Happy New Year!

The year 2015 will soon be in e rear view mirror.  As I think on the year, camp is my biggest accomplishment and my greatest joy this year.  Our first snowfall has occurred and will slow things down a bit.  Winter being delayed has been a good thing for construction.  

The pellet stove looks great. I need to get some pellets to fire it up.  

I have also been stitching.  Remember?  I do stitch?  I have to say that I am no where near the usual 100 projects complete for this year.  The number is more like 45.  Lots of things kept me from my favorite hobby.  Recently I have been working on my Christmas afghan. I do enjoy stitching on this fabric.  Happy New Year to everyone.  Now that I have found the Blogger app, I hope to keep the updates coming.  

Kitchen cabinet fronts

Today I was asked to review and select cabinet fronts.  All are made from the wood reclaimed from the original cabin that my parents built.  The choices were various levels of rustic.  I picked out the one that made me happy.  It looks good, still has nail holes and made me happy.  One day soon the kitchen will be done.

Today we had our first significant snow fall.  The camp is so close to being done.  Today they plowed the road into camp so building can continue.  I hope to visit later this week.  I also want to share a view  from inside.  This was taken earlier this fall.  I just love this place.

Current Camp Status

It is hard to believe that we started (and completed) demolition on the camp on August 10th.  Now we are looking at completion.  The weather is been fantastic. Although I learned early to wear lined jeans when it is cold.  One must remember that this is a camp, a cabin in the woods. So many memories for my family.  I will share some in the future.  Meanwhile the camp has two bedrooms, toilet room, shower room, great room, loft and porch.  

The kitchen will have cabinets made from reclaimed wood from the old cabin.  Cabinets and appliances are due any day.

The living room has a pellet stove and stairs to the loft.

Bedrooms are on just bedrooms........

The loft should be wonderful.  I was games, toys, extra beds and cozy spots up there.  There is also a mechanical room.  

Today the electricians were there working.  I try to check on progress every few days.  Tomorrow I hope to share some great window photos.  

I hear you!

  Several people have now reminded me that I have ignored my blog.  Someone suggested looking for an app.  So here I am giving it a try.  My photos are now on my iPad and not my computer. This made updating the blog difficult.  Now, let's see if I can make this work.  First I have to share a photo of the new camp.  This photo is old.  Most activity is inside now.  But I thought I should share one from the outside.

I will also share one of my favorite photos from the front porch.

If you see this, leave a comment.  Let me know if should keep going..

October is Wonderful

Hi everyone.  I haven't forgotten you.  I am just so very busy.  It is all good.  Camp is coming right along.  I have kept very busy with decisions on various systems to consider.  I also go over almost every day and take a photo.  It is coming right along.  This week should see a roof, windows and plumbing!!  It is all at an early stage but it is also very exciting.

Here she is!!!!  Yes that is grass growing around the site.  Amazing.  We have had some pretty good weather for all that has been going on.  Today I was able to get a photo from inside.  And, yes that is the river you see out there.

I was able to get my homework assignment done for the upcoming retreat with Victoria Sampler.  I am still hoping to go.  If all goes well with the rest of this week, I hope to attend my get away.  Fall is here with great tree colors and cooler temperatures. 

Homework Complete

Hi All.  It is certainly a very busy time for me.  Camp has progressed out of the ground.  Yippee!!!  I see water lines, electric lines and septic hook up.  Monday should see the actual building starting to happen.  I am thrilled.  I have been busy with plumbing fixture, hardware, appliance and electrical selections.  So far - - about all I have to show is a parking lot.

 Meanwhile the Stitcher's Hideaway Retreat is coming up next month.  I am signed up and my project kit arrived.  I have been very busy getting my homework done.  I did it today!!  All cross stitch and klosters and satin stitches on the roofs are complete.  I need buttons, beads and hardanger which should all wait until the retreat. 

Busy Fall - So Far

I have been so very busy.  Next up is picking out plumbing, electrical and hardware stuff for the new camp.  The roof will be green metal and the siding is vinyl in browns with cream colored trip.  The framing will begin on the 21st.  The site work continues and should be done soon. 

 I think it looks like a cemetery at this point. The land keeps shifting and getting moved around so it is hard to figure it all out.  This is a slope that will be made to get to the front door, which is on the river side.

If I were to stand close to where the front door will be, this is the path alongside the camp heading to the parking lot.  There are those boulders again.

Just this morning I finished up the sides of the cabin for Stitcher's Hideaway.  They are done except for the buttons and beads.

This is the front and back of the cabin.  Next up is the roof parts.

End of Summer Update

Forgive me!!!  I am ignoring my duties here.  I know it but things are happening.  I have lots of pictures and lots of things are happening.  Summer is closing down.  Trees are already turning color.  It is quite dry here.  I might (and I mean might) have to mow for the third time this year.  Wow!!  Meanwhile I keep track of progress on camp, help out with my son's recent knee surgery and stitch when I can.  I have joined the too many at one time club..... but I do have a few finishes.  So here we go:

II had a request for water bottle covers.  I have three done but I also ordered more yarn with more colors so.... more to come.  Anyone else interested?  Cute!  Stretchy and they definitely identify your water bottle when in a crowd.

The pansy table runner is completely done.  I am quite proud of this one.

Lorri Birmingham's Busy Bee cover for a little tin.  I just got bored with other stitch projects one day and decided to do this one.  I did it in less than a day.  Now?  When will I do the finishing?  That is another topic.

This is today's project.  Victoria Sampler Retreat project - homework for an October gathering..... it is a Stitcher's Hideaway Gingerbread house. I sorted, prepped the fabric and got this done while stitching on the deck this afternoon.  I was busy watching deer, turkeys and squirrels.... so there were distractions.

Dimensions Cabin Fever.  I hit a wall.  When did Dimension kits get so complicated?  Single strand up to five strands per stitch?  Half stitch, full stitch....  blended thread colors.  It is a challenge.  I know it doesn't look like much now but someday.....

Victoria Sampler Stitching Witches.  My tribute to fall.  I love the colors and the silks.  That is a witch's dress on the right.  I really should get back to this one.

Scissors Fob by Shepherds Bush.  It was a quick stitch project for the hospital waiting room.  I got it started but then Linda (son's girl friend) helped out some with adding some stitches.  I really could do that one is a day or two - - where is the time?

Piers are being formed.  Footers are already poured.  The river is out there, you just can't see it.  I try to check on the site every Friday.  So far, so good.... but it seems very slow.  The schedule calls for this to be done in January?  Grrrrr.  We shall see.  I dream of sitting on the new porch and stitching all summer long - next year.

Camp Continues

I figured out that I was 'on site' six of the first seven days!!  I took a break.  I have done a small amount of stitching but not much to talk about.  Today I did return to the site.  We now have water as the well was successfully dug and they are prepping for site work which will include a retaining wall that will include some boulders.  I believe this was the first load.

Hey - it is progress. 

Let the Games Begin

This was at 8:30 this morning.  The old camp came down quickly and is now completely GONE!  Next many trees were leveled and the grounds are being leveled and readied for the next part.  Wow!  Tonight the site is unrecognizable to me.  Yippee Skippy!!!  Let the fun begin.

Stitching?  What is that? I haven't touched a needle in days.  My brother is here and we are very tired from tearing boards off the old camp, loading up the franklin stove and then unloading at my back yard.  Thank you to my son for his help.  Then there is the trees trimmed along the driveway, squirrel control, license plate cover fix, arms painted for the chair for camp, lawn table moved, and general craziness.  One more day with my brother.  Many more chores to complete.  Tomorrow is rain but will still check the camp and see what is happening.  Then I need a day or two off to rest.  The new well should be going in this week.  Parking lots identified and prepared.

It seems strange to have this happening.  I have been working on this dream for 14 months now.  Finally something is happening.  Wow!

Ready, Set and GO!!!!!

Permits are ready!!!  Demolition and site work begin on Monday!!!!  Can this really be happening?  Can it be true?  I have been waiting for a year for this to begin.  I am still struggling for a nick name for camp..... 

With camp progress happening, my time has calmed down.  I am sure I will get real busy again real soon but for now it is quiet.  I have been spending that time stitching and thinking about stitching.  First I worked on the Witches.... Three more bands complete.

I love the multi colored rhodes stitch!  So pretty.  Then I decided to work on the hardanger piece from awhile back.  Now I am so close to finishing it that I find it hard to put it down.

The side closest to the camera is stitched, the far side is waiting for me to get back to it.  Then I will cut away the excess around the outside and it will be done!

Cabin Fever by Dimensions.  I have been dreaming of working on this project for quite some time now.  I didn't start on it because I was afraid Camp would never happen.  Now that the project is close, I sorted the threads this morning.  I want to set the threads up in floss totes and then I may begin stitching on it.  I wonder if I can stitch this as quickly as the real project will be going... or will I be finishing this project while sitting on the new porch?  Time will tell.

Goodbye July and Hello August

Whew!  It has been a busy couple of weeks.  New glasses, extra eye doctor appointments were just a few things that kept me away from my stitching.  I actually found my way back to my stitching just a few days ago.... the new glasses help. 

Progress on the Victoria Sampler's Stitching Witches......  That spider web was very distracting.  I have never loved doing that type of backstitching.  Just today I did half the webbing and then the alphabet section. 

Last week I did get the camera recharged.  I took this abut a week ago when I was getting ready to move on to the next section.

Then I did the next section.  Chart number three is now done!!  I am having fun stitching today and I was amazed to find that the new glasses do make it much better to stitch.

Camp?  Hurry up and wait.  I have been busy with contracts and plans.  The latest start date is August 10.  Is anyone else worried about when the first snow fall will happen?  Hopefully it will all be well and things can begin soon.

Two Projects and a busy time!!!!

Victoria Sampler's Stitchin Witches!!!  It is a start.  This is fussy work and it takes some concentration.  I do love the colors.  I am guessing that she is doing crazy quilt embroidery work on a quilt of fall colors?

This is Lizzie Kate's 3 Little Words.  I am on the second chart.  It is simple stitching and nice to just pick up now and then.

Now to explain my absence.  I am so busy with CAMP!!!  We received the approval we had been waiting oh so long for, on July 2th, Jack's birthday.  Thank you Jack.  Now I am busy with contracts, financing and preparing.  I am picking roof colors, siding colors, interiors, the list goes on and on.  Demolition and site work begin on August 1st.  For all those people that have been following this long, drawn out progress while wishing hoping and praying..... it is about to happen.  I am struggling to figure out photos.  My usual camera died.  My iPhone is great but I can't talk to this blog.... so today I am using my really old, reliable, still working SL digital camera.  I will figure it out as I need to document the progress as I move forward with camp.  I need a name.  My parents called it Floods Ebb.  (Last name was Flood and it is at an ebb in the river.)  I am not sure I want that name.  Any ideas?  This summer is about to get very busy.  Hang on and let's hope for the absolute best!!!!!

Summer Village Done!

Finally I am done.  The backstitching went on and on.  I didn't think it would ever end.  I am so happy to have this one done.  The next project will not be done over one or so tiny.  I need to work on something a bit easier.  So now three of the four seasons is done.

Camp Update:  Still waiting on permits.  Insurance is being discussed.  We are hoping to begin construction the middle of July.  Finish by the end of summer.  I still have my fingers crossed. 

Welcome Summer

Hi.  I am still here.  I have not been stitching very much as I have been busy with lots of other things.  I actually wonder how anyone can find time to work and still get things done around the house, make the phone calls, keep the appointments and still find time to decompress and actually sleep.  I will post a photo of the Summer Village by Stoney Creek.  Cross stitch is done and I only have back stitching left to do.  I hope to put some time in on it soon.

Camp?  At the moment I am reeling from the bottom line price I was recently given.  I am unsure what to do.  The cost is much, much more than I was counting on.  There are a few things that we can change to help lower the price and I am considering it.  As it would happen, the project manager is taking a vacation this week so I have some time to stop and ponder the question.

Meanwhile I am exhausted and in recovery.  My big brother came for a visit (and camp meeting).  When he is in town we never stop moving.  I have a ton of things accomplished and lots of fun things going on but I am also sleep deprived and weary.  One of our projects this week was to get the cushions for Daddy's chair.  It still needs arms and those are made.  I hope to find a paint to match the cushions.  Here it is. 

My brother also brought me a gift.  I now have my older sister (Love You Jayne)'s BB gun.  I am having a ball shooting targets and scaring off the squirrels.  Annie Oakley, here I am.

Missing in Actioin?

I guess I have been.  It has been a month since I set up a post.  One problem is that I take photos on the iPad and can't do the blog post there.  I have to move it to the old lap top or take photos with digital camera and load them up. I know!  I know!  No excuse!!  Throw those items in with a busy spring, camp progress and not a lot of stitching. 

This spring has been a struggle.   One friend said that year three was just as difficult just different.  It is true.  I am learning to live alone, without my Jack.  Some days are better than others.  Recently the distractions include the new camp.  Here is a photo.

Construction to start July 1.  Big meetings going on and lots of dreams and plans are being talked about and set up.  The shed dormers (upper roof part) is still up for discussion.  We shall see and know more next week.

I have been stitching.  I am working on the last house and the left side of the Summer Village by Stoney Creek.  Stitching over one on 25 count.  I am starting to crave stitching. Maybe tonight I will get some time to try it out. 

Happy Mother's Day 2015

I hope everyone had a wonderful day.  I spent a wonderful time this morning visiting with my dear son.  I so appreciate that time when we can just talk.  I had a good time and I have loving memories from just this morning.  Then I indulged in TV and the pansy project.  I have the corners done!!  Inside corners, that is.  I can now cut the outside part.  Did I mention that I like to do the cutting outside and then pull the threads out.  Then you don't have to vacuum after the procedure.  Let the birds and lawn enjoy those little pieces.  I do collect the long threads but those little bitty parts are gone with the wind.

I also want to share a surprise that I received on Friday night.  I was watching the show Grimm (scary stuff), it was dusk.  I caught the shadow of a large person on my front porch. OMG!!!!!  It was the UPS guy delivering a surprise.  This is to celebrate the news on camp!!  How wonderful is that?  A basket full of Mrs. Fields cookies.  It certainly made me smile.

Deck Stitching - does it get any better?

Spring and summer temperatures are here!!  Plants are getting green and starting to bud out.  It is slow but once we get some rain, things will really pop.  I have been busy with those type of things but I have also been busy with my stitching.  I did some stash acquisition and here is the results.

 I spent some time on the back deck.  Warm breezes, gentle sunshine and peacefulness were there for me this afternoon.  I spent part of that time cutting on the pansy piece.  I am all cut out for the center part and ready to do a bunch of woven bars.

 I have been able to spend a bit of time on the ice cream shoppe.  So pretty!  The red is the chairs and table outside of the ice cream parlor.  It is coming right along.

Summer is here?

Suddenly we have tree pollen that is making everyone sick.  I have not opened up the house yet.  First I kept the windows closed because of the pollen.  Now, it is because of the heat!  It is a hot and windy day out there and much cooler in the house.  The change over was fast.  I have been stitching.  I am having fun with the 'over one' house building.

I am working on the ice cream parlor.  Fun, summer time scene.

May Day 2015

Where does the time go?  I have been having a difficult time this spring.  The two year anniversary of Jack's death came and went.  I seemed okay.  Since that time I have not been okay.  One friend said that the third year can be even harder as you realize that there is no going back and it is final.  Yes, it is.  I feel a turning point is near but I am not sure where I am turning to.  There are days when tears stop all stitching.  I am hoping that I can now return to my stitching as I feel the need to 'get something done'. 

I have been working on the hardanger pansy piece.  I finished the cross stitch and I need to start cutting and doing a ton of woven bars.  I found the prospect boring so I moved on to something new.  Here is the pansy piece.

For a distraction, I started stitching a summer village scene.  Stitched over one and part of a series.  Autumn and spring already hang on my wall.  I am enjoying the stitching.  That is a huge improvement over the last few weeks.

Meetings are happening on the camp project.  The builder is seeking agency approval which will be first before the building permits.  When this happens, life will be hectic and things will happen fast.  At least I hope so.  I will continue to share these plans and ideas on that project.