Lake Isabella, CA

We stayed around an extra day to pick up some mail in Clovis but unfortunately, our water filters got delayed and we had to cancel the order and travel to our next destination. Lake Isabella.

We haven't explored much yet but it's the first time in 3 weeks we have hook ups- and we are taking advantage of all the water and electricity. I can say at least once this week my kids have been thoroughly cleaned. Thinking about cleanliness amuses me. Everyone probably has a slightly different standard but compared to the pioneer age, whose standard (from my reading Little House on the Prairie) was once a week, I'm thinking we're doing okay. Let me tell you though, I don't think we've ever been dirtier. Outside most of the time in a dry dusty climate, our kids get smeared with dirt as they ride bikes, climb trees, rocks, playgrounds, bleachers... and I'm okay with that. I'm glad they have the chance to be outside and breathe (mostly) fresh air and count it as an upgrade on the immune system.

One a different note, my grandpa will not live long in this world. It's been downhill since his stroke a couple years ago and the dementia has made it a slow loss over time. He knows Jesus and we are at peace knowing he will be in the best place he could ever be. When I was in middle school or so I asked if I could do weekly art lessons with him. We did, sketching, watercolors, acrylics, and oils, and I decided I loved the latter most. I spent a couple years in high school at the Ridgeland Art Institute under the instruction on John Philip Osborne and I am so grateful for that experience as well.

I just spent the afternoon's quiet time listening to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and painting this piece from Yosemite. Makes me think of the time I had with my grandpa and grandma, eating fig newtons, painting, and just generally spending time with them. What a gift.