Lake House Diaries 14

     Paul, the third eldest in the family, had recently been showing more of an interest in the affairs of the family and of the Lake House. This was the first meeting where there seemed to be an official MC or facilitator of the meeting. He took charge of the discussion in a manner of speaking, and indicated that they would go around the circle and get each couple's dream for the future. Nothing written in stone, only an idea for the future and perhaps a guideline for further developments and actions. Just talk, mind you.

    As the couples were voicing their ideas and opinions, it was becoming evident that they were dealing with a heritage and a legacy, and the property would be there forever for future generation to come. Perhaps one of the couples would live there in the future, like Greg and Ethel did now. But who that might be was left unsaid. The main thing was to help Greg and Ethel run things smoothly, and let the future take care of itself. 

    And then it was Tod and Em's turn. Tod had been brainstorming with Kris and they both saw the possibilities, agreeing on the principle, but not the details of what Tod was about to say. Tod began by laying out the math. A sentence or two in, the room fell silent. Undeterred, Tod continued. His premise was that if they sold the property, as a family, and of course after Greg and Ethel were gone, and if the assessed value held, the revenue would be around $US1.8 million. Divided by six couples that would be $300,000.00 per couple. At that time, the interest rate was around 10%. Simply put in the bank by each couple, that money would generate $30,000.00 per year. They would no longer have the Lake House to vacation at, but imagine the vacation they take each year with that kind of money. And, Tod emphasized, it would be a real vacation, not one where you had to mow lawns, pull weeds, trim hedges, prune trees, clean up after spiders, etc, etc. 

    Kris was sitting next to Tod and it was his turn, after the silence became uncomfortable. Kris said that he agreed in principle with Tod's idea, but would not expand on it. He sensed it was not being taken well. And indeed it was not. 

     The meeting ended shortly thereafter and everyone went their own way. There was a sense of foreboding and Tod and Em talked about it on the way home. It was only an idea thrown out there, and yet there was something deeper. Tod expressed the idea that he was an in-law, a "married in" and perhaps what right did he have to any opinion at all, let alone the opinion to sell the family legacy. Tod learned something, that night, about the family he had married into and had a sense that things were going to get rough. And he was right. 

 

Easy Photoshop

    This photo lends itself so well to the addition of the tractor and mower. Photo taken in Glen Valley.

    Added the fish to satisfy the Great Blue Heron's appetite. 

       I took this photo in downtown Waikiki about two years ago on a bright and sunny day and wondered what it would have like to have an electrical storm sweep through the high rises. Now we know. 

       That horse with the snow on his back was not there when I took this photo. 

    A whimsical idea came to mind as I changed this photo to Black and White, but I wanted the car to stay in it's lane. AI thought otherwise. But, like when I took the shot, there was not another vehicle for miles. (Central Washington State) 
 

More Nostalgia

     Spring at Osoyoos Lake and new families are out strolling. Geese and their young were added. 

          Nothing change here except the horse was inserted. 

         Just for the record, this is my photo before AI insertion of horse. 

       How much better with a bit of action!

      The photo is recent but this very land probably saw horse drawn wagons less than 100 years ago. 
 

Lake House Diaries 13

      The family was not sure about the source of the information, but someone came up with an assessment of the property, considering the up turn in the market, and the potential for water and sewer service possibly coming in the near future. Neither Greg and Ethel, nor any of their children, ever considered the possibility of sitting on such a valuable property. The bare piece of desert all those years ago was purchased for US$40,000. Nobody really knew what the cost of the development of the lot, or the cost of construction of the house and cabin were, but it was quite evident that those costs were nowhere near what the property was worth now. 

     The lot was 3/4 of an acre. The percolation tests for septic limited the number and sizes of dwellings on the property and it was not possible to utilize any of the land for more dwellings as in sub-dividing lots. But with city water and sewer, those limitations would no longer exist and there was room on the back of the property, behind the garden and the orchard to carve off two small lots. With water and sewer, and no sub-dividing, the assessed value was US$1.8 million. With the two lots staked off and services put in to them, the value went to US$2.1 million. 

     Naturally, this topic came up at the 'Oroville Meeting' held by Greg and Ethel's children and their spouses. Some, including Tod, had heard Greg express some excitement over the windfall, and he did not outright reject the idea of at least talking about it. All in attendance at the meeting agreed that nothing would be investigated or explored regarding this topic and any action or even discussion would have to be initiated by Greg and Ethel. The Lake House was their dream, they owned it, and even they were 'hands off' owners and residents, they would still be in total control. 

     One day, Greg and Ethel would be out of the picture, due to health or death, and then the family, who would inherit the property, could take any action they saw fit. At that meeting, the topic came up as to what each couple thought the future would hold for the Lake House. What was the 'dream' for the future. 

     There were various ideas floated, and it was just talk, but perhaps a loose guideline for the future. Again, the consensus was that nothing be done until the aging parents were out of the picture. It was agreed that the Lake House was not only a dream come true, but it was a legacy, something to be cherished and held dear for Greg and Ethel's sake and as a lasting remembrance of them. 

     And then a seemingly innocent comment was made and it dropped like a bombshell, forever changing the dynamics of the family and the Lake House legacy. 

Limited by Imagination

 I shot this scene in a local park and caught some good light. Problem was that there was not enough interest in the scene. With the help of AI I got a canoe to drift through the photo, complete with ripples. 

    Back at the ghost town of Molson, the old machinery is itself a statement, but add an old farm couple and it makes more sense. 

   A gorgeous sunset at the Mission Bridge, back in time a few hundred years during the fur trade days, and you get a Birch Bark Canoe travelling up-stream. AI is still learning how to paddle. 

    A bit of a rain storm right at sunset, peering out this window made a pretty photo. 

      I photographed this beautifully restored old pick-up truck at a local custom car show. The cars were displayed in a very ordinary parking lot with hot grey asphalt as a backdrop. I almost discarded these photo but thought maybe AI could place the truck in a nicer setting. Boy, did it deliver!

 

Lake House Diaries 12

      In those days, there were many Canadians interested in holiday property and if it was on a lake, so much the better. The Okanagan, on either side of the border was ideal for this as the summers were hot and dry and there was a vacation feel in the air day and night. The lake was great for boating, water skiing, and all manner of motorized craft, and even a little fishing if you were not fussy about what you caught. So it was no surprise that some land developers (from Canada) bought a huge tract of land directly across the lake from Greg and Ethel's bay. 

     The area was affectionately known as Turtle Bay. Because there was little development on the east shore of the lake, this little bay was more or less ignored and could only be reached by boat. Everyone in Greg and Ethel's family had at one time been to Turtle Bay. There was lush vegetation down to within a few feet of the beach and the shore itself was a clean sandy beach. The water seemed to be clearer and cleaner here too and it felt like a little tropical paradise, lacking only a few palm tress. Many hours were spent here in perfect peace and quietness, with only the sound of the gentle waves lapping at the shore. 

     Not everyone in the community was excited about the prospect of hundreds more residents, many with boats and Seadoos. The town itself would benefit economically, and it would provide a few jobs after construction, but the little strip of undisturbed beauty would be lost forever. The housing project sprung up rather quickly and seemed to sell like hotcakes. It was geared for the upper middle class, the BMW, inboard motor boat type of people. Indeed, many Canadian doctors, dentists and lawyers bought in, partly as a great vacation spot, and partly as a an investment with high capital gains potential because prices were on the rise. 

     It was appropriately named Veranda Beach. The architectural theme was nostalgic Americana, hearkening back to a time when everyone had a screened in porch on their rambling bungalow, on streets that were mostly pedestrian friendly with large open spaces in residential areas for play. The beach was a long curving arch of golden sand with plenty of boat docks and parking outside of the village for boat trailers and all vehicles. The amenities area was surrounded a pool and was highlighted by a 50's style diner/soda fountain styled restaurant. It soon became a destination, even for those who did not live there. 

     The town of Oroville welcomed the project and there was no objection to extending the town's services such as sewer and water to the outlying development. The talk was that the same services might be extended to the west side of the lake too, suddenly putting a whole new light on the value of property owned by anyone, property from the Canada/US border to the town of Oroville. The 'Oroville meetings' began to take on a new flavor as this reality began to sink in. 

Lake House Diaries 11

      The next number of years fell into a rhythm. Greg and Ethel would travel to the Lake House in the early Spring and open the house. They would do some clean-up from the winter die-off and wind falls, and prepare the soil for the planting of the garden. It was noted that the garden was not the same size as it had been in the early years. It was a lot of hard work and the amount of harvest was more than what they needed. Other than a good potato patch and some veggies and melons, the more important thing became the fruit from their trees, for canning and drying. The Walnuts also became an annual tradition for Christmas treats so they were also harvested, spread out, and dried, to be roasted later. 

     The house was about 25 years old now and being exposed to harsh winters and hot beating sun in the summer months, it was time for a refresh. Tod, by trade, was a painting contractor and so it seemed a wise and timely thing for him to organize a family paint party. A date was set, and a good number of Uncles, Aunts, and grandchildren committed to come and help. A few of Em's younger brothers offered to come a day or two early to pressure wash the entire exterior. That was a crucial step as spiders and summer bugs were prolific and had left their marks everywhere. 

     Tod loaded his truck with enough tools for everyone, many gallons of trim, soffit, and siding paint, as many ladders as he could tie to the top of his truck and set out early on a long weekend. All the way to the Canada/USA border he was nervous. The American authorities were almost paranoid about any foreigners coming to the US to work and potentially take away jobs from Americans. What would the border guards think of all the paint supplies and ladders going across the border? Was what they were doing actually taking jobs away from someone or was the family allowed to do work on their own property? How closely would they inspect the contents of his truck? 

     The guard asked him where he was going, and how long he was staying, all the while with the ladders on the top of the truck right at eye level. "Alright then, have a nice day" was all that was said. Tod could not believe it but was extremely grateful. Going back was not going to be a problem. 

     The next two days saw wonderful weather for painting. Everyone enthusiastically pitched in and on the third day, it was completed. The colour had been changed slightly, but the overall effect was heartily approved by all. Now the Lake house was shiny and new both inside and out. The lawns and orchard were mature, as were all the shade trees and hedges, making the property look manicured and well maintained. It was an oasis in the desert, a cool retreat as one came down from the heat of the highway above the property. A place to be proud of and a retreat from work, school, and city life. Everyone loved it. The family thought nothing would ever change, but change is always inevitable.    

Getting Nostalgic

     As we toured the ghost town of Molson Wa. this summer, I was trying to imagine the type people that might have populated the area at that time. AI helped. 

     The Similkameen Canyon runs from Nighthawk to Oroville WA. and the hills needed some cattle and a few cowboys. 

     Keeping with era, I imagined a young child looking in the window.

      The Reiffel Bird Sanctuary in Ladner was beautiful that evening but needed a water craft. All of these photos are 100% mine with only an element added by AI. The Heron was in my original photo. 

      This ice storm a few years ago offered up some spectacular photo opportunities this one needed a human touch. WOW!

Fun With AI

        I have discovered a fun way to get a little creative with some of the thousands of photos I have taken and saved. I discovered that AI will take any photo I choose and render it as if it was painted by a famous painter of my choosing. Here is a sampling. First off, a photo I took at the Sunflower Festival in Chilliwack. I requested that be a Van Gogh 

     Next up, a Botanical Garden Tulip Festival photo rendered as a Vincent Van Gogh with shades of "Starry Night" 

      And then a Rembrandt, fashioned after "The Gleaners". Again, a Tulip Festival photo. The horizon is identical to the real thing and very recognizable. 

    A sweet Monet style ride through the rows of Tulips. 

     What Thomas Kincaid would see if he painted the Hawaiian Palace in Waikiki Hawaii.  

    And to give recognition to Any Warhol, a cruise ship docked in Waikiki. 

Lake House Diaries 10

      The next few weeks were taken up with making decisions and ordering and purchasing various new additions to the Lake House. As progress was made, various elements of the renovation would be delivered and installed, that is, anything that was not the responsibility of the Insurance company. The new cabinets and their installers arrived after the kitchen was repaired and it was a pleasant shock for Ethel to see her fantastic new kitchen. One of the last things to do was to install the new flooring. The kitchen and bathrooms got a very heavy duty vinyl plank look linoleum with a heavy wear layer, something that would not only last for a very long time, but would look good. The rest of the house got a very tough but great looking nylon Berber carpet which would look great for years. Finally the floors were covered with a continuous and decent covering, meaning no more slivers in the bare feet when the old throw carpet slid around. 

      The worker left after many months of slow progress. He had become somewhat of friend and there was a sad good-bye when he finally drove away for the last time. Ethel had a chance to get to know him as well as Greg did because she worked hand in hand with him when it came to texturing the ceiling and even doing some painting. But, at last they were alone, in their "new" home. It was not long before family began to not only check out the new place, but to start their vacationing routines again. 

    Their children as well as the grandchildren noticed a change in them. Although they were happy that the trauma of the flood turned out to be a blessing, it was apparent that it had taken a toll on them. They seemed to have less energy and enthusiasm. The family had a meeting and it was decided that all the responsibilities of running the place should fall on the  shoulders of someone else, so Greg and Ethel could just do the things they enjoyed, the things that caused them the least stress. 

    Tod volunteered to take on the task. It involved paying the water and irrigation bills, paying the property taxes, negotiating and signing another insurance contract, paying hydro bills, cleaning up the last details of the flood claim, and taking care of a newly instituted system of "pay as you go" for anyone spending vacation time there. The money collected would help defray the costs of running the property. Not only did all family members pay, but any guests that came were also added. After all, because the property was on a septic system, the more people, the more times the holding tank had to be pumped out. It worked well and as a rule there were very few delinquent payments. 

     Because the bulk of the responsibilities were now falling on the family, it made sense to have family meetings to discuss the issues that came up, for example, how much to charge per person per diem as the expenses rose. These meeting became good and productive excuses for the family to get together without the knowledge of Greg and Ethel, who also were on the agenda for discussion. Each of the sons and daughter of Greg and Ethel had different observation and different anecdotes and with the combined information, everyone was getting a good picture of how the future would unfold. 

Lake House Diaries 9

     As the day progressed, it became apparent that the Lake House was going to get a major up-grade. Bedding and some furniture had been "water damaged", curtains that had been make shift window coverings to block the morning sun were damaged, and most drywall in most areas needed replacing even though only the bottom two feet had been soaked. The choice of 1" louvered window blinds was made, a vast improvement in both appearance and functionality. The basement ceiling light fixtures apparently had a bit of water in them and instead of a minor cleanup, new fixtures were required. 

    John left with a smile on his face later that afternoon, and he was not the only one smiling. Tod and Kris discussed it as John was driving away and came to the apparent conclusion that John was working on commission. The bigger the claim, the bigger his paycheck. But, it was also the reason insurance rates were high. The Lake House was the recipient of a generous insurance company, but would also be the victim of higher rates in the following years. But at the time, it looked good for Greg and Ethel and their whole family who would all enjoy a much enhanced vacation property. 

     Tod and Kris measured all the windows for blinds, and filled in the details for Greg and Ethel before they left for home that evening. They assured their in-laws that all the details and paperwork would be looked after by the "boys" and they only had to worry about their garden and perhaps providing coffee breaks for the workers who were scheduled to come the next day. 

     Workers soon turned into worker, singular. The clean up and emergency response team had done their work and now the restoration would begin, all done by one man, a jack of all trades and certainly not master of any them. He was slow, and not very thorough, but he was personable and Greg got along well with him. He was a listening ear for all the pioneering stories from South America and that is all Greg needed to make him content. The sundeck was still very usable and there was many a story told over Ethel's homemade deserts and coffee at mid morning and mid afternoon. They soon fell into a routine and it seemed the project would never end. But it was OK because they had the whole summer and nobody was going anywhere.