My New Studio Space...

 

It's not finished yet, but this is my new studio space. It's on the southeast side of the house, so it will have lots of light during the day. I haven't switched out the contents of all the closets - or finished cleaning up Handsome's room and the sewing studio - but it's close enough so I can get back to sewing. It's going to be nice having everything in one room.

 

All the fabric shelves are placed and anchored to the walls, and all the fabric is back in place. The machines are placed where they'll be full-time, but I'll still add the rug in the area under those tables and where my chair will roll, to protect the hardwood floor. I have a hair appointment on Friday, so I'll do it then.
 

In the space above the bookshelves, I'll be hanging my studio television. That will wait, too, for now. I'll share photos of my bedroom space tomorrow. The sewing studio will now be a guest room and needlework room, but that has a lot more work before I can share photos of that. I promise I'll show that space once it's whipped into shape.

 

I'm cutting out more fabric and will be sewing all day. I'll only stop to air the pups and grab a bite to eat. I'm ready to roll now! See you tomorrow.

 

Whoa, Nellie...

 

Seven hours of working with my nephew and the bedroom and fabric room are reversed. I'll move the sewing machines into the "work room" later today, after I make a quick trip to town in search of a large piece of commercial carpet (tight weave and short nap) to protect the floor.

 

Once I get back, I'll tackle this "overflow" area and put things back in order. Tag will be visiting with you tomorrow, and I'll show you the results of our hard work on Wednesday. It sure looks different around here! For now, I'm off to get this move finished. See you in a couple days!

 

Rolling Into A Jam-Packed Weekend...

Putting words into action this weekend, as I prepare for the show while moving two rooms into one. I'll be taking my tylenol before I get up each morning, so I can stave off the sore muscles I'm sure to have after each day. Either I'll be sore from sitting at my sewing machine(s) for eight hours a day, or from moving things out of the way so bigger things can be moved by my nephew...the strongest man I know.

It's actually a good thing that Handsome is away, as I'm setting things in his room upstairs so they're out of the way as we play Tetris™ with studio and bedroom furniture on Sunday. I'm keeping what I need to reach for my sewing projects handy until then. You've seen photographs of my sewing and fabric studio rooms before now, so I'm just going to spare you the chaos and wait until the move is complete to post new pictures.

I'm up early this morning. With Handsome off the premises, I'm responsible to get the trash out to the driveway for pickup today. I'll take care of the Barn Girls before I come back in and tend to Tag and Bella. They'll get to run around the yard for a while before I bring them in and rest them before they get their breakfast. Then, I'll be able to sit down to my morning cuppa and plan the rest of my day. Things are definitely easier (and better) when Handsome is home. 

I'll be back tomorrow to share anything I manage to create today. Otherwise, in the spirit of keeping it real, and tell you all about my day today and how my plans were dropped into a cocked hat. Wish me luck!

Brynwood Needleworks - Bedroom Set For Sale/Sold...

 

 

Less than twenty four hours after listing our Paul Bunyan bedroom set for sale on Marketplace, the new owners were in our drive and ready to load up their purchase. When I saw the van and short bed truck coming down the road, I was skeptical about whether or not the set would leave in one trip.

I'm pretty proud of the fact that I have the gift of being able to puzzle pieces together so they fit. I moved out of my first apartment in a remarkably packed VW Beetle. This would be a piece of cake.

I measured the length of the truck box, height of the armoire and length of the large chest of drawers. Yes. With the possible exception of the headboard, it was all going to fit.

 

 

Happily, the side chests, bedrails and footboard fit into the van with no room to spare. The wheel well held the footboard in place, so I knew it would travel well. This load was secure and stable, so nothing would be damaged on the hour long drive home.

 

In the end, the headboard fit snuggly between the armoire and chest of drawers. Multiple cargo straps later, the sun came out and the caravan headed out of the driveway and northward home.

 

The armoire was an afterthought, so I took photos and measurements and texted the buyer to see if they wanted that piece, too. When he said yes, I told him I'd charge him half of what I actually wanted for it because it was clean and empty, but still upstairs. He still wanted it, so I held my breath as I watched them carry it down our narrow and steep farmhouse stairs and straight out of the front door.

Like a good blogger, I took photographs. Like a good grandma, I directed this young man to text me once he was safely home. He was so cute. He'd come with his wife, mom and two other young (strong) people. They all helped lift drawers, cannonballs, and the heavier pieces. I helped with a few of the smaller pieces. 

 

About two hours later, my phone signaled a text message. Yes. He sent a photo of the bed set up in one of their bedrooms. The room where it will end up is currently being painted, but he actually said he'd send another photo once it's in the final installation.

I was happy. They were happy, and the first month of 2023 already has a major grouping decluttered from our environs. Talk about multitasking!

 

 

My longest and dearest friend is in Wisconsin from Georgia to attend the funeral of one of her mum's oldest friends. She called me and is coming today for a whirlwind cuppa tea and visit before turning back for home.

Tonight is our planning meeting for our 50th Class Reunion. As I'm the chairman, I'll have a little prep work to do before our dinner gathering. Not much will happen in the studio today, so I'll be busy tossing things that won't be moved this weekend in our "switcheroo fest". Sewing will have to wait until Friday.

Don't fret that I'm doing too much. I spend a lot of time sitting with my feet up to compensate for these short bursts of exertion. I know I'm still healing and am taking great care not to cause any new issues. I promise not to overdo it, but I know how blessed I am that you're concerned for me. Thank you for that.

April Showers...

 

I relaxed all weekend. The weather was beautiful, even when it rained at night. I spent time with Sis, went shopping with Shelly, and hung around with Tag and Bella. 

Today begins another week, and I'll be back to emptying boxes. That doesn't mean I won't be thinking about the irises and other plants that are leafing out in our yard. Can the flowers be far behind?

They're Here...

Brynwood Needleworks - U-Pack Trailers

They arrived, right on schedule. Our two U-Pack trailers arrived, filled with all the things that have made our house a home for the past sixteen years in Florida.

Today was the kind of cold that grips your bones. The wind was blowing; it was sprinkling; and the temperature was in the 40's. Handsome told me it was humid and in the 90's in Florida. Truthfully, I prefer the colder weather. I can get warm.

Brynwood Needleworks - Parked U-Pack Trailers

 

Driver Dave and I discussed placement of the trailers in our yard. We want the contents easily accessible to the movers when they get here, so this seemed to be the best place. I'm even able to get my Explorer in and out of the pole barn on the right!

 

Before he left, Dave opened each trailer to check the load. He removed the bulkheads that retained the contents, and only a little had shifted in 1500 miles. We'll find out on Sunday just how well our contents traveled.

 

I have a few things to do before all the excitement starts on Sunday. I want to be ready for all the chaos that will follow for the short term. I'm really looking forward to the transformation of Hickory Hill Farm that will come from bringing in our things. I'm not looking forward to the inevitable aching muscles. I'm not going to think of the process. This time I'm going to concentrate on the goal...and how well I'll sleep at night. Much better, don't you think?

 

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.

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.   

Homeward Bound...

I had a great time in Wisconsin. I got to see my BFF and relatives I hadn't seen in a while, as well as our immediate family. I enjoyed the time with Mum working toward a common goal. She's looking forward to selling her current home to be able to move to Florida.

Soon, I'll do the sales sheets and then, email ads to the local newspapers for her open house. She's anxious to have people in, hoping that she has a quick sale. We are, too. It would be nice if she didn't have to spend another winter up north.

My work in Wisconsin is done and now I'm homeward bound. Today, I'll be flying back (via AirTran, not a Halloween broom!) to Handsome and Kes. Life back to normal for us.

Lots of Paint...

I've done so much painting this week that I find it difficult to walk by the end of each day. All the calisthenics - up and down ladders, reaching over my head to cut in the top of the walls or on my knees to cut in the bottom of the walls. It's been easy to fall asleep at night!

I have a few photographs for you. I'm sorry that I forgot to take the before photograph of the guest room. Close your eyes and imagine a sort of 1970's acid yellow. There was a lot of furniture all lined up along the walls and nails left over from many now-removed pictures. Very bright and sunny and a bit cluttered. Now...
Soft green walls (dictated by the carpet, which wasn't going to change), a new blue, green and white chabby-look quilt which pulled the colors together, less furniture and a lot less on the walls...one plaque survived, actually. What do you think so far?

Then, I tackled the computer/sewing room. I admit that some things had been moved in there while other rooms were being cleaned, but even so...intense aqua walls just weren't going to be suitable for a sale. Here's the "before" photo:
And now, it has neutral walls in a color called Stonecliff, half the furniture removed along with most of the extras. What do you think of this room now? (Ignore the dog toy in the middle of the carpet. Hmmm, how did that get there?)
Mum is really happy with the results and even wants to duplicate the green when she moves to Florida. We think it's been worth the effort for the results. While I was busy with paint and set up, she was wrapping and packing up those removed items that she felt she couldn't live without. The rest was taken out to the garage and the Salvation Army truck came and hauled it all away. She's just as tired as I am by dinnertime, so meals are quiet with two weary women off to their respective rooms shortly after.

Today, I'll be moving into the bedroom of the Lady of the House, and Mum will be running a carpet cleaner in the living room. When that's done, I'll have more photos to share. Can't wait to hear what you think!

My Best Friend...

Wednesday night, I flew to Wisconsin and my best friend, Lee picked me up at the airport. We had dinner together and then went to her home, where I spent the night. We sat up and talked until after two o'clock in the morning, and it was nearly three by the time I finally fell asleep. (Well, it was actually more like I just passed out from exhaustion!)

When we both got up this morning, we shared breakfast and talked over coffee, and later, we shared lunch together. By late afternoon, she and I finally got back in the car and drove to my mum's house. Mum had been anxiously awaiting our arrival and we were all glad to see each other again.

Rather than just drop me off, Lee sat down and visited with my mum. The reason I'm at Mum's this week is to help her clear, destash and stage her home to put on the market to sell. Once it's sold, she's going to move down to Florida so she can live near Handsome and me. Lee knew that moving furniture was on my agenda, so she immediately pulled up her sleeves and said, "I'll help. Let's get this furniture moved."

We unhooked the wiring for Mum's television and Lee marked the cables so we'd know where everything went for the "replugging". We moved furniture, big and small and then revamped the window treatments...all the while calming down Mum and assuring her that this "look" will help sell her home faster. We know that the whole experience is more than a little traumatic for Mum, but Lee helped me bolster her so that she could feel more comfortable with what was going on. Afterwards, the three of us had dinner and then Lee left to go home, care for their dogs and get some rest before going back to work tomorrow.

If you're very fortunate, you too have a girlfriend like mine. You may not speak with each other regularly, but you can rest assured that if you're thinking about her, she's thinking about you. You know that she's missing you just as much as you're missing her. And, you know when you see her, it will be like no time has passed at all since your last visit...even if it's been months or years. Today she shared my burden and made it lighter for us all the way around. Thanks, BFF.

The photograph of the two of us was taken when Lee was at our home in Florida. Instead of standing outside in the warm, Florida sunshine, today was windy, wet and cold in Wisconsin. When you're with your best friend, it's easy to find your own sunshine. So, in spite of the weather, today was just perfect!