Saturday....August 31, 2014...

Started on the insulation in the ceiling today.  It was so hot in there I personally thought I would pass out a couple of times.  We bought eight sheets and was only able to hang four.  Karl and Cassie came for a visit and karl helped larry some.  Also we planted a new corkscrew willow in the back yard that is truely lovely.  Stained two of the three wooden kitchen cabinets a green tinted stain which I am really loving!  Larry also hung the two kitchen ceiling lights.  They were a very bright red with a gold band but he painted them black with a silver band.  LOVE them!  Not quite sure what we will do with the beam right beside them though.  Considering removing that one only.  Glad for the long weekend ahead to get maybe the rest of the ceiling insulation fnished.
Be well,
Lisa

Monday....August 25, 2014....

Woke not quite feeling so well.  Struggle all day with a sinus headache.  Larry is off work and mowing for his mom while I rest and knit.  So excited to get this new cardigan pattern finished for fall.  He will have some leftover spaghetti from his mom for dinner.  Me a cup of iced coffee will suffice.  Good news....The electrician will meet me at the cottage at eight am Friday morning to put in the pole and his part of the electric.  Next will just be the electric company bringing the lines to the pole.  Praying we get to be moved in in a short two weeks!
Be well,
Lisa

The Weekend....

Wow was busy and oh so good.  Spent all three days back and forth to the property.  Saturday it rained and was cool and dreary all day.  I went to the cottage early in the morning with Reggie then Larry and his friend whom is an electrician came and they spent the absolute entire day there but the cottage is completely wired and ready to go.  Sunday we met James and Katie there and He helped Larry tie up some loose ends on the electric.  We dug the holes for the coming two corkscrew willows and planted a willow bush at the driveway where the gate will soon be as well as some new red raspberry bushes in the bramble patch.  I also planted a few more plants on the bank behind the house and a new plant on the hill at the driveway.  Bathed and relaxed a few hours before settling in for the evening.
Be well,
Lisa

Last couple of days....

Wednesday we headed back up to the property.  Decided to give a 7x7 area of the cottage for a bathroom.  We will use the extra 7x7 area for a temporary bedroom area and after we build the addition we will use this area as a part of the kitchen and put the cookstove in it.  We laid out so many things so that we would know where to put the electrical outlets and switches.  It looks AMAZING!!!  So cannot wait until we are staying there even if we have to run to the barn to use the composting toilet for a week or two lol.  Thursday my sister and I were blessed with 300 plus ears of corn.  Spent the day doing that.  Ready for the weekend to come and head back up.
Be well,
Lisa

THE COTTAGE.....

I thought I would forever be longing for the day...but it has come!  The cottage structure has been delivered.  Larry took off work to be there for the big arrival.  We at first were informed we would need to be an escort and meet them at the MD line at nine am.  The call at seven am told us we were not needed.  We were to meet them across the bridge outside of Hancock Md and inside of Berkeley Springs WV.  The next call came at nine am telling us that they were still waiting on said escort.  We decided to stop at a tiny local diner in Clear Spring MD for breakfast.  So glad we did!  They had a metal ceiling which prompted my interest largely!  After some searching during breakfast we made the decision to go with a correguated metal ceiling made of panels for a slightly industrial look.  The next call came around ten thirty to meet them they were only twelve miles away.  Onced we got there I couldnt look!!  Going through the town and back our wavy thin roads I couldnt stand the stress.  I held my fingers in my ears hummed loudly and kept my eyes closed until we arrived.  Larry was overwhelmed with excitement leading the building "HOME".  James and Katie were already there waiting on us.  Men...so much like boys when there are large mechanical things involved.  The building was set perfectly on the site!  We were given the keys and entered our home for the very first time!!  We are overwhelmed with joy!!!  Visited with James and Katie for awhile allowing the guys to dream of additions and things that involve tools.  They headed out for a summer walk on the canal and we headed back to MD and PA.  Larry dropped me off at Carols to spend some time with the pups and he headed to the storage unit.  At five he borrowed the company van that is huge and we packed it with kitchen cabinets, wall shelves, stove, fridge and sink.  We took it to the cottage to be set so that we know exactly where to place the electrical outlets, lights and switches.  SO very very glad we did.  I had designed this out on graph paper but onced in there it was quite obvious it was not what I would like.  After about six more moves and the help of the Kimble family and Karl and Cassie we have come to what we will definately like for a lifetime!  We did make the decision t NOT do the brick wall in the kitchen however because the farmhouse sink and cookstove will be up against the brick wall and both of these are an olive green in color and  just dont like the green  against the red...to christmasey!  We also decided upon James idea to put an octagonal window in the upper peak of the kitchen end wall.  Home very very exhausted but so very very happy.  Tomorrow is to be a calm and restful day for us both.  But so much more time to look forward to up at the cottage!
Be well,
Lisa

                     Our new keys to our new home....his obviously would be the camo!

This is looking in from the front door.  The living room and kitchen will be divided from here....

                                                                      Living Room.....

                                                              Living room...Ceiling......

                                                             Living room.....

                                                                    Kitchen....

                                                                 Kitchen ceiling....

                                                                        Kitchen....

The weekend....

BUSY....but a good kind of busy!  Saturday Larry worked a few hours then we headed out to the local Survival Expo with some dear friends for the afternoon.  Back to Carols to let the pups out and some play time then met the Kimble family for dinner.  Karla picked me back up at nine thirty and we made a trip to Ellicott City to pick up one of her daughters at the airport.  Found the greatest Asian Bakery and Cafe...Illy coffee brand and some of the most delicious pastries ever...except Moshi!!  Never again will I even consider one of them!  Home by one thirty in the morning for a few hours of sleep.  Up on Sunday and headed to Cassies church to pick up her and Katie for an afternoon baby shower.  Stopped afterwards to change and let the pups out then to WV.  Dropped off Cassie and Kate and I headed to the property.  Larry and James have almost completely finished the Chook coop in just one day!  Busy...yes...productive....Absolutely!  Gorgeous weekend!
Be well,
Lisa

What a great Sun Oven....on the amazon list for this winters wish list!

Thursday...August 14, 2014...

Spent most of the day doing laundry.  But first took Reggie for a coffee run as we always do while in the layover.  Lunch with Larry and a few errands.  Made the third and final gallon of Peach Cordial next up Pumpkin cordial and Coffee Liqueor.  A trip to Lowes gave us some really great deals on plants for the property.  Dinner at my sisters and Krumpes on the way home.  Settling in now for the evening.
Be well,
Lisa

Wednesday....August 13, 2914....

Firefly was coming this morning for an early dunkins trip so had to be up earlier than I would have actually liked.  After breakfast with her and Nanny dropped them off and headed to WV.  Bought the very last of the permits we need then stopped at James and Katies for a visit and lunch.  Home in time to do some shopping with Cassie at Marshalls.  Found the absolute cutest summer/fall sweater, a tiny dog bed for Sophie and a new clothes basket.  While in WV I stopped at the property and was made very happy....both of the 50 gallon water tanks in the goat barn were filled to the brim with fresh rain water, we have grass growing where we planted the first patch and the electric company had been there and marked where they want the pole set.  Spent some time here at the house with the pups before Larry came home and we headed out to grab a bite to eat and run a few errands.  While out we bought everything we needed for the solar shower system we will need to use until we get the addition built.  Now settling in with some televisiion time with the man!
Be well,
Lisa

                                                               New GREEN grass!!!

A small get away with the girls....

Sunday when the Kimbles visited the property Karla asked me to ride along to Ellicott City Md.  I had not been there before but it will not be so long until I go back for sure!  The Historic district was absolutely amazing.  We ate lunch at a so so brewery then parused the town and bought a few loveies!  After several hours we were ready to head back to Kayties apt but stopped first at the neatest cafe!  A matcha cafe!  Bought some sweet matcha to make at home and sat and enjoyed the best dessert!  Shaved ice with matcha tea syrup, blueberry preserves. sweetened red beams, Matcha ice cream and sweetened condensed milk.  All this with a lesson on Matcha tea from the sweetest Japanese lady that owned the store.  Back to Kayties and her apt is amazing.  A very old factory turned apt complex in the historic district.  20 foot ceilings, brick walls factory pipes and wooden beams on the fourth floor.  Windows that were approx 10 feet long.  Gorgeous.  Left Kaytie there and did some shopping at Trader Joes and the new to me fave H-Mart!  Goodness the things the asian culture does with red beans is amazing.  Brought home a sweet red bean filled donut for larry and I to share.  Back to Kellies apt in time to freshen up for dinner.  Her place as well is so lovely!  A gorgeous little apt complex with a fireplace to enjoy even!  Dinner was at a restaurant called the Mango Grove.  A true Indian restaurant.  The food was DELICIOUS!!!  Im definately going to be delving into some local indian restaurants and soon.  Home and to bed we were up early to take Kellie to the airport then back to fall asleep again.  Another stop on our way home to H-Mart.  I missed Larry and the Reg man terribly and am so glad to be back and ready to spend the evening with them.  The rest of the week is going to be absolutely crazy for us.  But as long as we are together I really wouldnt have it any other way!  Life is so much fun and so much of an adventure.  Even when we are doing nothing together its AMAZING!!!
Be well,
Lisa

Sunday....August 10, 2014...

We are staying at Larrys moms basement until the cottage is delivered.  We sold the house and had to move.  A little stressful at times but def could be far worse.  When the cottage comes we will live in it with no power bathroom or running water until we get all of those things done.  Yep...just like going camping.  The composting toilet will be in the barn and we will use a camp solar shower.  We have water in the barn about 100 gallons of rain water on hand and always filling with the next rains.  The electric wont be long at all.  The electric company is coming this week to mark where they want the pole and then the electrician will follow.  Maybe two weeks for electric.  The bathroom however may be a few more weeks than that.  All is well!!  We cleared some more area of the rear woods behind the cottage and in front of the barn.  I also raked that area and it made it look absolutely amazing.  Larry prepared the place in the barn for the composting toilet and we will take it up on Wednesday.  Planted more grass seed and peat moss on top of that.  Praying for rain there this week as things are very very dry.  The kimble family came for a lengthy visit and it was nice to just sit and relax for awhile.  Stopped at James and Katies and dropped off some hay for the goats and some treated lumber for James to build the two pasture gates at his house.  Headed then to get a quick Firefly hug.  Home and settled in for the evening.
Be well,
Lisa

Friday....August 8, 2014....

Up earlier than I would have liked but with such a good reason little time to be grumpy!  Headed to WV to pick up James and Katie as they were going to ride along with me to Berkeley Springs.  I had the septic permit that came with the property put into our name and filed for the well permit.  Both of these permits are necessary to get the building permit for the cottage.  Our original thought was to rebel and go no permits whatsoever...but Morgan County is soooooo leanient on things we decided it was better than sitting around waiting on the knock at the door.  They require absolutely no building codes or inspections...just pay the small price for the permit.  Of course this increases the taxes but we are not wanting to get around that in any way and are happy to pay what we rightfully owe.  So two down and one to go on Tuesday!  Every day we are on pins and needles waiting on the call that the building is ready to be delivered.  Larry called the electric company yesterday and they will be going one day this week to mark where they want the electric pole set.  We are planning on moving in as soon as the cottage is delivered.  Living with the composting toilet in the barn and a camp shower set up, a rain water system for water needs other than drinking....that we will carry in.  Roughing it until we get the electric and the entire back addition and the bathroom complete.  Stopped of course for a vanilla chai latte at the best coffee house in town...Fairfax Coffee!  On the way home made a little side trip to TJ Maxx...absolutely love that store.  Bought a pair of the cutest jeans for next weekends adventures.  Home and played with the pups for a little while.  Ready to relax now for the evening with Larry the pups and an ice cold rum slushie!
Be well,
Lisa

Thursday....August 7, 2014....

Did a little shopping today.  We had previously bought all of our bottom kitchen cabinets for under 25 dollars a piece at Lowes.  We were however in need of one more and as im no longer working there the chances of another that cheap is really not possible.  However, I found a piece that will fit there perfectly.  A vintage metal cabinet about five feet tall.  Two doors and shelves inside.  The vintage sink we have is also metal so this will be a great fit.  Its white at the time and im not quite sure what color i will paint it if any.  The sink is an olive green and the bottom wood cabinets will be stained an olive wood stain.  Onced its in I will try to figure that out.  We are going for a vintage/warehouse look for the kitchen.  Also scored the coolest steel type of tool box perfect to sit on the countertop for the utensils.  And then there was this pitcher!!  A gorgeous buttery yellow with a lid.  Vintage ceramic style.  Yep packed that one too!  The pics here are just similiars as I did not take any photos before storing everything into the lockers.  Larry is mowing and Im thinking of getting on some comfy clothes and making a batch of rum slushies for the coming weekend.
Be well,
Lisa

Wednesday....August 6, 2014....

Today I had Firefly for a few hours while her mommy worked.  We spent the afternoon visiting the Byler family.  She had not seen Mathena all summer and they had an amazing time together.  As did Rhoda and I!  Lunch there was as always the best!  Brought her home and settled in with the dogs for a little in the late afternoon then headed to Larrys work with dinner in hand.  We ate at his place of employment then set off to the prooperty.  Lots of soil, peat moss, plants and trees in tow.  Will explain each pic here after the photo.  Home and ready to call it an evening.
Be well,
Lisa

The stone is where the cottage will sit when delivered.  The area to the left we are starting grass seed and working on it until we get the entire area done one section at a time.  The bank/hill is dry and rocky.  We are working on planting plants that love that enviroment and mulching it heavily.  The area where the patio furniture sits is a 20 x 40 foot area.  We will have a 10x40 foot addition right away and a 10 back yard area for grass.

Another view of the rear of the cottage area.

This is where we planted the six fruit trees we bought several months ago for only five dollars a piece.  We still have six more to be planted in the fall.  We will then remove all of the trees within that area and fence in the entire area for the orchard.

The is the view from where we will have the front porch.  Absolutely love it!

You cant see it yet because of the dense trees but the barn is in those woods.  We plan to clear out the woods so that they are nice to walk and look through.  Larry built me the steps into the side.  It is no where as steep as the appear to be here.  And again the rock bank/hill.  We have plans to plant more plants there with some different levels using some landscaping timbers.  We also planted grass seed there around the steps.

Tuesday....July 5, 2014....

It was H-O-T today.  Horribly!  A quick trip to walmart this early afternoon to purchase a few office supplies and a new planner.  Home and worked on a new filing system and filled the planner.  Headed to Lowes for some soil and mulch for the property and a trip to Snaveleys to buy two more perineals for the rock area of the property and met Larry at his work.  Headed to the Kimbles for dinner which proved to be way later than expected getting home.  But it was OH so worth it.  Oh and also had some time to kill today which of course meant a trip to Target.  I have Firefly tomorrow and while at Target found the cutest pink hoodie with a cat face on the front she will just LOVE.  Ready to collapse into bed exhausted but worth every bit of it.
Be Well,
Lisa

Monday....August 4, 2014....

Lots of time spent with the pups today.  Ran a few errands and spent an hour after larrys work helping re-arrange some of the things in storage.  Thankfully I set a pot of bean soup in the crockpot this morning.  Home ready for a hot relaxing shower then some knitting and shows with the man!
Be well,
Lisa

The weekend....

Well this weekend had NOT turned out the way we had expected.  Major upheavels.  But they worked themselves out very well.  We slept in way late this morning.  It just plain felt good.  We had a delicious breakfast and headed up to the property.  I had forgotten my camera...BUMMED!  The excavating seriously could not have turned out any better.  We worked on the water in the barn and was actually to use the water we collected there to water so many things today without even any electric...all gravity flowed rain water!  We planted grass seed in one of the million of spots there are to be planted.  We planted three of the 8 fruit trees we have to take to there.  Planted the grapes and watered absolutely everything.  Larry also cut the steps into the bank behind the back of the house and laid concrete steps and planted grass seed there.  We bought two perenials that love dry rocky soil and planted them as well.  Moved the patio furniture down from the barn.  Katie and James stopped in for a visit and we all sat and enjoyed the view from where the cottage will be.  Headed back up again on Wednesday.   Things are moving so quickly we will be moving in before we know it and it just feels so danged good!  Busy week ahead.  And I WILL have my camera from now on!
Be well,
Lisa

The daybook....

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-july-daybook-editions.html

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...Heavy skies, humid.

I am thinking...How things seem bad and turn out right.

I am thankful...The trials we have had with the excavating.  Faithbuilders.

In the kitchen...Large cast iron pans full of fresh veg out of the garden sauteed with fresh local meats.

I am wearing...Silky, flowy floral print button down the front dress and sandals.

I am creating...Dresses, scarves, socks and cardis for the winter.

I am going...To really enjoy the weekend at the property now that we can "see" where things will actually be.

I am wondering...What moon phase we are in as I am loosing more hair than usual.

I am reading...Nothing at the moment.

I am hoping...To have a peaceful and calm week next week unlike this past one!

I am looking forward to...The weekend as always.

I am learning....All things work together.......

Around the house...Laundry, yard work.

I am pondering...The layout....

A favorite quote for today..."The only limits in life are the ones you make"

One of my favorite things...Ice cream dates with the husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week:....Errands and a lunch date with Cathy this afternoon, time on the property working saturday, Music on the Mountain (bluegrass) with friends on Sunday.

A peek into my day...