Recently a friend remarked that it’s hard to keep up with us, moving a lot, and going from one adventure to another. It’s true. I admit it. I think it would take a small book to list all the things we’ve done, and the times we’ve moved. Nothing I regret. Everything has been a learning experience, and everywhere a chance to meet life-long friends.
The most recent adventure, of course, was buying Creek-N-Wood a few years ago. :-) Since then we’ve had the privilege of not only building up the campground, but more importantly meeting many beautiful people. This is the part that warms our hearts the most.
But life changes, and unexpected twists and turns. Not the least of which was me falling in love with my friend Vinny after he came to help with the campground, and us entering into a committed, married state. And with such a change has come other changes. One of which is a different financial and living situation, and the need for a new expression to the things growing in our heart.
So this Spring after another season of Vinny and I traveling south, I talked to Mom, and it was decided that it was best to sell the campground. It wasn’t easy, including for my Mom, who had to be uprooted. We all love Creek-N-Wood. It’s a very special place, as those who come here know! But Vinny & I can’t give it the attention or financial resources it deserves anymore, and our hearts are pulling us to go in a different direction.
A Rain of Changes
It all seemed to happen quite quickly, late this summer. First, a nice buyer for the campground came along. We like his ideas, and he seems caring and considerate. And some campers here who know him have confirmed that Creek-N-Wood is going in good hands! That makes us feel good. If all goes well, the official closing may happen as soon as a couple weeks.
At the same time, my Mom found a cute home in nearby Canandaigua that she likes. It is large enough that she can set up her garage sales, and sell things out of.
And finally, after a summer of looking at many properties, Vinny and I found 7 rural acres that is perfect for us, just an hour south of here. It’s in Amish Country (the Dundee area, south of Penn Yan), and we will be setting up our little tiny house there and starting a small, off-the-grid (i.e. no electric) homestead.
A Request for Dinners and Friendship
I know this is going to sound strange, but this winter I hope to come “into town” often to visit my Mom, and others, and we are secretly hoping for dinner invites. :) I think it’s going to be a hard winter, and it will be a blessing to stay connected with all of you. Who live in homes. With heat. Lol, you know who you are. :-)
Ongoing Online Connection
With all that being said, we also plan to blog and video regularly about this new adventure of trying to live cheap, and off the land – including both our successes AND failures. If this interests you – please subscribe via email here. Some of the updates will not be put on Facebook, so it’s the best way not to miss a post!
We love you all,
Pamela & Vinny
(Adapted from a letter we gave to the campers at Creek N Wood)
“Every memory of friendship shared, even for a short time, is a treasure,
like sunshine and warmth in our lives, a cool breeze on a humid day,
and like a shower of rain refreshing the earth.” – Author Unknown
Can’t wait to hear more. It sounds like exciting freedom.
Thank Jayne <3 Much love!
Sounds great. So glad you are all doing good and happy and healthy. You are welcome here for dinner anytime your in our area. Which we have moved and bought a new home. But still close to my mom. Love you all.
Wendy
I’m glad to not be too far from my Mom, either. I look forward to any opportunity to see each other again, Wendy! <3
Hi Pam,
It sounds like you both have a lot to do up there but I hope you are able to take at least one short trip down south. And yes, we have heat and great food at our house and you both are very welcome. I would love for you both to come and visit my new class before the school closes so we can have fun fermenting, pickling, curing, preserving, canning, and drying. I have become pretty good at making beef and turkey “jerky” which would last both of you an entire winter up there. I am holding some canned peach/jalapeno preserves, mixed berry sauce, green beans, marinara, beets, and so forth for when you come down. (and of course some of the infamous banana bread!)
I am so excited about your new venture and hope to go up there (in the spring or summer :) ) and work the land! Oh yeah, and to go to the vineyards!
Love you both and talk to you soon!
Darcy! One of our priorities is to have a cute guest cabin (or two) for visitors to reserve, and we will definitely go on a wine tour if you visit! :-) And yes – if we come south you are definitely on my priority list to visit! You have my mouth watering, for sure! xoxo
Hi Pam!
“This might be a bit forward to come out and say, but this winter I hope to come “into town” often to visit my Mom, and others, and Vinny and I are secretly hoping for dinner invites.”
When I read that, James came to mind – “you have not, because you ask not”. Until that moment, I always thought it applied only to asking the Father in prayer for our wants … nothing wrong with asking friends and the ekklesia and making your wants known.
Along the same lines – as Karen and I continue to merge 3 households into one now that we live with and provide care for my elderly father – we’ve been taking truckloads of still good stuff we have no room/need for, to Goodwill and other charity outlets. Just yesterday the Lord suggested we should put what’s available on a barter list and see if anyone has the things we want in trade.
Of course, if you and Vinny ever find yourself in Geoduck country, we’d be more than happy to feed you and let you warm by the fire. ;) Thanks for the update!
Jack
Always such a pleasure to hear from you, Jack. I wish you and your wife were “on our way,” for such a sweet invite! :-) xo
I’m so proud to be part of the love and friendship we have formed at Creek & Wood. I wish you all the best and hope this is yet another beautiful adventure I hope to see you soon if your in the Utica area, make sure you let me know and we will definitely have dinnert
Yikes, you will have to remind me who you are! I know we met some folks from Utica, but my memory is failing me now…. :-/
Pam, sounds like an adventure soon to come. Will Vinny build a rocket stove? Thanks for the blessings of staying at your campground.
Love you both,
Starr
Hey Starr! You bet he will! Lol. For now we are going to use propane … until he has the time to do his experimenting. :-) Love you too!
Always appreciated the opportunity to fellowship with you all. Our lives have also taken a huge turn in the last couple years. Wish you all the best of God’s blessings.
Thanks! P.S. Your name came in as Anonmyous, so if you get this message…please let me know who you are. <3