Slow Going...

Farmhouse Cookies

 

I finished making the last of the cookies for Sunday's cookie exchange at my niece's home. I know that it seems like this little project has taken me forever. Believe me, it does to me, too.

Here's the thing, though. We've sold Aluminati (Our Airstream Flying Cloud) to a family in West Virginia, and I've spent much of the last three days making arrangements for conveying her to them.

So, I got as much as I could otherwise during the day. Now that I've got all that hash settled, I can get back to my regularly scheduled activities...just in time for MY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!!! squeeeee!

(And just like that, I'm a little kid again.)

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Settin' Up Our Camper...

Taggart

 Hi, Everyone!

We had a busy week last week. Lots of runnin' around, and a 1000 mile, two-day road trip thrown in!

Bella and Tag

Boo and I love ridin' in the truck, so takin' a trip from Wisconsin to Ohio and back over two days is no big deal for us. We just get in and go. As long as we have our comfy beds, water and food, we're good.

We have it worked out so that we each have plenty of space. It might look like we're cuddlin', but I'm definitely not. I'm just lyin' there and havin' a good dream.

Stitches Shop Sign Installed On The Barn Wall

When we got home with my Airstream, Mom and Dad cleaned out our big barn and moved stuff around. Mom parks in this buildin' now. She wanted to put up the sign, so she and Dad decided this was a perfect place for it.

Aluminati Summer Parking Spot

Mom and Dad talked about whether or not my camper would go into our big barn for the summer, or stay outside. They decided it should stay outside, and this would be the perfect spot. We're gonna have a fire pit here and it will be our hang out place - and guest house - until the leaves start to turn color. It's gonna be fun, and you know how much I love havin' fun!

Bella and Tag In The Airstream

 

We're gonna enjoy havin' camp outs in our own yard...and havin' company stay here, too, from time to time. I think our grandkids might like it, too. S'mores. Campfires with Mom and Dad for us. It's just another reason it's gonna be a great summer.

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

 

She's Home...

Bad Weather On The Horizon

We slept well Thursday evening in Wapakoneta, and arrived in Jackson Center, Ohio early yesterday. Our Airstream, Aluminati, was waiting for us to hook up and leave. Handsome had new wheels installed before we arrived, having been told that there were two flats following our winter storage at the factory. We weren't surprised. The old set had served us well over the past six years, and it was time for a change.

Our trip was roughly 1,070 miles, roundtrip. Over six hundred miles were driven with Aluminati in tow, and in the rain. As we drove through northern Illinois, I photographed the squall line of a real gully-washer. Not long after I took this picture, we were being soaked.

Aluminati In Our Rear View Mirror

It was nice to look in our rear view mirror and see our Airstream behind us. With her new tires (and nearly empty interior), and the new tires recently installed on our tow vehicle, it was an easy - albeit long - trip.

Back To The Red Barns Of Wisconsin

Once we got into Wisconsin (in fact, almost as soon as we passed through the Illinois/Wisconsin toll stop) the rains subsided. We traveled up I-43 toward home, and we even saw the sun before it went down.

Back At Hickory Hill Farm

 

We arrived at the farm at almost exactly 8 pm...and we were glad to be back. We aired our two, furry road warriors and headed inside. We decided to deal with camper parking today, choosing last night to head into the house, feed Tag, Bella and ourselves instead. 

 

I always thank Handsome for getting us safely home. It was a long drive, but now this task is done and we can spend the rest of the summer enjoying our northern home. I may even change up the decor inside our camper before we take her south this fall! I'll think about that another day. I think today will be spent gardening. The weather is supposed to be perfect for it!

 

There And Back...

Indiana Sheep Farm

 

Our Airstream has been at the Mother Ship (factory) in Ohio all winter for repairs to a soggy dinette floor. Once they affected the repairs (due to a manufacturing glitch, so "no charge"), they stored Aluminati until we could come to get her. Sweet, right? That's Airstream's stellar customer service for you.

 

Anyway, it's past time for us to pick her up, but they let us extend our stay because of the move. We decided on Monday that we'd head out yesterday for a quick "there and back" to get her and bring her home to the farm for the summer.

 

Ohio Barn

Rather than take our extended route to Madison, WI, down through central Illinois, we figured we'd just scoot through Chicago. Let's just say we won't come back that way. Too much traffic and construction south of the Windy City and into Indiana for our taste.

Although, once we got into the Fort Wayne, Indiana (and south, into Ohio), the countryside sure got pretty. Of course, I was enthralled with the barns. It seems they prefer white to red in Ohio.

Ohio Barns

We drove through some rain, but it was mostly overcast and cool. Just right for driving, and the dogs were content to sleep most of the trip.

Ohio Barn

 

We'll pick up our Flying Cloud this morning and get under way as soon as we can. We plan to sleep in our own bed tonight...with the moon shining on our Airstream safely tucked in our yard at the farm. It will be a perfect start to the holiday weekend.

Too Tired To Talk...

Brynwood Needleworks - Another Airstreamer

Once we crossed the Florida state line yesterday, we saw another Airstreamer making their way south. It's always nice to see those other silver campers, as they're few and far between. On this trip - nearly 3500 miles long - we only saw about seven other units.

Brynwood Needleworks - Passing Their Rig

We actually saw this one twice. The first time we passed them, I waved, but I think the driver (who was talking with her passenger at the time) noticed me too late to wave back.

Along the road, we stopped for lunch and fuel and then got back on the road. The next time we saw them, they were slightly ahead of us (again), and heading off to their exit. I looked back to find the driver waving (enthusiastically) to me this time. I grinned from ear-to-ear and waved back in kind. It actually made my afternoon! Funny how much a smile and a wave can brighten someone's day.

Brynwood Needleworks -Tired Road Warriors

 

From there, we drove the last hour home. The dogs are the best travelers, but all of us were weary of the road. I've almost reached my "word limit" for this post. I'm as tired as they were. (Remember, I write these posts the night before you get to read them.)

Today, I have to be in Venice by 8 am for my clerk training for our next primary election. I don't know about other states, but Florida requires refresher training prior to every, single election. My goal is to never, ever be the Florida precinct that ends up in the national news! (I know I'm not alone in this.)

I'd better grab a good cup of coffee on my way out the door so I can shake off my desire to just stay in and sleep today. Good thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Homeward Bound - Last Leg Today...

Brynwood Needleworks - Homeward Bound -Tennessee River Crossing

We left our campsite in Clinton, TN (just north of Knoxville) this morning, and crossed the beautiful Tennessee River as we moved south on Interstate 75. We don't know why we've never traveled this portion of I-75 before, opting instead for a more southerly route. We agreed that we'll definitely use travel this way again.

Right after we passed through Atlanta, we encountered a traffic-halting, toad-strangler of a storm. Portions of the highway had some roadwork on the median and shoulders, and there, we had to take care not to hydroplane our package in the flooded areas. Handsome managed to white-knuckle our way through the storm, and the sun came out about ten miles later. We were so grateful!

Brynwood Needleworks - Homeward Bound - Northbound I-75

As we got to the dry pavement, I took this shot of the northbound lanes. Yes, that traffic was stopped all the way down the road past the curve in this picture! We felt bad, knowing what they had ahead of them, and prayed that there would be no accidents.

We continued on our way toward Valdosta, GA, deciding to spend the night in the Tifton KOA. We arrived shortly after 4 pm. That's early for us to stop, but it was another arduous day, and we decided not to chance driving farther when Handsome was getting tired.

Brynwood Needleworks - Homeward Bound  - Tifton Neighbor

We pulled into our spot and were watched by a nosy neighbor the whole time we set up. I couldn't resist a photo of this sweet, quiet dog who rested his/her chin on their windowsill. Tag and Bella missed seeing this face, but I have it for our album.

Brynwood Needleworks - Homeward Bound - Tifton, GA KOA

We were settled under the trees (great because we're back in truly hot weather again), and I fed our pups first. Then I pulled out the shrimp, cream, parmesan cheese (which I grated), minced garlic and noodles to make a nice homemade shrimp alfredo for the two of us.

I don't drive on these treks, so my gift to my dear husband is to make a great meal for him, and then let him get his rest so he's ready for the next day's drive. Cleanup was finished by 7 pm, and he settled in to watch some of the Olympics while I tackled a book I've been reading.

We'll be home by noon today, and then set about emptying and cleaning the Flying Cloud. (I know she's got a name, but old habits are hard to break.) Homeward bound and ready to sleep in our own big bed tonight.
 

I'm Going To Do This...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sewing Case Created by Vanessa at A Place To Roost blog

Last June, I was grazing around on FaceBook when I saw this fabulous idea from Vanessa at A Place To Roost. Rather than tell you all about her find, HERE'S the link to read about it yourself.

Brynwood Needleworks - Future Sewing Case

I was inspired, and set off to find a case that I could similarly repurpose. I checked on eBay, but even if the case was relatively inexpensive, the shipping took it over the top. I held off, thinking I might find something at a yard sale or flea market.

Yes. I said "flea market". Remember where I was last week? I was exploring the antique mall and came across more than a few vintage suitcases, but a lot of them have that "funky", "old" smell, and I didn't want to deal with that.

Brynwood Needleworks - Future Sewing Case

 

No such problem here. I found a vintage Samsonite hardside suitcase that didn't smell old, or like it had been deodorized. Perfect!

We're on our way south now, so when I get home, I'm going to put some thought into turning this little darlin' into a travel case. I'll adopt the "if it doesn't fit, it doesn't go" philosophy. Believe me. It gets easier each trip.

 

Once I get the new case finished, of course I'll take pictures to share with you. In the meantime, maybe you have an old case that you'd like to play with. If you do, I'd sure love to see what you create.

 

 

Last night we only went a relatively short distance on our trip. We got as far as Rantoul, IL (near Champagne). The southbound lanes of our route were brutal. I don't think we could have been jostled around for another hour. 

We pulled into Pleasant Pines RV Park - a lovely place - and when I went inside "Aluminati", I saw flecks of something all over our dining table. After hunting around, I found that our portable NuWave Induction cooktop was shattered into lots of little shards of glass.

NuWave Induction Cooktop - Web image

Before anyone could come into the camper, I pulled everything out of the storage compartment (directly over the table), got the cooktop into a garbage bag, vacuumed the cabinet, table and floor...and then wiped everything down. Just what I'd planned to do at the end of this leg. (Not!) I guess that cooktop didn't like being knocked around any more than we did.

Handsome saved the day by ordering pizza to be delivered to our site. I wrote this post and then headed off to bed. 

 

We're taking a new route home this time, so I'm hoping for smoother roads from now on. That would be really nice.

She Has A Name...

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Airstream Flying Cloud

 

Yesterday, Handsome asked me why I referred to our Flying Cloud as "she". My answer was that I think of her as a ship...and we all know ships are referred to in the feminine. I'd like to share my delightful story about how the Flying Cloud got her new name.

Until now, we've always just called her the Flying Cloud, but face it. Naming her by her factory designation isn't really very imaginative, is it? I belong to a group on FaceBook called "Airstream Addicts", where we all share information and insight about our campers. It was here that I learned that Airstream has a complimentary program for all owners. 

Many name their Airstreams with nicknames, so the company has a registry where owners can make application for an official nickname. Upon confirmation that your name is unique, they will process a certificate and name badge for your unit that you get in the mail directly from Jackson Center, Ohio (the factory), lovingly referred to by Airstreamers as "The Mother Ship".

I've been bugging Handsome for about two weeks to help me come up with a name for our 27' home on wheels, but was having little luck (or inspiration). Then, on Friday afternoon we went to #2 Son's home for a pizza night with him, his wife and our granddaughters.

Grandma (me) explained the premise. We were trying to come up with a name that was unique and clever; could reference our Airstream and not be like anyone else's name. There were already names like "Silver Bullet", "TinCan Twinkie", "Bread Loaf", "Suzie", "Silver Moose". You get the idea.

We were about 45 seconds into the conversation, when a quiet 12-year-old voice said, "How about 'Aluminati'?" 

 

For a moment, time stood still. Stunned, Grandma, Grandpa, Mamma and Daddy looked at her and then at each other. Grandpa said, "I like it!". Grandma smiled at our granddaughter, and her Daddy said, "Done!". We all agreed. "Aluminati" shall be her name.

 

When we got back to the camper that evening, I immediately went online and registered the name with Airstream, and Saturday morning, they confirmed that we would be the owners of the name chosen by our elder granddaughter, and they would be processing our registration packet to send in the mail.

We've designed the decal that's going to go on her back window so others will know her name as we travel down the road. In tiny letters below the name, we'll have our granddaughter's initials. A nod to the child who named our camper. Under that will be our family name and the two states we call home base(es).

I'll order the decals from a local shop as soon as we're back in Florida next week, and they'll be installed on "Aluminati" as soon as they're ready.

Day One...

Brynwood Needleworks - Airstreaming With A Corgi

Yesterday was the big day. We left Florida for Wisconsin. You can always tell it's us because we have an American flag in the window (it's hard to see from my crummy picture) and a Corgi decal peeking at anyone who drives behind us.

Brynwood Needleworks - On Our Way

Our house sitter took our picture as we headed out the driveway...and then emailed it to me so I could use it for this post! It was 92º when we left, and drippy humid. We were glad to be in our air conditioned ride and on our way.

Brynwood Needleworks - Weather Happened

Before we were an hour up the road, we got weather. Lots of rain...as only Florida can dish out. We call 'em "Toad Stranglers" because it all seems to fall from the sky at once.

That wasn't the end of it either. We had about four more bouts of rain between home and our first overnight. Of course, there was more "hot, sunny" when it wasn't raining.

Brynwood Needleworks - Two Sweet Airstreaming Road Warriors

 

Our overnight stop was Cordele, Georgia - nearly four hundred miles from home. The most "exciting" part was when our nav system took us off I-75 for the campground and told us to turn East. Had we followed the instructions, I'm sure it would have resembled a scene out of "Deliverance". Describing it as "rural" doesn't begin to explain. Holy moly!

The road changed from paved to a dirt road. We backed up about 1500 yards away from the dirt road and turned around. Then we headed over the Interstate, where we saw the big KOA sign next to the road. Whew! Crisis averted, and we were safely tucked in to our comfy Cloud in no time.

Tag and Bella have the back seat accommodations all figured out. Of course, Tag didn't want me to share this with you. He doesn't want you to know he'd allow such a thing. (Don't tell him I shared this picture, okay? It can be our little secret.)

Today, we're shooting for Illinois. Our goal is to be in Wisconsin on Sunday. More tomorrow....

Destination Wisconsin...

Brynwood Needleworks - Airstream

 

A few last minute things to do, and we'll be on our way. Handsome and I ran all our errands together yesterday. Yes. Thirty five years together, and sharing the load still always lightens the burden. Our mantra is "It's what we do."

So, today, what we will do is set our sights for the Midwest, family and friends. Together, we'll pass the miles and enjoy every single minute. 

Tag and Bella are almost as excited as we are. They know something is going on, and they enthusiastically embrace whatever comes, simply because they trust us and want to be near us. They're great travelers, so they make the trip easy. 

I think our first stop will be in Georgia. It takes nearly a day to get out of Florida, after all. We're planning three days on the road, and our northern destination will be Baraboo, Wisconsin first, and then on to Eden, where we'll settle to spend time with our family and friends. We'll be in Baraboo for Handsome's Windjammer's Convention. Music first, but one step stop at a time for now. 

 

I'm looking forward to sharing our trip with you.

Getting Ready To Roll...

Brynwood Needleworks - The Flying Cloud

In between rain showers, Handsome and I are busy preparing The Flying Cloud for our upcoming trip. We're cleaning inside and out; servicing the Hensley hitch; inflating tires; and making sure all the mechanical systems are "go" for our travels.

Soon, we'll be moving The Cloud closer to the house so we can load in our clothes, food stores and other "necessaries", but thanks to dodging the rain, we're still trying to get the outside things finished first.

Brynwood Needleworks - Corgi Sleeping Quarters

 

I almost didn't share this photo with you. (The pillows are reversed on one of the beds. LOL) Tag and I sleep on one side (guess which one?), and Handsome sleeps on the other. (He does have a retriever quilt I made for him years ago, but it stays inside until we're ready to leave.) 

Bella hasn't traveled with us on the camper yet, so it's yet to be determined whether she'll sleep at the foot of Handsome's extended length side, or on the floor between us. I'm sure she'll express her preference on the first night out. I can guarantee it won't be on my side, though, because Tag's a bed hog and there's barely room for me!

Our departure date is a little fluid right now. Tag asked to share that story with you tomorrow, so I won't go into detail today. In the meantime, we'll keep making our preparations until we're sure.

FYI - My shop is closed now until our August return, so if you have any requests for a ready-made you saw there, just send me an email and I can let you know if there's time to ship it out before we leave. We'll be in and out again today as we work toward our travel plans. 

Decorating For The Holidays...

Brynwood Needleworks - Holiday Bedroom Decor

It's time to start decorating our home for Christmas. We began our holiday preparations on Thanksgiving, when we had our family photograph taken for our Christmas cards, but we don't like to start putting up Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving.

While Handsome and Bella were away for the weekend, Tag and I (well, not so much Tag) decided to start our trimming in the master bedroom.

Brynwood Needleworks - Holiday Bedroom Decor

I traded out the blue and white quilt that sits on the end of our bed with this red and white one. I put Christmas table runners on each of our side chests, but realized I need to make two nice, quilted ones in the near future. (Perhaps I'll get that done after I finish the homemade gifts on my list. I'll share the list this week, too.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Holiday Bedroom Decor

I found the wintery Airstream Christmas pillow over the summer and couldn't wait to use it. I had seen it on someone's decor post and managed to find one for sale on eBay. I think it was originally from Pottery Barn, but they haven't sold them for a long time, so I think I was fortunate to find it when and where I did.

Brynwood Needleworks - Holiday Bedroom Decor

I didn't want anything too flashy for our room. We sleep there, after all. I placed two crystal deer on one side chest (along with Hyram, our traveling gnome, who looks sooo festive!) and then festooned (great word, right?) white tulle across our headboard.

The tulle has sparkle gems randomly adhered to it, so they catch the light. In the center of the headboard, I used a "refashioned" jumbo gold paperclip to secure the center of the tulle. Then I hung two different pinecone ornaments from it. I also secured a little gingerbread pin that was made for me by Paulette of Beedeebabee (on Etsy). I used a wired ribbon on each bedpost to secure the ends. I may add our small Christmas tree to the seating area at the end of the room, but I haven't decided yet.

We will be going out shopping for a large tree to put in the main living area and I can't wait to pull out all our now "vintage" ornaments that have been stored nearly as long as we've lived here! And that's just the beginning. Seeing all the decorations on the different blogs (and FaceBook) has inspired me. You may have noticed that I've even decorated my blog header for the holidays!

I'll share more pictures as we get the decorations up during the week. Don't forget to come back for my list, too, so you can watch me countdown to my deadline!

If you haven't heard about my 2400th Post/Birthday Celebration Giveaway yet, click HERE to find out how you can enter.