Thanks for the kind comments. I quite like the campground style of lot. The only drawback is, when other sims come to visit, they tend to wander around the lot instead of going to the (nonexistent) front door. Swede, fortunately there is no "seasons" yet for Sims 3 - obviously, I'm hoping they won't bring that back in a big hurry. Rain is one thing, but imagine the campground with all those thunderstorms! No thanks.
The telescope, record player and easel all came from the store. I haven't bought much there, but just had to have those items. I didn't realize the telescope was part of a collection - I found it under Home Decor - Entertainment - Hobbies & skills, and purchased it individually.