Author Archives: Darlene & Ken

About Darlene & Ken

Experiencing life off the grid, building a home, and trying to live sustainably.

Family Time During a Pandemic

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Darlene & Ken

March 30 to June 11, 2020 While most grandparent are feeling blue not being able to spend time with their kids and grandkids during this period of social isolation, we are among the lucky ones. Ours chose to shelter with … Continue reading →

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Farewell Glenn

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Darlene & Ken

February 4, 2020 It is with a heavy heart that I post the passing of my one and only brother, Glenn. Glenn was born on September 26, 1956, first born of Peter and Joyce Coulson. He was followed by four … Continue reading →

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2020_Baba visits the Grandkids

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Darlene & Ken

January 2020 In January I had an opportunity to get a little Baba Time in with the kids and grandkids. I spent a few days in Winnipeg with Kerry, Megan, Katie and Tyler before flying out to Kamloops. I spent … Continue reading →

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2019 Year in Review

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Darlene & Ken

December 31, 2019 2019 was another busy year here on the Porter’s Ponderosa.  The year started quietly, with Ken going to Mexico for two weeks in February with his travel group and I, stayed home to mind the home fires. … Continue reading →

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Rent a Gigi 2019

Posted on December 25, 2019 by Darlene & Ken

December 2019 With the Hidden Bed now complete there is not too many carpentry projects left to do and Ken is left with some time on his hands. Luckily, we have kids with houses of their own that can use … Continue reading →

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Office Bedroom – Hidden Bed and Storage

Posted on November 30, 2019 by Darlene & Ken

November 30, 2019 The built-ins for the office bedroom have been on the To Do List for a long time! Ken started this project 14 months ago, so I am very happy to have it done. There is few touch-ups … Continue reading →

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October 2019 Visit from the Grandkids

Posted on November 9, 2019 by Darlene & Ken

October 14 to 18, 2019 We enjoyed a fabulous visit from Kelsey, Matt, Jacob and Nora. Kelsey’s best friend from school, Miranda, was getting married, and the whole family was able to come to Manitoba for a visit. Ken and … Continue reading →

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Outdoor Clay Oven

Posted on October 26, 2019 by Darlene & Ken

September 2019 An outdoor oven is one of the projects that has been on our bucket list for several years. Being off grid, we don’t have an electric stove and our only oven is in the wood cookstove, a Kitchen … Continue reading →

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Garden 2019

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Darlene & Ken

July 9, 2019   It’s been a busy spring. We have been busy outside – gardening and landscaping. Now all the hard work is starting to show its rewards with big lush plants, fresh veggies and blossoms of all colors. … Continue reading →

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2019 Workaway – Hannah and Vicky

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Darlene & Ken

February 17 to April 28, 2019 Our Workaway experience continues successfully. Hannah and Vicky were a delightful couple who answered our call for a housesitter for April. When our plans suddenly changed to include a cruise in March as well … Continue reading →

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