March 30, 2017

Travel Day One...

 
Today is the day we leave to travel north back to the farm. Our closing was delayed until next Monday, but Handsome and I pre-signed the documents today. He'll still attend the closing to personally hand over the keys to the castle, but I needed to leave today in order to get No. 1 Son back to his family.

By the time some of you read this, we'll be well on our way. We've planned a 6 am departure, and our goal is to stop for the evening in the Nashville area. We'll be hoping the weather and traffic cooperate.

Tag, Bella, No. 1 Son and I would appreciate your good thoughts as we make our way cross country. I'd love it if you'd lift a good thought for my beloved who will be left behind for a short while to finish out his music season. We'll be glad when he can join us at Hickory Hill Farm!

I'll give you an update tomorrow! Have a great day, my friends. We'll be in "travel" mode for a couple of days.

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March 29, 2017

Looking Ahead...

Brynwood Needleworks - ABF Trailer
 
The last trailer of our worldly goods left our Florida home this afternoon. Tonight we sleep on our master bed that stayed behind. The new owners wanted our bedroom set, so it's going to stand where it has for the past sixteen years. We're actually thankful it wasn't moving. We'll be able to sleep in the house until we close. 
 
Due to a snafu with the buyer's appraiser, who failed to include a required document with his submission to their trust company, we are unable to close until Monday. (Federal law requires a three-day wait after the doc is submitted, and the trust company is already fully booked for Friday. sigh) So, today, Handsome and I will go to the trust office and pre-sign the closing documents. Number One Son and I will still leave on Friday, as planned.
 
Handsome will attend the closing on Monday to hand over the house keys, thank the new buyers, and take possession of our proceeds. Then he'll head to our friend's home, where he'll stay until music season ends.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Fixture
While we were packing and loading with our moving experts, I got a message from Number Two Son with this photograph attached.

The electrician installed the dining room fixture. I'm looking forward to seeing our dining room table (with family seated around) very soon. There's no room for sadness about leaving our Florida home. We're joyfully looking ahead to being at the farm.

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March 28, 2017

Girl Talk...

Front L-R: Elizabeth, Alyce and Ellen...Rear L-R: Doris, Norma, Cathy, Donna, Krisann and Terry
 
I wouldn't dream of leaving town...even for a little while...without spending an evening with my knitting and crocheting girlfriends at Paneras. Thanks to modern technology (even if it's only a telephone in some cases), I'll be able to keep in touch with them from the farm.
 
To commemorate the evening, we asked one of the servers at the restaurant to snap a picture of all of us. I'll miss seeing these beautiful, smiling faces each week, but I know the summer is going to pass quickly with all we'll be doing.
 
The trailers leave today, and then it's time for sparkling up the empty house for its next caretakers. There will be dinner out with Number One Son and Handsome tonight. Goodness, we've earned it!

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March 27, 2017

Tuesdays With Tag - One For The Road...

Brynwood Needleworks - Swim Day

 Hi, Everybody!

Mom and Dad have been super busy packin' for us to move to the farm, so Boo and I decided it was time to take matters into our own hands.

They were goin' in and out of the house, and we managed to slip out the back door to the lanai when they weren't lookin'. Guess where we went? Yup. Swimmin'! We probably won't get many more changes to take the plunge again in this great pool, so we didn't want to waste the chance.

Brynwood Needleworks - Swim Day

Even I have to admit, Boo looks pretty darn regal up there on her throne, doesn't she? We played out there most of the afternoon...which was just fine and dandy with us!

When I write again, it will be from the farm! Bella Boo and I are lookin' forward to that! We know it won't be much fun until all the boxes are there and unloaded, but Mom said she's gonna take her time. She's pretty tired! Good thing we'll be there to help!

Things are movin' pretty fast these days, so I can't hang around and visit. I'll be back from the great wilds of Wisconsin next week.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  
"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

March 26, 2017

Real Pros...

Brynwood Needleworks - Moving Staffers Cape Coral Crew

 These guys really know what they're doing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Moving Staffers Cape Coral Crew
 
and they know how to have fun, too.
 
Really, I'm too tired to talk any more today. We've had two days of packing out,
with one more left. One foot in front of the other. Eyes on the prize, and all.
 
Tag will be here tomorrow for an update from his perspective.
I'll be back on Wednesday with more detailed information about this process.
I know you understand. 
 
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March 25, 2017

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via GodsAbundantBlessings.com
 
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March 24, 2017

They're Here...

Brynwood Needleworks - U-Pack Trailers

They arrived yesterday morning. We now have two twenty eight foot trailers in our yard. I wish I'd been home when they arrived just to see how the driver horsed both of these units into our tight parking area.

Brynwood Needleworks - U-Pack Trailers
 
After doing our research, we hired two trailers that would usually be packed by the homeowner. However, U-Pack™ (a division of ABF Freight Company) works closely with a company called Moving Staffers™ and their associates will take care of the heavy lifting for us.
 
Today, four strong men will arrive to work for eight hours loading our belongings. While they're moving the furniture and boxes we've already packed, I'll be filling the rest of the boxes that will go onboard today. We won't load every single thing quite yet, as we're not leaving here until March 28th, when the trailers begin moving north.
 
So far, working with these two companies has been a pleasure. Representatives have been knowledgeable and helpful. They've made excellent suggestions, and have answered all our questions. Between the two companies, they'll handle the loading, driving, and unloading. All we have to do is pack and unpack the boxes.

Number One Son is here now, and will help Handsome empty the little attic space above our garage, and wherever else we need him. We're so grateful he made the trip, and will be here to drive north with the dogs and me. He helps take some of the worry of my dear husband, too, and that's priceless.
 
I think the kitchen will be closed for the day, and we'll be going out for dinner tonight. 

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March 23, 2017

Quiet Life...

Brynwood Needleworks via Emma Miller Designs
 
Packing box after box after box. Our organized home is chaos these days. As I pack, I contemplate life at Hickory Hill Farm and the quiet days ahead.
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March 22, 2017

The Farmhouse Is Nearly Ready...

Brynwood Needleworks - Guest Room
 
The trucks arrive today, and our elder son arrives tomorrow. The workers from Moving Staffers™ arrive on Saturday and then the trucks will be loaded for our move to Hickory Hill Farm.

Between now and then, we continue to pack boxes, purge and donate. It seems like we went from zero to sixty in nearly the blink of an eye. So much for "Balance" (my word for 2017). I'd much rather focus on the road ahead, than behind. 

This picture shows the crown molding and base shoe, newly installed in the guest room. It's also been installed in our living room and dining room. Our electrician will do the finish installations before we arrive, and then the farmhouse will be ready for our arrival. Pretty darn exciting, if you ask us!

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March 21, 2017

An (Almost) Empty Studio...

Brynwood Needleworks - Waiting For The "Muscle"

I closed my shop last night and it will remain closed until my studio is set up in its new location. As for my space in Florida? Ugh. My room is nearly empty. The only things left in here are my empty cutting table (it's too heavy for us to safely move), and my pattern cabinet.

My desktop computer is packed up, and I've set aside the "important papers" I need to keep close through the move. This whole process becomes more real by the day.

Brynwood Needleworks - To Paint or Not To Paint?

This cabinet was given to me by Mom (Grace) years ago. I'm currently contemplating painting it. I really don't see a good enough reason to keep it this color, and off-white or a darker gray would fit in so much better up north. It's empty now and it's also waiting to be moved onto the truck for the trip. I won't paint it until it's moved, so I have time to think about it.

Now that this room is empty, our southern painter will come in, repair holes left from the cleats that held the shelves to the wall, and then paint the walls so that it will be ready for the new owners to just move right in.

Brynwood Needleworks - What A Mess!
 
Of course, the contents of the room have been packed up, but the boxes have to go somewhere temporarily. The garage is already mostly full. It's getting less and less comfortable in our "living" room....and kitchen...and dining room. It's hard to believe that we will be all packed out and loaded by next Tuesday. There's still so much to do.
 
I guess you're probably missing my creative posts as much as I do about now. Before the week is over, I'll share the creativity of my friends who created and then swapped their mug mat creations. They're all pretty wonderful. 
 
In the meantime, I hope you're doing something fun and creative yourself. Feel free to tell me (or send pictures via email) what you're working on. I'd be happy to live vicariously through you until I can get back to it myself!

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March 20, 2017

Tuesdays With Tag - Utter Chaos...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag And The Movin' Boxes

Hi, Everybody!

We're shoulder deep in movin' boxes these days, but don't worry. I'm on top of this.
Day in and day out. These boxes are multiplyin'. What's a Corgi to do?


Brynwood Needleworks - Tag and Bella
 
Even Boo is confused! I explained that it's best if we just stay out of the way. We did manag to get some swim time in last week, so it wasn't a complete bust.

#1 Son arrives on Friday; the movin' trucks on the weekend; and then we have our closin' on this house. After the papers are all signed, we'll head to Wisconsin. Until then, utter chaos. Like I said, we'll just stay out of the way.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  
"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".
 

March 19, 2017

Prize Drawing Results...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat Set One - "Broderie"

In conjunction with the March Madness Mug Mat Swap, I created two different mug mats of my own. I wanted to create them as drawing gifts for those who participated in the swap. 
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat Set One - "Broderie"

I've added a few gifts to go with the mats. Each set includes a mug for your favorite cup of tea, coffee or cocoa. The tiny bear is filled with Sarasota honey from a local supplier. It's not from our farm in Wisconsin, but it is tasty. I don't know if the winners have ever tried chai tea, but I'm fond of Vanilla Chai, especially when I add cream to the cup.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat Set Two - "Acorns"

The second set resembles the first as far as extras are concerned. This one also has a fun mug, a honey bear and two packets of chai tea. Each set has a Florida post card, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat Set Two - "Acorns"
 
The first name drawn will have first choice between the two sets. That means, of course, that the second name drawn will receive the other set.
 
 
These are all the ladies who participated in the swap, and these are the only people eligible to win the mat sets. I've assigned numbers from top to bottom, as you would read their names. So, I headed over to Random Number Generator and here are the winners (drum roll, please):

WINNER NUMBER ONE

#2 - SHERRY OF CREATEOLOGY!!!!
 
 
WINNER NUMBER TWO
 
 
#9 - DENISE (HAPPYBUGS)
 
 Congratulations, ladies!
 
Sherry, you get first choice, so once you let me know which one you'd like, I'll send yours, as well as Denise's on their way to their new homes! 

I hope all of you enjoyed making your mats to send to your partners. I enjoyed the comments and photos I received from you, showing what you sent off to your partner. I've also had fun reading the comments from your partners after they received your gifts.

I think we'll do this again in the fall...after the farm is settled, our Florida accommodations decided and I have time on my hands to add a few more inspirations and a new tutorial. I hope you all had fun and hope you'll join again in the fall. Thanks!

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March 18, 2017

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via howtopraythescriptures.com
 
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March 17, 2017

I Nearly Forgot...

Brynwood Needleworks - Flowers at Phillipi Mansion

I'm inserting a post here (and will do the mug mat drawing on Monday instead), because I nearly forgot about my Blog Birthday!

March 15th was the EIGHTH Anniversary of writing my blog. With the exception of the time I took off when Fezzik passed unexpectedly, I've written every single day of those eight years.

Brynwood Needleworks - Flowers At Phillipi Mansion
 
Over that time, I've written 2,875 posts, which I can hardly believe. More than that, I was gratified that there were those of you who actually stopped by to read what I was writing.

So, before I write a post announcing the winners of my March Madness Mug Mat Swap participants drawing, I needed to just take a moment today to thank you taking time from your days to read my musings (which is how I usually refer to them). 

Thank you for your visits to my home - real and virtual, and for sharing in my joys, my sadnesses and my creative endeavors. Thank you for sticking with me, when I'm sure there were times I must have bored the pants off you. But, most of all, thank you for joining me on this journey with my family, friends and pets. It wouldn't be nearly as much fun without you.

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March 16, 2017

Inspiration For Our Farm Bedroom...

Farmhouse Bed and Bedding Inspiration

One of the things I've always done when I'm planning a new living space is to keep clip photos in notebooks to use as inspiration. Thanks to the advent of computers and Pinterest, I'm now able to save those images to my computer.

These are a few inspirations I've saved as I plan the master bedroom at the farmhouse. I choose them for the way they feel, as much as for the way they look. Sometimes, I choose them with only one element of the room in mind.

This one is a favorite. It has blue china (and you know how much I love that!), along with a bed that has a high headboard, like mine.

Farmhouse Bedroom Inspiration
 
This room favors blue and white, too, but this blue leans toward aqua. I like the berber-type carpet, but our room would only have it as an accent on our newly finished floor. I like the airy curtains in this room, too.

Farmhouse Bedroom Inspiration
 
Where to start with this room? I love the slipcovered chair in the foreground, the old wood chest, the bench at the end of the bed, and the shelf above the headboard. 
 
I think one of my favorite aspects, though, is the fact that there is a mix of painted and natural wood here. I have a few antique oak pieces that I'll never bring myself to paint. This image gives me an idea of how I could mix the two in my room.

Red and White Farmhouse Bedroom

I'm drawn to flour sack fabric, and as much as I love blue and white, I also love this red and white bedding. I think I might have to have a "winter" ensemble just so I can have a red and white bedroom for a few months a year.

Farmhouse Bedroom Inspiration - Table and Door

Here's another room that has a mix of painted and natural wood elements. I love the table at the end of the bed, and the basket under it. Notice the window leaning against the wall next to the bed. It reminds me of the doors in our built-in china cabinet downstairs. And I like the door leaning up against the wall adjacent to it, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bed Before Paint. Room "Before"

Here's a picture to remind you of the bed I purchased for the farm. I bought it partially painted, knowing it was going to be painted to match the wood work in the room. 
 
There was carpet covering the maple floor, and a pretty blue paint on the walls when we became owners. The room also has abundant natural light, so I really had to think about whether this was going to continue to be a bedroom - or become my sewing studio. Bedroom won out.

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Bedroom In Progress

Here's a peek at the bedroom after it was painted, but before the floor was refinished. My repainted bed is unassembled, but against the wall. It looks even nicer with the refinished floors, and I can hardly wait to see the whole room for myself.
 
I'll be looking at more photos for inspiration, until I'm able to actually start putting our "look" together. It helps me decide what's going and what's not, too. So many boxes. So little time!
 
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