!!!EXCHANGE LINKS Added!!! Happy Hills Summer Camp by Sherry1968

Introduction by Addict

A 50-something woman sporting walking shorts and a cap walks through the door, beaming from ear-to-ear. This must be Sara Summers, the director of the new Happy Hills summer camp being advertised all over town. Today, however, the pitch will come from you as you work to become the chief landscaper, architect and designer for the camp.



Sara shakes your hand before taking a seat. Though it's only May, she seems to have a tan already. You think to yourself how glad you are you wore long sleeves today.

"I am so glad to hear of your interest in the project," she begins. "It is an undertaking with four different lots, I know, but Summer HIll just offers so many opportunities."

"So let me be sure I'm correct. You mentioned a girls' camp, boys' camp, pond for watersports and fishing, and an ampitheater. Those are the four you're referencing, correct?"

"Yep. The same. I'd like the pond on the middle lot, between the two camps to keep the boys and girls a little separated for most of the day-to-day activities. The end lot will serve as both an ampitheater for talent shows and common gatherings while also functioning as a social place for the occasional dance."



"How rustic are you thinking? They'll obviously know it's new."

"I'd like wooden structures with a somewhat lighter/brighter wood. Nothing too light, of course, as it will get dirty, but also nothing too dark, as I want it to remain cheery, too. I'd like the girls' camp primarily with deep blue accents and the boys' with dark greens."

"And what kind of structures would you like on each?"

"Well, for the two camps, I'd like at least three cabins: one for the younger children and one for the teens with another, smaller one with all of the amenities for each head counselor. Each of the campers' cabins should sleep 8. We'll also need a bath house, mess hall, and small clinic on each, too, of course."



"What about the pond area? Any plans for that?"

"I'd like a nice dock area. And maybe some seating to watch the events. That lot should have its own restroom and a couple of showers for boys and another couple of showers for girls. For the ampitheater lot, I'd like the open-air theater, of course, but I'd like the area around it to be a little wooded. Maybe with a little trail or something? It will need its own restroom as well, as we'll host events there. An area with picnic tables and some grills would be great, too. And it will definitely need to have great lighting for nighttime events."

"It sounds like the kids will have a lot of fun! Any other requests?"

"Hmm. Well, this is probably the toughest part, but the Summer Hill area is just so FLAT. I'd really like it if the camp could have a little more character with some small hills and a real woodsy feel. It shouldn't just feel like the valley but instead like the kids are really getting away. The only other thing is I'd really like all four lots to blend. They shouldn't look the same, but you should be able to tell they go together through similar building materials like the woods you use. I hope that's not too much?"

"I'm confident we can do it. You're giving us a little extra time, so that should definitely help!"



"As far as budget, I'll sock whatever I need to into the landscaping, terraforming, and all of that. The camp should be nice, but rustic. They should not feel like they're at The Ritz or something, so adequate and nice, but not too over-the-top on luxuries and furnishings would be nice, too."

“Wonderful. Well, I think I’m all set. Please let us know if you think of anything else.”

Ms. Summers stands, shakes your hand, and walks out.



______

As she leaves, I make a note to contact her so I can see the site later that week. I have a lot of work ahead of me.

The Planning Stages by Sherry1968

I wait a couple of days before calling Sara Summers back. Based on the details she gave me, I sketch out a rough idea of what I want. Once I see the location, I can make more specific plans. I look over what I have so far and nod. This project will be so much fun! I pick up the phone and punch in the numbers, thoughts of terrain sculpting spinning through my head.



Ms. Summers and I set plans for the next day. Writing down the directions, I add a note to bring my camera so I can make detailed plans for the terrain. I know from studying my map that there is a view of the ocean from two of the lots. It will make wonderful hilltop views in the new camp.

The next morning dawns with a chill in the air. The light is diffused through the dense grey clouds, and I find myself hoping we don’t end up in a downpour. I pull myself out of bed and into the bathroom where I splash water on my face. Looking into the mirror, I see dark circles under my eyes. I didn’t sleep well, trees and rocks covering me in dream avalanches. Would that be a portent of things to come?



Wanting a filling breakfast, I mix up a batch of waffles and throw them in the oven. Of course, lost in my thoughts of design and architecture, soon smoke begins pouring from the oven. Wonderful! The day is getting better and better. I choke down the burnt waffles and clean up the mess in the kitchen. Returning to the bathroom to brush my teeth, I heave a big sigh as the toothpaste cap rolls into the drain. What else could possibly go wrong this morning? I cover my face with my hands when the toilet overflows. I had to ask, right? Hopefully all of my bad luck would be used up before I got to the build site.



After the third wrong turn, I slam on the brakes at the entrance to a group of vacant lots. This must be the place. Backing up, I turn the car into the intersection. I take a left turn and pull into the first of the lots, where I see a car waiting. Ms. Summers is standing at the front of the lot waiting for me.



“I am so sorry! I have had such a terrible morning, and I almost got lost three times, and I…”

Cutting me off, she holds her hands out in greeting. “Please, it’s quite alright. I enjoy the fresh air, and I’m just imagining what wonderful things you will build here.”

“Oh, thank you Ms. Summers, I’m so excited to begin this project. What a beautiful setting for a summer camp.”

“Please, call me Sara. I know what you mean, this will be such an asset to the community. I can’t wait to see the children enjoying the outdoors here.”

I smile as the sun breaks through the clouds. Perhaps this will be a good day after all.

With Sara leading the way, she explains to me her vision of the camp. I take diligent notes, and pictures where I think they might be useful. There will be a lot of work to do with the terrain, it is just so flat! I know she said no budget, but I hope I can find enough fill dirt to accomplish the elevation changes Sara wants.



After seeing all four of the lots, Sara Summers and I shake hands.
“Ms. Summers, I mean Sara, I will make some calls today, and I should be able to break ground on this project early next week. Would you like to come out and see the work as it progresses?”

“Yes, that would be perfect! You can call me once you get started. I know you will make quite a difference by the next time I come out. “

Climbing into my car, I smile and wave as I back out into the road. Time to get to work on the Happy Hills Summer Camp.



When I get home, I add the pictures I took to an album on the computer. This will be the first part of my project. I can add more pictures after each step.

Ground Breaking by Sherry1968

I finally find an inexpensive source for fill dirt. It turns out someone else is flattening a few lots not far from here, so I arrange with them to transport the dirt directly to Summer Hill Court. There should be more than enough to create some interesting terrain in the new camp. I negotiate the price over the phone, and then call in some heavy equipment to help shape our hills. I clear my calendar for the next couple of days. There is a spring in my step as make myself a salad for lunch. It is finally all starting to come together.



It takes several days for each lot to take shape with the dirt and bulldozers. There is something about watching heavy equipment that is entertaining and mesmerizing. I call over the project supervisor and discuss with him the details for the final lot. Steve Burkman has brown hair and piercing eyes. He is a short man, but he has a lot of confidence. He has to look up slightly as I explain the necessary work here. This will be the easiest lot to transform, as I have decided to leave it mostly flat, just adding a lake for the water sports and fishing. Since I have discussed adding an extra building, Steve suggests waiting until the construction is finished before he starts the lake. That way he will be sure not to interfere with the other parts of the project. I agree that would probably be a good idea. He nods his head and walks off to talk to his equipment operators.

I turn around and pull out my cell phone. “Sara? I think the terraforming is almost complete if you would like to come out and see what we have so far.” I can almost see her smile through the phone.

“I’ll be there in 30 minutes; let me just grab a sandwich on the way out the door.”



Her excitement is contagious, and there is a twinkle in my eye as I watch the bulldozers and front end loaders drive up onto the waiting trailers. As I wait for Sara’s arrival, I walk around the lots snapping pictures of our progress so far. The land is already so different from what we started with. I can add these to my album on the computer once I get home.

The Building Begins by Sherry1968

I fall into bed that night exhausted from the last couple of weeks. The days have been long, but I think the work has paid off. Sara was very happy with the transformation so far, so I was ready to start on the buildings tomorrow. Seconds after my head hits the pillow, I’m asleep. I sleep soundlessly and without dreams, awaking refreshed.



The sun streaming in the window seems to call attention to the encroaching summer heat. I hope we can finish the project in time for the expected opening date of the camp. Everything is going well so far, but I know how problems can pop up unexpectedly. I’d better get started this morning; there were a lot of pieces to bring together.



Picking up my well used phone, I place a call to the lumber yard to confirm delivery to the site. Everything seems to be on schedule, and I had just spoken to the construction foreman the night before. I have chosen to work with Carl Trent for this project. He has a reputation for his quick work and attention to detail. I know that he will get the job finished in time, but still manage to deliver the quality we need. I rush through my shower and breakfast so I can get out to Summer Hill Court early. I know the foreman well, and he is always prompt.



When I arrive, the lumber delivery is already being unloaded at the first lot. The girls’ cabins will be the lot we start on. The stone was already there, waiting to be shaped into foundations for the buildings. There were plenty of workers here to keep things moving right along. It would be no time at all before we needed the decorators here to finish up.

The next couple of days flow smoothly, and I am surprised by an early morning phone call. It is the foreman.

“We’ve had a slight setback. Apparently there was a small earthquake here last night, and some of the buildings have been damaged. Also, there seems to have been some vandalism at one of the sites.”

I take a deep breath. “Okay. I knew our good luck couldn’t last forever. I’ll be right down.”

When I pull up to the girls’ cabins, I immediately see the problems. Some of the foundation stones have fallen loose and one pile of lumber has been reduced to ashes and rubble. The foreman strides up to me, a determined look on his face. He is slightly taller than me, his blond hair cut short under his hard hat. Blue eyes gaze out at me from a chiseled face.

“The foundations should be pretty easy to repair. They are built to withstand earthquakes, but since the mortar was not quite set we have a few loose stones. I can have those fixed up by tomorrow night. We’re gonna need to reorder that lumber, though.”

Frowning I look toward the ashes. “You don’t think whoever did that could have caused the foundation problems, do you?”

“I thought of that, but it looks totally unrelated. We can’t prevent earthquakes, but the vandals are another story. Hopefully we can keep them from coming back. I’ll post some men here tonight to keep watch.”

Giving him a thumbs-up sign, I tell him I will check back after lunch. For now I need to talk to the decorators. They would need to have everything ready to go as soon as possible to get Happy Hills finished on time. I pull my cell phone out as I walk back to the car.

Carl is making great progress on the repairs when I get back from lunch, so I tell him that I will be back first thing in the morning. He assures me that he will have the lots well guarded tonight. I head back to my office to get the missing lumber reordered and coordinate the decorating effort. I make a simple dinner that night of spaghetti and ponder the reasons behind vandalism.



Sleep is slow to come that night, and fitful. I wake with a start, the last wisps of a dream seeping from the corners of my mind. I struggle to remember the images, but finally I shrug it off and slide from bed, my bare feet hitting the cold floor. The days may be warming up, but the nights were still rather chilly. Heading out to the site that morning, I wonder if our “guards” saw anything unusual last night.



I arrive at the camp and see Carl busy directing his workers. Catching my eye, he waves me over.

“I left a couple of guys here last night to watch out for us. They said they didn’t see anything unusual, so I sent them home to get some sleep.”

“Well, that’s good, I guess. I sure wish I knew who wanted to destroy our lumber, though!”

“Hopefully, it was just a onetime prank. On a positive note, we should have all our repairs finished up tonight, so we’ll only be about a day behind for completion of the building phase.”

“That’s great news! It seems like the time has just flown by. Thanks for keeping everything moving right along.”

Carl gives me a smile and a nod and gets back to his job. I start walking around the lots to see if there is anything I can improve on, decorating ideas floating in my head. Everything seems to be going well today, so I have high hopes that we will be finished in no time.

A few days later, I arrive at the site to see Carl standing at the bottom of the hill, hands on hips.

“Anything wrong?” I ask breathlessly as I jog up to him.

“Well, it looks like we’re all finished here. It’s time for you to get your decorators up here.”

“Oh wow! I’d better call Ms. Summers so she can come see what you’ve done. I’m sure she will be happy, you’ve done such a fantastic job, and in record time, too!”

“Thanks, Ms. Smith. I hope you’re right.”

Decorating Details by Sherry1968

The following morning I call Mike Hurnow. My regular decorator is not available, but she recommended Mike as substitute. The phone rings five times, and I am about to hang up when he answers breathlessly.

“Hello!”

“Mike, are you ready to meet me out at Happy Hills this morning?”

“What? Who is this?”

“Um, Alanna, Alanna Smith. Denise gave me your number…”

“Oh! Right! Alanna. Look, I was just running out the door, can I meet you there at 10:30?”

“Well, sure, I guess that would be…”

“Great! See you then!”

Before I can respond, I hear a click and a dial tone. Well! That was odd. I thought I spoke with Mike a couple of days ago to let him know we would be meeting today. It was just a couple of hours, though, it really shouldn’t be a problem.

Since I am just waiting around anyway, I decide to drive out to the project site early. I step out of the car into the bright sun. It is a sunny day, but really not warm up here on the hill. The wind cut through my shirt, giving me goose bumps. I should have brought a jacket!

I walk toward the girls’ camp first. The buildings loomed, still bare against the morning light. Hopefully we will get them dressed up shortly. As I climb up the path, I notice that someone has recently started a fire in the fire pit. I wonder if the builders were here last night again to keep watch.

My attention is drawn by the sound of tires on gravel. I turn to look and see a nervous young man step out of the car. He is thin, and pushes his glasses up his nose as he walks up the path. His black hair is slicked back from his face, and makes a sharp contrast with his pale skin.

I smile at him in greeting, and I notice his nose wrinkle slightly. I find myself wondering if I had remembered to shower.

“Hi! Alyssa! It’s so nice to see you again!”

“Hello. It’s Alanna, and I don’t think we’ve ever actually m…”

“Look at this camp! Isn’t it just adorable? We can have such FUN with this project!”

Would I ever be able to finish a sentence around this man?

“Let’s go up and take a look at the girls’ cabins first.” Mike started up the hill with a long stride.

Struggling to keep up, I made two strides to every one of his. Finally, we reached the cabins on top of the hill. Mike stood waiting in front of the first cabin, hands on hips. He had a very intent look on his face and his forehead was wrinkled in concentration.

“I believe you said two cabins, one for teenagers and one for younger girls? Yes! This one for the young girls, the teenagers there. Deep blue, you mentioned? We can work with that. I know the perfect place to get some furniture…”

I held up my hands. “Mike! Mike! Stop! I thought Denise had explained more. I have already ordered furniture and fabrics. I just need your help putting it all together. I’m kind of pressed for time as Ms. Summers would like to open the camp for this season.”

“Oh! Of course Arianna, of course! I apologize, I just got carried away with the energy. Don’t you feel it flowing through the ground?”

“It’s Alanna.” I looked down at my feet. “Um, I don’t really feel anything…”

“No matter, no matter! If you have already gotten started, let’s go inside and you can tell me what you had in mind.”

I followed Mike into the first cabin.

(to be continued)

One Extra Post

(just in case)

Thanks, Yanti! You are always my first victim, I mean visitor, lol. I forgot to put in my first post that it is a team build, but I took all the pictures and wrote the story. I'll have to go and edit. I may see if it will upload tonight. Hopefully my life will slow down and I can build more, and support all of the other wonderful builders like you. :wink: I appreciate your comments and your support. :mrgreen:

You're welcome, Kitkat! You did a great job on the landscaping, too! I wish I'd gotten the story finished sooner, but at least we got the slideshow finished in time. :wink: I forgot to tell you I had to put the hay wagon back together - I think the acrostacking doesn't stay when you upload/download lots, lol. I was like, "What is that pile of stuff?" Took me a minute to figure that out. :lol: Thanks for posting your request at TSS, it was fun!

Okay, I added some more to the story , and some links to the lots. All of the lots are exchange downloads except the lake and stable. I couldn't get it to upload. Maybe the non CC version will upload.

Please note that you will need Gillianivy's Ginormous rocks for these lots, and also for the stable I used Dragonslave's horses. The links for these are in the first post.