Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Well, a few days off stretched into more time than I had anticipated.  I've been busy doing a lot of reevaluating lately.  It seems like a number of doors have been closed, so I've been trying to open up a few new ones.  We've come to the conclusion that we will not be able to sell our home for at least five years, so the homestead dreams are on hold.  That also means that a whole house renovation is on the horizon for us.  Yipee!  There has already been a few day trips to Ikea for inspiration.  And, when I say day trip, I mean day trip.  There at 9:30am to have breakfast, store opens at 10:00am, lunch at noon, more browsing, and then coffee and cinnamon roll on the way out the door.  The added calories are counterbalanced by the lighting of one's wallet, so it all works out in the end.

The renovations are going to be slow coming, though.  We are at the tail end of paying off our consumer debt, so we are focusing our attention there for a few more months.  These last few months are so hard, being so close to the finish line.  We are selling most of our furniture on Craig's List to get done even faster and make room for new things.  I find it fascinating that the more dated an item the faster it sells on Craig's List.  It has been an interesting experiment.  The The Minimalist Mom has become my new favorite blog and my daily inspiration.

I've been working overtime in my shop to chip in, as well.  I've been really thankful for the custom orders coming my way, but after 80,000 stitches this month alone I am getting a wee bit knitted out.  I can't wait until I can knit something up for myself again.  I've been able to sneak in a few projects for the family, but the queue is getting longer and longer. 

So, with the whole family a little tired out we took a break and headed North this weekend.

It was a breath of fresh air and just the slowed down pace we need to recoup.  

Do some exploring.

And, when Little Boy wakes up wanting to see a dam, we can just go see a dam.

Then enjoy that the sun came out and it is warm enough for the first ice cream cone of the year.

Hope your May Day was just as wonderful!