~imagining~

This afternoon I went out and sat in the Airstream and tried to imagine living in it.

I couldn't, really.

But I think that's okay.  It's a transition. 

It's a transition for Stanley too, who for several years now has been the man of the house.  He takes his responsibilities seriously. 

I realized today that the only place to put a small microwave is on top of the refrigerator.  There is a plug there, not an outlet - but a plug that comes up from behind the refrigerator and is laying on top of the refrigerator, at the back.  I'm guessing that will work.

I realized that my large All-Clad fry pan won't fit in the sink.  I couldn't wash it.  I guess the reality is that there will be few things I need in the kitchen - a small stainless fry pan (an omelet-size) and perhaps a small and medium sized sauce pan.  Well, that simplifies things.

I want to find a spot for a toaster.  I like toast.

You can see how they replaced the cover from the old water heater with a shiny white metal one.  Now that will have to eventually change (because), which shouldn't be difficult.  The opening for this one is larger, so the old one won't work - but it should be easy to get some aluminum and have a new one made.  Again, not a priority for now.  Finding a place for a toaster - now that's a priority (the toaster will probably have to sit in a cabinet, and be brought out only when needed).  Later I might head out and purchase a small microwave and a toaster for the place. 

You can also see from the pic at the top (and this one to the left) how they replaced the propane tanks with new ones, instead of retrofitting the old ones (sitting on the ground - there are two of these).  That's something that I might change later - it won't be a priority for awhile.

There are too many things that are higher priority right now.

Like my Mother.  And the Ancient Wonder Beagle.

And getting a new house built. 

The funny thing today is that I realized that the 'front door' (and only door) has a built-in screened door.  That was a pleasant discovery!  When it arrived from Vermont, I didn't spend alot of time looking around her - and then she want off to Camping World for repairs.  I think that around the front door that I might make a little 'porch' - perhaps out of those large square concrete pavers (something simple).  It does have an awning (that I haven't figured out how to operate yet) - so perhaps I'll have the porch have a similar footprint as the awning.  The thought of mosquito netting has been wandering around in my head for awhile - it sounds like it might be wise.  I'm not sure yet though.

The corner of the yard where the Airstream is located is the least 'planted' part of my garden.  I've started mulching areas with live oak leaves, and I've placed a Two-Winged Silverbell back there as well as several native azaleas.  There are also several red cedars (the trees of my childhood) - transplanted from my grandmother's farm outside of Charlottesville, transplanted before the farm was sold.  They aren't getting enough sun there though, since one of the large live oaks casts a dense shadow over them now - I might have to think about moving them.  There are also several small (~5') sassafras trees (Sassafras albidum) growing there - that will stay - plus a few smaller live oak saplings, a water oak, etc.  I'm happy about the Sassafras - since their leaves are the preferred evening meal of the spicebush swallowtail (Papilo troilus).  It's the more 'native' part of my garden - in the truer sense of the word - and I think I might continue that trend (also because it is the driest part of my garden) - I'd like to add several more native azaleas, a redbay, and some plants less known to me but that I admire when wandering the Woodlanders website.

Today I'm a bit tired though, and I'm not rushing through anything that I need to do.  It was a busy week with days that were spent working for too many hours, and I need to regain my balance.  Perhaps I will plant a few more sunflowers (to fill in the holes where some didn't germinate in my side garden) and the red zinnia seeds that my mother gave me.  Or perhaps I will sit in a chair on the side deck and watch the mockingbirds enjoy the figs - or perhaps, I will simply eat a bowl of figs myself.

   

Comments

[Christopher C NC]

Thanks for identifying the beautiful blue butterflies that are every where here as the Spicebush swallowtail. Now I will have to check the Sassafras for catapillage.

The first photo on the link is labeled from the NC county I am in.

My cozy little cabin that I now have the permit to build is 26 feet, 8 inches long, a wee bit longer than your Airstream. I do think I will have a little more girth than your Airsteam at 14 feet. This I plan to live in for the next three to five years before a house is built. My cozy little cabin is a step up from the camping trailer that was strongly suggested to me in the beginning. I understand your angst.

[Carol]

So, how long do you plan to live in the Airstream? Sounds like it is going to be quite an adventure...

[Joan]

In Airstream lingo - that baby has a good skin :)

[Pam]

CC in NC: Did you see the spicebush caterpillars? Boy, I'd like to run across one of those. After I looked at that site, I went out and scoured my sassafrases, but didn't run across any - although I did find several chrysalises (but not ones that I could identify).

Yes, there is angst. I'm also intrigued by whether I can do. I think it will be a personal challenge, and if I approach it correctly - and handle it correctly (and don't totally wig out) - I think that it will be a really interesting time in my life. I want to write alot during that time. I want to garden alot, and swim many, many laps. I want to grow accustomed to living with few things. (But I'm guessing that I'll be thrilled to move into the new place).

Carol: As long as it takes to demolish my current place and build the new one. I'd like to say that it won't take long, but I'm hoping that it will all get done in less then a year.

Joan: You know, it does. It's in surprisingly good shape - the person who owned her for the majority of her lifespan worked for Airstream. Maybe I'll get motivated after I move in, and shine her up. That would be hilarious I think. I'd not only be living in an Airstream, but I'd be living in an Airstream that GLOWS!

[Annie in Austin]

Your posts on the 67 land yacht are fascinating, Pam, as you prepare to simplify your life, reduce your belongings to bare necessities and join the Airstream subculture.

I'm still trying to imagine what it will be like from what I can read of the floorplan - don't think I've ever seen the inside of one, just tried to drive around them on Interstate 35. Your idea for a porch with mosquito netting from the awning sounds like a good one... that way you'll have someplace where you and the dogs can sit together.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

[Pam]

Annie: Don't cringe, but my dogs will be inside with me - but I'm thinking that the more time we spend outside, and the more comfortable spaces that we will have outside, the better. Plus, I'll have an outdoor fireplace.