Through Our Camp Colegate Windows

One of the fun challenges of building a house and then developing the landscape is developing one's mantra for choices. We purchased the property in 1996, and I began to formulate our ideas in 1997 for construction the summer of 1998. Cost containment was paramount, as was one-floor living and communication with the outdoors.  There was some debate over siting the house in the middle of the property, or toward the back (bye-bye bonfire area) where the house would be more sheltered from the elements. We favored the central location, in order to visually and physically extend our property. The central location provided us both a front and back destination, as opposed to offering a walk to only the front of the property.

The outdoor rooms have been equally important, as we wanted to be able to step outside in all types of weather to experience the sunrise, the moon and stars, the arrival of a storm, and any unexpected surprise from nature. We have woken up each other in the middle of the night to bundle up and lie in the chaise lounges on the back patio in order to watch spectacular meteor showers. I have practised my Tai Chi on the front porch with the first light of dawn. I have wrapped young grands up in my Indian blanket and hugged them tightly as we watched the sun rise. We were also dazzled witha spectacular lightening storm preceeding a devastating tornado. Denny, our best friend and builder, had woken us from our slumber to seek the safety of the basement, to which we then rushed.

From the blueprints and raising of the framework came my mantra, that the purpose of each room was to draw one's eyes to the outside. Well, that doesn't sound like a mantra to me, but some take off on that thought drove the design and construction of this house. Nature was to be the star and the main theme of this house. It was important that one's vision be directed outside, and not be detracted nor delayed by the interior or its contents. At the same time, Bruce and I also were drawn to outdoor sculpture, which nature and landscaping have provided for us.

So, join me one snowy morning as I walk around the house, snapping photos through our Camp Colegate windows or stepping out on our porches. You won't get chilled!



Dawn at Camp Colegate



View of the garden and pond from the front porch





Out the guest room window




Sun porch views




Sun porch vistas




Zooming in on our suet feeder and cardinal




Snow-covered spruces




Contorted locust trees through living room shutters



Goodnight, Moon  (and odd reflections)!



Just When I Was Bored Out of My Mind

I have consciously embraced winter in order to enjoy these cold, sometimes dreary months, as my retired friends had advised me how long and vexing the winter months can be. I must admit that I did fail this past week, despite lovely snow on the ground. I simply crumped. I had challenged my mind by cooking unique and new meals to add to my repertoire and choosing knitting/crochet patterns that had new stitches or concepts, but to no avail. I felt bored, depressed, and in a funk.

Today I was preparing for a trip to Columbus for a dental procedure, hurray! somewhere to go, something to do, when the dental office called to cancel. I knew I couldn't survive another day of mindless television (although I was listening when Regis announced his retirement), so I made a quick list of things I needed to do, and tackled organizing my garden charts and seeds, and ordering the necessary seeds from my favorite catalogues. As I sat here at my computer, I noticed movement in the front meadow.

I didn't dare open the door to step out on the porch, so I shot between the slats of the plantation shutters at my desk and the panes of glass at the front door. My visitor hung around for a good 40 minutes.

Come Join Me on the Ski Trail

For those of you in sunny Florida, or who don't have xc ski gear to make the trek out here, I took photos along the trail to give you the visual experience of a daily run with me. If only you could hear the sweet birds (yes, robins do survive here over winter) or see a fox cross your trail. Anyway, enjoy the photos and imagine your skis gliding over the packed snow:   swish . . . swish . . . swish . . . and, believe it or not, perspiration trickling down your back. Yes, you won't get cold, you'll get overheated!

Hope you enjoyed your winter outing!

Post Holiday Activities

Holidays are hectic, but I am always grateful for the opportunity to see family and friends. My sister, Annie, was in Ohio for nearly two weeks, visiting her daughters. We were able to get the sisters together here at Camp Colegate for brunch. Annie's daughter, Clarie, joined us, too. We had a Camp Colegate brunch, roasted butternut squash (homegrown) soup, steamed broccoli (thank you, Krogers), and sour cherry (homegrown, love that freezer) sauce on French yogurt lemon cakes shaped like birds nest (Williams Sonoma - sp?) with whipped cream. Although the snow was melting outside, we were still able to gaze out the windows at a snowy winterscape. Camp Colegate worked its wonderful relaxing, peaceful magic. Perfect for after the holidays.

Sara, Susie, Annie

Annie, Clarie



I've made a mad rush on the crochet projects, finishing hats for the boys down South, a scarf to go with AKs hat and sweater for her, and now I'm taking a slight break. I'm working on some new projects, probably for me, which will stretch my ability to interpret and utilize new patterns. My friend, Peggy, tooke me to two yarn shops in Cincinnati which were so inspirational. I was dazzled by all the different yarns and garments that were on display. Ann has graciously mailed Mother's old knitting/crochet supplies to me, which I can't wait to receive. I often think of her, as I pass the long hours of winter creating something.

   

We had a great snowfall in December, followed by freezing temperatures and periodic snow. I was able to cross country ski for days on end. We have frozen ground now which offers the opportunity to walk around without sinking into the mud. We have really wet ground here. The hens did not care for the snow at all, but don't seem to mind the cold. It's fun, watching them respond to changes in their routine. The native birds have been working on the pyracantha berries, and enjoy the suet ithat Bruce replaces in the birch tree.