Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Christmas Day In The Morning



A glowing Christmas Eve sunset didn't fulfill the promise of a sunny morning.


We arose a bit later than usual in deference to the day, to view a blue-grey sky quickly covered in pearly clouds.
It seemed the day would pass in the quiet somber hues that have been our company for many weeks.


At noon the sun came out. It is tentative sunshine, sometimes nearly obscured by cottony clouds.


The lane between our camper/caravans and the new house.
Even a partially sunny day needs to be recorded and appreciated.



Given our cramped quarters and tiny kitchenette, I have been relieved of holiday cooking this year.
No fruit pies or dinner rolls. 
The kitchen is fitted with an 18 inch propane 'cooker'. There are 4 burners, so tightly spaced that it is a juggle to manage even 3 pans. The bitty oven is intimidating; I've not attempted to use it.
My contributions to this year's Christmas feast [being ably prepared and hosted by daughter and SIL] are a 'fluffy' fruited jello salad, concocted yesterday, and the above dessert, 'Oreo Delight Pudding' aka 'Dirt Pudding' [for the crumbled cookie topping.]
It contains enough decadently fattening ingredients to be appealing: Oreo cookies, cream cheese, chocolate pudding, Cool Whip.


Jim continued with house siding yesterday.



Lower level entrance with a covered area that will likely be quite utilitarian.


Not wanting to waste mild temperatures and sunshine, Jim has continued this morning.
It is encouraging to see the house looking more 'finished' outside. A carport will be constructed alongside this entrance.
Interior work is now waiting on the man who is meant to apply foam insulation in parts of the house. 
Then drywall and painting can be done.

There's not been much I can do to help.
I have been responsible for applying the stain to much of the siding--the boards laid out on trestles in the house and the stain rolled on.  My right shoulder has definitely registered this contribution.
Beyond that, I keep the men stoked with [very] simple hearty food, the laundry done.

Housekeeping in the camper is at an untidy minimum with half a dozen cats in and out, coats and boots with no proper place to stow them, various household items shuffled from one spot to another.
At that, I'm reminded that the camper offers a warm, dry, temporary abode, surely far more comfortable than some.

I have moments of impatience for a 'real' house--such as when I slam my head one more time on the overhanging cupboard ledge while making up the bed. 
Meanwhile I can appreciate the focused progress that continues at the hands of two good builders.

16 comments:

  1. Oh Sharon, your soon to be ‘home’ is looking ever so promising! You know, I have absolutely no recollection as to how we spent the Christmas of our house construction year. I do remember with absolute clarity that the stove, if you could even call it that, was an unmitigated disaster. My guess would be that we went out for Chinese food. Wishing you a Christmas full of Peace and Joy!

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  2. Mundi; We had Christmas dinner with our daughter and SIL who are both marvelous cooks. They mentioned it wasn't a 'fancy' meal--we thought it was wonderful, and a treat to have food that wasn't hastily prepared on a tiny gas ring.
    We get through the building process one day at a time. Maybe better for the men as they can view an accomplishment at the end of each day.

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  3. As always, I am so impressed at the work you two do, and the life you live. More energy than I had in my twenties!! Can't wait to see the finished house!

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    1. Nan; I am mentally placing furniture--trying to imagine how each space will seem when finished.

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  4. Goodness me. Your house is coming right along. They are doing a FANTASTIC job and I know you'll all be glad to have this major project completed and for you to be settling in.

    Have a wonderful 2019 ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Rainey; I couldn't ask for more capable or determined carpenters than my son and husband. What they have accomplished, in spite of unfavorable weather is really remarkable.

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  5. It's going to be outstanding! Just one day at a time. It's the only way I get through each day, no more. We're battening down the hatches for a blizzard. I'm planning on quilting, IF I can remember how😵, and if the electric stays on.
    Wishing you a beautiful 2019.
    Denimflyz

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    1. Vicky; Can you imagine sewing or quilting by candle or lamp light? I often think how dependent we are on the modern stuff.
      I have to remind myself that one day is all we have to handle at any time--even when the next few days loom over us.

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  6. I see lots of progress, Sharon. Your husband is a hard worker. I hope it's not too long now if you are finding your present home too tight.
    I hope you enjoyed the holidays. Happy New Year.

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    1. Deb; Our camper is not a tiny one, but accommodating the cats [and a litter box!] as well as winter coats and boots is making for a clutter. As you know, when building a house, each bit of progress is encouraging!

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  7. Great progress being made on the house, even though it was a hands-on Christmas this year so that progress could be made. You will breath a huge sigh of relief when you can decamp from the trailer to the house and have a bit more room. I dare say that the cats would second that!

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    1. Jennie; The day of 'decamping' will be a celebration! It will be amusing to watch the cats explore, finding familiar [scratched and scruffy] furniture in new spaces. I think they will delight in a staircase to race up and down.
      I was good with Christmas being a lovely meal and the good program at church--my contribution to both this year was minimal.

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  8. Amazing progress. This is going so fast to me, but I suppose the daily life in a temp shelter seems longer. You will be all set soon! Merry Christmas! (Still Christmas 'til Epiphany, so won't say "Belated...). Phil/MN

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    1. Phil' I've often thought I'd like to observe an old-fashioned Christmas season, [one that didn't start the day after Halloween!] making Christmas Eve more special and then enjoying 12 days. I'm not big on holidays and would like a slower more contemplative pace.
      "Daily life" in the camper is definitely rather grubby, but we are managing!

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  9. I love the lane to the new house - so pretty! The new house is going to be so wonderful and every bit of progress is another day closer to saying goodbye to camp living. Happy New Year!

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    1. Karen; This is our 3rd Kentucky house with a lane out to the main road, this one being the greatest distance. It provides me with a good walk to the mailbox and back.
      I think the new house is going to be a fine fit for us.

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