We are beginning to make much progress on building our dream we call the Witches Inn. Scout and I have dreamed for years about building a beautiful home in the country with a large building for gathering inside, if weather is less then desireable. There is also going to be lots of space for us to make our jewelry, wood projects, sewing, scrapbooking, and of course seasonal crafts. There will also be lots of room for outdoor rituals and many options on where to locate said place.

The harvesting of our trees is almost complete. This part of the ground breaking experience has lasted two weeks. We were hoping to have had the land cleared and groomed by this time in order for us to begin replanting  new trees directly after the local tree sale next weekend. It is beginning to look like we will have to delay replanting for a few more weeks. I knew what people always say about needing to add a little more time and money to the project. I guess I just didn't expect to have to start adding the time to the project so early. They say the project will be complete by mid-July. I really hope we move in before August.

Yesterday was really exciting for us. Scout and I spent most of the day at the design center with our builder making the final decisions on the house. I loved the kitchen, but the design was deffinately created by someone that doesn't spend much time cooking in one. We ended up getting rid of the stove. Instead we put a cooktop on the island and a double oven in the wall next to our pantry. We also changed what I thought was an ugly credenza in the morning room into a more functional workspace for the hardwired office and phone equipment. Our home builder was really excited when we were able to show him sketches of what we had in mind for these area's. I don't know if he was excited because they were really good ideas or if we just made the design teams jobs that much easier. We also had a really easy time deciding the interior colors and materials for the new home. Another reason why our builder was very happy with us. There was another couple there at the same time with the wife in tears and the husband doing his best to console her. Fortunately for everyone, we hashed out the hard decisions at home the night before.

Today we have all ready walked the land for the hundredth time and visualized where our home and pole building will stand. We have asked the loggers to set aside any of the hardwood for us to use in making the woodcrafts that the boys enjoy making. I have even asked the boys to make me some cool wooden spoons to use in my 15 gallon cauldron. There is also going to be lots and lots of leftover firewood for us to use in our outdoor firepit. We opted not to have a fireplace in the home, because it was an additional $7000 and took out a large chunk of our family room. Neither of which we were willing to part with.

From Scout: It is time for ritual preparations here in the Witches Inn, and we have a lot to do. All of our worldly (and other worldly) posessions are in storage located in NC, as we just retired from the Army - moved to WA - and have not sent for our goods yet. What this means is a lot of sewing around here and not a lot of time to do it. We did bring with us all the items needed for our alter and that is what is truly important to me. Visit us here again and look for the pictures we will post.

From Honey Size:  We are quickly entering my favorite seasons on the wheel. Imbolc isn't my favorite Sabbat, but it does mark the promise of spring, a favorite season tied with Autumn. I think I enjoy spring so much because I have grown tired of being bundled up inside our homes during the dark season. There is also the joy of watching new life springing from the earth, and preparing our gardens for the coming years great harvest during the Autumn months. Autumn being my other favorite season.

As far as my own preparations for Imbolc; I will be employing my interests as the local famiiy hedgewitch and design a menu full of delicious seasonal foods. The hedgewitch doesn't sew, so I leave that task up to Goob and the boys. 

Brightest Blessings