Life's a Stitch

Years ago we bought a vacation condo, just over the border in the state of Washington; about 26 years ago. As per advice we received prior to purchasing a vacation property, it has not realized a substantial increase monitarily over the years, but the value has been in the experience.

It always felt like the trees lining the community of Sudden Valley's driveway served as a filter for life's burdens. Leave your troubles at the entrance and pick them up when you leave; the time in between being somewhat carefree. 

Located on Lake Whatcom, 12 miles long, there are two little beaches in our community named for their sun exposure in the morning and afternoon, AM and PM beaches. If ever asked to imagine my happy place, this was it:

The deer roam freely. When we were here shopping for a property with our realtor, he jokingly commanded "Queue the deer," and sure enough out pranced a mom with two speckled fawns. Yesterday on our walk around the smaller lake, we spotted eleven of them. 

Made up of seven units we became friends with the other owners and Camp Heatherbrook has watched as the children have grown. One unit is now on its second generation of family ownership, in turn enjoyed by their kids and grandchildren – third and fouth generations of Camp Heatherbrookers.  It's a magical place for the kids, allowing them the freedom to roam safely in nature. Our crew and the neighbours, 25 years ago:

We've assumed a variety of roles. Chuck, a former executive director of a summer camp was designated as director, and I as the relief cook at said summer camp, am the Heatherbrook cook. Time in the kitchen is enjoyable so its a role I've filled enthusiastically. Blogless Marsha's David is the property manager, extending his real role in life, and Marsha is my "disher," the camp term for sous chef and cleaner upper. She and I also fill the role of craft coordinator with our knitting and my painting, both of us currently working on shawls, Marsha, an Easy Pie Wedge shawl and me, a Drachenfels, utilizing long stashed 100% cashmere laceweight yarn.

Last week was was Blogless M's birthday, and bouillabaise was on the menu. The other Heatherbrook campers joined us for Pavlova birthday cake.

As we will soon be moving to our new house, close by, but back on the northern side of the border, the time has come to think about giving up our share in Camp Heatherbrook. A wonderful place, it might be time though, to let someone else have a chance to enjoy it.