My son has a small area near his house that he usually gardens every year. He has graciously turned it over to me this year, and I'm teaching him some new tricks...like how to pack a LOT in a small space. I also use the Farmer's Almanac, and plant by the moon dates. I've noted (yeah...I keep garden notes each year) that my plants do best when I follow those dates for whichever zone I'm planting. I won't be planting enough to can or dehydrate from the garden, but they have a nice Farmer's Market here where I can get some nice veggies and fruits for that later.
Peas, carrots, lettuces, radishes, and beets all coming up. Just finished thinning them out this morning.
Though they can't be seen yet, the green, yellow wax, and Dragon Tongue beans are just beginning to come up, too.
This is the entire area...pretty small, and mostly unplanted. I'll finish the rest...hmmm...moon dates...some this weekend, and some next week. It'll all be done then.
I've also been working on the border around my son's backyard. It wasn't cared for by previous owners, and Tommy didn't know what to do with it. He knew what he wanted it to look like...clean/cleared up...but had no idea how to accomplish that. He was pretty overwhelmed. Now that I've started it...see pics below...he's getting the idea of 'how' to do it, and pitches in. chuckles...I leave piles of brush, and bags of yard waste for him to clean up! The city here has some odd requirements for brush disposal. Anyway...it's been a slow process because it's pretty dense in there, but it's getting done. There are so many dead branches/trees/yard stuff in here that...well...it's a huge mess.
First small area I cleared out.
Cleared out, yet before things started greening up this Spring.
Cleared area with all kinds of lilies and hostas growing.
Teaching the girls how to trim things up!
Cleared area...trees and weeds were totally overgrown prior to the trim I gave it.
Beautiful trees bordering his yard.
Mostly cleared area, and part of the pile of brush the girls and I trimmed out.
This picture and the two above it just show the back of their yard where I've not started working yet. Gives an idea of what the other areas looked like prior to clean up.
There are some beautiful flowering shrubs in that mess...lilacs, some honeysuckle vines, and I don't know what the other one is, but you can hardly see them for all the overgrowth. A LOT of jonquils, daffodils, Lily of the Valley, hostas, lilies, and I don't know what else was also discovered...came up when the ground was cleared, and the lower branches of the trees were taken out. Some of those trees are growing out in the yard...lol...nature trying to take back a more natural setting. Personally? I kinda like the wildness of it, but they want it more manicured. I can do that, and it will help them sell the house when the military decides where their next duty station will be.
So, I'm keeping busy, but this is hard work! Needless to say...day working...day off...and so on.
lol...Nope, not that kind of "new age". I'm a dinosaur, and like most humans, resistant to change (in some things). I've used one of the old fashioned flip phones for years...they have larger keys for clumsy fingers and ailing eyes, and are just plain simpler to use. Now, mine had a camera function as well as the ability to record videos and text. So...not entirely a dinosaur, I suppose.
My kids are thrilled...and having oh so much fun at my expense. I have a new iPhone. The reason I chose to upgrade from my trusty flip phone is largely because I will have no cell reception up on the mountain, and will need to use Skype. I know Skype can be used on the computer...that's how my son and I kept in touch when he was in Iraq, but I want the freedom to move around the cabin a bit...and maybe...just maybe...be out on the front porch during phone conversations.
There's an app for that! Good Grief! There's a freakin' app for everything! Everything!
I'm keeping it simple, but still leave myself open to my kids' torment. For example...I was trying to figure out how to use those cute smiley faces in a text with my son. Well...at one point there was a screen shot of...well...a phone screen. I couldn't figure out how the heck I did that. I'm notorious for pushing buttons I have no business pushing :) and was doing that freely. When I texted that to my son, I thought he was gonna die laughing. Apparently, he took a screen shot of HIS screen in order to show me what I was supposed to be doing...where. Well...and then I texted three pictures that I'd taken of son and GrandBoy. Once again, nooooooo clue how I did that. Unbeknownst to me, my son is forwarding all of these text messages to his sister...who was laughing so hard my other GrandBoy had to get in on the fun. They were all rolling along while I tried to figure out one...simple...thing...on this confounded phone.
I'm learning...slowly...and I have to admit that I actually like the phone...an iPhone 5c. Sure takes really nice pictures, too! Except...I still can't figure out how the heck to download them to this laptop!
I've been talking with a good friend who lives in Oakland, CA, and is a movie set designer. Scott's going to come live on the property for a month or two when I get my cabin in place, and help me do much of the work inside the cabin. He's a very skilled craftsman, and will save me tons of money, frustration, and time by hiring him to work with me up there.
While I'd love to hire locally, because it's such a rural area, I'm told it's difficult to get dependable folks to do work as I'll need done to finish the inside of the cabin. Very difficult. My buds that live up there...the Fifields...say that having Scott up there will be a godsend. They wish they'd had a similar option early on. So...I'm feeling really fortunate...and grateful...to have such a skilled friend who can take the time to drive up and help me out.
We'll have to work around his jobs in CA, but he assures me it won't be difficult, and I'll have him for the duration. I figure we can get all the insulation hung, plumbing (shower, kitchen/bathroom sinks, etc), wiring/boxes run and hung, I'll get a couple young fellas (former students who live about an hour away) to help with hanging the drywall, build the wood stove fire barrier, and I'll be good to go to do the finish work myself. Scott says...maybe 6 weeks...probably not that long. Depends on issues with mud (it gets pretty icky certain times of the year) for supply deliveries, and gettin' in and out to pick up what we can ourselves.
Of course, I'll have a professional install the wood stove...not attempting that myself. I want it done right so as to avoid fire hazards. I'll also have an electrician connect the wiring to the main to avoid electrical problems/hazards, and so the all the areas that need inspecting will pass. Because my property is where it's at, I don't really have to do the inspections, but I don't want my kids to run into problems (someday farrrrrrr from now) if they should decide to sell the land/cabin.
So, though things are kind of quiet at this point, I'm still reading, studying, and researching a variety of things in order to refine skills I already possess, and to acquire others that will be needed. I sorely miss my laying hens...daaaaaang those eggs were scrumptious, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching their antics scampering around my yard. I'm itching to move up there, and keep looking at different ways in which I can do so. Realistically? Not in my best interest...so I'll keep plugging along, but it's hard...particularly now...Spring...planning...planting...*groans*...itchin' itchin' itchin' to git 'er done!
I grew up in a family of gardeners. When I was young, we had a small yard with a garden out back, and a much larger garden at Grandma's...way bigger yard space to grow one. I remember planting, pulling weeds, harvesting, canning, and freezing...as well as eating all the yummy produce we grew. Also remember my older brother, Mick, throwing nasty bugs at me..slugs...big, fat, green tomato worms. And...sitting under my Grandma's pear tree...next to her...snapping beans, shelling peas, looking at clouds, listening to the different birds. Peaceful...content...loving...warm memories. lol...even Mick and the nasty bugs.
I still love gardening, and cut my gardening teeth (solo gardening as an adult) in the AZ mountains...5200' elevation. Crappy soil that needed massive amounts of amendments to build it up, short growing seasons, unpredictable weather/freezing/monsoons/hail/drought/May snows...did I mention crappy soil? Oh, and feral cats that were always digging up what I planted. My youngest son...then about 3 yrs old...thought it was great that he got to pee on the yard...around my garden borders...to prevent those same cats from crossing a marked territory. It actually worked, too!
I'll be about 2300' higher in NM with a 7200 to 7500' elevation on my property. It slopes...gently in most cases. There are several flat areas where I could do raised beds along the lines of what the Zuni's do up there called "waffle gardening". It's a form of square foot gardening...designed to retain water in a drought inclined area. The soil's crappy...sandy with lots of caliche and rocks and tough weeds. The soil will need amending on a larger scale than I'm accustomed to doing, and using different means by which to do it.
I've been studying permaculture principles for a couple of years now, but only recently got more serious about it. I've purchased several books: Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture by Toby Hemenway; Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability by David Holmgren; Sepp Holzer's Permaculture: A practical Guide to Small-Scale, Integrative Farming and Gardening by Sepp Holzer; and Permaculture in a Nutshell by Patrick Whitefield. I've not begun reading those just yet...still finishing the Southwest gardening books I purchased, and am currently taking an online permaculture course that starts with the basics, and will take me through to the actual design elements.
Because of what I'm learning, I'm rethinking just how I'll be 'gardening'...veggies...and how I'll be rehabbing my soil. As I mentioned, I'm learning about soil rehab on a larger scale...so I can plant native species of plants with a better chance of successful growth. I'm learning about nitrogen fixing plants...Hairy Vetch, Winter Rye, etc. I've a small meadow near the lowest slope/border of my land...would make a beautiful spot to do native wildflowers, grasses, and other plants. Start smallish...let it spread naturally...right? Might be a good spot for some fruit trees, too. Will have to think about what I'll do with that particular area.
I'll want to utilize some of the many stones available on the property...mass...to surround my beds. Holds the heat. Days are warmer...lots of wind, too...nights are cool. The extra mass from the stones will hold the heat through the night...helping to keep the soil warmer. I'll also make use of more than one or two cold frames. I've seen some interesting, simple ways to do them...will try different ones to see which I like best...then use that version for the others. I like to start gardening early...earlier the better. With such a short growing season up that high, I'll need all the help I can get extending that time frame.
I'm excited...I get to try new techniques (new to me, anyway), and the idea of working that soil? chuckles...floats my boat! I'll actually get started this Fall, and will plant some winter rye in a couple places to see where it does best. Though I won't be moving up there till 'next' Spring, I'll be closer with our move to So. CA, so I'll be able to drive up in a day...camp out...hang...do my deal...start doin' some of the soil prep. I'm ready!
I have to laugh...have to...'cause it is kinda funny. As I mentioned before, I'm living with my son, and family...saving money, preparing my property, helping with the GrandBabies...etc. Moving onto property by Spring 2015. Son and daughter in law are both active military...Army. We live in a NorthWest suburb of Chicago...they're both recruiters...both just received promotions...both second in command of their respective stations/offices. Next step...commander of their respective stations/offices.
In the Army's infinite wisdom, after 3 yrs in the same place, there's no stations for them both..."both" being the key word. They're on a special married couple's 'plan' where they can't be stationed more than 50 miles from one another. Can't both be accommodated here...or nearby.
Soooooo...new duty station in Southern California...move date will be end of June...first of July. They report for new duties August 1. Sooooo...we're moving. chuckles...Nice thing is...I'll be about a 10 hr drive from my property rather than the current 22 hr drive. I'll more easily be able to drive on up to property...long, but easy day drive. I know the route well as I lived in the AZ mountains for 30 years, and have family in Southern California that we visited from time to time. Plus...my daughter will be along the route to NM, and I can even stop to visit her half way to property...break up the drive. Soooooo doable, and convenient. I'm choosing to focus on that rather than the tremendous amount of work ahead of us to prepare for this move. chucklin'...yeah...that.
All the docs seen (for now), and multitudes of testing results are in. What started, in January, as an esophageal spasm that had my son scooping me off the kitchen floor to head to the ER, has turned into all kinds of fun stuff. Nothing life threatening for which I'm very grateful, but it's frustrating...to say the least.
I get those nasty spasms in my esophagus when I take certain medications, which I don't know will do that till I take them. At the time, I was taking an antibiotic for a severe sinus infection, which, apparently, is what caused this one. So...it was added to an ever growing list of meds I can't take. The problem with that last episode was that it was so severe, and that I had three episodes in less than 24 hours, which never happens. So, specialists seen...tests done...and results show that I have issues with esophagus (duh), mild/active gastritis (isn't getting older fun), very low vitamin D (again), and am pre-diabetic...all of which are manageable with medication and diet/weight loss. Ok...doable...done.
The other thing that was "incidentally" found is that I have an adrenal adenoma (benign tumor) on one of my adrenal glands. Endocrinologist determined (through a crap load of tests) that it's not active, which just means that it's not over/under producing hormones that would make me pretty darned sick. Ok...no problem. Next step is to determine if it's a "fast growing adenoma", but that can't be done till early June with another CT scan. If it's growing, then it has to come out. If not, then it just needs watching once a year, or so. Keep your fingers crossed that it's a no grow adenoma.
I'm a tad tired of not feeling well, but am assured that I'll start feeling better as my sugars level out, and with a higher level of Vitamin D. Health issues aren't new to me. I have Fibromyalgia, an auto-immune disorder that causes my central nervous system to shut down from time to time, and a few other things that I deal with from time to time. Nothing life threatening...slows me down sometimes, but doesn't stop me from living my life as I choose...chuckles...much to my children's chagrin at times. So...moving on.
None of this will stop plans for my cabin/homestead, nor will it delay my moving up there Spring 2015. It will, however, slow the process throughout this year, which is ok...'cause it'll still get done by next Spring as planned. Glad to be feeling a little better, and having some energy for the extras.
I've been sick, and got sicker catching the GrandBaby's cold. Seein' doctors, gettin' tests done, blah blah blah. Back when I'm feeling better. Looking forward to catching up on my reading here, too!
Since I'll be heating my cabin with wood, this is a huge deal...big purchase...and I don't mind spending a bit of money to get the 'right' stove. I want the best bang for my buck, too. Scary purchase...lots of pressure to 'get it right' the first time. So...primary (only) heat source is the first priority. Having a flat top...not those split leveled tops...so I can throw one of my cast iron pots on top for a slow cooked meal, and have room for the cast iron water filled tea pot for humidity is a secondary concern. Also...an oven to play with...eh...not necessary as I'll have a small propane stove/oven for cooking, but would be 'fun'. Finally, I'd like to be able to create a small water heating system hooked into the stove/pipe. I'm likin' the set up for water heater below. That can be done on any stove/pipe though, so that's not part of the decision.
Originally, my plan was to purchase and have installed a Vermont Bun Maker wood stove...without the soapstone surround. I like the idea of a small oven that I can play around with during cold weather stove usage, but the fire box is too small...heating for a max of 5 hours. Now, 5 hours would be enough to tend during daytime, but waking up to a freezing cabin after 6 or 7 hours sleep doesn't quite cut it for me.
So, I started looking at other wood stoves with larger fire
boxes...longer burn times. I've been looking at Vermont Castings stoves.
The three I'm looking at are all EPA certified according to the EPA
website on wood stoves, are also UL/ULC certified, OMNI (on the Aspen
and Resolute models), and CSA Design on the Intrepid. One is catalytic,
and the other two are non-catalytic. Catalytic seem to be more
environmentally friendly, but have more parts to replace after about a 5
yr period from what I understand. That part of my decision is somewhat
in limbo...not sure which way to go in regards to
catalytic/non-catalytic.
I like the look of the Aspen (below)...size is a real plus, but it only has a 5 hr burn time @ 18,000 max BTU's. It heats up to 600 sq ft...well within the size of my cabin...but from what I'm reading are best used as supplement heat for a single room, or heat an occasional use cabin...not full-time use. I think I've pretty much decided this one's a no go for me. But it sure is pretty to look at!
Then there's the Intrepid II (below)...a beautiful stove. Catalytic, heats up to 1200 sq ft (overkill for a 560 sq ft cabin), 6 hr burn time @ 27,000 max BTU's, 81% efficient with a 2.1 g/hr. Very environmentally friendly...again, a sorta short burn time, but 6 hrs would be my minimum. Nice big fire box to handle a decent sized log. Matches all my criteria really. And...it's pretty to look at...even comes in different colors if I chose to do a color.
The Resolute Acclaim (below)...another beautiful stove...is non-catalytic, has a whopping 9 hr. burn time @ 40,000 BTU's heating up to 1600 sq ft (again, overkill for my 560 sq ft cabin), 72% efficiency with 3.4 g/hr. Again, very nice to look at, and with different colors. I kinda like the warming shelves on the side, but am not sure there'd be room for that once it's all said and done.
All three of these stoves are well within the EPA limits for g/hr...non-catalytic max @ 7.5 g/hr, and catalytic max @ 4.1 g/hr. So...I got that goin' for me. Everything I've read suggests that a small stove (like the Aspen) wouldn't work for full-time use, and that I need a medium sized stove...like the Resolute Acclaim or the Intrepid II. I looked at Jotuls, also...nice stoves...just got better reviews for the Vermont Castings. If there are others out there I'm not finding, I'd sure like to know about them. While I'll talk with a 'dealer' once I'm in NM and ready to decide on/order my stove, I'm wary of a dealer who might want to sell me something that's not really what I need. Paranoid wench!
Still thinkin' on my water heating issue, too. I know I won't be using a traditional water heater, and am leaning toward the on-demand propane fired water heaters, but I worry about the draw on my solar once that's being used. Talking with a solar pro will help me make that decision...when the time comes. This one can ride for now.
I make jewelry...still...just don't sell it these days. Eh...I give it away most of the time. However, I started making larger pieces out of wire and beads...not jewelry, but wall hangings, wind (type) chimes, weaving wire baskets, and the like. Have also been putzin' around making pieces for my fairy garden...houses, fences, doors, gates, furniture, etc. So...just messin' around these days.
I'm frustrated, and can't figure out why my replies on other blogs won't post. My son's not here for the next month...so he can't help me figure it out like he did the last issue.
Here's what happens:
I type a response; click post from Google; click post comment (though does it with preview feature, too), and the post disappears. Poof! Just gone.
Anyone have any suggestions as to why, and where this 'fix' might be? I've poked around trying to find it, but can't. HELP!!!!
So...this is a smaller version of the Tuffshed cabin I'll be getting for my property. It will have a few custom changes when it's all said and done...like a metal roof (safer fire hazard in NM mountains), a different siding (this beautiful example isn't available in my area), a sliding door on the front...off the porch...rather than a regular door as shown, and a second back door, as well as a few other tweeks. There won't be a loft...not available with this particular model, and I would prefer not to have one anyway. Stairs and graceless me (particularly in the middle of the night) are best not paired. I wanted the higher ceiling in this model because it gives a greater sense of size, and will allow me to do some taller storage units on walls. The 20 x 28 space will be more than large enough for me, Gracie, and the Brat Kat.
The drawing below is a rough version of what will be done inside. Though not accounted for in this rendition, all the space taken up by wall studs and the like are accounted for in the original plans. I just did this to give an idea of what I'll be doing. Everything has been measured, and re-measured for accurate placement...furniture, appliances, wood stove placement, and cabinets.
I opted for a 6' porch because...well...I like that extension of living space to the outside, and I'm a porch dweller for times of relaxation. The cabin will sit on a cement slab, which will certainly be better than a gravel foundation. Sometime during the 2nd year there will be a small lean-to attached on the side near the back door...room left and allowed for that with window placement, etc. The lean-to will house all the solar electronics...battery bank, inverter, etc...everything that doesn't need to be inside for monitoring purposes.
I'll actually get a solar company out to the property prior to the cabin's placement (and the cement pad, of course) in order to determine best placement for solar panels...and the cabin to accommodate them. I probably won't be putting them on the cabin, but will use stationary mounting poles instead...nothing I need to decide for now.
I've spent the past few years clearing out the clutter...lots, and lots of
clutter. I'm not a hoarder, but I had a couple of collections...always on
display...not boxed up and put away...that I got tired of dusting all the time.
Pink flamingos, brown stoneware, and colorful 30's and 40's pottery. I used to
buy and sell antiques...had a nice booth in one of the local antique stores in
Prescott, AZ for a couple of years. So...it was definitely a passion...and I
got to make a little money off of it! Anyway...I've given things to my kids,
Grands, sibs, and even a couple of my nieces, and friends as a means of getting
rid of some things. The rest? It went to a second hand store in Springfield
that supports victims of domestic violence.
Some of my pink flamingo collection...had a lot more of both these collections that weren't displayed in this particular house.
Some of the Brownstone and colorful pottery I'd collected over the years, and two of the three dining room pieces.
Even though I've cleaned out a lot of 'stuff', I find I still have too much.
Too much to fit into the smallish cabin in which I'll be living. See...I went
from about a 2000 sq ft house (where I raised my children) to about an 800 sq
ft house (transition home after leaving the ex spousal unit) to a 2700 sq ft
house (bought and lived in with my adult daughter and Grandboy) to an 1100 sq
ft house (rental in my birth city that allowed me to be closer to family for
the past 6 1/2 years). I'm not a mover...not really. I'm a nester by nature,
but spent some time after ending a 25 yr marriage trying to figure out what I
wanted to do with my life...and where. Now that I know...well...I need to get
rid of even more stuff!
I gave my too big bedroom outfit to my youngest son...a huge 4 poster bed
with a humongous armoire that I couldn't even move once it was placed
somewhere. I like to move furniture around rooms...so that was a frustration
anyway. Beautiful pieces of furniture, but far too large for my soon to be home.
Also gave him my largish L-shaped couch and various other pieces of furniture
and miscellaneous doo dads. I also have a dining room set that is a family
heirloom...I grew up with it, and love having it. However, it's three very
large, simple lines, handmade oak pieces...5' long buffet, 3' wide china
cabinet, and a 4' x 4' table with six leaves. That sh**s heavy, too! Sadly,
none of my kids wanted it, and the only niece who did doesn't have room. I
won't have room for it, but still have it. Can't sell it, though it's worth a
small fortune...made in the early 1800's, solid oak...no veneer...beautiful,
well-cared for pieces. It came from Sacred Heart rectory...where my
Grandmother, Pops, and 4 of my 6 sibs attended school. The dark dents at one
end of the table are where they counted the mass offerings every day...coins
dented the surface. So it has an interesting provenance...aside from the fact
that I was raised eating at the table, and that several of my sibs had it at
one point or another before I got it. Why do I still have it? I'm saving it for
one of my GrandBabes. I've planned for the space the dining set will take up in my cabin, but it will only be a temporary fit.
Can't seem to download a copy of cabin plans...but anyway...I'm purchasing a TuffShed garage shell with some custom modifications. 20'x28' equaling a total of about 560 square feet. It has 8' sidewalls with a 13'8" ceiling peak. It'll be just large enough to finish off the inside for a small...cozy...liveable space. I have the quote/estimate from the company...so have a basis with which to plan for the finishing work inside. Ultimately, it will be off grid for electricity...all solar...but I'll have the electricity for probably the first two years while I finish the inside. So...cutting down even more on the amount of 'stuff' I have will be very important. I will have as much storage as possible...included in the plans...but 'stuff' has gotta go! I mean...I even gave the majority of my Fiesta ware to my daughter...all but 4 place settings (my favorite colors, of course). I mean...really...why do I need a 9 place setting of dishes, and all the serving/etc stuff that goes with it? chucklin'...I'm gonna get her another place setting so she'll have an even 6, but I just couldn't justify keeping all of it.
Some things I won't be getting rid of, but have plans for them later. Like...I make jewelry, quilt, do pottery, knit, crochet, do needlework...blah blah blah...and have all the 'stuff' that's needed to do those things. Lots of boxes of 'stuff'...that...yes, gets used on a regular basis. But...no place to put it in my 'home' cabin. Plan for later will be to do a very simple, very small 'shell' to finish (like the cabin) where I can put all my 'craft' stuff. I'll keep that super simple...basic electricity as some of my 'tools' need electricity...no water/bath needed...insulation and drywall...paint...small...very small wood stove. And...that's where the dining room set will go. Buffet and china cabinet will make great storage, and the table holds quilts very nicely when they're bein' put together. Perfect solution! Reality is that I don't do much of that stuff during spring, summer, and fall. I'd much rather be...and usually am...outside. I do a LOT of it during the cold months when I hibernate, though.
So...thinking, planning, minimizing even that much more. lol...my kids are like..."Really, Mom! We don't want anymore 'stuff'!" Then they see the boxes of family photos with their names written on them, and have a LOT of fun looking through the photos.
Most of my family (other than my kids and cousin, Rosie) don't really get this desire to homestead. Ma vehemently refuses to accept that I'm capable, determined, or even that I've thoroughly thought and planned this venture out very carefully. Pops had a small river cabin for vacations, and maintains that I'll get tired of small spaces after awhile...discounting the fact that I don't spend much time indoors Spring through Fall anyway. Honestly? I'd lived away from them for so long...only coming back for visits...that they really don't know me very well...even after living near them again for the past 6+ years.
Siblings want to know if I have the skills...like...sister asking, "Do you know how to use a chainsaw?"
Well...no, I don't, but already have my daughter's fiance set to teach me...as well as giving me input as to which wood tools to purchase. He's very skilled at using them having been raised in Alaska, and spending a tremendous amount of time chainsawing and chopping wood for the family home. chuckles...and he enjoys doing it, too.
Truth? I'm a graceless woman, and know that the use of power tools
such as a chainsaw, or sharp chopping tools like axes...aren't meant for
my hands on a regular basis. I'm dangerous with power, and sharp pointy
tools! Ask my kids...they'll tell ya that for sure.
Then, she asks, "How are you going to move all that wood for winter heat?"
Well...I'm not. I'm not stoopid! I'll hire someone to do the majority of the work for me. Sheesh...I 'do' know my limits. I will, however, learn and practice the skills necessary...just in case I need them. I will load and stack the wood...work alongside whoever does the chainsawing/splitting for me.
She asks, "Do you know how to maintain a wood stove?" (Wood will be my heat source.)
As a matter of fact, yes, I do. I heated one of my homes in AZ with wood, and even cleaned the chimney pipe once a year or more. We bought our wood already chopped and split, and the boy split it further when needed. I know which woods to use that have less creosote build up, and which ones burn hotter...giving off more heat. I'm learning how to plant and manage a wood lot...not something I have direct experience doing, but...am certainly capable of growing things. I even know how to use wood ash for gardening, and how to dispose of it safely...with benefit to my soil.
And so on...throughout any given conversation with any of them.
I think part of the issue with my family having such difficulty accepting this move is that I've never shared this dream with anyone until I finally decided to actively pursue it. It was a dream...one that I hoped to attain one day, but still just a dream. Personal...and held very close to my heart. Oh...I spent hours reading, researching, gathering information, perfecting my gardening skills, learning other skills...composting, keeping my girls (hens), canning, dehydrating, storing what I'd grown, etc. But...I'd never shared with anyone (except my GrandBoy, Trystan) what I wanted to do with all these skill sets and mountains of information I'd gathered. I think a part of me knew they wouldn't understand the desire, the deeply held beliefs, or the need to root myself in a piece of land.
See...I've always been the odd ball in the family. At one time, I was the "black sheep"...deeply troubled, and falling off the edges of the earth. I found my way back...gratefully...and with a lot of help from friends...and have refined, and in some cases defined my life...ethics...morals...values...beliefs...spirituality...etc. I'm the loveable, eccentric "Auntie" to my nieces and nephews, and the fun "Granna" to my GrandBabies. The outspoken, blunt, opinionated sister to my siblings. The difficult child to my parents...seen that way even as an adult. I'm simply "Mom" to my kids. My daughter, Sunshine, sang a song to me with her best friend when I received my Masters'...Bette Midler's Wind Beneath My Wings. That's 'our' song, and the one that rings from my phone when she calls. These days? She's 'my' hero.
The song that plays when Tommy calls is Billy Joel's River of Dreams. He's my poet.
When my oldest son calls, I hear Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven. He's my lost child.
So...I don't try to explain any of this to them anymore. When they have things they want to say, I simply listen...nodding my head...validating their concerns...and go on with my plans. If they don't get it, they won't get it. And that's ok...they don't have to. I do, and that's all that matters.
Currently, I'm living with my son and his family. I moved here the beginning of November 2013, which was a difficult move for me as I'm so used to living alone. However, there are definite benefits...one of which is the time spent with my son, daughter in law, and the Grands. I know the three oldest ones fairly well...have spent some good one on one time with each of them over the years, but I don't know the youngest as well...he's only (almost) 2. So, I'm getting to know Bumps better, which is definitely a side benefit to this whole trip.
Lt. to Rt.: Ms Gabba Wabba, RoBee, Tommy, Bumps, Dia, and Teeters.
Tommy and Dia are active military...they met while both stationed in Iraq some few years ago. They have a "yours, mine, and ours" situation with my Grands...look at those faces! I just wanna squeeze 'em and pinch 'em! They're stationed in Illinois, and own a gargantuan house that just happens to have a mother in law's quarters. That works for privacy...all 'round.
This move is beneficial to us all. I get to save a large sum of money in a short period of time (as well as my time with the Grands), and they get some much needed help around the house, and with the kids (as well as their time with...ME!). I love to cook...so thoroughly enjoy making meals for them all. Gabba, Teeters and I hang out every day after school...doin' homework, having snacks, and just hangin' out. Tommy was just promoted and placed second in command at his duty station, so there's lots of training away from home, which Dia also experiences within her job. I'm sure my 'role' will change a bit during those training times.
So...saving money. That's what will allow me to do this whole deal the way I want to do it...much sooner than I'd originally planned. I am retired...with a fixed, but comfortable income. Even so... I couldn't save enough...fast enough...to get me onto a property anytime within the next two or three years. Tommy and Dia are making this possible in a much shorter period of time. My original plan with them was to be on the property by end of May 2015, however, I'm looking at ways to make that happen by this Fall...August/September 2014. Now that I have the property, I'm anxious to get up there. Though I don't want to mess up my overall plan by jumping the gun before I'm ready financially, I'm pretty sure I can swing this move a tad earlier than originally expected. The trick will be not to take away from funds for the cabin...getting the well/septic/electric done this Spring as planned...and moving a small RV up there to live in till the cabin is completed. Finding an acceptable RV (meaning...with an arctic package that doesn't cost an arm and a leg) is the key here...the unplanned for element that will get me up there sooner.
I'm hopeful. I've been looking online at available RVs in NM and AZ. I should be able to get a smaller RV that Gracie, Brat Kat and I can live in comfortable till the cabin's ready. Nice thing is that the RV can then be a smallish guest accommodation when family and friends come to visit. I'm ready to start the observation process of my land...figuring out where the water runs during monsoons...looking at and planning sites for outbuildings...getting my garden and orchard started...building another hen house...start raisin' up my Pyr guard pup.
For some reason, I can't seem to reply to comments. *waves to dreamer* I'll eventually get this figured out...again...and forget it...again...lol Thanks for the visits, and comments. I am seeing them...just can't reply...yet.
Originally, my plan was to go up to Fifie and FeeFee’s this
spring, and purchase my property of choice. There were lots and lots of them to
look at, but there was one that was near them that was a prime piece…Lot 31.
Unlike the others, it was already fenced on two sides…backing state property,
already had electricity to the property line, and was near enough to Fifie and
FeeFee’s ranch to make helping one another easier. The property also had
elements I desired: gentle slope, heavily treed, potential areas for cabin
placement, areas for other outbuildings, a largish garden area and small
orchard, and ease of access. I already knew where the water came from, and the
range at which wells were poppin’…so that wasn’t an issue when exploring the
properties.
Someone else was looking at Lot 31, and we knew who it was.
The possibility of him buying it before spring time was looming. So…I trekked
up there the beginning of December instead of waiting for Spring. The drive
from Illinois was a breeze…have done it many, many times over the years. . .
though never in the winter. Once I got to NM, a snow storm hit. Snow was heavy,
roads were pretty slick, and people were running off the roads all over the
Interstate. I was on the road that morning for…oh…maybe three hours when I had
to turn around and stop for the day. Found a hotel that allowed large dogs…Gracie
was traveling with me…and took a down day from driving. I was able to finish
the drive the next morning, but after two days of heavy driving, it was nice to have that down day before getting to Fifie and FeeFee's.
Gracie
liked having a bed all to herself! Yeah…she’s pretty spoiled.
I used to love long distance driving…even packed up my house
once and took off driving/camping around the US and Canada for about 5 months
once. I don’t like it so much now. Oh…not that I want to fly anywhere, ‘cause I
like that even less, but I found this drive not to be as enjoyable as they once
were.
Anyway…as you know, I ended up purchasing my property during
this trip instead of waiting for Spring. I looked at flat land, treed…no trees,
even a piece perched on the side of a small mountain. All of the land up there
is undeveloped, however, some of it has available electricity, and some
probably never will. The properties that never will were, unfortunately, out of
the question. While I want to eventually install a solar system, for the first
two years I’ll be putting all my funds into building the cabin, outbuildings,
and getting a garden/orchard started. I wanted the option of having electricity during that time period.
Plans…right? I can make plans, but I can’t plan the outcome!
I’m well aware of that…particularly as it applies to this rural area of NM. So…I’ll
continue to plan, to make goals, and even to implement them…knowing that Murphy
will throw that wrench into the deal on a whim. Fifie and FeeFee assure me that
will become the norm living up there.
