Fast Forward July 2024 - We ate lettuce we GREW! A first for both of us!
My last post was in October 2023! I have meant to write something about our life changes but have yet to make the time to blog. Since October 2023, we have been on the move, literally, to another state. We moved to Washington State in March 2024.
We ended a long era in Nevada. We lived in NV since 2009. That is the longest place either one of us has lived since childhood.
We rented for years in Minden, NV with amazing views of Jobs Peak. After buying Soulstice, we then rented from friends in between our sailing ventures from 2018 up until March 2024. In March, we made the move to Wenatchee Washington, and started new jobs simultaneously at the same hospital, Confluence Health on March 18, 2024.
Stephen and I interviewed for jobs back in October 2023 and accepted jobs. I was hired on as a nurse practitioner hospitalist, the same job description I held at Carson Tahoe Hospital. Stephen was hired on as an ICU RN. He has intentions of rejoining the air medical field again once jobs open up.
The desire to move from NV to WA was inspired to be closer to Soulstice. The move to the middle of Washington State and not to the coast was because I did not want to live on the coast or the boat. I will say “I” because Stephen probably would/ could… But, he admits he loves Cashmere, where we are currently.
Living on Soulstice when not employed FT is fine, but thinking about moving on permanently, with all the “things” you bring to live and work onto our 40ft boat was not appealing to me. Additionally, doing shift work with a partner who works opposite shifts made it even more unappealing, not to mention hauling your groceries and laundry in winter conditions up and down a dock. The summer on the coast is glorious, but the winter can be trying and this is reiterated from long-term liveaboards in Blaine WA. I do like the chill vibe of Blaine but that is lost once you head south - aka Bellingham.
I was looking for drier, more arid conditions but also within a half-day drive to Soulstice. Wenatchee was the perfect fit! Moreover, it met our greatest need for an immense outdoor playground! I was not familiar with the area except for Leavenworth but it is a Mecca of outdoor adventure. You can downhill ski, xc ski, skate ski, bike, hike, raft, paddleboard, trail run, kayak, canoe, rock climb, and swim all within a 30-minute radius. Brilliant! AND, AND the people out on trails are kind, say hello! And are very engaging. OK, I could go on and on about how lovely it is here but let’s just say we are pleased about our move. So much so, that I am selling my house in Montana with plans to build a home in Cashmere WA!
I have been longing to own a home again, be part of a community, and set some roots. We are both gypsies and have been on the go most of our lives. Owning a home, and creating that space to welcome and host family, friends, and guests is exciting. Cultivating a life and tending to your own garden!
Speaking of…. I have planted my 1st garden ever. I will say it was not well thought out and very last minute. I was offered 3 raised garden beds to plant in by my new landlord. They live right next door. I was hesitant to start being completely illiterate about gardening. I grew up on canned vegetables and remember eating fresh vegetables at a high school friend’s house and being completely blown away by the explosive flavor in my mouth. What??? A tomato from the garden tastes like this? A cucumber? A pepper? You can pick berries for your salad or to make jam, etc… you get the jist.
Anyway, I did hem and haw but eventually said to myself, "What the heck?! Jennifer, if you get anything to grow, you will be tickled pink and ecstatic! “ I wanted to start with seeds. It was late for planting and my options were limited. I spoke to someone at the nursery, and they recommended sunflowers, lettuce, and tomato plants. Well, folks, watering works, seeds germinate, and voila ( btw the street we live on is called Voila:)! - I am eating my own lettuce, peppers, and …. AND just like that - I am hooked!! I am in! I want to continue to pursue being a gardener. Sustainability folks - it feels GREAT! And Tastes Great! I made my first basil pesto from basil I grew - mind-blowing flavor! Sooo Fresh!
This blog is a bit daunting as there is a lot to catch up on. I was going to write my usual run-on sentences and a bunch of long-winded boring stuff but decided to kibosh that plan! How ‘bout just some cool pics from the time we returned to NV after the Inside Passage to AK and forward to our new life in Cashmere WA? Btw I googled the origin of Kibosh and it is suspected to be Yiddish but unknown. Here is a plug for A Way with Words from NPR - I should call in or look to see if there is an episode regarding the origin of this word:)
so cool to finish skiing and just sit in the back, drink a beer and admire our awesome life!
Back to Carson Valley - always an eye grabber
Our landlord Casey let us borrow the ride!
Hike to Saul peak with Jen Hsu - new friend
We did have a full moon trip - moon was magical and due to smoke gave a gorgeous orange hue
My first basil pesto made from Basil from MY garden !!! soo fresh - Stephen is not a pesto fan but he is now he says - I so enjoy making food using the produce from my garden
So LOTS of pics above but circling back to the garden! Stephen and I are literally and figuratively cultivating our own garden. We are enjoying making new friends, exploring new mountains, and being closer to Soulstice. And yes, eating our own lettuce to help feed our bodies and minds with the gifts of Mother Nature.
