Photos from the top of Giant's Head (right in the middle of town)

Okanogan Lake in the background. Ella on a rock at the very top.

View of part of the town. More of the beautiful lake.

A Very Good Cause

My dear friend Pam has been waiting to bring her daughter home from Guatemala for over 1 1/2 year. Recently she finally found out what orphanage baby Nola was being held in and got to see her for a few seconds as she "toured" the orphanage seeing what they needed so they could raise funds to send them much needed equipment etc. If she had asked to actually see her daughter the judge would not have allowed it!! Pam had had NO news of Nola for months nor updates on her health.

If you can find in your heart to send even the most modest amount it will help. Here is the link to the website about the orphanage where sweet baby Nola is waiting.

Remember, if 10 people donate $10 that makes $100. That will go a long way in a poor orphanage in Guatemala. There are no "middle people" handling this money; my friend Pam is incredibly honest and reliable and EVERY CENT will go to this orphanage.

Thanks!

Lisa and Ella - anxiously awaiting the arrival home of Nola.

Bring on the beach!

One of the most wonderful things about living here is the 80 mile long lake with lovely beaches dotting its shores. We are a mere 5-10 minute drive from beautiful beaches. It doesn't get any better.

On the very warm days, and we are having more and more of those, we head down to the lake to cool off. We have yet to install any kind of air conditioning in the house - actually I haven't even bought a fan! The evenings cool right down and a nice wind cools the house so we fall asleep like babies.

I'll admit that the lake water is freezing but Ella doesn't care, nor do the other children who have spent the long winter dreaming of fun in the sun. To date I have gone in up to my knees.

Don't you wish you were here????

Bragging rights!

So much has been posted about Ella and I lately but nothing about my amazing boys. Quick update:

Eldest son just completed all his course work for his doctorate in biomedical enginnering with a solid 4.0, all the while working full time as a research scientist.

A year ago middle son was promoted to director of sales for the pharmaceutical company he has been employed by since graduating from college. He is one of his company's youngest managers.

Youngest son went back to university this semester and pulled off 3 A's and a B+. Additionally he was "employee" of the month at Toys R'Us again. He is working and going to school at the same time.

In addition to being smart and talented, these boys are sweet, kind and good human beings. Talk about being blessed! Love you boys!!!!

Far from done...where is the light at the end of the tunnel?

Just keeping you all up to date on the home improvement project in the beautiful Okanogan Valley. No flooring yet but I've purchased some lovely natural maple that is hardier than oak and will look lovely in this little home in the mountains. Still so much to do, but one day it will be done!!

The wall with the kitchen - the birch cabinets are quite lovely actually.

Ella's bedroom...as of last night my mattress is down on the subfloor and Ella and I slept like babies on clean sheets and our new quilt! My bedroom... old panel board now painted green like the walls. Looks nice.

Closet for washer/dryer/fridge.

Where the bathroom sink will be.

The place for future kitchen/dining table and great room.

Ella in the background watching her DVD player - hall to bathroom and Ella's bedroom in the middle. Kitchen on the right.

To be contined soon!

And what has Ella been up to in Canada?

Ella outside the house in pyjamas and rubber boots - lots of building material (nails etc) still around the house. No, this is not a "divining rod," she just loves sticks.

One warm day (a looooong time ago) she put on her bathing suit and off she went. She also loves headbands. She is waiting to go swimming in the "big lake" we have nearby. Everyday she reminds me that we will swim there when it gets warm - a big "when" I think.

Our neighbors have chickens (we can buy fresh organic eggs from them) and Ella parked her chair and watched them the first couple days. She quickly figured out that they are pretty dumb and boring creatures.

More photos from our "Little House in the Mountains"

Just in case you drop by for a visit, our rear entrance is the main entrance. One day those old wobbly steps will be replaced by new steps off of a nice new deck. Note the new patio door over to the right.

The beautiful apple orchard on my property in full bloom.

Big old tree in my front yard - we haven't "identified" it yet but think it is some kind of maple. Check out the leaf below. Any suggestions?

Here is a leaf from the tree.

The lilacs in bloom.

Front porch/front entrance to house inside of which is a total wreck... not accessible because of the bushes in front.

Side of the house and overgrown lilac bushes which will be coming down. My car with my "sporty" carrier on the top.

The other "side" of my house - you can see "new" and "old" but should be replaced windows...some day.

New kitchen window overlooking orchard and a new bathroom window.