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

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.