Sun, Blooms, and a Vintage Camper

 

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We are having a true spring this year in New England!  Not too hot, not too cold, mostly sunny days with cool mornings followed by warm afternoons. We are seeing more birds and wildlife, the days are longer, and there are buds on the trees. Best of all, it is time to open up Gidget, our vintage camper/glamper! C’mon in and let me show ya around!

I love when winter finally says goodbye for the season, when we feel over it – that’s IT, we’ve just had enough, and all signs of spring start popping up. 

Blooms on trees are starting to show

Blooms on trees are starting to show

Pots of pansies have been planted.

Pots of pansies have been planted.

The week before Easter was my birthday, and I admit, I was quite spoiled! It was the first time I got to wear a spring-y dress and shoes, the weather was great the whole weekend! 

This adorable, big bunny was a birthday present from a friend. Odin became obsessed - sitting near it, sniffing it, and laying beneath it. Made of paper mache, Odin never chewed it or otherwise hurt it. Did he think it was real?

This adorable, big bunny was a birthday present. Odin became obsessed – sitting near it, sniffing it, and laying beneath it. Made of paper mache, Odin never chewed it or otherwise hurt it. Did he think it was real?

The next week was Easter. It was just the three of us, but we had such a great day. I cooked, baked, and made deviled eggs (my secret – spicy brown mustard, dill, and smoked paprika)!

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Signs of spring are popping up all over, from buds on the trees, birds building nests, and more wildlife passing through the property.

This stunnign Tom has been hanging around our yard everyday lately. Wow - look at those spurs!

This stunning Tom has been hanging around our yard everyday lately. Wow – look at those spurs!

The landscaping team has arrived.

The landscaping team has arrived.

I started seeds inside for this year’s garden; peas have been planted outside as my first early crop. 

PEAS, PLEASE!

PEAS, PLEASE!

Blooms are starting to abound.

Native Spice Bush is the first to show spring is here,, watercoloring the brown woods with its yellow blooms

Native Spice Bush is the first to show spring is here, watercoloring the brown woods with its yellow blooms.

The natural lichen on this rock is lovely.  NO, Ponyboy - “Nature’s first green” is NOT gold; Nature’s first green are weeds. Weeds popping up everywhere, like the invasive barberry behind the rock that needs to be taken out.

The natural lichen on this rock is lovely.
NO, Ponyboy – “Nature’s first green” is NOT gold; Nature’s first green are weeds. Weeds popping up everywhere, like the invasive barberry behind the pretty rock that needs to be taken out. Arrgh!

Still, my favorite sign that spring is here to stay is when we open up the camper. In winter, we keep her set up right through Christmas. I then take out most everything before winter gets too cold, as vintage glass can not handle the extreme temperatures. 

The outside of Gidget, summer 2020, without lights or the awning. She has so much charm!

The outside of Gidget, summer 2020, without lights or the awning. She has so much charm!

It’s been awhile since I posted upated pictures of Gidget, all “dolled up”. We have work we need to do on her, but are enjoying her still. I don’t know if we will be going camping this year or not. The rallies we always went to are not happening again this year due to the pandemic, and I am not ready yet, as well. Oh! We miss our camping buddies!

This is what the inside of Gidget looked like “before”, when we first brought it home in 2017.

This is what the inside of Gidget looked like “before”, when we first brought her home in 2017.

I first blogged about finding “Gidget”, our 1966 Nomad, Here, when we first bought our dream camper. We were so happy and a bit scared, as we didn’t really know what we got ourselves into. Our first rally was a success; we then went two more times to vintage camper rallies before the pandemic cancelled the rally last summer in 2020. I miss my vintage camper friends, and hope we will someday all be able to camp like we did before. Still, we use Gidget a lot just in the driveway – our “happy place”. 

The vintage quilt can be snuggled under if it is a chilly day, or line the hammock once summer is here.

The vintage quilt can be snuggled under if it is a chilly day, or line the hammock once summer is here.

I decided early on that most everything we would use/decorate within the camper would be vintage, from the 1960’s or before. We still have work to do on her, and I am sure that like having a classic car, there will always be something that needs to be done. It’s a true labor of love! 

The kettle belonged to my best friend’s mama.

The kettle belonged to my best friend’s mama.

The vintage caravan cookbook belonged to another friend’s late mom.

The vintage caravan cookbook belonged to another friend’s late mom.

I wanted the feeling that it isn’t 2021, but  is 1960-something as soon as you walk in. We love that the original stove and sink are our favorite color of turquoise blue.

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The seating area, which folds down to a bed, is a comfy spot to eat, read, or work at. The cross breeze when all the windows are open is so relaxing. 

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The table is set with vintage linens, tableware ready. Melamine from the 50’s and 60’s is pretty but also great for dining outside. The large, 1940’s red picnic basket holds picnicware and table linens. The penguin ice bucket holds ice on hot days, or can hold hot foods on cold ones, all with vintage pizazz.

A rare bathroom. We did not reinstall the shower, but love the toilet when we camp at campgrounds, especially in the middle of the night.

A rare 60’s camper bathroom. We did not reinstall the shower, but love the toilet when we camp at campgrounds, especially in the middle of the night.

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 This photo of my mom and brother was taken around the time my camper was made. I wasn’t born yet, but love this photo of them.

This photo of my mom and brother was taken around the time my camper was made. I wasn’t born yet, but love this photo of them.

Little vintage touches

Little vintage touches

While having the camper set up at home is fun, what I love the most is how many wonderful friends and family are represented inside the tiny, 15-foot caravan. 

My dad sent me two sets of these little battery powered lights. They add such ambience to the rear side windows.

My dad sent me two sets of these little battery powered lights. They add such ambience to the rear side windows.

In the evening, nothing is cozier than sitting and talking, a cup of tea in hand, while listening to the sounds of nature like the buzzing of crickets and the hooting of owls (with a little Billie Holliday playing in the background).

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I’m loving the milk glass art deco reading lamp my best friend gave me for my birthday.

The Gidget-look-alike felted birdhouse was a housewarming present, pre-pandemic.

The Gidget-look-alike felted birdhouse was a housewarming present, pre-pandemic entertaining times.

The little felted “Gidget” birdhouse came from friends as a hostess gift (pre-Covid), and was too pretty to put outside. I love that wherever we look, we are reminded of friends. I look around and see little sentimental momentos, “camper housewarmers” from friends and family. I “see” so many loved ones and friends inside the camper; it makes the space all the more special. Gidget has become so much more than a camper. Gidget has truly become “part” of the family!

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If walls could talk, I wonder what they would say about the last 55 years…what travels the caravan has been on, who camped in her before us. It truly is our time capsule on wheels. Soon we can sit outside and eat alfresco, grilling, toasting marshmallows and hot dogs, and watching the sun go down. I can’t wait!

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Hope you enjoyed the tour! Wishing you all a very happy spring! Remember to drop me a line below in comments so I know you came by!

Until Next Time, Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  1. Marlene Capelle says:

    Just love it. I’d be in it everyday reading or embroidering.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Thank you, Marlene! It is my favorite place to knit. I have also done sewing in there before, too. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Charlene Gravely says:

    Love this ,Thank you for sharing!

  3. oanne Vanderheite says:

    Beautiful Camper….Happy Spring

  4. Pauline G says:

    This weeks blog comes at a time when my locked down spirit needs lifting. The Vintage Camper tour has unlocked memories long forgotten, memories of playful days at the beach, nights under the stars warmed by a campfire. A time when newly found friends exhausted the daylight hours exploring for lost treasure and trying to catch a glimpse of Fairies napping on moss covers stones in the forest. The end of the day brought with it complete exhaustion and a first class ticket to nighttime adventures anywhere your dreams could take you.

    As I mull about the invisible confines of my garden today, I shall indeed bask in those new found memories of childhood freedom and foley. For in the garden everything is possible and life starts anew with each passing moment. Although this pandemic has created invisible barriers between family and friends, this too shall pass and we will once again find ourselves snuggled up in old quilts beside the campfire catching up with old and new friends.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Pauline, this was such a beautifully written comment, thank you so much. I think you captured perfectly how we are all feeling. Thank you. Big farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Elisabeth Perkins says:

    Love Gidget!! The decorations are perfect!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Elisabeth, thank you so much. It’s funny how I remember using some of the same kinds of things we have in the camper as a child, like the Tupperware shakers and melamine plates. Weird when things we used “new” become “antique”, lol! Have a great spring! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  6. Beverly Battaglia says:

    I enjoyed reading this blog. Pictures are wonderful of wildlife and Gidget. Sounds so inviting! You look beautiful sitting inside Gidget. Surprised to see my picture with your brother and my 60’s Ford!
    Love,
    Mother

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mama, thank you. That is where I sit many times when we talk on the phone. I love that picture of the two of you! I love that you made that beautiful dress, too. Love you, Nicole

  7. Bonnie Ellis says:

    Nicole, you look adorable sitting in that wonderful little trailer! We had one called a Trillium that was fiberglass but looked a lot like yours inside. We went on many cross-country trips with her. I love your turquoise stove and the quilts. Such fun. Enjoy the new season.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Bonnie, thank you ever so much! The photo was taken on Easter, and it was a very happy day. Your camper sounded like it brought you on many great adventures! I hope you are having a happy spring. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  8. Donna Kozak says:

    Love your little your little camper with all the beautiful vintage articles (many of which I grew up with !!)…I can certainly see why you enjoy relaxing in it surrounded by mementos from friends and family – Happy Spring !

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, thank you! It is so sweet how many people have thought of us; much of the decor has been gifted. It makes the little space a very precious one. Happy Spring! Thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  9. Elaine says:

    Love your camper! Hope you can out on the road real soon.
    Enjoy,
    Elaine

  10. Sandi King says:

    Gosh I love that Gidget. I remember when you posted pictures when you first got it and what you were doing to make her so cute. It is sad that times have been changed so that people can’t get together like they used to, but hopefully with summer approaching you can find a way to go camping again somewhere with all your glamping buddies. i will pray for that to happen. We feel like our home here is a lot like camping as we sit on our long porch every evening and watch our neighborhood and all the people here trying to get ready for summer with spring cleaning and yard clean up and gardening. We enjoy all our neighbors and they stop by and sit on the porch or just talk for a while. Have a great summer Nicole.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sandi, thank you! I miss having tea and lunch in Gidget with friends when she is set up at home, but hopefully life will get better for us all soon. I can’t wait to start up the firepit and sit outside more. Today is rainy but we needed it so that is okay. I think it will be awhile before the camping rallies are like they were. Seems like a lifetime ago, but until then, I am happy to share her with all of you! I miss seeing friends in person, but summer is coming! Have a great one, Sandi! Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. I assume you never move this cute, cute camper. We have traveled all over North America with a trailer the last 20 years. You have really decorated it in the period I grew up in. Well done!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Cecile, thank you! It was fun to recreate that time period. However, Gidget is quite movable and we tow her to campsites to go camping. We did not go last summer because of the pandemic, but she is a camper first, playhouse second. It really only takes me about an hour to pack her up and an hour to set back up. I have it down to an art, lol. The longest part when we get back from camping is the laundry! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Renee says:

    Your little camper is so cute! What a great find it was for you. It’s like a little time capsule! I’d love to have one.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Renee, thank you! That is what it feels like inside…like a little time machine or time capsule. Turn the vintage music on, and it really feels like you are back in time. My favorite part of when we went to a vintage camper rally was peeking outside, very early morning before everyone was up. It really looked like 1960 something. Thanks for reading and commenting! Happy spring. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Marilyn says:

    What a lovely camper. I love the way you have it all fixed up. The things are so fun and vintage. Enjoy the camper.
    Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marilyn, thank you so much! I love vintage and retro style, so it was a real joy to put together. Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Heidi says:

    Gidget looks great! Must have been fun to decorate her up. Xox

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Heidi, Yes, it has been fun. It has been an adventure just seeing how it transforms. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Wanda Aldridge says:

    I love your vintage camper! We have a newer camper but I still dream of finding a vintage model to fix up and enjoy with my friends. I hope you are able to travel and enjoy it this summer with friends. Thanks for sharing

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Wanda, thank you! Having a vintage camper is a lot of fun, and I can imagine having a newer one like yours is, too! I think it would be neat to have both, depending on the trip you make. Have a great spring! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Don Ramsey says:

    This camper is such a treasure of warmth, artifacts, and the innocent ambience of 1960’s family camping adventures! I’m so grateful to be one who has seen it in person! I also love the photo of your mom and your brother. Displaying that for this blog, before you were even born, illustrates the authenticity of your sentimental heart for any Farmgirl reader…

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Don! Oh my, what an awesome comment from someone I respect so much! Thank you! We miss seeing our dear friend! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  17. Gail Larson says:

    Love what you’ve done with Gidget! I chuckle that you reference 60’s as vintage. Born in 1946 I grew up camping in a cute, cozy 13′ travel trailer. Best memories! I hope whoever owns it today takes good care as you have Gidget.
    Wishing you and your family many happy times on the go or at home!
    Happy Spring!⚘

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Gail, thank you! I love that you have memories of camping in a camper not much smaller than Gidget! (Mine is 15”). They are little gems of history. Thanks for reading and commenting, and have a Happy Spring! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. Meredith Williams says:

    Hi Nicole! I love your darling camper. While I haven’t had memories from a camper, your Gidget reminds me of very fond memories growing up at Osceleta Lake in South Salem, NY where my great grandparents built a camp. My grandparents lived there during the good weather months and since we lived right over the NY border in Ridgefield Ct, we often visited daily. My memories of the decor and kitchen are much like in your Gidget, with the addition of my Grammy and Campy of course! We spent many happy hours there, swimming and running as fast as we could off the dock to avoid being gently nipped in the heels by our dog Laird. Such great memories. Thank you for bringing them back to me! ❤️

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Meredith, Oh I love this comment! I know the area you are talking about, and Ridgefield is in my “stomping grounds”. Before the pandemic, my friends and I loved going to lunch and then poking around the Ridgefield Thrift shop, which has been in town for generations. The flamingo and the quilts on the bed in the camper came from there.

      It sounds like you had an amazing childhood filled with super special memories with your grandparents; you captured the innocence of a summer day filled with childhood fun. Thanks for sharing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

      • Meredith Williams says:

        I remember the Thrift Shop well! So cool that your flamingo and your quilts came from there! I haven’t been back in several years, but my oldest cousin is now caretaker of the camp, and I plan to visit him there this year! ❤️

  19. Cathryn Evans says:

    I enjoy your blog so very much! Thank you for taking taking the time to share your vintage life with us. I am now just getting started on my vintage glamper and want it to be just as cozy and filled with love as yours is!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Cathryn, Thank you so much! Congratulations on your vintage camper! How exciting! Enjoy and cozy it up – what fun! Happy camping! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  20. Carol Walker says:

    I am liking the whole camper thing. We have an old RV that I might tackle. Love your blog. Happy Summer as it is almost over.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Carol, thank you! Fall is a great time to tackle a RV update, when it gets cooler. What a fun project! Thanks for visiting the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  21. Krissi says:

    Hi Nicole
    Thanks for the tour of Gidget, she’s a Bute! I’m looking forward to getting an RV to live in full time. As I get older apartments are way too expensive, and a house is just too big. I loved the 60’s, and Gidget is a grand example. Thanks again.
    Krissi

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Krissi, thank you so much! I love that you will live full time in an RV! How exciting! Happy Hunting! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

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