Putting the first word down on this blog is a big deal for me.  I have thought about creating my own blog for some time and had even started yapping about it to others, which is a pretty sure way I get myself nudged into action.
Some people in my life who I am very fond of and who I respect for their determination to get things done in their lives, write blogs.  Specifically, I am referring to my sister in law who is compulsively creative (whenyouloveblue.blogspot.com); my niece who lives a life of adventure and exploration (kmfreelance.blogspot.ca or aberranteverydaytea.blogspot.ca) and my good friend who has moved herself onward by literally transporting herself to a new life in Vernon (thewestcommences.blogspot.ca)

After some thought (and much procrastination) I settled on the title of my blog: When you LOVE where you LIVE.
Those of you who know me are aware that I moved to Vernon about 18 months ago. I love this place and still cannot believe my good fortune to actually be living here.  I am in that enviable stage of life, "early retirement", with good health, time and a degree of financial security (pension, investments and kids that have been launched).  We could choose where to live. We wanted a four season climate in Canada. good outdoors recreation, a small to medium sized community with plenty of arts and culture and access to an international airport.
Vernon is nestled in between  Okanagan and Spalmacheen Valleys.  From its perch you can see  Okanagan Lake, beautiful Kalamalka Lake and Swan Lake.  The surrounding hills are dotted with thirsty Ponderosa Pines, evidence of the hot and arid summer climate.  To the east, beyond the orchards and hay fields of the Coldstrem Valley, are the magnificent snow capped Monashees  and just northeast of town, a 30 minute drive from our home on the west side of Vernon, is Silver Star Mountain.  It is the home of Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, known for superb cross country skiing, and Silver Star Mountain Resort, a village with funky coloured homes and condos, shops, pubs and restaurants clustered around  multiple chair lifts, and surrounded by downhill ski runs, and Nordic and snowshoe trails that double as bike and hiking trails in the summer.  Nordic skiing starts by mid November and downhill kicks in by late November.  We have over a 200cm base at present and are getting regular dumps of what we call "champagne" powder, very dry and light.

Tracks at Silver Star January 12

And an easy 35 minute drive south of Vernon, along Kalamlka and Wood  Lakes, past scenery that is so captivating you risk taking your eyes off the road, brings you the Kelowna Airport.  From here there are direct flights for us to visit family in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto.  (And this year we are flying directly to Cancun for a vacation).
The heart of Vernon is its historic downtown, several blocks of shops and businesses, with sidewalks that fill with summer tourists and locals who loiter in outdoor cafes and eateries, enjoying buskers and outdoor concerts. Twenty-seven walls of downtown buildings, some on main  streets, some in alleyways are painted with bold and playful historical scenes.
In the winter the streets twinkle with light-adorned trees, adding an extra festive touch to the annual Winter Carnival.
Shopping is abundant in town but for those who need excessive retail therapy, it is a 50 minute trip to the traffic-choked strip malls of Kelowna
Okay I've had my rant.  And no, I am not a paid employee of tourism Vernon.  I just love this place.

Top of Comet Run in full sun

I'm enjoying a day of hibernating but here are some pictures of skiing at Silver Star yesterday.  Usually the temperature sits around -10 to -5. Yesterday was cold, about -18 in the early morning.  There was sun but a cloud kept drifting around the top.  The snow was great but the toes got cool.

Cold  and Crisp at top of Aspen Meadows

Sun Dog on the South Bowl