OUR PONDEROSA HOME IN THE CASCADE’S BEAVER VALLEY
In early mud month in 1995, our neighbor Dean Wilkins, knowing that we wanted to spend more time in Ponderosa, said to me, “Tim, you want to see a house I built? Goes on the market next Monday.”
“You mean the one I told Lorelie I’d kill for? The one on the other side of the green belt? With all the windows?””
“That’s the one.”
“Oh yeah, I’d like to see the inside. Wish Lorelie were here.”
“If you are interested, I can give Steve a call. He might hold it for a week. Save him the listing costs.”
Steve did and within two weeks we had signed a contract with Steve and by April we were moving in to a dream that what would become our home. The magic of the purchase has continued through the years. -Tim
in 1995 the house becomes a home
We brought a few things from the river cabin, something old, a rocking chair bought when we had our first baby, the table by the beige chair, a sofa, some pictures, wall hanging and pillows.
Among our first guests were Keith & Kathy Biever. Keith surprised us with a stove “window” door. Now we had the warmth of the stove and the ambiance of a fireplace! – Lorelie
By the end of the summer of ’95 the house was looking more furnished, with new dining set (found by Rose Ann) and new buffet ( thank you Betty & Dave) and a quilt and more pictures. -Lorelie
In late September our home was ready for guests. Tom & Susan came over in their convertible for an overnight. On a starry brisk night we drove to the 59er Diner for hamburgers. Like teenagers, we returned home with top down, our hair billowing in the chilly mountain breeze. – Lorelie
WELCOMING GUESTS, BUILDING A "LITTLE HOUSE," AND A BIG SNOW HIGHLIGHT 1996
With the coming of spring, almost every weekend we drove over the pass to play, hike, and relax in our home nestled in a grove of firs, native shrubs and wildflowers. On many weekends, friends joined us for relaxation and conversation. Lorelie observed to me, “We need more than one bathroom.”
“And how do you propose we solve that problem? We do have an outhouse for emergencies.”
“Right. You mean the one with yellow jackets resting in the roof? What we need is a little house with a bathroom.”
And so, on Memorial Day weekend I happened to walk by a new building sight with a former carport roof for sale. When I returned home, I announced to Lorelie, “I’ve found the roof for your little house. Want to go look at it?”
Soon the roof rested in our driveway, the foundation poured, the house framed, a floor plan drawn, and several failed attempts to lift the roof to the top of the little house. Fortunately someone knew someone who knew someone with a truck and boom with the power to lift roof and enclose Lorelie’s “little house.”
Soon we would have a second bathroom and not have a line-up at the bathroom in the house. – Tim
THE HYTTE
The “Little House” or “Hytte” (Norwegian Hut) was built in Summer, Fall of ’96. Our friends the Peers lived with us and together with Tim finished the inside of the “Hytte.” – Lorelie
Tim & Shanny took turns resting in the hammock. They deserved it! – Lorelie
Larry & Glenda Dontos came for an overnight stay (in Glenda’s new four wheel drive Jeep) they were just in time (and prepared) for the first snowfall that night. – Lorelie
SNOW FOR THANKSGIVING
Our first Thanksgiving break from school and work in Ponderosa. Kathy & Keith joined us with Karl, Michelle, Paul and Arthur. Early snowfall! -Lorelie
THE BIG SNOW
While we basked in the sun in Maui, Carol & Viggo were our guests in Ponderosa and were there for the BIG SNOW from Dec.27-31, 1996
While Viggo shovels the garage roof, Carol decides to have snow fun!
Winslow (“Winnie”) the cat is dwarfed by the snow tunnel.
In our next Ponderosa home post the title becomes SHADY GROVE. Watch for it!
To view previous Shady Grove post – click here
Cathy and I have great memories of being at Ponderosa with you!