A Meeting of the Minds
Dear Friends of The Refuge.
We send greetings from the “frozen” Duckabush Valley. It is very unusual (for us) for snow to stay on the ground and on the trees for four to five days - but that’s the case here. Because this part of The Refuge only sees the sun for about 4 hours in dead of winter, and with the temperature not getting above freezing much during the day, we have this rather beautiful “winter wonderland” setting, while a short distance away, and up on the south-facing hillsides, the sun has melted all the snow off the trees and open spaces. This is what it looks like at Creekside Cottage.
From our snug little cottage in a winter wonderland.
Our backyard at “Creekside Cottage.
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Two of our Memorial Sequoias (now about 10 ft tall). |
An unusually cold and dry day at The Refuge.
Since we’ve had five straight days without precipitation and sun at least part of each day, it would have been nice to take advantage of the time. But, because the roof has been covered with snow and the temperatures are low, we’ve not been able to make progress on the roof.
Partly sunny, but very cold - no roof work today.
However, Mark & Alan have been able to move ahead with installing doors despite the cold.
Mark & Alan installing French doors in the master suite.
Doors are now in place in three of the suites plus the master suite and the room above the master suite “the Upper Room” - so we’re happy about that.
Robbie steps out onto a balcony through one of our newly-installed french doors.
On Saturday, Jeff & Jan Brown came out to pay a visit and have lunch with us. Jeff is President of BCRA, Inc., the architectural firm that did our basic plans. Mark & Irene Pomerinke also joined us for lunch. Mark, as many of you know, is our Contractor. It was the first time they had met. Since we’ve made many changes in actual construction, Jeff’s firm is going to be assisting us in working up the revisions. We are extremely pleased with the work of these fine Christian gentlemen. They were able to talk about important construction issues - and there was a true “meeting of the minds.”
Mark Pomerinke, Jeff & Jan Brown on site.
A brief walk around the property reveals that despite the cold, our streams are still flowing.
Water still running under the bridge.
Despite the cold, this stream doesn’t freeze.
“Coyote Gate” — The Refuge West Entry.
A warming trend is on the way. And we’ll welcome it, to be sure. But, if you want to “tromp around” in the snow, now’s the time to come visit. Don’t let a “gate” keep you out. Five of our grandchildren will soon be joining us out here for some snow fun, before a warm wind wipes it all out.
Well, that’s it from the Duckabush valley & The Refuge.
Robbie & Jim Edgren