We’ve been spending as much time as possible making progress on our camper, which we fondly call “Tin Can Alley.” Rick had to remove the ceiling to rewire much of the camper, and we also repaired several water leaks we discovered after bringing her home. I’ve been priming and painting everything I can reach, and Rick helps with the areas I can’t get to.
I hand-dyed some flour sack towels to use as curtains. The colors need a little adjustment to better match the palette we’ve chosen, so I’ll be reworking a few pieces. We already have a couple of café rods ready to hang some curtains once the cabinet doors are put back up in the dinette area. I’ll share a post soon about how I made the curtains — it was really fun and a great DIY project.
I’m now hooked on Shibori dyeing and fabric stamping — it’s become a little creative obsession.
Life Around Here Lately
A few other things have been happening besides camper renovations. My son Shane decided to move back to Kentucky after living nearby for a couple of years. He generously left us a gently used futon mattress that fits perfectly in the sofa/bed area. That saved us a lot — redoing those cushions would have cost around $300. I’m going to miss having him close; it’s hard to live six or more hours away from grown children, and holidays can amplify that ache. I love my stepchildren, too, but being apart from my boys stirs up a lot of emotion, so please bear with me while my mama heart adjusts.
We also took a wonderful trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo with Alyssa and her family. Declan was thrilled to see a real elephant up close, and we enjoyed watching the giraffes as well. It was a joyful outing and a nice break from renovation work.
and some Giraffes
This week I turned 50. I spent the day on track with my plans and worked alongside Rick in the camper, bringing our dream closer to reality. Playing with fabric dye and paint made my crafty side very happy on my birthday.
I also want to be honest about the creative side: I sometimes struggle with doubt and writer’s block. I question whether what I share here matters, and that worry can make me hesitant to post. The blogging world changes quickly, and newer voices keep appearing, which occasionally shakes my confidence. Even so, I’m committed to sharing projects, recipes, and personal updates when I can.
A couple of weeks ago I began my journey to quit smoking. I’ve been a heavy smoker since my teens, and after a recent doctor visit I learned I have diabetic neuropathy in my feet. My doctor could not find pulses in either foot and is concerned about circulation, so it’s time for me to quit for good. Please keep Rick and me in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this — it’s a difficult process and my emotions can run high when I try to quit.
I appreciate your patience while I navigate health changes, renovation milestones, and family transitions. I do have a few planned posts coming up, including recipes for the crock pot and Instant Pot that I think you’ll enjoy. Stop back soon to see progress on Tin Can Alley, curtain tutorials, and a few comforting recipes that are perfect for busy days of DIY.