A month without blogging...

June was a full month.
Oh, I knew it was going to be busy--but I had no idea how busy it would be.
I had no idea that I'd end up here in the last days of the month with the worst cold I've had since cancer, slamming down Tropicana50 (the new reduced sugar OJ) and trying not to sneeze and cough at the same time!

At any rate, there were up-sides to this busy June.
Catered a lunch for four judges and assorted obedience trial staff--and got two requests for recipes.
Finally managed to make it to my very first Tear-Up the Adirondacks teardrop and tiny travel trailer rally--and really enjoyed camping in the Sunspot with two dogs and a cat...in the pouring rain. I can't wait to go out again!
I put my little SunSpot right in between the two trees that create the entrance to site #228:
(photo credit to Dave,
Traveled to Williamsburg VA for my uncle's memorial service, and reconnected with my aunt, cousins and their kids--some I'd never met and cousins I hadn't seen in 30 years.

And now I'm here nursing a cold and wondering if I'll be better in time for a wedding tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

My first Tin Can Tourists rally

I love vintage trailers.
I own and am in the process of refurbishing a 1980 Sunline SunSpot. I participate in the Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers forum.
I've even met the owners of two teardrops, and toured their rigs.

But so far, every gathering and trailer rally within 8 hours' driving distance has fallen on a weekend with a major family event, or a chemo weekend, or a weekend during the time I'm was still recovering from surgery.

Until this weekend.
I decided that I was still a little too chemo-brained to haul my own trailer to Sampson State Park, and to try to camp in the deluge we've been having since Thursday--but I sure could drive down for the day!

And I saw the coolest trailers. Many old Airstreams and Shastas, a Yoder Toter teardrop, a couple I couldn't identify, and the coolest of all--a 1960s Mostard Yvonne in near original condition, imported in the 60s from Sweden and only on its second owner.

That's the Yvonne in the picture. And it was even cooler inside.

Camping at Sampson State park, site 232, Wine Country 2007

This post was supposed to include a shot from the lake, looking up toward the dog tent and the trailer and the road. 2 days of rain...and 3 days of the most glorious Indian summer weather possible. 5 days camping, completely unplugged, enjoying my friends and my dogs and a wonderful show circuit. Plus, Madison earned her rally novice title, outdoors on wet grass. Ch. Kabree Mad About you, RN!

My Sunline Sun Spot

Well, I never went to OH to pick up a Yoder Toter--because a local RV shop had a 1980 Sunline Sun Spot available that is turning into a LOT of fun.
Here are some pictures of the trailer on the first weekend when I picked it up. It's 4 1/2 feet wide x 10 feet long, and about 54 inches tall inside...a little bigger than a teardrop, but still only weighs 600 lbs. Mine probably weighs less because most of the galley cabinetry and the two inner seats that folded out to become a bed are gone.

On top are some pictures of the 'cleaned up' Sunspot, with new curtains, a cot/bed experiment, and a couple of galley accessories. Slowly but surely, it's getting there--and the late 80s red paisley tapestry curtains are gone gone gone!

cast iron find at The Christmas Tree Shop

Last weekend, while looking for 'stuff' for the Sunspot, I found this folding 24cm cast iron grill pan at The Christmas Tree Shop for $4. It's got a removeable bamboo and steel handle, and a low rim--perfect for a small serving of bacon or a quick quesadilla or burger. I seasoned it this weekend and made its first 'meal' -- splurged on some of the good organic pepper bacon from the farmer's market. This morning, I made a pork steak and grilled fennel. It's a very cool little grill pan, perfect for camping!

I've finally found the teardrop camper that I want, and now all I need is the time to actually go to Ohio to get it!

It's a Yoder Toter...double doors, finely crafted Amish woodworking, aluminum exterior with painted fenders. I don't know how much it will cost, but the teardrop fund is flush, and I'm ready. I'm worth it.