“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
My goals for 2018
Goal #1 – Write Like No One is Reading.
“Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver
Goal #2 – Slow Down
With almost the entire house packed and there being no point on working in the garden, I was looking for something to keep my hands busy for the next two weeks. Stripping the paint off of 3 desks seemed like a good option. In the end the desks will be re-strained, but since I’m not exactly sure where they will be placed in the new house, getting all the prep work done ahead of time will have to do for now.
Ideally, I’d love for the HH’s desk to go in the sitting room {where the current owners have a large hutch} but I’m not sure if it will fit, it may be too big for the space. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Anywho, stripping furniture is incredibly relaxing…. and now that I’ve got a pretty good system down, I wouldn’t hesitate to bring home a heavily painted piece of furniture from a thrift store or tag sale if it had good bones.
Goal #3 – Shop Small
I didn’t really do any shopping this week.
Goal # 4 – Have a Designated Meal Prep Day
I know that my goal to make {most of} our meals for the week on one designated day probably won’t come into fruition until around early April, but working on what works and what doesn’t has been helpful. I know I’ll be VERY busy once spring rolls around and spending the least amount of time in the kitchen will be high on my priority list. Even if I can get all the prep work and meals down to just two days a week I will consider it a victory.
Goal #5 – Install a Vegetable Garden
I noticed Botanical Interests is offering free shipping on any size order right now so I decided to order a packet of Amish Broom Corn. Ever since our trip to the Granville Island The Broom Company in Canada last year, I’ve wanted a homemade broom. I’m pretty sure there is a learning curve to the whole thing, but the way I see it, the winters are long in New England and I’m going to need several winter projects to keep me busy. Figuring out the art of broom making, will be just one of them. 😉
Goal #6 – Clear Land for a Chicken Coop and Future Raised Garden Bed Area
Mrs. HB texted me from Wilco the other day to announce she bought 4 new baby chicks! All Ameraucanas. Lucy’s chicks wont’ arrive until early early April for for now, I’ll have to admire hers.
Goal #7 – Grow 500 Pounds of Vegetables
Would you believe the people who bought our house didn’t want the raised garden boxes we built? At first Mrs. HB wanted the garden boxes for her place and we were going to haul all the dirt out of the boxes {and over to her place on a trailer} and then bring the garden boxes to her house. But have you ever hauled wet dirt in the middle of winter? Plus, those garden boxes, can’t be taken apart.
So in the end we decided to just leave them be. But now every time I walk outside I stare at our well made garden boxes and wonder if there is another solution. Right now the boxes are 4 x 8. I wonder if I could use a reciprocating saw and cut the corners off the boxes and just take the wood with me. Sure, when I go to assemble the beds they’ll be more like 3 x 7 but still, at least they wouldn’t get trashed. Maybe I shouldn’t care, but of all the improvements we did on the HOA House, this was my favorite.
Goal #8 – Hook 100 Rugs
12 down, 88 to go. This past week I made a small flowers for Lucy rug and another heart mat and listed them on Etsy. Not on the agenda, a Valentine heart pillow, a few more sets of flowers, and then I’ll start on the giant chicken rug for my new kitchen.
Goal #9 – Make a Set of Dolls
I think I am going to save the doll making goal for later this fall/winter so I have a something to work on when the weather outside is too chilly to garden.
Goal #10 – Make a Sampler, Frame it and Hang it on the Wall
So even with that hands free magnifying glass, I still couldn’t manage counted cross stitch. MY EYES!! MY EYES!!! There is a spot at the bottom of the stairs at the new house where I want to hang 2 square samplers, but they aren’t going to be cross stitch, that’s for sure. Hey, sometimes plans get tweaked, and so now, the samplers will be stitched in a primitive style instead of counted cross stitch. We all have our limits!
Goal #11 – Visit 22 Bakeries
I am headed up to Seattle this week and plan to hit 2 bakeries. I’m tempted to go back to Coyle’s Bakeshop for one of their amazing lemon tarts or Bakery Nouveau for a twice baked almond and chocolate croissant but I know I need to try something new. The decision is a hard one though because there are so many good bakeries in Seattle!
Goal #12 – Start a Collection
I still haven’t made my way to an antique store to look for wooden butter molds or spoons yet. it will have though, I’m not worried.
Goal #13 – Read {or listen to} 26 Books
Yesterday I started listening to Founding Gardeners by Andrea Wulf. So far so good. Learning about how Monticello, Mount Vernon and Montpelier came together is pretty awesome. And having been to all three of those places, makes the story, even better.
Goal #14 – Try 12 New Canning Recipes
Not this past week, but I am hoping to make something special in February. If not, I’m sure I’ll have no problem finding new canning recipes this summer.
Goal #15 – Secret {for now} Holiday Project
I’ve been wanting to do this for YEARS…. and this year, I’m going for it. The planning stages for this project has begun and around this time next month I should be ready to place an order for supplies.
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2018? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2018 Goals HERE.
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Sue R. says
Your goal of collecting wooden spoons or butter molds gave me a new goal–I’m going to learn to carve wooden spoons! I’ve done some Googling and watched a few YouTubes and contacted a local art guild–a potential class setting in a month! Thanks for the inspiration!
Laura T. says
That’s too bad about your raised beds. That’s my fear if I ever move. I’m afraid of what will happen to my gardens.
My neighbor is a big gardener & he rescued a bunch of things from a friend of his. The friend bought a house with beautiful gardens but he was going to just bulldoze it all! My neighbor rescued a bunch of flowers, bulbs, lilac bushes, etc.! He was nice enough to share some with me! I always hoped that the home’s previous owner never found out that it was torn apart! Maybe they would at least be happy to know that two fellow gardeners rescued most of it & years later it’s all still thriving in our yards! :0)
E in Upstate NY says
When we were looking for a new to us house, we looked at a house with AMAZING perennial gardens. Often when we drive by I look into the back yard. [Have almost put the car into a ditch doing so!] Its so sad, the yard is now shorter with all those gorgeous gardens just left to go wild, which they have.
Teresa says
Hi Mavis–I say take the garden boxes with you. They are yours, they look so nice, and you can use them.Have Chico the handyman come over and help you disassemble them and set them aside for the movers. You will be glad you did. Enjoy your day 🙂
Cecile H says
With the raised beds, could you not scoop out enough soil to lift the beds, power wash them off and ship them in your moving truck on their sides? they don’t look like they would take up more than 24″-32″ in width. If they are still damp when you go to pack the moving truck you could wrap them in plastic drop sheets or tarps. I’m sure between HH, Mr HB, Mrs HB and yourself you could manage to get them into the truck so they don’t go to waste.
Connie says
While you’re still in NW go back to Vancouver and grab a broom ! You said you would be in Seattle next week after all.
I would cut down and take raised bed forms.
Lynne says
If you take the beds, make sure you get permission from the buyers in writing. Thats a built in improvement not a decorative item and it’s part of the sale price. The house may have more value without them in THEIR eyes, but that’s not necessarily true by law.
Mavis Butterfield says
No worries, we do.
Mary says
My hubby ended up being the HOA president and oh man the stories I could share, but won’t, except this one when someone put in an application for a couple of pigs that were his pets. The CC&R’s state only two pets per household so they figured ok then we can keep our two pet pigs. When the snooperville secretary found out she went bullistick and really caused a lot of problems. In the end the people bought and sold there place within the same month and never even moved in. Can’t wait til the 26th of Feb. and we move! How can these places thrive like they do?
Maxine says
I also say take the beds if you might build the same beds at new house, if not give to Mrs. HB. Maybe a crowbar, or two, to work up one piece at a time? Even a few nicks from the crowbar could be hidden on the underside?
Mavis Butterfield says
There is no way on earth those beds are coming apart unless they are cut. LOL
Kayla says
Could the raised garden bed be cut in half? Maybe then pry up the corners and dump the dirt like a dump truck? You can reassemble them and secure them with tie plates at the new house. Just a thought. Your life sounds so wonderful- full of projects, gardens, change for the better, and family around you to enjoy. I’m jealous.
AlysonRR says
That’s what I thought, too – cut in half on the long side, then back East, secure with cross braces mounted T-shaped on either end of a center board, stabilize with a bracket on the outside.
Terri says
How sad that the new owners don’t want your raised beds! I’d be head over heels if I bought a place with raised beds! Have you thought about putting them on Freecycle or Buy Nothing? Or maybe even Craig’s List? Somebody on one of those sites will love them as much as you do!
Pam says
Ditto!
Candy C. says
When you are ready to make brooms from the broomcorn check out the article online from Mother Earth News. How to make a broom. It tells you the few items needed, shows photos and tells you everything you need to know to assemble. The shorter stalks don’t go to waste..make them into whisk brooms. Have fun.
Judy T says
My husband makes brooms and would be happy to make one for you from your broom corn. Also, if you have a branch from a tree, that you are sentimental about, he can use that for the handle…
https://www.facebook.com/appalachia.brooms?ref=br_rs
MT Mich says
Could you list the beds for free/cheap on Craigslist with the stipulation that the taker move the dirt and do the labor? I have seen people who are willing to do a lot of work for quality free stuff, myself included 🙂
Lace Faerie says
Oh,oh! Pick me! Pick me!
Sandy says
Mavis — totally off topic but you know what I’d love to see a post on? How to hook a rug. You have such a way of explaining things and you could take photos during the long moving drive and break it up for a bit of instruction a day. I can’t be the only one wondering how you make such beautiful rugs.
Just a suggestion.
Angela W says
I was thinking about this very subject and was hoping Mavis would tackle this one! Remarkable, mind reader, you are! Thank you! I really like the thought of hooking a rug while watching a movie/tv. Yes! Yes! Teach us….would love a reason to buy Mavis’s wool….so many pretty colors.
Sandy says
I really want to learn. But I have no idea how to start. I know with my quilting people are like — I could never do that. Well yes, you could. It’s simple in my mind. Maybe Mavis feels the same way…that it wouldn’t be “entertaining” enough. But I sure want to see how to do it! And I never thought of having a side gig of being able to sell the wool and such, but ya! If I could figure out how to to do it I would totally buy wool from Mavis!
Mavis Butterfield says
I am planning on doing a post… But since most {as in 99%} of people hook with a frame, I think it would be best to show people how to hook the traditional way. I am planning on buying a large hooking frame once we get settled on the East Coast and will put a proper post together at that time.
Anne Penkal says
I am a rug hooker and belong to a Guild. Specifically the North Hunterdon County Guild in Northern Jersey (http://www.hcrag.com/index.html). We have members from all over the country but mostly, PA and NJ. There are many Guilds, ours included, that provide free beginner workshops in order to promote and encourage rug hooking and fiber arts. If you are interested in rug hooking, try googling guilds in your area and contact them to see if they offer any workshops for beginners. Watching tutorials online is fine but I find that hooking with others especially as a beginner is so helpful. You will need encouragement and help with choosing patterns, color planning and with the basic technique. BTW Mavis I hook with a hoop only don’t like frames. I have done small to large rugs (largest being 5ft by 5ft) all with a hoop. I find what you learn with tends to be what you like to stick with.
Melanie says
Mavis,
I am LOVING the way your sampler looks! I personally like it better now than the original cross stitch pattern. It will be an amazing addition to your new home, and I can’t wait to see it when it’s all finished!
Mavis Butterfield says
Me too! I like the primitive look better as well.
Marti says
My neighbor had beautiful raised beds filled with beautiful perennials. They sold their home and she thought the new owners had sounded excited about gardening and using and enjoying the raised beds. First thing the new owners did was cover everything with a couple layers of black plastic to kill everything in the beds. My neighbor was so sad because she would have given the perennials away or taken them with her. Can’t understand some people.
heather says
I would definitely take or give away the raised beds. I would just cut off the corners, if nothing else. Also, have you ever stated if HH is able to transfer his job or what he is going to do back east.
Wendy Steele says
That’s a big question for me too! And what about the girl’s college?
Vy says
How could they not want those beds??!! FOOLS!
Cathy says
If you love cedar lumber , grab some for the trip to the East Coast . I friend move to SC and she drug 12 foot planks to make a family style picnic table . Everyone that visits asks where did she get that cool lumber and what is it ?
Carolyn says
Slightly off target but regarding gardening….have you ever heard of or used the hugelkultur gardening technique? I stumbled across it tonight and am excited to think this might be something I can use when I rebuild my raised beds this year. Wondered if you had any thoughts on it…or even something to consider as part of your new garden?
Angela D. says
I do, I do! I’m five years in on my Hugel —
it’s been quite a deal! Lots of work…details I would have never imagined. Someday I’ll have to submit my story, it’s a doozy!
Carolyn says
I would love to hear your story some day Angela! 🙂
Elizabeth says
I have moved our cedar beds three times in five years. (We have moles, voles, and chicken issues) Then we also have a crazy slope in our yard so each time we have moved them, we have found issues with that location. This year, I think I am going to move them to my father’s yard, he lives 3 miles away and it’s perfectly flat. My husband just loves how I flip flop….
Carrie says
I about spit my tea out when I read “stripping furniture is incredibly relaxing”. I HATE stripping paint off wood furniture. We stripped our front storm door down to the wood two months ago. It took 4 days to get down to the wood and you can still see specks of black where we finally gave up. I’ll have to try that product you recommended next time but for now I am done stripping paint! And yes my door is amazingly beautiful now but it was so much work!
Barb Hawkins says
May I ask what you downloaded the NBC app to in order to watch the game?
Mavis Butterfield says
We downloaded the NBC Sports app on our tv to watch the Superbowl. We don’t have cable {or an antenna} and with the app watching the game was free.
Pam says
I had to leave my raised beds at my last house. The male half of the couple buying the house said they were “an eyesore” and he’d have them ripped out within a month of moving in. Nothing I could do – no way they could’ve been moved. I drove by for the first time about 5 years after we moved. Beds are still there. But they’re growing flowers instead of vegetables. And it’s gorgeous! Guess the hubby decided it was too much work and they made the best of it. Hopefully, something like that will happen for you too.