Mar 16, 2009 It’s been just over two years since the Big Move. We discovered to our pleasure that the Okanagan was everything and more that we had anticipated. My wife Pauline was initially concerned that she might suffer from work-withdrawal, or utter boredom. She was leaving behind a high pressure job, as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Guelph. She thought she might start looking for work after the ski season.
I on the other hand, was looking forward to a life of leisure. Skiing (Alpine, Nordic classic and skate, and Telemark), curling, golfing and sailing would keep me busy and out of trouble, if not, I could always do a contract or two.
After the end of the ski season, we moved down from our comfi-condo on Silver Star to our condo overlooking Lake Okanagan. Between, getting to know our neighbours, sailing, wine touring, golf and a steady stream of guests, there was little room for Pauline to look for work. Pauline was always very active as a volunteer. She has been appointed to a number of Boards, such as our local community association LECA and Hospice.
As for me, I started a company with my nephew and some friends which keep me busy doing R&D. After a hectic 8-9 months getting it off the ground, I have been able to reduce my commitment to 1 & ½ days a week. The company, CourtCanada is making significant inroads into the Ontario court system and is well poised to expand into other jurisdictions. I’m also involved in a host of other projects including starting the Vernon Chapter of the Billies, setting up the SilverStar Bridge Club website, The LECA web site, The CPS Vernon Squadron website and my favorite project – producing Amanda’s CD.
Mathew, our youngest son, and his wife Amada and our grand-daughter Keala, decided to leave Ottawa and also move to the Okanagan. Mathew, a fabulous chef, came in March to scout around and landed a great job with Quail’s Gate winery’s retaurant. Amanda stayed in Ottawa to wrap things up until July. Pauline volunteered to help Amanda and Keala drive across Canada. They settle in West Bank 45 km down the road from us. It did not take long for Amanda to establish herself as a vocal and piano teacher. She also continued her career as a Jazz singer.
Our Oldest son Sacha, his wife Aleksandra (a.k.a. Ola), my two grandsons Logan and Max and Sacha`s in-laws, came to visits this past Fall. Unfortunately for us but fortunately for Sacha his company Projx that he established a few years ago when he returned to Ottawa after 3 years at sea, has really taken off. So it’s unlikely that they too will move to the Okanagan any time soon.
Wintering at SilverStar is magical. SilverStar is very much a community. We have had the opportunity of meeting and befriending a number of great people who come to SilverStar from across Canada, the US and Australia. We have an active Bridge group , a Cross-Country racing team The G.O.A.Ts, a Scrabble group and some of the best skiing in the world.
Summering in Vernon is also magical. The view from our deck is so restful that it energizes you. The Vernon Yacht Club is only 15 minutes away. We used to have a 1 & ½ hour drive to get to our boat in Wiarton, when we lived in Elora. I joined Predator Ridge, a premier golf course, only 20 minutes away from home. There are endless wineries that we have discovered and enjoy, my favorite being Quinta Ferreira. Their Malbec is outstanding.
In short, life in the Okanagan is good, very very good. It’s Paradise, found!
Guy Morazain