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.)

 

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.

We're On The Move...

Brynwood Needleworks - Rest Stop Flowers

We completed the first leg of our travels northward...four hundred miles under our belt(s). As always, Tag and Bella are the best road warriors, and Handsome is Pilot Extraordinaire.

My job? Road food (apples, grapes, bananas, cheese, baguettes, mixed nuts and hard salami), and entertainment. No. I wasn't singing "99 Bottles of Beer On The Wall". We couldn't get the Packer game on our Sirius subscription, so I went online and found a great app for my iPhone called "TuneIn". I hooked my phone into the Sync on Handsome's truck and we listened to every nail-biting second! (Yay, Pack!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Resting Travelers

 

We were in Cordele, GA by 6:30, and by 7:30, we were sitting down to a dinner of homemade enchiladas and salad. (I made the enchiladas last week at home and froze the dish for our trip.) Cleanup was a breeze, and we all settled in for an evening of football (for Handsome) and reading (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child for me).

Only 1100 miles to go. Tag and Bella will be back tomorrow to share their perspective with you.

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.

Nearly Ready To Roll...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Last Four "Wooly Critter" Block Patterns

The Flying Cloud is nearly ready to travel. Last minute arrangements are made and once again, we're fortunate to have our retired police officer friend staying in our home while we're away. It's so nice not to have to worry about home while we visit to see family and friends up north.

So, as our Airstream pantry is fitted out; the wardrobe is filled with clothes (instead of suitcases); and the dogs share our excitement (because they sense something is going on), I can turn my thoughts to what I'll be packing to work on while we travel.

Brynwood Needleworks - "Wooly Critter" Crow and Pumpkin

 

Of course, I'll be visiting Primitive Gatherings in Menasha while I'm in Wisconsin (I know. Be very jealous!), so I can pick up some of the wools I need for my final four blocks (as well as the wools I love to use for the pincushions you find in my shop). I especially need to find some oranges like the pumpkin in that block!

I'm also packing silk ribbons and fabric to make some new items for my shop. I can't wait to show you what I have in mind. I think you'll like them. In essence, I've decided not to take my sewing machine, but will rather concentrate on hand stitched treasures this trip.

I've also contemplated taking a blog break while we're away, but face it. Three or four weeks is just too long for me to be away from all of you. So, as we get down to hours before we leave, I'll be keeping in touch with you every day as I always have for the past seven and a half years. (Has it really been that long? Seems like just yesterday that I wrote my first post!)

Thanks for being here with me each day. I know you're there and you inspire me to share more projects and ideas. I try to live up to your expectations. 

For now, I'd better get back to packing. I still have things to do. Have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow!

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. 

Tuesdays With Tag - A Dandy Dog Walk...

Hi, Everybody!

I'm so happy to see you again this week. 

Today, I want to tell you about the best dog walk of any 

campground Mom, Dad and I went to while we were on vacation! 

 Remember when Mom told you about all the Airstreams that got

together at the Clanton/I-65/Dandy RV Park in Alabama? Well,

this is where I found the most interestin' place to take a stroll.
(I think it might even be a little enchanted!)

Would you like to see more?

OK, then. Here. Just follow me.

For starters, look at this fabulous trail for me to explore!

There's even a big lake (Mom says is full of fish) on the right side.

I was keepin' my eyes open for interestin' stuff.

Did you see what I saw in that last picture? Yup. I'm thinkin' "faeries", too.

I saw these interestin' bracket fungi (that's what Mom says they are) on the side

of this tree. They were almost down in the water. Mom kept me from gettin' too

close just in case they were poisonous. We don't want me stickin' my nose in those.

(Hey! I'm a poet and didn't even know it! hee hee)

We found this place, too. I'm not thinkin' faeries when I look here.

I'm thinkin' trolls! They like hidin' in dark places and lookin' at you

when they don't think you're watchin'. Mom and I know better. We 

decided not to pay any attention to 'em at all and just keep walkin'.

(They hate it when you do that. They think you should be payin' 

tolls to 'em and stuff. We're not havin' any of that nonsense!)

We just kept on strollin' and sniffin'...'cept for Mom. She just

walked along with me and pointed out cool stuff she found, too.

There's another purpose for the dog walks at campgrounds, you know. 

I doo it, and then Mom picks it up. Real glamorous, we know, but it's a job 

that's gotta get done...and no one wants to find that nasty stuff on the trail.

That's why it's important for us to make sure it's hauled back here (my job) 

and then disposed of in a container behind the signs. Gotta follow the rules!

So, there you have it. My favorite dog walk in the whole six weeks we were

away. If you like to camp and have a dog, take a trip to see this place for

yourself. I know we'll go back there for sure! It was really fun for all of us.

That's my adventure for this week. I'm back home now and it's been rainin'

since we got here. It's kind of nice, really. I like the sound of rain on our

tin roof. I think I'll curl up with a tasty sweet potato snack and relax. 

I'll see you again next week. 'til then, remember...

"Wag Like Ya Mean It!"

Back Among The Pines and Palms...

We finished our trip on Saturday afternoon. There was an excitement as we drove

the final corner onto our street and then into our driveway. We were home! Even

Tag recognized that we were somewhere familiar. He stood up in the back seat so

he could see out the windows, and was bouncing around by the time we stopped.

(I've always wondered just how our dogs know when we're getting close to home.)

We spent the rest of Saturday afternoon and Sunday emptying out what I refer 

to as "trip specific" items from the Flying Cloud. By mid-afternoon Sunday, the 

cabinets were tidy and the floors were all washed. Everything is back in order, 

awaiting our next adventure. If the rain stops, we'll wash the outside today and 

park her in her stall near the back of our property. She has her own little spot!

The camper "parking place" is perfect for sitting and reading a book or sipping 

a cup of tea as we plan our next outing. Tucked in the trees, it feels like its own 

quiet, little getaway. (No Calgon needed! lol) Tag enjoys the Cloud so much that 

we actually had to bribe him ("Let's go swimming!") to get him to leave the 

camper. I'm sure he'll join me in "his" spot whenever we spend more time there.

My studio, on the other hand, is a lot less ready for me to spend any time there

yet. I have boxes and bags all over right now from the trip. It's hard for me

to believe that I actually took all this goodness along with me. Oh, wait. There was

that trip to the Fox River Valley quilt shops with my quilting girlfriend, Kathy...

and that trip to Beaver Dam to Nancy's Notions. I now have my new sewing  machine to unbox and set up in the studio. This is going to take a while, for sure.

We're all glad to be back home together. I'll see my girlfriends at Paneras on 

Tuesday and a guild Board meeting on Wednesday. I'm going to get to my tasks

now. The sooner I finish my "Must Do" list, the quicker I can get to my "Fun 

To Do" list. I have a lot of incentive, don't you agree? No time to waste!

 

Have a great Monday (and week), my friends. 

I hope you find time for something you love to do, too.