I like my chickens!  So we got them home, Bear got out his wheelbarrow and helped me haul some sawdust from our wood pile, and we got them all settled in.  He kept telling them happy birthday and as carefully as a 4 year old can do, helped me dip their beaks in water to get them going.  Awesome moments!

The weather was gorgeous today, it was warm, and just perfect.  Once we got the chicks situated, me and the kiddos set out on a walk with the dogs, while Cam worked on the coop exterior (I'm waiting until it's completely finished to send pictures because it's so darn cool).  The kids are getting strong legs with all the hills we have, and they can make it quite a ways.  We're still waiting to see our first bear of the season on the property, and I know it will be something when we do.  We stopped for a rest under the shade of our plum tree, and headed back to check on the chicks (Bear is really worried that he is not sleeping out there with them).  We took the Jeep down to the meadow for a scrap lumber run, had some dinner, and set out for another walk around the property/puppy & kid wear out session.

Spring I have to say has taken me by surprise, and completely swept me away.  Our meadows are lush, and hillsides are green with a yellow accent from all the wildflowers.  And the smell!!!  It's like fresh cut grass, mixed with Eastern Washington sage and pine trees... it's amazing.  It's the complete sensory experience right now.  When on our excursions, we watch the kids and tell them how lucky they are!  It's hard to not feel like I am missing out on moments with them with school being so intense, but there are times when I can see our end goal so clearly.... a welcoming cabin, pastures, animals, time to spend together, and an adventurous childhood for our little ones.   The moments are there... They are what we live for!      

Work Work All Week Long

Poor little Vera has quickly learned that she has been relocated into something that resembles a tornado.  I've always believed that raising a dog is a lot like raising a kid.... the key is to get them outside and wear them out!  Good behavior stems directly from fresh air and tired legs.  That being said, what a sweet little pup she is.... Bear and her have such a special little bond, and I foresee many adventures in their future.  They have so much fun running around the property together and Bear's laugh is evidence of the joy she brings him... it's a magical age to have a pup of your own, and it's quite the event to watch. 

Cam spent the past weekend working at the "other house" on the coast.  He is really cooking along with this project, and although it's tough on our schedule and being apart, the end is really in sight!  It's so nice having a man that can do it all; what a dying trait self sufficiency is, and I'm proud that that will be passed on to our children, and lucky that it exists in my life (we all know that I always have some sort of project that needs to be built).  We are really working our tails off right now... but there is something to say for it, something that feels good.

View From My Morning Commute to School

My parents took pity on me and made the trek over the mountains (North Cascade pass is open now so that is a plus), and spent the weekend with me and the kids.  It was fun!  After a short time at school on Friday, it was weekend time.  We took a few hikes around the property, and up to the lake
near our house.  We discovered a turtle shell (with dead turtle-yuck) up there, enjoyed the peaceful scenery, and had plenty of laughs over the kids antics.  We drove the back roads up to Conconully, a cute little town tucked into the hills, and went out for lunch!  We reveled in the views of spring...and the peace of the quiet around here.  It was nice to have the company, a chance to get caught up on some work, and someone to share our lookout with.  It was a good weekend!

Nevertheless, it was nice to have my husband back on Sunday.  We had a nice dinner then hit the quads for a little scenery therapy.  We are still finding new areas to explore around here, and it's a great way to clear the mind.  With clear minds we headed right into this week.  I have a bit of a long one and there never seems to be enough time.  Monday we were able to do a bit of work on the chicken coop in preparation for chick delivery next Monday.  The kids thought it was their lucky day when I let them help me paint the coop floor.  Toddlers + barn red  "real paint" = what was I thinking?!  Actually, besides Kendyl's desire to paint one square foot over and over, it went pretty well; they had fun, and there is no way that one square foot will EVER rot!  No matter how much we having going on in the course of a week, these are the projects we sure have fun doing.

This is a long week for me and we will be leaving after my 12 hour clinical day Thursday to head back to the coast.  I'm fairly exhausted, I'm not going to lie, and I'm sure Cam is worn down as well, but we seem to still be upright and functioning, and I'm happy we are partners in all this!  Today after school we took the evening off and took a drive up to Lake Chopaka, a destination we weren't able to get to about a month ago, due to snow.  It's up near the town of Loomis, and is a high mountain lake that is fairly secluded.  WOW! 















Talk about peaceful beauty... there is a few simple campsites on the lake (uninhabited at this time of course), but other than that you would think you were the only person that existed.. there are really no signs of civilization.  The lake is open to fly fishing only, and we saw a ton of beautiful rainbow trout (or fish sticks as I like to call them).  The mule deer were frolicking near by, and we watched an eagle dive bomb a group of ducks.... it's the discovery channel in true HD around here people!  Bear of course could not resist the call of the water and was soon down to his undies and was channeling his inner Native American fisherman and trying to catch trout with his bare hands... mind you, we were all still bundled up on the shore!  We packed our little barbeque up and had dinner by the lake, and Bear was quite disappointed to find that we weren't camping out for the night.  The country around here is just full of solitude and forgotten, hidden gems, should you choose to venture out.  

It's nice to have these outings to break up the constant madness we find ourselves in... to take a deep breath and enjoy this experience and remember why we are here.  I wish we had time for more of these moments......or to sleep for about 3 days straight....  I keep reminding myself that achieving a goal comes at the cost of your sweat, and is a challenge of your grit.... and that challenging yourself is usually more valuable than you expected. 

Puppy Breath

We had a joyous ending to a not so fun weekend... A new member has been entered our family... Vera, an eight week old Rhodesian Ridgeback, and boy she has made quite the splash......................

We left the hills last Thursday after my hospital orientation here in town, headed back to the coast to continue work on Rudy's place.  We arrived at Cal and Dottie's with our trailer, late.  The night was cut short with Kendyl awakening with a burning fever; she had been fighting a cold for the week, but I had been taking care of her at home in an attempt to avoid the doctor.  It must have got the best of her though, as she spent several days acting quite the opposite of her norm.  I was lucky that my mom got us an appointment with our childhood doctor and he was able to take a look at her.  Nothing serious, just an infection, that thank God she has the upperhand on now!  She's such a force, it was hard to see her down and out; luckily our kids have so far avoided any serious sickness, so we would just as soon continue down that same road.

While me and "B" were at the doc's office, Cam dug right in to his project.  It's amazing how much he has gotten done already.  We are constantly amazed by the support system we have and certainly could not get so far without the help of our family and friends.  So far the outbuildings are cleaned out, mobile floor is fixed, carpet's ripped up, walls are taped, and a couple rooms are painted.  Moving right along, and looking a whole lot improved!  As I mentioned, he will be traveling back and forth on the weekends while me and the kids hold down the ponderosa over here.  If only it were an HGTV show that we could just fast forward and see the before and after pictures.....

Kendyl unfortunately missed out on the Easter Egg hunt with my family.  Bear had a great time with the kids and it was nice to see everyone if only for a short time, these weekends never seem to go quite as planned, and always fly by.  Cam took pity on me and agreed to go home a day early as I had not gotten any school work done, and we thought the kids could benefit from being back in their own beds on a bit of a schedule.  So, we set our departure date for Monday.

Monday morning though, we had puppy pickup planned out.  I have been looking for quite some time for a female pup, and as I have mentioned even started to look in South Africa, where these dogs originate.  Granite Falls was where we ended up finding this litter, and Cam went and picked Vera up before we gathered the kids to head East.  We were very impressed with the breeding male and female, they were gorgeous, athletic dogs, and our little one is quite a cutie I have to say.  I'm fairly certain it was love at first sight for her and Bear.  It was like a movie, the boy frolicking in the field with his new best friend.  He's been obsessed ever since, running around with Vera, singing her to sleep, and reading her a bedtime story.  It's pretty awesome, and I think of how tender hearted animals train you to be, and it makes me happy to know the kids feel that too.  So far things haven't been too bad, besides Riggs not wanting anything to do with her, but that we predicted.    

Coming back to this side of the mountains we let out a sigh of relief.  I had a pile of work waiting for me, but something about being over here just clears the vision a bit.  Once we hit the river valley heading North through the Okanogan, I'm pretty sure we have ridiculous smiles on our faces.  This afternoon, Kendyl was feeling a whole lot better so we took the pup on a little walk.  Wild turkeys have been in the area and Cam has been wanting to spread some bird seed to keep them on our property a bit longer, so the 6 of us set out.  We found some good sign of turkey action, and scattered a good bucket full of seed, so maybe we will be able to lay our eyes on some nice fat birds.  I did see a ring-neck pheasant on my morning commute today, and I took it as a sign of good luck.

Tomorrow will be a 12 hour clinical day for me, then Cam will head out when I get home.  My folks are heading over to give me a hand and get a visit in before the turnaround starts for my dad.  I'm excited for them to see how spring has taken over this area, and of course to see the new little one.  As always days are packed to the brim, but we are holding tight to those things that make us smile.