Back into Time at Cataldo Mission

Cloudy days do not dampen my wonder lust.  In fact they provide a moody backdrop for a fall adventure.   So we head out for a little exploring without a specific destination in mind.  I would like to explore some area's for boondocking in the mountains East of Spokane.

As we are driving along the interstate a sign points the way to the Cataldo Mission in Northern Idaho.

I attended a wedding at the Mission before, but my Granddaughter hadn't ever been there.  I want to  honor her developing wondering spirit and encourage her to investigate all that life has to offer.  So off we went.




You see it from the interstate, sitting on a hill overlooking the tree studded valley that surrounds it.  Seeing it from the Interstate is not enough, you must experience it's simplicity and serenity by walking the grounds feeling the presence of those who walked this sacred place before us.

 In the Early 1880's the local Coeur d'Alene Indians had heard of these powerful "medicine men" in black robes with a book and wanted some of these men for their own tribe.They sent of their tribesmen east to St. Louis, and in 1842 Father Pierre-Jean De Smet responded to the request and came to the area.

 In 1850 the church was taken over by Antonio Ravalli, who began designing the new mission building. He made sure that the building was constructed by the Indians themselves, so that they could feel part of the church. It was built without using a single nail was finished in three years.

Example of newspaper wallpaper and can metalwork 

They had few materials to decorate the church, but used ingenious techniques to beautify it. The walls were decorated with fabric bought from the Hudson's Bay Company and hand-painted newspaper that Fr. Ravalli had received in the mail. Tin cans were used to create an idea of chandeliers.

The wooden statues were carved by hand with nothing but a knife. The blue coloring of the interior wood is not paint but a stain created by pressing local huckleberries into the wood.

When I had been at a wedding in this place a few years ago, we were in the main church but had not been able to explore the rest of the grounds.   I was so glad to have taken this opportunity to learn more about this historic place.

Confessional

 
 The Parish House was built in 1888 and provided housing for, Priests, Jesuist Brothers who served in area missions, ans caretakers.

The parish house also contains a small chapel that was used by the residents.

Parish House Chapel

  Parish house
 living quarters

Mission Bell

Overlooking orchards and nearby hills

In time the mission became an important stop for traders, settlers, and miners.   It was also a working port for boats heading up the Coeur d'Alene River.

 In 1961 it was designated a National Historic Landmark, and in 1966 was put on the National Register of Historic Places and the Oldest Building in Idaho.

                                              
                                       A simple place,
                                                                             From a simple time. 

The Day the Camera Died

Did the mighty tree really fall if the Camera didn't record the event?

My camera has been increasingly difficult the past few months.  I have been going to extraordinary efforts to get the pictures to the computer for viewing, editing and posting.

Wednesday, it took its final breath.... and then refused to turn back on.  After checking all systems I could think of, I eventually conceded and began the process of research, research, research.

I consulted with my Facebook peeps, read product reviews and particularly payed attention to reviews by consumer from my shopping buddy, Amazon.

After careful research I went out shopping and you all know how much I like that (I detest shopping!!)   After all there is nothing like holding it in your hands and feeling how it works.

Here is the final result....

Nikon COOLPIX L820 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 30x Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)

There are several advantages for me over my next choice.  

      -  The Nikon uses Double AA batteries which are easily charged using the trailer's solar power.

      -   It was $200 cheaper than my next choice

There are a couple of things I liked better than my last camera, but really what matters is how the pictures turn out.  So of course I couldn't wait to see how pictures turn out.

After dinner I headed out to check out how the camera handles and of course sunsets are my favorite test.  I found another place for sunset pics.

 

When I first arrived at my destination I didn't find anything to take pictures of while waiting for the sunset shots.  After walking around a bit I did find a couple of things to focus my camera on.

Next, the sunset test.

 

I'm fortunate that there are several places that I can go to find unobstructed sunset pictures close by

.

 

 

 

I ran out of sunset.... before I ran out of settings to try...

 

 

 

 

It wasn't the best sunset... but the camera captured it well...   

So I hope you will stay tuned  as I play with my new toy!!

 

 

Hello God, It's Me

Two days of dealing with bureaucracies  makes me feel  like dropping right out of of life  In the past I have 'fondly' referred to Social Security as SS.  I was fully prepared to rethink my harsh thoughts of this agency as I received my first Social Security check a few months ago without a hitch.
I couldn't have been happier.

I stopped by for an afternoon visit to update my info.... a new address and a new bank account number for my social security to be deposited in.

Sounds simple enough right?

Not so.... I waited for my number to come up for over an hour.  Not a way to start off in a positive frame of mind.  Fortunately, the lady helping me was pleasant, which helped me keep my cool.

You begin the process proving you are who you say you are.
Unfortunately, I had been to Drivers Licensing Division earlier in the week to update my address to them as well. So I had a paper license with new (but yucky) picture on it and my previous drivers license with a hole punched in it with my picture on it.  But no, that would not qualify as adequate identification.  So next comes a whole series of questions.
Name,
Address,
Previous Address
Where did you live between May and September?

 (Oh Oh, the homeless thing again!!)

I answered with a chuckle, "Under a bridge".... (She actually laughed) 

Phone number, (which of course has also changed)  MORE QUESTIONS NEEDED

Mothers Maiden Name
City you were born in
Routing Number and Checking account number your check is deposited in.

Are you kidding me?

Since I can't give them all the needed information they can't verify my identity so we can't go any further. 

If I can't prove I'm me......who can???

I'm am now resigned towaiting till my new drivers license arrives, so I can take the picture ID in and we can begin again.

Hello God,  It is me......but I can't prove it.

 

Weather Storms and Life Storms

The weather storms of the past few days are a reminder that we humans also weather storms.

I consider myself to be a life long wanderer.  It is part of who  I am.

My spirit seems happiest when I close the truck door and turn the key to explore parts unknown.  Sometimes I have felt I have chosen my life circumstances, other times circumstances have chosen me.





 It is up to me to make the happiness in the circumstances of each day.





 As a child my spirit felt most alive when hiking trails overlooking the valley of my home where I lived most of my childhood.  At times I basked in the comforting sun on a flat rock which often became my lunch spot, drinking in the familiar views.   Other times, I pushed onward, hiking trails to parts unknown filled with the excitement of discovery.

Our family vacationed most years at the same campground on the same lake.  We went on a couple of 'big' car trips to Glacier and Yellowstone and also a big loop trip to California.   Again, I felt most alive when hiking and experiencing both the comforting familiar and the discovery of places unknown.

 It is one of the reasons why RV life fits so well for me.

Combining both the comfort of the familiar and the exploring the unknown seems to bring me the most contentment.



I have made other discoveries about my current life circumstances.   Even living in the now involves a 'come to recognize' moment when I recognize there are choices available in the present.             




It all depends on my focus. A turn to the left we see all that is wrong or skewed with our life.   A tiny turn to the right the focus brings us a new reality.
                

 What is the truth?

 

 I need adventure in my life.

The trick seems to be in finding the way to find the happiness in the circumstances we currently live in.  I need to determine the focus and find adventure in everyday moments whether I travel 1 mile or one hundred.  It is not the mileage or the particular roof overhead.  It is the wandering spirit and how I embrace life.

 I wish I could claim these amazing photo's of a Incoming Dust Storm 9-15-13

These were taken by Allen Birdsell in Spokane, Washington at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

www.OneMindCreations.com

These photo's and words below are used with his permission 

This was an advancing front and I managed to grab these few snaps from before I was over taken by high winds and raining mud, yes it rained mud. I have never experienced anything quite like this before. These pics were taken over a period of only a few minutes as this front moved like a living beast swallowing the entire cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley. 

Not ONE bolt of lightning, DAMMIT!

Drama, Sunset, and More Drama

Sunsets, the fulfilled promise of day completed

I started the day with an early morning appointment for my Granddaughter.  While she was at her appointment I decided to get the jammed tail gate fixed, so back I went to the folks that installed the lock on the tailgate.  I arrive at 8:10 and they are not open.  They don't open for business until 10:00.  Remember the good ole days when businesses actually were open for business to meet the needs of customers???

So this little chore required a second trip this day...

I am still getting used to driving a BIG TRUCK.  I had been driving Little Hoss for 6 years and it fit me perfectly.  I knew it completely and it zipped in and out of tight parking spaces like a champ.  I knew exactly where I was in space, and how wide and long I was.  BIG Hoss is a whole different driving experience.  I feels like I am always over the lines and it takes several adjustments to get nto a parking space or get turned around.  I hope it gets easier soon.

Oh well, that means an opportunity to stop by Trader Joe's.... So I was able to stock up on some of my favorites.  I have even found a couple of recipes using the cookie butter.... I'll keep you posted on how they turn out.  Not to worry I found some 'good for me' veggies and fruits along with my favorite hummus and granola cereal.

One more confession... if purchasing the cookie butter is not sinful enough.... they have candy bars with the cookie butter in it.  I'll take one for the road, please!!

The blue bar is my favorite cookie bar

Got the tailgate fixed and dinner done.  (Chicken Noodle Stew).  Since my granddaughter  eats vegetarian, we have been eating lots of joint meals where we all eat vegetarian.  Sometimes when we are cooking a meal with meat that means I'm cooking a double meal.  Since I am basically a lazy cook we have been eating mostly vegetarian.  You can just call me a reluctant vegetarian.

One of the things I have discovered I have been missing is sunsets.  Where I am living there are so many trees that sunsets are spotty.  So the last few days I have been diving the hills close to the house to find some sunset viewing spots.  The sky was dappled with a few clouds so off we went after dinner to view a sweeping sunset.

We found a bluff overlooking a wide expanse of rolling hills that is about 10 minutes

 from the house. 

I took pictures in two different places before heading down a steep hill on a bumpy washboarded road.  A nearby water tower with access road provided a place to view the expansive western sky without trees obscuring the view.

I'm sure I will be spending many nights gazing into the sky's of the west as the clouds dance as the day slips away and the  colors dance across the horizon.






Not all the action is due west.  Sometimes the subtle colors to the north provide a gentle reminder that I must stay open to all possibilities and realities.




I have always loved the sun's setting. and it isn't always the spectacular sunsest that touches my soul.  Sometimes it is the mere submission of my spirit to the quiet as the day draws to an end.     

                           Company is not required.

                                                   Music is an unnecessary distraction.

                                                                                         Words are not necessary.

So here I am on this day.  Seeing the sunset in all it's glory but my life and these treasured moments are full of distractions.  I can feel my peace even in this peaceful space slipping away into irritation.


                 And then while backing up                                                    

 I fall over the edge.

Up to my axle

There is no traction due to loose gravel.  Four wheel drive in low ....slowly engaging the engine produces nothing.

Like happens so often in life, I find myself in a ditch.

   In my new truck and completely in the dark.
With the loud and hysterical drama that only a 13 year old girl can provide. 

A call to Camper World Roadside assistance to the rescue produces a miracle.  One hour of waiting, 5 minutes with a winch and we are free.....

Maybe I need a back up camera...... or a muzzle for my granddaughter.

klbexplores signing out......... Humble, Embarrassed, But Free.

Moving Along Life's Little Detours

Life is full of surprises and unexpected turns.

I've certainly had my share.

Ok so life isn't going according to my master plan..... but this is the life that I have right now so I'm determined to make it the best that I can.... I'll find or make my fun along the way each day.  Sure it will need to 'fit' around the confines of my new life but many of the things that I love to do are available for me to do right here.  I just need to make the effort and find a way to make them work.

Hailey has started school and likes her new school and is busy making new friends.

In the mean time I am trying to make sure that my life keeps moving in preparation for the day that I am able to travel on my terms.  One part of that master plan requires me to trade in Little Hoss and get a truck that can haul a bigger trailer that will be more suitable for full time travel.  Little Hoss has been a great little truck but it is tired.  We have covered many miles around the Northwest.

I have known this day was coming and it has arrived. 

I have sought counsel from many people regarding the truck that could meet my needs.  I have spent far more time with car salesman than I care to admit.  But finally I have found a truck that will carry me into my future dreams.

Meet Big Hoss.

Hoss is 2006 a Dodge Ram with a 5.7 engine and has so much power it sometimes startles me.

The cover I had put on can be used with a fifth wheel as it folds up into thirds and stands up and snaps up behind the window.  After the trailer is  dropped off, the cover can then be dropped back into place and the contents of the truck bed are stored out of view.





The four doors allow plenty of cargo room and a flat surface to carry the cat kennels with the seat flipped up.   It should be a breeze to load the kennels in this larger space!
 

  
Best of all this truck has  very low miles and comes with a four year bumper to bumper maintenance agreement.  So now it is time to get out there and live my dreams.....

DREAMS DON'T WAIT FOR ANYONE

Afternoon Adventures

For some time when I wasn't on the road, I took Auntie on afternoon adventures.  I went to church with her and more often than not forgot to pack a lunch and just head out to parts unknown.  Often we just headed out in a direction to explore or sometimes we will head out for a particular destination such as a museum and then explored surrounding areas.

Yesterday was just such a day.  I had heard about a field of blooming sunflowers that were spectacular.....  It has become quite the  stopping place along the highway.

This was a stunning photo op.

 

What do you think? 

I have had my eye on a pub table with two bar stools at a local thrift store.  I threw out a fleece.  (Where I ask for a sign from the God regarding an important decision)

I returned on Friday to find the table and stools gone indicating that staying with Auntie with my

 Granddaughter is the right thing for now.  

Confirmation of a decision made. 

We have been driving around each of the local lakes looking for our slice of heaven.  You can never have to many camping spots in your book.  We always are looking for a nearby place to park our trailer and ourselves.  In addition I am quickly needing to find a place to store the trailer for winter so we are on the prowl for a great spot.  Most everything we have found has been well out of our price range.

While driving today we were checking out Deer Lake a small lake near Spokane. 

We drove the west side of the lake and discovered a small family owned area with beautiful grounds
.

There are beautiful expansive grounds in the day use area that surround the beach area which gives a very large area for the tenants to spread out. 

The only day that it has seemed crowded was, the 4th of July while people were waiting for the fireworks display over the lake, the owners commented.

 

Check out the lovely vintage trailers..... I would fit right in! 

 

There are four dock areas for tenants with boats that are surrounded by beaches.

Who needs a boat when your friends have boats!

 

It is only open 5 months a year but trailers are allowed to be stored on site through the winter months for the yearly charge  of $1800 and I do need a storage space.  That is an average of $150 per month.  But it is a wonderful summer lake destination that is close enough to allow lots of summer fun..  

 

The spots that are currently available are small but the beautiful shady day use area is spread out over a very large area.  I would be able to move to a different spot when one becomes available if I wished.

This is the only spot available that would work for me due to my back door.  On the left is the small paved patio area.  The truck parking would be to the left of the tree on the left.  The only adjoining neighbor (you can see their trailer in the above pic) are my new friends.

 

If I were to store my trailer there I would be able to take the trailer on trips and still have a beautiful site to return to.  Plus one of the owners has one of the little parking machines that would return Lolita to her spot perfectly.

Best of all it is only 35 miles from where are living. 

  

We paid the day use fees and decided to get a taste of the flavor of the place.  We nestled down on the beach and my granddaughter went for a swim.  I chatted with a couple on the beach and discovered that they are also caring for a young girl who is 9 years old.   

We sat on the beach sharing snacks and I noticed someone approaching the beach that looked familiar.  It turned out to be a  good friend from my previous life... a foster parent who's company I really enjoy.  It turns out that they bought one of the cutie vintage trailers a month ago.  Nicki asked if had seen another mutual friend.  Nope, I had not.  But she pointed her out on down the beach. 

 
I also found another person I knew from my working days.  

It's a small world after all....  

Nicki took me up to her vintage trailer.

You will never guess what I saw.... the bar table and 2 stools that had been my fleece.

Yes, indeed she had just bought it from the vintage store that I had been in.

Mind you, Spokane is not a tiny spec on the map.  The area sports a population of approximately 3/4 of a million people.  Just what were the odds that we would be 'eyeing' the same table and chairs.

Just more confirmation that I was traveling down the path I needed to be on for now.


More Decisions...... What ever shall I do!?!