Coming Up for Air...

I know...it's been awhile. Ok a month...

I am really sorry that I've been off line...but things have been pretty crazy since the big move.

In the last several weeks I've traveled thousands of miles for medical appointments, family reunions, and other interests.

The latest medical news
My vision remains unstable, the doctors don't know what to pursue next, and another independent specialist brought in by the state has weighed in that the problem rests not with my eyes but the closed head trauma that I experienced in 2002. In other words, same ol same ol...my brain got whacked and its probably never going to function like it did before. I can not maintain my vision over any extended length of time. Mornings are best, with the aid of a pot of coffee. As things deteriorate, I switch out glasses until not even hardware will compensate for the nerve fatigue I struggle with. I've learned to compensate and I have the most supportive network of friends and family a guy could hope for. I also really appreciate everyones prayers over the last several years. I think this is where the serenity prayer becomes a Godsend.

I still don't have a working computer, and today's entry is written from a Kinko's in Tucson, Arizona. But I do hope to be back online in a full time capacity very soon.

In reading through all the email over the last month I'd like to make a few clarifications.

The sale of the ranch

I am not leaving Pend Oreille County. The Selkirks remain my home, I still own land-indeed some of the nation's most breathtaking land- there. I can not imagine residing anywhere else.

The house is sold.

Not foreclosed, not repo'd, not, not, not! Seriously folks, I think one of the most disappointing experiences I've encountered over the last month is reading all the wild rumours I've had to respond to.

The decision to sell the house was difficult, but I just could not live there anymore, for some of the reasons I mentioned in the original announcement I made last month and because of the ongoing development of the 300 space RV park next to me. The RV park was pretty much the final straw as the prices of the land have escalated into the stratosphere. Imagine "leasing" a small rv space for $125,000. Imagine what an inflation rate of 27%+ is doing to property values...Imagine the contruction of a small city in what used to be a pristine and rugged location. Imagine that the very thing all those RV'ers are trying to escape is now being recreated in what used to be a meadow and forest that prior to the construction of the RV park was the habitat of deer, elk, moose, osprey, eagles, coyotes, cougars and bear.

Although I had offers that would have allowed me to remain living in my former house as a caretaker, I did not pursue these because I wanted to pursue other directions. Once I made the decision to sell, I had peace with it. I don't know what the next course of action will be- rebuild where I continue to hold land, or sell it off and rebuild in a more remote location elsewhere in the county. But please know that the people of Pend Oreille County are the best of the best and I remain in love with the Selkirks.

The latest on my writing

I continue to write as able. I have been writing a monthly column for Stonewall News Northwest...and just as soon as I have the capabilities, I hope to start blogging again...

Prayer requests

Please continue to keep Chris and Stacy in your prayers.

Also the webmaster for Highmountainranch.com could use some prayers sent her brother's way-Bruce has been fighting cancer for the last year and so far he's responded well to the treatment regiment.

I'd like to thank everyone for the prayers for my father. He boasts that he has not had another "bad gas" episode. He never would go to the doctor.

If you have anything at all you'd like added to our prayer list, let me know. Beginning next week I will have access to a computer again while I am in Seattle for additional medical treatment...

This year's Christmas Story...

Hopefully I will have it posted by mid December. Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise. And confession time folks, it's not even written yet.

Thanks to everyone for their patience over the last month. You are the greatest fans...and please- if you hear crazy talk out there chances are good that's exactly what it is...Crazy.

Rider up!

Tim