Third Trimester- 28 weeks

I can't believe how quickly our pregnancy is flying by. The first trimester seemed to drag on forever and now the 2nd trimester is already gone. We have been very busy with work and so that sure makes the time fly.

(here we are last year at a Cousin's Wedding)
On Sept 23rd 1994 Jason and I attended the Monroe Community College Leadership Retreat. Jason said he fell in love with me on the bus ride to the retreat....I was alseep so I don't remember. We met that night during the ice breakers....well, several of us met, including TWO guys named Jason. By the first night it was obvious MY Jason and I had so much in common. We traded phone numbers written on smooth flat Lake Ontario Rocks (Jason was so creative even then, how could I forget a guy who wrote his number on a rock?), we cuddled around the campfire (he gave me his flannel shirt to keep me warm) and walked along the beach discovering we had a lot in common. Within three months of dating Jason made me a promise anklet (remember friendship bracelets?), and I didn't take it off until our wedding day two years later. We were officially engaged on the same beach where we met two years earlier and eight weeks after our engagement we were married. Some folks thought we were having a shot gun wedding.....HA! It took us 12 more years to get "knocked up". I can hardly believe it's been 14 years since we met.....time sure flies where you are having fun and we have had some FUN!




Happy Birthday Esther!
Our Wednesday Knitters Group has so much to celebrate! Today we had cake, dinner and then DELICIOUS frozen yogurt to help Esther celebrate her birthday. Over the past year this group has been getting together to knit at Yarn and Stitches. We have all become like a family. We celebrate the occasions together, support each other thru the stressful days and eat chocolate together when there are no words....Lately there has been a lot of celebrating. Overcoming infertility, pregnancy, birthdays, family triumph etc.

I just can't thank these ladies enough for helping me to keep my sanity over the past year. Not just during the stress but also in helping me to celebrate this pregnancy. I really needed that! I have needed all the celebration.....Knitting really is therapeutic when you have knit sisters like these! Wait til Plaknton meets his "Aunties"!

100 DAYS!

Well, my online countdown just hit 100. We know that less than 3% of babies arrive on or near their due date but that means I might have LESS than 100 days to prepare for Plankton's arrival.

I am TRYING to be at peace about this, knowing that after birth Plankton needs only me, daddy and some diapers....Check, Check, and Check. But I would LOVE to have the Nursery done (it's a complete disorganized mess right now), the upstairs family room painted and my knitting projects for him done....oh yeah and I am building my business every day (which is really exciting).

Then of course there is the: eat better, exercise more, read another 3-4 books on birthing, learn more relaxation techniques, etc etc. Those projects are on-going and never ending.

But, all of that will have to wait as I am off to the Knitting Fairy Sock Retreat. We'll be in Lindale, TX having a ball. We might loose power or live thru an tornado due to Ike....but it's all in good fun with some great knitting friends.

More photos soon: Knitting Photos and of course the ever growing BUMP

Yeah! Blogger is talking to me today! So here are the previously promised photos:

Our Little Family, on vacation

Me and Plankton on the Pier



Hubby on the Rock Beach....I love the rock beach, it's so beautiful and you can find the most amazing rocks (we collected some and have them as drawer pulls in our kitchen, stop by and check it out sometime)



This is the Knitting Room that is inside the Miniature Museum, that is inside the Fly By Night Cookie Company. we have to make a stop here every year. The cookies are YUM and the little cottage is just too cute. They have added a "Book Cottage" in the back yard. You can donate a book and take a book and leave donations for building a park. It's a neat community project and has done really well this year.

On the Knitting Front: I finished the Magic Shawl yesterday (but forgot a photo) and the wonderful Knitting Fairy is going to block and finish it for me....WOW, that is so divine...when I get it back, I'll take a photo. I also have put the Baby Vest in TIME OUT (my gauge was WAY off and the vest would have fit ME....but should fit Plankton).

So here is my revised "To Knit Before Plankton Arrives" list:
2nd Entrelac Sock (to be finished at the Sock Retreat) for me (they will match my bump sweater)
Felted Boots
Hat to Come Home in
Baby Kimono Sweater
Baby Surprise Jacket
Tofutisi Socks for me
Ophelia for me
My So Called Scarf (this is going to be my December "baby waiting" project)

I am also considering fingerless mitts as thank you gifts for the women who are helping me with labor and birth (Bradley Instructor, Midwife, birth assistant and counselor)...and I have THREE family babies to knit for due in January, March and May. That's it! no more time for working or cleaning or eating....just knitting :-D

Four Days in Heaven

We spent four wonderful days on Lake Ontario with hubby's parents. They have the most adorable "cupcake" cottage on a little bay. We went for walks, ate delicious fresh fruits and veggies, went fishing and just relaxed. I finished New Moon by Stephanie Meyer....WOW, I really liked it and I enjoyed answering "What are you reading?" with "Vampires and Werewolves"...HA!

I have lots of other beautiful photos that I wanted to share but evidently Blogger and I are not on speaking terms this morning....I'll try again later.....

Here is the update on Plankton: He is now about in its 22nd week of development (at the start of month 6, the last month in the second trimester), is 8.4 inches (21.3cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 1.2 pounds (544g). He is starting to produce white blood cells, mostly for combating disease and infection, and may respond to Mom's touch or sounds.

Mom Update: I am feeling great!, more energy and have started NESTING....my belly is getting bigger. I finally look pregnant even for those who don't know me, which is fun. I still have days I am tired or get indigestion but that's all par for the course. Plaknton kicks/punches/dances/head buts all day long now. It's fun to feel him moving all around in his little womb.

I am knitting a shawl, small baby sweater (for a gift), socks (for a gift) and will soon begin Plankton's "coming home" hat. I am feeling the knitting "crunch". My list to TRY to get done before Plankton's arrival are:
Vest for baby
Kimono for baby
Coming Home Hat for baby (DH wants one too...we'll see)
Magic Shawl for me (great nursing cover up)...almost done
Felted Boots for baby (the pattern is so adorable)
Baby Surprise Jacket
Ophelia "vest/cardigan" for me

I am also taking a Sock and Sweater class at YNS, we'll see how far I get :-) I know it's a lot to try to get done before December as well as get the nursery and rest of the house ready.....but it's knitting so every stitch is fun and as much as I can get done will be wonderful!

Baby Shopping, Lunch and then the Purse Party. We had a ball looking at TINY baby things and then eating HUGE pieces of cake at Ed's Deli and Esther tempted all of us with beautiful purses.


HAND ME DOWNS!!!! YEAH!!!!! I am so thankful for hand me downs. Plankton is going to be one well dressed baby and he is "going green" without evening knowing it. Baby clothing recycles so well....




Gay Bingo! A bunch of us dressed up for "Double Wide, one man's trash is another man's treasure" It's bingo with a twist! It was HILARIOUS and I can't wait to go again.....do I look trashy or what? (yes the cigarettes are CANDY....duh)

Oh and here is what Plankton is up to:
Your baby measures about 7.6 inches (19.3cm) and weighs about 12.3 ounces (349g). The muscles are getting stronger every week now, and the eyelids and eyebrows are developed. Your baby's acrobatics are pretty constant, and since he responds to sound, rhythm and melody, you can try singing and talking to him. After he's born, the same sounds will soothe him.

This week Baby Plankton is about 5.6 (14.2cm) to 6.4 inches (16.3cm) from crown to rump and weighs about 9 ounces (255g). He can hear sounds by now -- voices, heart and stomach growling, as well as sounds outside Mamma's body. He will cover his ears with its hands if a loud sound is made near by, and it may even become startled and "jump." The baby is moving often, too -- twisting, turning, wiggling, punching and kicking.

How cute is that?

We went out shopping today, with help from several of Plankton's "Aunties".....found WAY TOO MANY cute things. A lovely crib, the stroller I have wanted to see in person and clothing so small and adorable it nearly made me cry.

But, I am now EXHAUSTED, achy and have a MEAN case of heartburn.....time for mommy to take a NAP and have a cup of ginger tea.

BABY BOY!!!!

The sonogram was amazing! Plankton stayed still while his head was measured and kicked his feet so that we could get a picture.....and then he held on to his privates for several minutes (dad says this makes him HIS BOY).....So we included all the "shy baby" votes into the WINNER pool as we thought for a while we might not find out and then he FLASHED US at the last second :-)
Yes, this is Jason's son for sure!

There were 19 "correct" guesses and our winners are:

Tasha for the Knitter Prize
Jim (Jason's Dad) and he refused both prizes so I pulled one more....
Cindy for the Starbucks Card

We are THRILLED and could not be more excited. I feel some shopping in our future.....heh heh heh....

Let the knitting begin!

It's CONTEST Time:

The time has finally come for the Sonogram Contest. On August 4th, we go for our first sonogram and if all goes well, we'll know if we are having a boy or a girl.

How to Play:

Post a comment or send me an email with your guess on the sex of our baby and which prize category you prefer.
There are three choices
1) Boy
2) Girl
3) Shy Baby (we couldn't tell on the sonogram)

After August 4th, we'll pull a random winner from the "correct" guesses. There are two prize categories Knitter and Non-Knitter. The knitting prize is lovely and I will try to post photos later today, the non-knitter prize is a $25 gift card at Starbucks.

Best of Luck to all of you!

WEEK 16/17 UPDATE:

Plankton is MOVING (well, he has been moving for weeks but I FELT IT!!!)

And we painted the nursery last weekend (actually Hubby did it, but I helped with the wallpaper). It's adorable! Plankton will LOVE it. And there are no whales so he/she is safe.....HA HA HA HA



We have our sonogram scheduled for August 4th and if Plankton isn't shy we'll know if it's a boy or girl and I can finally have my contest :-)

All you mommies and aunties and grandmas, please post the "things I could not live with out" in the comments. We are getting ready to register and there is so much silliness out there it's hard to know what we will really need and use. We are going to use gently used items as much as possible to reduce Plankton's "foot print", but we are looking forward to a few new things too.

I am off for a MUCH needed pre-natal massage (had an Chiropractic adjustment this morning)...

We Survived the first Trimester!

I am feeling much better, able to eat more, sleep without waking up to EAT, still get up to pee (of course). But I am still VERY VERY tired. There are days I could just sleep all day. But I am told that will improve as well.....here's to that day! I am officially wearing maternity pants....I don't "look" pregnant but I do look fat and my pants no longer fit. We should have our Sonogram/Ultrasound in early August and hopefully we'll learn the sex of our baby as well as get some cute photos to post :-) Contest details will be posted by mid-July. I purchased a YUMMY Fiber prize for the winner.....wait til you see it!

Last weekend was the first KNITTING FAIRY Retreat for 2008. We learned all about Knitting Lace and Lace repairs and blocking. The next retreat is in Lindale, TX and it's All About Socks. It's currently full but there is still room on the wait list and also spots available for a December Retreat as well.

DH is finally home from Kentucky for good! We are getting settled back in. It's amazing how little and how much changes in four months even with email, video chat and cel phone contact.

That is it for now! Come back in mid-july for contest details!

THIS IS HEAVEN!

Please go to The Pioneer Woman Cooks and make the apple dumplings right now! I can't believe how delicious they are. They are flaky and sweet and soft on the bottom....YUM! They are NOT non-fat or low calorie and I am not feeling guilty at all. I even added a scoop of vanilla haagen dazs to complete this dessert. I was going to share this dessert with the visiting relatives but now I am having second thoughts.

Well....what are you doing???? stop reading and start baking!

First Trimester.

Figured I better post a photo of the "pooch" before it becomes a basketball :-)

KNITTING RESOLUTIONS UPDATE:

ENTRELAC KNITTING WITH SOCKS THAT ROCK
BROOKS FARM SWEATER IN PROGRESS

IT'S SIX MONTHS INTO 2008 AND TIME TO UPDATE MY KNITTING RESOLUTIONS (UPDATES IN ALL CAPS):

1) Knit and wear a sweater for me from my Brooks Farm Yarn (STILL IN PROGRESS, BUT I'M 1/2 WAY DONE WITH THE SWEATER, I'LL BE TOO BIG TO WEAR IT THIS FALL BUT I'LL AT LEAST TRY IT ON WHEN IT'S DONE)
2) Knit and wear the "Escada" inspired sweater with the Knitting Fairy (this is a cheat because I am already signed up for this class...but I will have to finish it in the next 12 months) (THIS IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, IT'S IN TIME OUT FOREVER)
3) Knit with my Socks That Rock yarn (I joined the club this year and have not knit a stitch of it) (DONE, DONE)
4) Knit more from my stash than I purchase in new yarn (Okay, so I am being bold by adding a stash statement but it's really a ratio, not a diet. Because it's all about balance). (SO FAR, I THINK I AM DOING WELL WITH THIS. I DID PURCHASE YARN SEVERAL TIMES BUT IT'S MUCH BETTER THAN LAST YEAR)
5) Try Entrelac knitting (DONE, I MADE A BEAUTIFUL ENTRELAC SOCK....YES, JUST ONE SO FAR)

Okay, that should keep me busy for the next 12 months. :-) (VERY BUSY)

Guess What?

We're having a baby!!!

We are 11 weeks along, due Christmas Eve 2008. So far everything is going well. I had terrible bouts of nausea but I have been so blessed, I didn't miss a day of work and as of last weekend my appetite is back! YIPPEE! I am so happy and relieved to be pregnant. Funny story: I was upset the first day I didn't feel sick.....I was worried my hormones shut down....but all appears to be going well. I am not "showing" yet, but my pants are getting tight and I do feel "fat". Haven't really gained weight but things are shifting around to my waist and hips.

The above photo is of us on our way to make a baby. We had a little assistance with hormones and timing but in the end it was all us :-) The fun part is we know the exact time and day we conceived.

Here is what is going on with the baby:, about the size of a large lime, measures about 1.75 (4.4cm) to 2.4 inches (6cm) from crown to rump and weighs about three-tenths of an ounce (8.5g). About now the rapid "swooshing" noises of the heartbeat can be heard through a Doppler sound-wave stethoscope. Fingernails and external genitalia are showing distinguishing characteristics, and the baby is swallowing and kicking, although you still won't feel it.

After watching HOURS of Planet Earth and Blue Planet in HD we were so impressed and inspired by the Plankton in the ocean (all those sperms and eggs floating around) that we have named our little tiny baby who is floating around inside me "Plankton" or as Jason likes to say "Superfly the Wonder Plankton". And yes, we are considering an "Under the Sea" theme for the nursery....however, it really is too early for the planning to begin. We're still just dreaming and scheming. And no, we won't call the baby Plankton after he/she is born. We have some lovely names picked out....but it's too early to share those online.....besides, if I tell you we can't have a contest! :-)

Other FAQs:

1) No we don't know the sex (it's WAY too early), but yes we would like to find out. Ask again in August or stay posted for a contest

2) We are so thrilled to be pregnant that a boy OR a girl would be wonderful!

3) We're due Dec. 24th and are 11 weeks pregnant

4) I'm feeling great and we're THRILLED

5) Yes, I have had crazy and disgusting cravings: Taco Bell Nachos, Chick Fil A nuggets, Coke, Lemonade (great for nausea), chocolate ice cream, McDonalds Big Mac....it's Jason's baby for sure, I don't normally eat that junk...he just laughs

6) Yes, I do like pickles and ice cream but have not yet had the urge to eat them together.....and please don't mention it, YUCK!

7) There are several other questions but they are kinda personal and I am not going to answer them nor post them online.


I'll leave you with a photo of my first Mother's Day:

A BIG UPDATE: Since a picture is worth a thousand words this is a BIG blog post....he he he
(let's not even look at the date of my last post, okay?)

January:

I turned 32 and got a new camera (one that is small enough to fit in my purse


And here I am celebrating with some Knit Friends:


Then went to a Scrapbooking Retreat with my sister.....we had so much fun! I have been several years in a row and in a weekend I can usually finish nearly a whole year of scrapbooking. This year I finished almost all of 2007, I just need to go back and do a bit of journaling. But of course I am already behind for 2008.....maybe I can find a free day to get caught up on that now that my blog is getting there :-)


February:
I was so blessed to go visit my Best Girlfriend from High School in her new place in Atlanta. I hadn't seen her in nearly a year and she has recently relocated to Atlanta, along with her Dh and 1 year old son. WHO TOOK HIS FIRST STEPS TO ME WHEN I GOT THERE!!!!!! It was a PERFECT Auntie Moment! We went to the Atlanta Aquarium which was an amazing day. I hope it won't be another year before we see each other again.


Then we were invited to attend a Hockey Game with 1-800-GOT JUNK. We had so much fun cheering on the STARS from box seats and a visit from the Ice Girls:


At the end of the month, an amazing thing happened: ALL THREE SISTERS IN ONE PLACE:


In March:

DH turned 33 and then promptly left for a temporary assignment in Lexington, KY. I went
to visit and we took the Bourbon Trail tour. It was BEAUTIFUL country and a lot of fun to learn about the history of Bourbon Whiskey and how it is made.


And so far for April:

I attended Fiber Fest and didn't go over budget with the vendors!!! but forgot to take photos. Other than that it's been busy with family visits (DH home from Lexington and cousins from New York) and this weekend I am taking another Chiropractic Pediatric Seminar. Should be really fun.

On the Knitting Front: I have officially put my Custom Escada Inspired Sweater in TIME OUT!, worked on my Brooks Farm sweater (which I LOVE), started and finished a dress for Barbie and a baby dress. I am also taking an Entrelac Sock Class at Yarn and Stitches

Well, there you go, an update on the first part of 2008.....More news to come....hopefully before July, but no promises....

It's my birthday and I'll bake if I want to......

After working this morning, my dear friend Andrea took me out for Brunch at Mimi's Cafe and I had Cornbeef Hash with eggs....YUM! I always consider ordering something else at MiMi's but then I just can't miss out on the hash....today I enjoyed it so very much along with an entire hour with Andrea.

Now, I am home and putting my 2008 birthday plan into action. When my family asked what I wanted for birthday dinner I said "Orange Khoresh" and they were confused. I am the only one in the family who makes it and it's not easily found at a cafe or diner....then I said "I want to bake and cook on my birthday"....they all cheered!

So, I am using my birthday gift from Mom and Dad:

to make these from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I was so excited when I saw the recipe, I just knew I had to find a day to bake....TODAY IS THE DAY!
I am nearly ready to add the yeast.

and since I am not big on birthday cake (although I had a DELICIOUS Chocolate cake on Wednesday that has me reconsidering cake), I am also going to make this for dessert. YUM! Apple Pie is one of my most favorite food groups.

Okay, but those are all SWEETS, what about the dinner....okay, here is the photo from the cookbook....mine is not yet finished so let's all pretend that mine will look like this :-)
. It's a delicious chicken dish with saffron, carrots, onions and oranges. I will serve it over saffron infused basmati rice. YUM!

I am now going back to my quiet house, podcasts and baking.......ta ta for now

COOKIES 2007!

Every year my baby sister and I have a cookie marathon. We plan all year, talk it up for weeks and then finally we bake until we are too tired to stand and make plans for less cookies next year.

This year we had trouble working out a full day so we spent two 1/2 days BAKING and singing out hearts out to Christmas music.

We made:
**Cut outs
**Ricotta cookies (my MILs fabulous recipe)
"Mary's Cookies" (my husband's Paternal Grandmother's recipe)
***Mandel Brot (MY Paternal Grandmother's recipe)
Ginger Spice Cookies (from our Divine friend Kate)
Chocolate Crinkles (Betty Crocker)
Amaretto Chocolate Chip Cookies (new recipe this year, it has Amaretto, Chocolate Chips, Almonds and Coconut....AHEM!)
**Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Peppermint Bark


** Double Batch
***Triple Batch

We packed up the cookies into 8 lovely containers for delivery and kept some for nibbling. Last year we kept too many and many cookies spent their last days in the trash....it was so SAD. So this year, we gave them away with reckless abandon (hence the additional batches for freezing and later consumption).

But, fear not baking and cooking are not complete. DH made Chili for dinner this evening and we are cooking for Christmas Eve dinner at our house. Brisket, Sweet Potatoes, Cabbage, Salad, Corn Bread and Pioneer Woman's BACON treats. There are days I wish I had not read PW's blog as she makes me want to bake and cook and EAT way too much!

I have started the Gathered Pullover sweater so I am knitting a bit here and there, but the weather is cold, the tree is up, family is in town and I just want to BAKE and EAT! It's only for a few more days...

Eat and be Merry!

Fiber Resolutions:

My friend Dawn started a trend and I didn't want to be left out...so here are my knitting resolutions for 2008:

1) Knit and wear a sweater for me from my Brooks Farm Yarn
2) Knit and wear the "Escada" inspired sweater with the Knitting Fairy (this is a cheat because I am already signed up for this class...but I will have to finish it in the next 12 months)
3) Knit with my Socks That Rock yarn (I joined the club this year and have not knit a stitch of it)
4) Knit more from my stash than I purchase in new yarn (Okay, so I am being bold by adding a stash statement but it's really a ratio, not a diet. Because it's all about balance).
5) Try Entrelac knitting

Okay, that should keep me busy for the next 12 months. :-)

Tonight is Blogging night....I am getting somewhat caught up.... except for knitting content (but that is all on Ravelry....so just look me up: KnittingAunt). The following post has been marinating in my brain for months, I am not sure it's ready yet but it's time to get it at least started:

Planned Parenthood:

Many couples become parents overnight, either with joy, uncertainty, terror or a mixture of all of these and many more emotions. It's a completely different ball game when pregnancy doesn't surprise you but you have to work at it, or become a mother via foster or adoption.

I spent YEARS not wanting to become pregnant. It wasn't that I didn't WANT to become a Mother or have a family but it was the wrong time (too young, in school, family issues, moving, new job, etc etc etc.....LIFE). Then finally we wised up and realized there was NEVER going to be a "right time" and we were not getting any younger. So, we began to "try" to become pregnant. And after three years discovered that we were going to have to do MORE if we wanted to have a family....

Hubby and I have discussed, ad nauseam all of the options for becoming a family, how we feel about becoming parents, what skills are needed to be good parents, how badly we want children, how far are we willing to go emotionally, physically, financially to have them etc etc etc. There are days we want to throw in the towel and just stay a happy, healthy, adventurous, satisfied COUPLE...but of course there are far more days we dream of having a little one of our own. I feel a bit bi-polar because I wish every parent had to go thru the self evaluation that we have gone thru about our ability and desire to become parents BEFORE they became parents and yet I wish we had been able to become parents with surprise and ease.....SIGH

About 2 months ago we began our Subfertility Adventure. Our doctor doesn't call it infertility because strange things happen. Women with polyps, endometriosis, cysts, one ovary, tipped uterus etc all become pregnant without intervention and women with no biological or scientific reason for infertility are never able to conceive without intervention.

So we have had several rounds of testing....some simple and some PAINFUL! So the results are in and there is still HOPE for us to conceive on our own....YEAH! We don't feel we are candidates (emotionally and financially) for artificial implantation so we are really happy about the results so far.

The down side is that I will need surgery. So a few days after Christmas, I will go in for the first surgery of my life. It's a hysteroscopy and laproscopy, which are both short day surgeries. I am totally FREAKED OUT! But getting better day by day. I really do want to know what is not working right now and if there is more that can be done to help my body function at it's highest potential. It feels like an extreme step but as a lovely friend said (and I am paraphrasing) "thank your body for preventing pregnancy when the time was not appropriate, have the surgery so that you can start the next phase in your life and your body can work properly for this next phase". She is wise and it made me feel so much better to accept that there is not something "wrong", but that I am moving into a new phase.

Sure, we'll miss our "couple" days of freedom and fun but I know we are ready to share our lives with a child. It's an exciting and emotionally THRILLING time....

For Dawn:

I have been meaning to write this post for a long time. My friend Dawn always asks me about my camping trips and especially our pop up camper.

So Dawn, this is just for YOU:

We have a Coleman (now called Fleetwood) Carmel. It's not the smallest Pop up out there and by no means the largest. It has a king size bed on one side and a full on the other. The mattresses are pretty thick. We have added the "egg crate foam" to our bed and it is quite comfy. We also have a dining table that easily seats four for eating or playing games. A sink, small fridge and three burner stove. hubby bought me a porta potty and now LIFE IS GOOD. (The newer models have potty and shower built in.) Under the seats is lots of storage. Our little pop up has power outlets, running water, lights and A/C built in. We have added a table lamp for evening reading and crafts, fans, space heaters for winter, an alarm clock, portable shelving and some throw pillows to make it feel more like home. Outside we add some lights, recliner chairs, patio cover (so you can go out in your bare feet,), and solar covers on the bunks (emergency tarps from Cabellas that reflect light/heat).

This first photo is our adorable camper all set up in our site. This is Thanksgiving weekend at the Thousand Trails campground on Lake Texoma, so yes, it's a bit dark and bleak but we had a WONDERFUL time.


Next is the camper in Pop-down mode. It usually takes us about 45 minutes to get completely set up/take down. But that includes loading the car, cleaning out the camper, and putting everything back in it's place.

Now we are wrapping it up. Hubby and I each have our jobs with set up and clean up. Sometimes we forget and get in each others way but most of the time we work like a "well oiled camping machine".


And finally the camper is all popped down, then we hitch it to the truck and we are on our way....


So a bit more enlightenment for you non-campers....a typical weekend goes like this for us:

I start to pack and plan meals on Wednesday or Thursday. We load up the truck as soon as we are home on Friday, then head out of town. I used to travel, set up and cook on Friday nights....but now we grab food on the way....sometimes I am smarter than I look...

As soon as we arrive we unpack, set up and get the heat or AC on, then head out for a walk or I sit and knit while Hubby gets a bit of fishing done before the sun goes down. We usually go to bed early on Friday nights. If we camp with other folks we'll sit around a campfire or sit outside for a bit before turning in. If the skies are clear and Hubby has packed one of his scopes he'll head back out for some Astronomy....I don't usually join him as I lack the patience and interest in millions of "little white dots" (except when visiting the National Observatory...WOW). But if he finds a galaxy or planet, then I come out and have a look.

Sat morning, we wake up EARLY, Hubby goes fishing and I stay in my Jammies with the dogs. We cuddle up and watch movies on my computer (in the photo, the dining table is down and the computer is up on the cooler which is how we watch movies together. When it's just me I sit at the table and watch) and knit or listen to podcasts and knit until he returns. Then we go out to breakfast, make coffee etc while I hear all about the fishing adventures. My husband is a great storyteller so this is usually the highlight of my day.



Next we work on crafts, chat with other campers, take a walk, play boardgames/cards or go visit the town that we are camping in. I love to go to small town shops, play golf, or sample local cuisine. Occasionally if the weather is bad we'll go walk around wal-mart (there is always one close by and many campers say you are not camping if you have not made a trip to walmart). Then it's time for a nap.... This is my next favorite part of camping....'nuf said.

Sat evening we'll cook, go out to dinner or just snack. Hubby returns to the water for fishing, I knit and watch another movie and then more astronomy, visiting neighbors or just going to bed early.

Sunday we wake up, repeat the Sat morning routine and then pack up to get home.

It's BILSS! Pure and heavenly bliss.....