Thursday, July 29, 2010

Law, A Change is a Comin'



Just back in from a little camping trip to the Warren Dunes in Michigan. It's only about an hour and fifteen minutes from here, and it's fabulous. If you ever get a chance, you should go. Thanks Shannan for Guest Posting! I had hoped to have a blog post up before I left, but I did some serious crashing and burning after the Garden Walk. I didn't realize I was so tired.

This was a solo flying Squirrel mission, as Glenco stayed home to work and tend the feathered things. I took Aaron and one of his friends.


I've never pulled the camper myself before, and law, I was a bit nervous. I think there are still hand prints in the steering wheel. Let me correct that, I've pulled it before, but never set it up, and hooked it back up and drove it home alone before. My sitting here typing the tale tells you that I did make it-without any incident. The camper wasn't all that level - which made sleeping a little interesting - but all in all - success. You do realize what this means now? I'm a free bird baby - and I'll be coming to your neck o' the woods soon! The 2011 Coop Keeper Tour is in progress. At least I wish it were - how fun could that be?

Did I take ONE SINGLE solitary photo of this trip? Nope. In fact, the last pictures on the camera are the ones that I took of the hitch ball - what it's supposed to look like when properly hitched. All the photos you see here are from the Michigan Tourist Website.



I'm not sure that I'll ever camp again in July. It. Was. Hot. Thankfully, we had Lake Michigan to cool off in. I have a confession - I can't keep this charade up any longer.

I don't like camping.

Law, the truth has set me free!

I like it in the fall - but there are still things that bother me about it. I shall list them, you shall shake your head, and then you will probably pray for me - cause that's about all that can cure this kind of crazy that afflicted me.

It's messy.
I'm not talking about my campsite - and yes, that gets messy too and it makes me insane.
I mean other people's campsites.
As I drive around I think - really - can't you just turn that tent a little and neaten things up? Do you really need all that stuff sitting out on your picnic table? Why are your towels hung on the line in such a haphazard fashion? Why is there so much dirt? Can't you line those bikes up in order? Why is it so hot? Who's idea was this anyway?

These are the things I think as I drive to the bathroom at 1 am. Oh, it doesn't matter the time - I don't sleep when I camp. In fact, it's been three days since I've slept for more than 15 minutes at a time. Nor do I have a bowel movement. It just plum seals up on me whenever I leave the county. Been like that for years. I get mighty bloated. When I came home Glenco told me I looked like the end of the world.



Every morning the kids would tell me how I hovered over their beds checking on them over and over, and touching their faces and murmering 'ok'. How scary is that? I must have been doing that in the 15 minute sleep intervals cause I just vaguely remember doing it. And then there's the whole serial killer fear that is buried deep in my brain when I camp. I lie awake at night planning my escape from the 6' x 8' camper. It's not pretty. No one makes it out alive. I fear turning over and seeing a face at the window. "Was that a car door? Is someone stealing the Jeep? Did I leave the keys in it?" I'm really tormented. I bet you are laughing now, aren't you? Shame - shame on you.

The first full day that we were there was wonderful. It wasn't too terribly hot and we spent the majority of the day on the beach. The kids played in the water alllll the ding dong day, and I sat under a big tree on my lounge chair and devoured 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett. Read the whole thing in one day. Close to 500 pages. It's a wonderful book! (and it's also the reason I really wish I could cook like Southern black woman, and talk like one - I'm sorry - I know it's wrong - but I sure do wish it awful hard.) I'm just now delving into the world of fiction - I usually never read anything unless it told me how to build it, fix it, grow it, cook it, decorate it, clean it, or hatch it - so this is new to me. Reading for pure pleasure, reading for an escape - I'm loving it. As I lie in my vintage webbed lounge chair, I felt like the happiest gal in the world. "I oughta do this more often. Why don't I do this more often? I should make some noodle salad and sandwiches and go the beach every week. Yep, that's what I'm gonna do." Even my sweat seems to be filled with hope and joy.

The second day - with my book all read up, I didn't quite know what to do with myself. This is not a good situation. I don't do well in these situations. My hands - my brain - they need something. We are back on the beach now - this time - it's just plum hot. I'm under my tree again - but this time I've nothing to do. I remember that I brought my knitting, and thought I'd slap out a few more dishcloths. Just holding the yarn was horribly uncomfortable. I didn't see anyone else knitting on the beach. I'm starting to think it's not a good idea. But get this - I got my needles out and my yarn, and I couldn't remember how to do it. I sat there, like I'd never held knitting needles in my hand before. I felt scared. I fiddled. Nope, I can't remember how to cast on. I put it away. I have dementia. I'm sure of it. That's why I tell Aaron the same story over and over, and that's why I keep forgetting things. Oh Lord. I tell Aaron that I'm afraid I won't remember him in 20 years, and if I don't, I'm sorry. I pick up the needles again. Nothing. More worry. I need to start taking Omega 3's. I should start playing Sudoku. My brain is dying. I have cancer. Alzheimer's. I let another hour go - I pick up the needles again. Things fell into place, and I remembered. I got 35 stitches cast on and I put it all away, it's too hot to knit on the beach.
Sheesh.

So for the rest of the camping trip, I'm left with my own compulsive, dark, crazy thoughts. "I should talk to people about cleaning up their campsites. Maybe instead of goats, I should get sheep. I think I will be cremated. I should start an heirloom tomato business. I should quit blogging. I should start a new blog. I want to go to Oregon. Why don't I ever go anywhere fun?I'm missing out on so much of life. I need to remember to dig up the dahlias this year. Why in the world is my hair so blonde and short? My house windows are filthy. I can't believe I'm missing MadMen."

My friends - I'm home now. And there is a change comin'. I can feel it in me bones. A good change - a big change. I'm just not happy unless I've got some shenanigans up my sleeve. I need a good caper to keep me going. I've rested up from the Garden Walk. In fact, I've barely lifted my finger in the garden for three weeks. I've slept in, read four novels, drank wine, spent time with friends, and now - it's time. It's time for something else to put me up against the wall - to stretch me - to change me.

Wanna know what it is?

72 comments:

  1. I was laughing out loud before you told us not to! My bowels sealed up! Only you would tell that even though I'm sure it's true for all of us when we're away from home. You're very brave handling that trailer alone, I don't think I could have done it. I'm glad you're reading novels, they are relaxing. Now don't keep us in suspense, tell us what you're up to!

    p.s. My hubby is right up there with you on the neatness thing!

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  2. oh my goodness...please don't make me wet my pants right before I eat dinner!! what'll my kids think!?

    YES I want to know what it is...don't TORTURE ME!!!

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  3. Pray.... do tell us what they hey you are up to. OH... and love the color orange on you!

    Di

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  4. Thanks for the LOL moment, there is something about sharing bowel movements that is grossly funny! No fair having a cliff hanger at the end of the post. From the picture I am assuming you are going to grow grapes and become a wine maker :)

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  5. Is the change "I'm moving to Lynden, next door to Holly. Planning on sprucing up her yard and garden, building a coop with her and getting chickens. We'll look for an old vintage trailer that we can fix up together. I'll teach her how to knit dishclothes...she probably can't teach me anything...but that's okay, we'll have fun anyway!!""

    Is that the change that's coming??? Bring it on!!!!

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  6. I've been to Warren Dunes many times. It is so cool and so different from FL beaches! My kids loved running down the dunes when I took them. What memories.
    Talk about HOT...our A/C decided to stop working on us this afternoon, on one of the hottest days ever...and the same day I had the oven on all day baking. sigh.

    Save some of that wine for me...I may need it! Ha.

    xoxo

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  7. Reading your blog makes me feel that all is right in the world! I've missed you...you better not quit blogging. Now I'm starting to worry...I hope commenter, Debbie, is correct: you are going to grow grapes and make wine!!!

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  8. Dearest Jayme...I want to be you when I grow up. I think we are kindred spirits, fer sure. I also wish I could cook/talk like southern black gals. Dang! Not gonna happen any time soon, I'm thinkin'.
    How's about you come to this side of Lake Michigan and visit over here at my farmette??? Put your feet up on the front porch and take a nice swig of some fine box wine with me!

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  9. Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve for your next shenanigans!

    PS Glad to know I'm not the only person whose bowels seal up when they leave home!

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  10. You are soooo stinking funny! I was reading and laughing throughout the entire post. I think you are so funny because you think just like I do! I was really starting to worry about myself, but now I know I am not alone! Praise Jesus there is someone else that has a brain that works like mine! I laughed when you talked about other peoples campsites being untidy! I do that too. I don't like to camp,unless it is no hotter than 75 degrees, there are no flying bugs( especially mosquitoes and june bugs) and we don't stay longer than 2 days.
    Anyway, I digress, I just wanted you to know I'm laughing my rump off at all your posts!
    A Kansas admirer

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  11. Jayme, you are a hoot! Your willingness to be candid and say ANYTHING in the name of humor and your incessant urge to be DOING something all the time is me in a nutshell. Your fixation with having everything around you neat and tidy is my sister (who is also my best friend) in a nutshell. Reading your stories is like, well ...spending a day with myself and my sister, only you play both parts! LOL

    When you get confident enough dragging that trailer around, head south to central Texas. I'm just a southern white gal, but I can talk the talk, walk the walk and show you how to cook any southern thang you might have a hankerin' for! I do a mean Tex-Mex too. Heck, forget the trailer, just come on down and you can bunk in the house with us.

    : )

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  12. Love this picture of you, Jayme. Your hairstyle and color are so becoming to you.

    And you are right...I did laugh...somehow I can easily picture you "fussing" over the way everyone else "camps"! LOL You are one funny girl, ya know?

    NOT me! I have gone camping exactly one time in my life...about 30 years ago...we didn't have the squirrel to sleep in...we slept in a tent!

    and YES...I wanna know what it is. :)

    hugs

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  13. Well for goodness sakes Holly, Jayme cannot move to Washington because I live near enough and need to meet her before she moves that far away. Had my chance this week and I blew it. Could not take the time away from the canning and work schedule. That is why I can never get hubs to go away before the end of August. I agree with Debbie it must be a wine making venture or a wine tasting trip.

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  14. A vineyard - wine making? that would be fun - I instantly have a picture of Lucille Ball in my mind tromping grapes - that would be me!I am with you on the camping - I love the IDEA of camping = but out of the few camping trips we have taken - and I do mean few! about 95% of the time rain is involved. Camping in the rain just isn't fun. Especially when it is in a tent! And talk about a mess! I just finished reading The Help too - great book! Try the Dunes on a hot day later in the afternoon - it is not as busy or as hot and we love to stay and watch the sunset!

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  15. Girl, you need to come visit me in the Ozarks. Get that Squirrel all loaded up and plan a trip my way to the War Eagle Craft Fair in October. We could look at fifty zillion crafts, eat funnel cakes and turkey legs until we blow up. There would also be some wine involved...

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  16. I found you through FPFG, and I absolutely love your blog! A few weeks ago I myself went camping with my parents, hubby, and two and four year old daughters. We had a great time... but I have to admit, I had the same compulsive thoughts as I was awake almost all night in the tent with my oldest (the others in the camper are snore-ers... I REALLY don't sleep with that goin' on) planning my attack if I were to look up and see a man staring at us through the tiny tent screen. I almost ran out of the tent screaming the second night when I thought there was a cricket in my pillow (it actually was just on the outside of the tent, which I discovered after waking up sweet Savannah and scrambling for a flashlight). Needless to say, I feel your camping turmoil :)

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  17. Good Golly Miss Molly, DO TELL!!!!
    Are you going to become the Grape Whisperer??????? Dig a wine cellar???? .....GASP.....Say it's not true....make moonshine in an unlicensed still? what am I sayin??? OH do TELL!

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  18. Loved hearing about your adventure. Your are brave! I loved, loved the book The Help!!!! I am glad that you got away for a rest. Sounds like you were very tired after the garden walk.

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  19. I admit it. I LAUGHED! and laughed! Camping is not my idea of fun. I like to be outside as much as anyone, but I'd rather be home in the A/C when it is so killingly hot.

    The book "The Help" - I couldn't put it down. I grew up in south Georgia and we always had "help." Those women were very dear to us.

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  20. This post just like all your others is why I have to make sure to go to the bathroom before I sit down to read your blog. You really are a treasure Jayme and whatever it is that you have on the horizon I know it will be fun and it will undoubttly keep all us who follow your blog running to the bathroom or to the store to get some Depends!

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  21. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks in random, rapid fire thoughts like that!! My husband just wonders away for fear I'm about to start directing 10 different projects and ideas all at the same time.

    Glad you got home safe and sound!
    (Another comment you are NOT allowed to reply to - but just for your reader's sake, I want them to know everything is OK between Jayme and me!)

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  22. 'law have mercy! I laughed 'til I had tears streaming down my cheeks.

    It's nice to read someone else describing things I actually think from time-to-time! ROFLOL!!!

    Can hardly wait to see whatcha got cookin, sista!

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  23. well now missy it is about time you got back to us!!! I figured you were off building goat houses or something to that effect. I want to know it all and I want to know it NOW, if you don't mind. The pic with you tipping the vino was a wonderful picture of you I LOVE LOVE LOVE your hair in this picture so don't tell us it is to short or to blonde it is wonderful looking. Coming from a woman who stresses about her hair all the time, and her sanity, and is she getting Alzheimers (cause her kids tell her she sure is)and yes when we do go camping in motorhome I stress to no end that people do not having matching towels on the line and they are not straight and kids leave their bikes in a heap and people camp without pretty flowers on the table and on and on and on. Probably why no one really wants us in their campground from Maine to S.Carolina huh? I even decorated one of our sheds and hung a chandilier in there and all kinds of Ralph Lauren fabrics, now lady this is nuts not you. nancy settel

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  24. Jayme,

    I am sipping my second cup of joe between laughs. We are too much alike. For the record, I learned how to knit on the beach. It was the ocean though, so perhaps it was cooler. But the entire mind racing thing you have going on from one extreme to another, I get that. Mine is either ON or ON faster. No rest for the crazy. All was not lost. They will be showing repeats of Dreamy Don Draper all week long.
    I am also with you on order and neat and tidy. Drives me nuts.
    Now excuse me while I take a toothbrush and scrub the molding.
    Your Friend,
    Deborah
    PS Don't you dare stop blogging.

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  25. Things are changing??? I JUST GOT HERE! I'm still catching up on the usual! Ok...I can deal with this...change is good...change is good!

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  26. True story...my coworker (also best friend) has a little camper too, and she decided to take her daughter and grandkids camping with her...by themselves. They unhooked the camper, forgot to lock it in place, and the thing went over a hill and crashed. True story, lol.

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  27. Don't leave us hanging like that!
    I can totally relate to you needing something to do and to keep busy. Sitting still is not my thing, even while watching a movie at home, I'll have to have my knitting or something to keep my hands busy...
    I'm really looking forward to your new shenanigans/capers/projects as long as you keep blogging about it. I'd miss you if you stopped blogging...

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  28. I laughed through your entire post! You are too stinkin' cute and a hoot to boot!

    YES! What's coming our way? Although, please don't change too much. You are great just the way you are!

    Thanks for the much needed laughs! :)

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  29. Oh My.... I can barely see through the tears, sometimes, I cry when I get to laughing so hard...

    For my birthday, I had asked hubby to purchase the two jacks for our slide-in camper, so that I could spread my wings and go it alone like you just did...

    I'm having second thoughts....... The thing about not having a BM for days, on count you cannot do #2 in a public bathroom~ Uh huh, Hubby tells me this is a psychological issue, I need to over come... At my age, I don't feel "It's going to happen anytime soon" but I'll keep working on it...

    I do not feel comfy about community showering (in front of strangers) so, go to bed all sweaty & miserable.

    Leave your TV's, radio's and yes, phones behind....

    This way, you won't know if the serial killers are in your campgroung, and you have no phone to call for help.

    There's always your neighboring campers, they will help, WONT THEY...

    What next?

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  31. Just don't quit blogging. You have a whole bunch of blog sisters who would miss you!
    kim
    p.s. I listened to The Help on my ipod and caught myself talking to my dogs in a southern black woman voice. I loved that book so much I bought it so I could read it for real.

    p.p.s. I could never pull a trailer. I can't even figure out how to pull the wagon on the back of my John Deere. And camping? NEVER- the latrines at girl scout camp cured me, and I Know In My Heart that I would never sleep because of the exact same serial killer reasons you have.

    ppps. And if you ever for real need knitting help? I am here for you. I figure even if I get Alzheimers I will remember HOW to knit. I just won't remember WHAT I am knitting.

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  32. You are too funny for words. I absolutely can't wait to hear about your next adventure. Thanks again for making my day!

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  33. Oh my gosh!!!! You are so hilarious I just cracked a rib laughing I think. Don't leave us hanging for too long ... what is it? What is it? What is it? Sheep? Goats? Did you finally get a cow? Spill the beans, sister!

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  34. what i wanna know is when are you going to publish the book of your life because you've got a beautiful gift of writing! your blog just rocks :)

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  35. That is so not fair! Just leave us hanging to find out what you're going to be up to next. Of course, it's also a really good way to keep us coming back to read your AWESOME blog! (Not that we need another reason.)
    Have a lovely weekend!
    Velvia

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  36. Ok, now that I am done choking on a Gobstopper from laughing so hard (the bowel thing really got me going!), what a great post. I live in Oregon and you really should come visit. It's a great state!

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  37. You better be telling me what it is tomorrow....I shan't go to bed until you do, and I will pee in your pool if you don't. Just sayin'.

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  38. I have recently had the pleasure of discovering your blog. Your garden walk looked fabulous. Made me wish I could have attended. This post had me in stitches. I have no idea what you have up your sleeve, but I feel sure it's going to be good.

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  39. Honey you crack me up! By the way, I live in Oregon and I would love for you to come this way. It would be great fun. I love your blog and how you can tell a story. You always brighten my day.
    Beth

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  40. I don't camp.....i'm a Hampton Inn kinda girl...funny cause i work for the NC state parks and we have 4 campgrounds.....lol..!!

    Have you bought the vines yet..??
    Or is it moonshine....??!!
    Olive Oil.....??

    Enjoy

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  41. God I love you James! You and Bob are cut from the same non-camping cloth. The first time I talked to him about going camping, he asked me where would be go to the bathroom. When I told him "the woods" he turned green.
    And if I had to guess the "change" that is coming by your picture, PLEASE don't tell me you are going to start a vineyard! LOL

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  42. I love you sooooooo much Jayme.

    AS I am laying down in my very uncomfortable bed, my head is killing me, my bones are aching so bad, I feel like I have cotton in my mouth and nothing can make me feel comfortable, I read this and it is like all the words are comng out of my very own head when I have conversations with myself, then I look at your beautiful face looking at me, and I just want to tell you that you made my day my beautiful little angel.

    Thank you for this.

    You made me smile through all of my pain and mysery and I want you to know that I am so very greatful to you.

    Mirjana

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  43. Welcome Home; you were missed. Please keep us apprised of your current readings. I just finished "The Help" as well and thoroughly enjoyed it. Whatever "change is a comin", pls don't leave us out.

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  44. I'm so relieved that I am not the only one who thinks that if you go to the bother of hanging clothes on a clothesline, it should at least look perty while it's dryin'! Thanks for a good laugh at the end of a long week. Don't keep us in suspense too long! I chust couldn't stand it!

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  45. Your hair cut is ADORABLE on you! My DH swears you are my long lost sister.. ( the bowel thing and the clean up the camp site thing! LMAO!) Good for you, getting that camper all the way to Michigan! I enjoy your site!
    Hobart Gal

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  46. Can not wait to hear what you're up to next and hope it brings you down my way for a vist!!!! Tho if you start asking why MY picnic table's crammed and laundry's hung askew I'll cry or get out my box o wine and go hide w/it... Lordy, it'd still be worth it. Bring it on, I'd LOVE to meet you one day. I realize that the 2011 Coop Keeper Tour will sell out fast and I wanna be on that route. BAD. I am NOT a stalker I am NOT a stalker I am NOT a stalker...

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  47. 1. How on earth did I miss this post until right now? How does that happen. Why???

    2. Funniest thing I ever read, Aibie.

    3. I have been fretting that I didn't make myself clear enough and that your readers thought I was taking up residence in your HOME whilst you were away (she gave me the keys, etc...) and NOW I have the compounded fear that they think I was up in your home whilst Glenco was there. ACK! I had no idea Glenco was there.

    4. You should listen to the Jim Gaffigan bit on camping. Youtube it.

    5. What on earth do you have up your sleeve? You're not fittin' to write an underground memoire/expose of some type, are you?

    6. Why weren't you texting me on Aaron's phone while you were poaching under the tree?

    7. Lawsie mercy.

    8. It serves you right to have nearly 50 comments on a post this juicy and fun. You'd better comment back to every last one! ;)

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  48. The serial killer fantasy doesn't bother me, but worrying about the propane leaking and putting us all to sleep permanently does keep me awake. Thanks for putting down a lot of your random "worry" thoughts... I thought I was the only one to have them. Thanks for the laughs.

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  49. 9. I think a more realistic fear might be, "Did I leave the Jeep running?"

    ps- I just read excerpts of this email to Corky.

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  50. greetings from a chicken keeper in wales uk

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  51. Just found this blog and I am laughing so hard I can hardly type... My wife and I love camping but we have had some hilarious times doing it, camping .... girls get your minds out of the gutter. LOL Seriously we went tent camping when our kids were young with another family, my friend Ray is a big man 6ft 5 well over 300 pounds and funny. Well we were all asleep and my wife wakes up and whispers to me OMG we are having a earthquake, I opened my eyes and actually felt the earth move, but then I looked out through the tent fabric and saw the biggest thing I had ever seen between the tent and the fire pit, well being the brave husband I slowly unzipped the tent door, you know those tent doors can keep out anything..... any hooo, I looked out and there in front of the fire was the biggest bear or I thought it was a bear until it stood up and there in all his glory was Ray, we all laughed all night , there were many trips to the bathroom because we could not stop laughing, camping makes for some of the best memories....
    Blessings to you and yours
    Curtis & Sherrie

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  52. What a great picture of you!! Love it. And yes.. I did laugh at parts of your post. Didn't mean to be insensitive.. but doggonit.. it was incredibly funny! Can't wait to see what the heck you're up to next ;) -Tammy

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  53. Cracked me up!!! oh, my!!
    I try to like camping, really I do. The hubby does enjoy going to quiet sites and sleeping on the ground in a tent.... ugghh
    My favorite thing to say to him is - "The only thing standing between me and a serial killer is a ZIPPER!!" Can't believe you think of the creepy possibilities too. Still laughing! And, I will show hubby that I'm not the ONLY ONE!

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  54. Lawsamercy chile, you a Yankee and you'anna talk suthern? I can relate! Every time I read a Dorothea Benton Frank novel I feel the same way. If you are gonna start reading such stuff, read her novels, they are great. They all take place in South Carolina, one of my favorite states, other than Michigan! I just got back from a trip up to Michigan City (Indiana) and it was wonderful. No camping though - I stay in motels now :) I'm still not laughing over my last camping trip, which was 15 years ago! Cindy

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  55. PS - And what is that about the whole bowel thing? Mine do that too!!! Do they know it's vacation time and they decide to take a break too? Seriously, I've started packing enough apples for one a day every time I take a vacay! Cindy (again)

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  56. Jayme you are a jewell! I love to be outdoors but love all of the conveniences of home. Would not make a great camper for the same reasons. Please tell us you are publishing a book.....a really long book!

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  57. I must admit that I am on pins and needles to hear what your next project is. I'm looking for something to add to my plate as well and I'm hoping you have a good idea I can steal. :o)


    -Stacey

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  58. I just want to know one thing: Why the hell do you go camping? I went once, and it didn't agree with me so I gave it up.

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  59. I'm taking you at your word and am tidying up the house in expectation of your imminent arrival!!!!! Can't wait!!!!! Brenda thinks you're coming to her house, but nope.....I win!!!

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  60. I love to camp on Lake Michigan, but I never ever, ever go with just one book. Always hit the library and checkout anything that even looks interesting. The best thing is camping with good friends, so you can spend most of the day planning what you are going to eat at the next meal. Some of our best meals are when we are camping.

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  61. Camping's not my thing either. Especially when it's hot or cold or stormy or sunny or any of the above. The Help would have helped:) I read that this summer too!

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  62. My friend has a purse that says, "I love not camping."
    My sentiments exactly!
    But remember, you have to hitch up the old Squirrel at least one more time and make your way out here.
    Jayme, you are flat out hilarious. An absolute hoot.

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  63. LOL!!! yes I hate camping, I love my creature comforts, my bed, my shower etc. So you keep us in suspense, change she says but tells us aught!!

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  64. Oh so true about the BM part.
    Now you have that first trip under your belt you are free to fly.
    Can't wait to see what you are up to next.
    Camping is great in late October around here, only thing is they turn the water off at the camp grounds in middle October.

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  65. I am so glad I found your blog! I had to take a second look at your photo...I like you in orange, too!
    You look just like my Mom, a younger version of course! And I know my Mom would drink from a bottle of vino! Good flash back, thanks!
    I just love your house and gardens, and of course the hens are sooooo cute!

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  66. I didn't like camping, either until we bought a camper with a queen sized bed and a flush toilet. Not camping, you say???? Well whoever wanted to go camping, anyway?

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  67. Just found your blog through Deborah at Fairfield House (clicked on your comment). Great blog -- so entertaining, real and refreshing!
    I'm from NW Indiana -- my mom and sister actually live in Crown Point! Live in Rochester, MN now -- but just spent a weekend at Warren Dunes last weekend. Also went to New Buffalo -- have you been there? Love that little beach town! You can see my Warren Dunes pics on my blog!
    I'm excited to have found you! I'll be baaaaccck!

    Cheri

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  68. I would like to exchange links with your site talefromthecoopkeeper.blogspot.com
    Is this possible?

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  69. Just found your blog tonight- I'm hooked! I have the serial killer fear too.....and many other unreasonable ones too....and all that beating up you do in your head about food and weight... Yup me too
    And I'm reading "the help" and love it too
    And started to laugh at this post and then read " you're laughing aren't you"......
    I'm so thrilled to find you tonight! Right at a time when I feel the DEEP need for change

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  70. Just found your blog tonight- I'm hooked! I have the serial killer fear too.....and many other unreasonable ones too....and all that beating up you do in your head about food and weight... Yup me too
    And I'm reading "the help" and love it too
    And started to laugh at this post and then read " you're laughing aren't you"......
    I'm so thrilled to find you tonight! Right at a time when I feel the DEEP need for change

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  71. Oh Lawd, this is twice as good the second time around...

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  72. Jaymers, first thing I have to say is...SEVENTY ONE comments? Who gets seventy-one comments? And I will wager that you make each one of them feel like you make me feel...like we are friends. 'Cept for we can't be friends no more if you don't like camping. I LOVE camping...but yes, when it is powerful hot it is well...powerful hot. (I said powerful hot in my post yesterday and a gal pointed it out to me and I thought "I did?" Now I'm going to say it all the time.)...you are hilarious. Yes, I was laughing. All I have to say is "straighten up, crazy lady!" love you! Cheryl

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