Survival Kit for Living in the Northwest

 

Oil pan heater? Check. Studded tires? Check. Muck boots for hiking in the deep snow? Check. Happy lamp? Check.

Do any of these items sound familiar to you? Twelve years ago, these things were absolutely foreign to me. But now, after living near the mountains, these treasures have become familiar and useful tools.

When I first moved to the northwest, I saw some strange things. Like, plugging in your car? Who ever heard of that? My husband had to explain how some people plug in a heater that goes around their oil pan, to help the car start on those cold winter days.

Or how about Muck boots? I’d never heard of such a thing. The Arctic Muck boots are some of the best boots a person can buy to trek through the snow. It was a good thing I received these as a gift the first year we moved, because I hiked a few miles home one day after it snowed. I was a teacher at a small country school and would be dropped off early every morning before my husband had to be at work. I hadn’t gotten the memo school was cancelled until I was already there a while doing lesson plans. So instead of calling one of the other teachers to pick me up and take me home, I decided to enjoy the fresh air and walk all the way across town to my house. It was actually a walk I quite enjoyed. Those boots are the best!

I also learned about studded tires. Boy, have these been a lifesaver! They grip the road better and have gotten us out of some predicaments. And I never understood 4-wheel drive until using it to get out of the driveway or through snow-packed ditches.

So, I’d say after living in the north for almost twelve years, I’ve learned a thing or two about the essentials.

Oh and happy lamps! I’ve heard others call them SAD lamps, but I’ve always called them happy lamps, so that’s what I’m stickin’ to. 😊  These are full-spectrum lamps, which are supposed to mimic the sun. For several months, the northern states don’t see much sun, and these lamps sure do help with those winter blues. That along with vitamin D and K. I think for me, the lamp gives me pep in my step just for the fact that it’s a bright light. And I like light. It reminds me of Jesus, the only light in a dark world.

So yes, in many ways adjusting to life in the Northwest had not been easy for me. But after over a decade of living in the north, it’s grown on me a little. The main reason are the people in my community. Many I have met are Bible-believing homeschool families. They are kind and caring, and I appreciate them more than words can express. I’m also grateful for the churches that open their gym doors to families with kids, providing them with a fun place and equipment to play with in a wide-open area, when it’s not easy to be outside in January and February.

I’d never thought I’d admit this, but I think in a way (after much kicking of the heels and screaming haha), the Northwest has gotten a small piece of my heart. There. I said it. Like when you’re first trying to start a fire, and you see some of its glow.

It’s the shine on the snow-capped mountains when the sun is setting, giving that deep purple color.  Or the quiet walks in the woods and watching the small woodland animals scamper around. It’s the forts built in the snow with my kids, the silly-shaped snowmen, and ice creations. But most of all, it’s friends. The people who have shared their love for Jesus with my family, the ones willing to share adventures with us and get to know us.  Friends who have been there during hard times, when we’ve been sick or feeling alone. It’s the little things. The soup made with love, the texts throughout the day just to talk about life, the invites to hang out. I’ve made several wonderful friends in this valley, and I am forever grateful.

So, okay, Montana. You win. Sort of. I kinda sorta like you. (Folds arms across chest).

Have you ever moved somewhere and at first you didn’t like it, and then it kinda sorta grew on you?