We did not have the yard sale this weekend, it was pushed to next weekend. I was not ready.,
I spent Thursday at the hospital, where my sister was having surgery. She is now home and resting. All went well.
Baby chickies are getting too big for the dog kennel, so the Man and I will be building a coop this afternoon.
BIG Curriculum sale with my homeschooling group on Monday night....how did I manage to accummilate all this stuff?? Here's hoping it ALL sells...and I don't find much that we WANT and only what we NEED for next year!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Looking for a homestead...
To say that I am tired of looking for somewhere to move would be an understatement. With the way things have gone, well, discouragement is the best word. I have a theory of what God is doing....When we started this journey...things needed to be just so, x miles from this or that..each time our expectations are lowered. So much so that a house that 6 months ago would have had me screaming and running (and me running????) the other way. Fast forward to now...that same house that has a bad foundation, you can see the sky through the roof, needs all new drywall and a kitchen...we're upset that someone else came in and bought it out from under us! How crazy is that??
We're off to see another home today...and oddly enough...the foundation is collapsing and will need repaired...and we are hoping that our basically intact house will sell so we can buy it. Yes, things have changed. We'll keep you updated on the search.
Oh, and I am having a yard sale on Friday and Saturday...if you are local come on out and shop!
We're off to see another home today...and oddly enough...the foundation is collapsing and will need repaired...and we are hoping that our basically intact house will sell so we can buy it. Yes, things have changed. We'll keep you updated on the search.
Oh, and I am having a yard sale on Friday and Saturday...if you are local come on out and shop!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Chicken Update!
Here's what we've missed in the past two months in "Cackleberry Hollow".
Ms Judy and Scarlett have finally been accepted into the fold, although at times the Buffy's with their "Ohio Orpington" attitude still likes to put them in their place. We've discovered that Scarlett lays a pretty pink egg and that Ms. Judy lays an Army green egg. Now that is is Spring/Summer their egg production is up. Usually we get about 3 a day, but some days we're surprised with 1 from each of them for a total of 5.
A week before Easter, we went and picked up our 7 new day olds from Myer Hatchery up in Polk, Ohio. It was quite possibly the coldest day in April. We had 7 of the cutest chick. Summer, the Americauana, that looked like a tiger, and was the Boy's favorite. He held it in the car the whole 2 hour trip home and then constantly the first night. I even saw Summer riding in the back of a Hess truck (a favorite gift from Pawpa). Of course, once I saw it we had to stop it as Summer was only 24 hours old.
Then we had Becky, the Buckeye chicken, Maran, the Cuckoo Maran, and 4 silkies. The silkies were straight run, which means we didn't know if they were boys or girls, so they hadn't been named...except the littlest one, Runt. All started out well. I will post pictures when I get to the library (my computer here is too slow for that...it times out) We started a project with Summer of measuring every day. She was growing about 5/8 of an inch daily. I have some funny pictures because they started out living in a Ramen box...chicken flavored :) Summer was a character and seemed to like being handled as much a the Boy would handle her. On their third night, she even got out of the box and seemed to go looking for him. I heard her crying, loudly, at 3 am and struggled downstairs to find her out of the box in the utility room, all the way on the other side of the playroom. A huge trek for something the size of a tennis ball!!
Sadly, by Easter, my back was getting much worse and it was very difficult to get downstairs. (Or stand, or sit, or...) and the babies ran out of water, became overheated, or something (I'm thinking the first...) and on Easter Monday, the Man had the sad job of letting Boy and I know that all but Maran had perished in the night. Even Summer. It was an awful day. But we tried to learn from the experience and lear that we were responsible for these critters on loan from God. A hard lesson for an 8 year old.
Maran started receiving lots of love and care. I called the hatchery to see if we could get the same breeds. It was going to be months before they had Buckeyes and Americauna babies available again. Sigh. Then....
One week after the tragedy, the Man was gone for the day off doing a delivery to Dayton Ohio. He stopped on the way back from Dayton to the Tractor supply to get the big chickens some feed. When he arrived home at 5ish, he called up the stair to me (where I was now basically confined to bed and had not ventured downstairs in about 5 days.) He called up "Who's hungry?" We said, "we are!" He replied, "Well, I have a bucket of chicken here for you." He came into the room and handed the Boy and I a box that was peeping!!! A box full of new day olds!!! And then we ordered PIZZA!
These ones are surprises!! We don't know exactly what breed they are, what color they will lay, what they will look like as adults..although now that they are a month old we have a better idea. Only 1 of the new birds has a name. Maran is a week older so she has always been bigger, but now the others are catching up. We have 2 white ones, and 4 redish/brown mottled looking ones. The smaller white one is Dini (pronouced "dean-y") for Houdini. She managed to keep getting out of the box, to sit on the top and watch the world go by...or hide behind the cabin, or walk across the floor...) By my best estimate, I think we have two White Rock Chickens and I think they will lay white eggs, and I think the 4 are Rhode Island Reds, and will lay brown eggs. Maran is black with white spots and will lay chocolate brown eggs.
My "chicken" lady that we got the Buffies from last year, heard of our sad news and has emailled that she just had a hatching and would like to trade chickens for wood shavings. So now that the "babies" have graduated out of the utility room (and thank goodness, they were getting smelly) and into a dog cage out by the coop. We may actually get a couple more. If we could find a property (yet another post) and get out of here, we would take lots more. She raises Buckeyes, so we may get another Becky in the next batch. She also has a "Splash Maran" that has the exact opposite coloring as our current Maran. So we may get a Splash. I'll keep you updated, and get pictures posted soon!
Sadly
Ms Judy and Scarlett have finally been accepted into the fold, although at times the Buffy's with their "Ohio Orpington" attitude still likes to put them in their place. We've discovered that Scarlett lays a pretty pink egg and that Ms. Judy lays an Army green egg. Now that is is Spring/Summer their egg production is up. Usually we get about 3 a day, but some days we're surprised with 1 from each of them for a total of 5.
A week before Easter, we went and picked up our 7 new day olds from Myer Hatchery up in Polk, Ohio. It was quite possibly the coldest day in April. We had 7 of the cutest chick. Summer, the Americauana, that looked like a tiger, and was the Boy's favorite. He held it in the car the whole 2 hour trip home and then constantly the first night. I even saw Summer riding in the back of a Hess truck (a favorite gift from Pawpa). Of course, once I saw it we had to stop it as Summer was only 24 hours old.
Then we had Becky, the Buckeye chicken, Maran, the Cuckoo Maran, and 4 silkies. The silkies were straight run, which means we didn't know if they were boys or girls, so they hadn't been named...except the littlest one, Runt. All started out well. I will post pictures when I get to the library (my computer here is too slow for that...it times out) We started a project with Summer of measuring every day. She was growing about 5/8 of an inch daily. I have some funny pictures because they started out living in a Ramen box...chicken flavored :) Summer was a character and seemed to like being handled as much a the Boy would handle her. On their third night, she even got out of the box and seemed to go looking for him. I heard her crying, loudly, at 3 am and struggled downstairs to find her out of the box in the utility room, all the way on the other side of the playroom. A huge trek for something the size of a tennis ball!!
Sadly, by Easter, my back was getting much worse and it was very difficult to get downstairs. (Or stand, or sit, or...) and the babies ran out of water, became overheated, or something (I'm thinking the first...) and on Easter Monday, the Man had the sad job of letting Boy and I know that all but Maran had perished in the night. Even Summer. It was an awful day. But we tried to learn from the experience and lear that we were responsible for these critters on loan from God. A hard lesson for an 8 year old.
Maran started receiving lots of love and care. I called the hatchery to see if we could get the same breeds. It was going to be months before they had Buckeyes and Americauna babies available again. Sigh. Then....
One week after the tragedy, the Man was gone for the day off doing a delivery to Dayton Ohio. He stopped on the way back from Dayton to the Tractor supply to get the big chickens some feed. When he arrived home at 5ish, he called up the stair to me (where I was now basically confined to bed and had not ventured downstairs in about 5 days.) He called up "Who's hungry?" We said, "we are!" He replied, "Well, I have a bucket of chicken here for you." He came into the room and handed the Boy and I a box that was peeping!!! A box full of new day olds!!! And then we ordered PIZZA!
These ones are surprises!! We don't know exactly what breed they are, what color they will lay, what they will look like as adults..although now that they are a month old we have a better idea. Only 1 of the new birds has a name. Maran is a week older so she has always been bigger, but now the others are catching up. We have 2 white ones, and 4 redish/brown mottled looking ones. The smaller white one is Dini (pronouced "dean-y") for Houdini. She managed to keep getting out of the box, to sit on the top and watch the world go by...or hide behind the cabin, or walk across the floor...) By my best estimate, I think we have two White Rock Chickens and I think they will lay white eggs, and I think the 4 are Rhode Island Reds, and will lay brown eggs. Maran is black with white spots and will lay chocolate brown eggs.
My "chicken" lady that we got the Buffies from last year, heard of our sad news and has emailled that she just had a hatching and would like to trade chickens for wood shavings. So now that the "babies" have graduated out of the utility room (and thank goodness, they were getting smelly) and into a dog cage out by the coop. We may actually get a couple more. If we could find a property (yet another post) and get out of here, we would take lots more. She raises Buckeyes, so we may get another Becky in the next batch. She also has a "Splash Maran" that has the exact opposite coloring as our current Maran. So we may get a Splash. I'll keep you updated, and get pictures posted soon!
Sadly
Monday, May 25, 2009
I'm back!!
Sorry for the long delay! Lots of updates to get through, so watch for multiple posts in the next few days as I have the opportunities.
The surgery went well. The surgeon took out "three pieces" of disc that were resting on the nerve. At this point, I don't think there could be much of that disc left. I didn't handle the anesthesia very well, and was ill again. Apparently, I also had a difficult time waking up from it this time. I spent the night in recovery as they had run out of beds in the hospital. It actually was fine because I basically had a nurse to myself (I shared her with only 1 other patient.) She looked like Sarah Palin, so I was in good hands :) After returning home, I slept for about 3 days, and then started walking and recovering. My wonderful homeschool group brought meals 3 times a week, and a few of my friends came to clean. Talk about humbling. I'm such a messie, and to see the ladies that I respect seeing the "real" me....sigh. But, it's been such a huge blessing! Just this past Thursday, I had my 4 week update with the surgeon. He has given me permission to start being more active, walking in the pool, biking, and lifting MORE than 5 pounds! Yippee. Do you know just how >>little<< 5 pound is???? I couldn't even lift more than 1/2 a gallon of milk for a month! OH, and after the 1st surgery 2 years ago, I had lost all the feeling in my 2 littlest toes on the right. After this surgery, they woke back up!! Of course, I know I can feel them again because the littlest on feels like it is dislocated, but HEY, I can feel it! WOOHOO! And even that is getting better. So that's the update on my crazy back!
Another side bit of news, back in February, the Boy and I went to go get pizza. While waiting we read a little one page newspaper called "The Coffee News". It had a paragraph about they were taking 100 word essays on who you would nominate to win a Urban Active Membership. The Boy said that I needed a membership. (Ah, the frank honesty of a child). So I told him he could write the essay for his English class. He did. Fast forward to the Monday after Easter. We were so sad as 6 of our 7 day-old chicks had met their demise during the night (more in the chicken update), when we got a call that, "Your essay has won the contest!" I was (and am) very proud of my Boy. And now I have a membership to a gym so I can "get skinny" as Boy wrote. In his essay, he mentioned how I've been trying to get fit after the last surgery, and I had to tell the editor from the paper, how I was going in for a second surgery the following week. Luckily, they made the gift certificate good through June. So I could start after being release by the surgeon.
So I have about 4 weeks to get strong, and get the house in order before heading back to work. I've got tons to get done! But I kinda am looking forward to working again.
The surgery went well. The surgeon took out "three pieces" of disc that were resting on the nerve. At this point, I don't think there could be much of that disc left. I didn't handle the anesthesia very well, and was ill again. Apparently, I also had a difficult time waking up from it this time. I spent the night in recovery as they had run out of beds in the hospital. It actually was fine because I basically had a nurse to myself (I shared her with only 1 other patient.) She looked like Sarah Palin, so I was in good hands :) After returning home, I slept for about 3 days, and then started walking and recovering. My wonderful homeschool group brought meals 3 times a week, and a few of my friends came to clean. Talk about humbling. I'm such a messie, and to see the ladies that I respect seeing the "real" me....sigh. But, it's been such a huge blessing! Just this past Thursday, I had my 4 week update with the surgeon. He has given me permission to start being more active, walking in the pool, biking, and lifting MORE than 5 pounds! Yippee. Do you know just how >>little<< 5 pound is???? I couldn't even lift more than 1/2 a gallon of milk for a month! OH, and after the 1st surgery 2 years ago, I had lost all the feeling in my 2 littlest toes on the right. After this surgery, they woke back up!! Of course, I know I can feel them again because the littlest on feels like it is dislocated, but HEY, I can feel it! WOOHOO! And even that is getting better. So that's the update on my crazy back!
Another side bit of news, back in February, the Boy and I went to go get pizza. While waiting we read a little one page newspaper called "The Coffee News". It had a paragraph about they were taking 100 word essays on who you would nominate to win a Urban Active Membership. The Boy said that I needed a membership. (Ah, the frank honesty of a child). So I told him he could write the essay for his English class. He did. Fast forward to the Monday after Easter. We were so sad as 6 of our 7 day-old chicks had met their demise during the night (more in the chicken update), when we got a call that, "Your essay has won the contest!" I was (and am) very proud of my Boy. And now I have a membership to a gym so I can "get skinny" as Boy wrote. In his essay, he mentioned how I've been trying to get fit after the last surgery, and I had to tell the editor from the paper, how I was going in for a second surgery the following week. Luckily, they made the gift certificate good through June. So I could start after being release by the surgeon.
So I have about 4 weeks to get strong, and get the house in order before heading back to work. I've got tons to get done! But I kinda am looking forward to working again.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Introducing Ms.Judy and Scarlet (&Gray)
Two weeks ago, I gained another egg customer. Now 3 chickens are not going to cut it for 3 families. All families with growing boys that love eggs. Mine alone (Man & Boy) could wipe out a dozen in a few days if I let them. So, the time had come to add a few more grown birds to the mix. I met a wonderful lady farmer through the wonders of Craigslist (have I mentioned how I.really.really.heart.craigslist?). She had some Aracuanas and White Rocks for sale at a wonderful price. So Boy and I went out for a ride in the rental car (did I mention before that my car was hit the same week I had my MRI?) to the farm. Nothing better than a rental car to pick up chickens, eh??
So we picked....Ms.Judy.....
She had a wonderful farm, and quite a few chickens. Boy "purchased" 22 eggs from her as well (she gave his money back to me). They were delicious!! (And they were fertile eggs...oh, if I had a broody hen!!)
So we picked....Ms.Judy.....
And Scarlett (who is grey-get the Buckeye reference? You would think we were actually football people. We aren't. Boy named them.)
They are both Aracaunas...one lays an almost Army Green egg, and the other lays a pink egg. We haven't yet figured out which one is which. Arica, our previous Aracuana, was the lowest in the "pecking" order, and right away established that SHE was ABOVE these newbies!! Everytime I saw her that first day she had feathers in her beak! Yikes. No the bald spots are not from my out of control chicken...that's from the rooster at their previous home....you know.
The grey one has now found her place, and unfortunately Ms.Judy is the lowly one now. Here it is a week later and still she is picked on. Hopefully all will settle down in the Coop soon.
And on a side note....the first day we had them...Scarlett jumped out of the coop within the hour of arriving to the Wallace Homestead...and we spent over an hour trying to catch her...then this past week, both "flew the coop" and spent about 2.5 hours "free ranging" the side yard, with 3 Wallaces "herding" them. I'm sure our recluse neighbor was laughing his tail off at us!!!
Tomorrow, will start a new chicken adventure, so stay tuned!
We're also looking at another property tomorrow that looks extremely promising. Both of the previous properties have been mostly ruled out. We met the Amish across the street from the one, very nice people. Apparently the man is too sick to run the mill anymore and they are looking to move, so the major draw is not there. Plus the house is really not good. (Mold, smell, small rooms, peeling ceilings, etc) and to move a different mobile in would cost the same as just staying here. So....
And only 23 days until surgery...and I've moved out of fear to looking forward to it as the pain in my leg and back is definitely getting worse on a daily basis. It seems that I am doing quite a bit, but actually, I think I'm only up a few hours a day. We are homeschooling in my bed, or the car if we are off on "adventures". The boy is in our homeschool dinner theater in 12 days, a pretty big speaking part so we are busy with that in my waking hours. Fortunately, my friends in the homeschool group know what is going on and have offered help, dinners, and play times for the Boy.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Homesteading Updates
This is what everyone has been looking for...our homesteading updates...
My back problem started on the way home from our visit to our new friends at the intentional community we visited. The last time my back blew out was the day before we were to close on the property in Holmes County, so this seemed like it might be an indication that this was not the path we should choose. We're still open to God's leading in moving so far, but also in trying to find His will closer by too.
We still long for one of our friends from the homeschool group, or church, or even the readers that have contacted us previous to express a true motivation to move ahead with a local intentional Christian community. It's hard to not see the direction our country is moving in, and the daily destruction of the Constitution, economy and the move to end time scenarios (new currency for example). Call me an alarmist if you must, but when the time comes and there are food, energy shortages and rationing, you will know that those who ran for the hills now were right. I don't want to be in the situation of knowing and then being stuck and looking back with an "I should have...." Please, If you feel this way too, are a 912-er, etc, PLEASE email because we found a wonderful property!
We have looked at a few properties that we are considering. The one that is the most attractive has a lot split so we could share it with 2-5 other families if the interest is there. It's still in central Ohio, but far enough out that crime and other factors shouldn't be an issue. The property that we are looking at getting into already has a shop ready for the MAN's business.
(The business is one of the reasons we feel lead to stay in Ohio rather than move out of state. We are currently booked out by about 5 weeks and have also been lead to expand the business into LOG FURNITURE. You'll be hearing more about this soon. We've had requests and now we are working to follow up on an opportunity that seems to be God-lead. )
The property has a house that is a bit less to be desired, but is livable for awhile until we could put something else up. It has plenty of room for animals and gardens. It's close enough in that I could commute to work as long as needed. It really is a beautiful piece of God's earth!
The other one we considered, ended up only miles away from the first. It is also a contender as it has many of the things needed for our business...shop, right on a major road. Amish neighbors with a sawmill (this one is hard to pass up!) and this one was fenced. The house is...ok...well liveable but not very nice, and unfortunately it could only support one family and is landlocked, so it doesn't lend for encouraging others to join us in an intentional community. It's also on only 1/3 of the land of the other property.
We've been wanting to get this house here put up for sale, but I've got so much STUFF that needs dealt with that we haven't gotten to that point. We are now considering putting the house up for auction, like the Amish do, to just get the sale over with!
New baby chickens are slated to hatch in about 20 days, then we have about 18 weeks before the roosters crow so there are some time limits--grin! We are looking at adding rabbits even while we are still in the suburbs. The first animal once we get to the farm, I think, is going to be a Nigerian Dwarf Goat, followed quickly by a Dexter Cow. And even more chickens. I want to be wherever we are going by May 1st as that is planting time. God will dictate the timeline, and now with the added complication of my spinal issues, we really are relying on His Grace.
So, feel free to email or comment! I'll try to do a better job at updating, but sitting is difficult with the nerve pain-thus the reason I haven't been posting all along.
My back problem started on the way home from our visit to our new friends at the intentional community we visited. The last time my back blew out was the day before we were to close on the property in Holmes County, so this seemed like it might be an indication that this was not the path we should choose. We're still open to God's leading in moving so far, but also in trying to find His will closer by too.
We still long for one of our friends from the homeschool group, or church, or even the readers that have contacted us previous to express a true motivation to move ahead with a local intentional Christian community. It's hard to not see the direction our country is moving in, and the daily destruction of the Constitution, economy and the move to end time scenarios (new currency for example). Call me an alarmist if you must, but when the time comes and there are food, energy shortages and rationing, you will know that those who ran for the hills now were right. I don't want to be in the situation of knowing and then being stuck and looking back with an "I should have...." Please, If you feel this way too, are a 912-er, etc, PLEASE email because we found a wonderful property!
We have looked at a few properties that we are considering. The one that is the most attractive has a lot split so we could share it with 2-5 other families if the interest is there. It's still in central Ohio, but far enough out that crime and other factors shouldn't be an issue. The property that we are looking at getting into already has a shop ready for the MAN's business.
(The business is one of the reasons we feel lead to stay in Ohio rather than move out of state. We are currently booked out by about 5 weeks and have also been lead to expand the business into LOG FURNITURE. You'll be hearing more about this soon. We've had requests and now we are working to follow up on an opportunity that seems to be God-lead. )
The property has a house that is a bit less to be desired, but is livable for awhile until we could put something else up. It has plenty of room for animals and gardens. It's close enough in that I could commute to work as long as needed. It really is a beautiful piece of God's earth!
The other one we considered, ended up only miles away from the first. It is also a contender as it has many of the things needed for our business...shop, right on a major road. Amish neighbors with a sawmill (this one is hard to pass up!) and this one was fenced. The house is...ok...well liveable but not very nice, and unfortunately it could only support one family and is landlocked, so it doesn't lend for encouraging others to join us in an intentional community. It's also on only 1/3 of the land of the other property.
We've been wanting to get this house here put up for sale, but I've got so much STUFF that needs dealt with that we haven't gotten to that point. We are now considering putting the house up for auction, like the Amish do, to just get the sale over with!
New baby chickens are slated to hatch in about 20 days, then we have about 18 weeks before the roosters crow so there are some time limits--grin! We are looking at adding rabbits even while we are still in the suburbs. The first animal once we get to the farm, I think, is going to be a Nigerian Dwarf Goat, followed quickly by a Dexter Cow. And even more chickens. I want to be wherever we are going by May 1st as that is planting time. God will dictate the timeline, and now with the added complication of my spinal issues, we really are relying on His Grace.
So, feel free to email or comment! I'll try to do a better job at updating, but sitting is difficult with the nerve pain-thus the reason I haven't been posting all along.
Personal Updates
Like I mentioned yesterday, I started having the same type of back pain, and leg pain that I had two years ago...I didn't let it go like before and got right into the doctor. Last Thursday, I saw the surgeon, and he said about 5-6% of patients "re-herniate" and I was one of them. I had a few options (that were really non-options) and surgery. I am going to go ahead and have the surgery. I am waiting, right now, for the phone to ring with when they can get me in. I'm off of work on Short Term Disablity. My homeschooling mom friends have been stars...again! Everyone is praying, so hopefully it won't get as bad as it did in 07 where I was basically unconscience for 7 weeks.
Also, 12 hours after my MRI last week, I was also in a car accident. When it rains... The accident was at low speed, so there is really no additional injury, but my poor car is hurt. I was tboned in the passenger side of the car. It doesn't look horrible, but it's on the door into the fender and it clipped the frame so the door makes a funny "WRRRoooonggGG" when you open and close it. And you have to seriously slam it to get it to close. Luckily, her insurance company is taking 100% of the liablity, and I will be taking my car in tomorrow to have it fixed and to pick up a rental car while it's being repaired. No out of pocket there! Yeah!
I did also FINALLY get all our junk out of the storage unit...I am only 1 month behind on that goal. But it is done. Sadly, now I have boxes all over the place I need to deal with again, and unfortunately with my back I am not able to do much about it. So good with bad.
Also, 12 hours after my MRI last week, I was also in a car accident. When it rains... The accident was at low speed, so there is really no additional injury, but my poor car is hurt. I was tboned in the passenger side of the car. It doesn't look horrible, but it's on the door into the fender and it clipped the frame so the door makes a funny "WRRRoooonggGG" when you open and close it. And you have to seriously slam it to get it to close. Luckily, her insurance company is taking 100% of the liablity, and I will be taking my car in tomorrow to have it fixed and to pick up a rental car while it's being repaired. No out of pocket there! Yeah!
I did also FINALLY get all our junk out of the storage unit...I am only 1 month behind on that goal. But it is done. Sadly, now I have boxes all over the place I need to deal with again, and unfortunately with my back I am not able to do much about it. So good with bad.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Very Quick Update
I have lots of updates on the homefront, but haven't been able to sit for long enough to type it out...one quick update though before I go again...I have re-herniated my disc in my back (The same one I had surgery on back on 08/07. I will have to undergo surgery again. I will find out on Monday (tomorrow) what date my surgery will be on and will update you then. In the meantime, I am trying to get the laptop (very old) to "talk" to the desktop so I can update everything else that is going on.....
Until then...
Love, Rea
Until then...
Love, Rea
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thank you for your patience!
Here is the post you've been waiting on....
Our trip. It was a wonderful trip! We left on Wednesday morning, after a stop to the library to pick up a few books. I wish I had taken a picture of BOY before we left. The van was packed with two beds to be delivered, and the boy was all smooshed in his seat with bed rails popping through all over.
The wind was pretty fierce most of the way there. We made a stop off in St. Louis to deliver the first bed, and the BOY now has a friend in the state of Missouri. He makes friends so easily. After the quick stop there, it was onward.
We arrived to our destination at about 12:30 am. About 14 hours after we had started. We followed our host to his home and met his lovely wife and 3 out of 4 of his sleepy kids. After talking for about an hour, we were given their bed. How hospitable is that?!? I was ready to crash! At that point I had been up about 30 hours with the exception of about an hour nap going through Branson, MO.
The next morning was cold outside, so I stayed snuggled in the house (for the most part) holding the new baby of the house. I love holding new babies!!! My Man put up the bunkbed he brought for the host's kids. The kids loved it and all 4 played like monkeys on it. His beds are so sturdy! It was great to see first hand kids enjoying the fruits of Man's labor! The Man and our Host did chores and ran errands and talked. Our hostess and I talked. The kids all got along beautifully and played. Inside, outside, all over. They went out to look at the new baby goat that was born just hours before we arrived. It was a really nice day of getting to know one another. My hostess and I took a hike up to the top part of the property and I got to see the baby goat and the adult male goats that looked as though they were wearing toupees! Then when the Dads got back the whole gang of us hiked the whole property (or at least the perimeter). We hiked right at sunset. What a beautiful area. And would you know it, I forgot my camera! What a great blogger/scrapbooker am I??? We returned back to enjoy pizza and more fellowship. And another night with our new friends.
The second day dawned much warmer than the day before. The Man and I went off to hike the property again and to talk over what we had each learned so far and our thoughts and leanings towards pursuing moving here. There were some concerned and some thoughts. But still lots to figure out and pray about before a decision can be made. After hiking a bit, we cleaned up the kids and headed out for a potluck at another of the family's house. There are 5 families interested currently. Our host is the founder, then the "C" family, and then the "R" family, then us, and also a man who has had a vision for this for many years and has a website. His wife was not able to make it to the potluck. Neither was the husband in the "C" family. "C"'s wife and kids were there for a short time and were lovely people, I would love to get to know better. They have a teenage daughter that just glows. Her eyes show what a wonderful young lady she is. Then another daughter who is also sweet and a son that is our BOY's age. He and Boy got off to a rough start, and finish. BOY is a bit "city"fied and has had a mom that has told him as long as he's been alive to "don't get dirty." The family that had the potluck was the "R" family. Very sweet with two beautiful little girls. After eating the guys got down to talking about logistics and the ladies sat in the comfortable living room by the wood stove and also got to know one another. The guys spoke long into the night. We finally left at 12:30 am, after being there for almost 10 hours. We crashed again at our host's house. Early (8am) we left for Ohio.
On the way home, we did make a stop in St. Louis, this time at the Arch. It was COLD! We took pictures and checked it out, but it sure didn't take long...then we were on the road again for home. I drove for the last 6 hours. The drive home was spent in thought and prayer and bursts of talking and comparing ideas. We haven't yet come to a conclusion, except that our host has a wonderful opportunity, and a generous heart. He has the equipment and the drive to get everything going right now. We are still praying that we could do something right here in Ohio. Since returning, God has really blessed our business and we have quite a few orders to take care of. We've been contacted by a few people locally that are interested in Intentional Christian Community here in Ohio.
It was a wonderful trip. It was eye opening and educational. Even if we don't join up with this particular community, it spurred us closer and gave us more thoughts and answers on how to get this done. I can't even imagine that God might be using us to be the visionaries for such a community here in Ohio, but He doesn't call the equipped~He equips the called. So...with trepidation we go on looking and listening for God's will. Man and I both feel like time is very short. That with the economic uncertainty and the energy situation, that we need to make a decision and get going with our plan. We pray we are following God's plan for us, but know that even if we have mis-discerned His will, that He will catch us when we fall. So many times in the past few years we've gone ahead with what we thought was our calling only to be stopped at the last minute. Each time was difficult and sometimes devastating. But in hindsight, which is 20/20 we can clearly see where we prayed God's will and asked that if it were not so that the door would be firmly closed. He loves His children and will protect us.
So, we have not given up on community, and have an even clearer picture of what it can and should be. We are open to moving, but also open to staying in Ohio. We want to continue to talk with the people here in Ohio that are truly interested in being in a God centered community of like minded believers.
We are NOT a cult. Wouldn't you love to let your kids out to play and know that each adult they encounter is "safe" and has the same belief system that you do? Yes, it may be true that "It takes a village to raise a child...." I've seen my current village and I want NOTHING to do with it raising my child. In an ICC, you could have that village of believers that will help raise your children without undermining you! Wouldn't it be wonderful to not only be able to go to your neighbor for a cup of sugar when you run out, but also to ask for prayer?! How about being able to count on your community to help you with "barn raisings" and "work frolics"? Have you ever looked out your front window and been surrounded by people, yet are so lonely you could cry? Are you tired of putting on a "happy face" and a "good show" for the neighbors? Or have you gotten tired of them "keeping up with the Jones?" Do you feel like you have community the 2 hours, 2-3 times a week that you are at church, yet as soon as you walk out the door, your community is scattered to the wind not to be heard from until the next time you are "scheduled" to be at church?
I know I have. And I would rather have a Christian community surrounding me, not just emotionally, but physically. And if that isn't possible, then just give me some land that I can have my chickens and gardens and maybe a cow or two.
I've gotten a few emails from the blog of folks who are interested in forming a community here in Ohio, if you are a "lurker" but are seriously interested, please let me know. We would like to start a dialog with you and your family and see what God can put together in the next weeks. Again, we don't think we have much time, so time is of the essence. Experience or not!
Our trip. It was a wonderful trip! We left on Wednesday morning, after a stop to the library to pick up a few books. I wish I had taken a picture of BOY before we left. The van was packed with two beds to be delivered, and the boy was all smooshed in his seat with bed rails popping through all over.
The wind was pretty fierce most of the way there. We made a stop off in St. Louis to deliver the first bed, and the BOY now has a friend in the state of Missouri. He makes friends so easily. After the quick stop there, it was onward.
We arrived to our destination at about 12:30 am. About 14 hours after we had started. We followed our host to his home and met his lovely wife and 3 out of 4 of his sleepy kids. After talking for about an hour, we were given their bed. How hospitable is that?!? I was ready to crash! At that point I had been up about 30 hours with the exception of about an hour nap going through Branson, MO.
The next morning was cold outside, so I stayed snuggled in the house (for the most part) holding the new baby of the house. I love holding new babies!!! My Man put up the bunkbed he brought for the host's kids. The kids loved it and all 4 played like monkeys on it. His beds are so sturdy! It was great to see first hand kids enjoying the fruits of Man's labor! The Man and our Host did chores and ran errands and talked. Our hostess and I talked. The kids all got along beautifully and played. Inside, outside, all over. They went out to look at the new baby goat that was born just hours before we arrived. It was a really nice day of getting to know one another. My hostess and I took a hike up to the top part of the property and I got to see the baby goat and the adult male goats that looked as though they were wearing toupees! Then when the Dads got back the whole gang of us hiked the whole property (or at least the perimeter). We hiked right at sunset. What a beautiful area. And would you know it, I forgot my camera! What a great blogger/scrapbooker am I??? We returned back to enjoy pizza and more fellowship. And another night with our new friends.
The second day dawned much warmer than the day before. The Man and I went off to hike the property again and to talk over what we had each learned so far and our thoughts and leanings towards pursuing moving here. There were some concerned and some thoughts. But still lots to figure out and pray about before a decision can be made. After hiking a bit, we cleaned up the kids and headed out for a potluck at another of the family's house. There are 5 families interested currently. Our host is the founder, then the "C" family, and then the "R" family, then us, and also a man who has had a vision for this for many years and has a website. His wife was not able to make it to the potluck. Neither was the husband in the "C" family. "C"'s wife and kids were there for a short time and were lovely people, I would love to get to know better. They have a teenage daughter that just glows. Her eyes show what a wonderful young lady she is. Then another daughter who is also sweet and a son that is our BOY's age. He and Boy got off to a rough start, and finish. BOY is a bit "city"fied and has had a mom that has told him as long as he's been alive to "don't get dirty." The family that had the potluck was the "R" family. Very sweet with two beautiful little girls. After eating the guys got down to talking about logistics and the ladies sat in the comfortable living room by the wood stove and also got to know one another. The guys spoke long into the night. We finally left at 12:30 am, after being there for almost 10 hours. We crashed again at our host's house. Early (8am) we left for Ohio.
On the way home, we did make a stop in St. Louis, this time at the Arch. It was COLD! We took pictures and checked it out, but it sure didn't take long...then we were on the road again for home. I drove for the last 6 hours. The drive home was spent in thought and prayer and bursts of talking and comparing ideas. We haven't yet come to a conclusion, except that our host has a wonderful opportunity, and a generous heart. He has the equipment and the drive to get everything going right now. We are still praying that we could do something right here in Ohio. Since returning, God has really blessed our business and we have quite a few orders to take care of. We've been contacted by a few people locally that are interested in Intentional Christian Community here in Ohio.
It was a wonderful trip. It was eye opening and educational. Even if we don't join up with this particular community, it spurred us closer and gave us more thoughts and answers on how to get this done. I can't even imagine that God might be using us to be the visionaries for such a community here in Ohio, but He doesn't call the equipped~He equips the called. So...with trepidation we go on looking and listening for God's will. Man and I both feel like time is very short. That with the economic uncertainty and the energy situation, that we need to make a decision and get going with our plan. We pray we are following God's plan for us, but know that even if we have mis-discerned His will, that He will catch us when we fall. So many times in the past few years we've gone ahead with what we thought was our calling only to be stopped at the last minute. Each time was difficult and sometimes devastating. But in hindsight, which is 20/20 we can clearly see where we prayed God's will and asked that if it were not so that the door would be firmly closed. He loves His children and will protect us.
So, we have not given up on community, and have an even clearer picture of what it can and should be. We are open to moving, but also open to staying in Ohio. We want to continue to talk with the people here in Ohio that are truly interested in being in a God centered community of like minded believers.
We are NOT a cult. Wouldn't you love to let your kids out to play and know that each adult they encounter is "safe" and has the same belief system that you do? Yes, it may be true that "It takes a village to raise a child...." I've seen my current village and I want NOTHING to do with it raising my child. In an ICC, you could have that village of believers that will help raise your children without undermining you! Wouldn't it be wonderful to not only be able to go to your neighbor for a cup of sugar when you run out, but also to ask for prayer?! How about being able to count on your community to help you with "barn raisings" and "work frolics"? Have you ever looked out your front window and been surrounded by people, yet are so lonely you could cry? Are you tired of putting on a "happy face" and a "good show" for the neighbors? Or have you gotten tired of them "keeping up with the Jones?" Do you feel like you have community the 2 hours, 2-3 times a week that you are at church, yet as soon as you walk out the door, your community is scattered to the wind not to be heard from until the next time you are "scheduled" to be at church?
I know I have. And I would rather have a Christian community surrounding me, not just emotionally, but physically. And if that isn't possible, then just give me some land that I can have my chickens and gardens and maybe a cow or two.
I've gotten a few emails from the blog of folks who are interested in forming a community here in Ohio, if you are a "lurker" but are seriously interested, please let me know. We would like to start a dialog with you and your family and see what God can put together in the next weeks. Again, we don't think we have much time, so time is of the essence. Experience or not!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
We're back!
I've be so neglectful of the blog as late. Here they come, excuses, excuses! I was having a birthday/valentines, preparing Boy to do his PRESIDENTAL speech (he did great, btw!), packing, getting ready, trying to coordinate getting our broken refrige fixed, getting a tree off our house, working OT and generally running around like a chicken....wait...I am a chicken hugger...I don't like that expression. How 'bout "running around like a woman who has lost her ever-loving mind!"? Yup, that about covers it!
But now, we're back from our jaunt and I'm ready to take a deep breath and tell you all about everything that has been going on. Perhaps in more than one post as I tend to be....um...rather verbal!
Our refridgerator has been broken for over 4 weeks. We had a power surge/brown out at the house and pow, the fridge took on a life of it's own...temp at 50*, fan screaming in terror, a brief period where I thought the good Lord above had answered my prayers and healed our machine. Then finally giving up and calling the insurance company to find out the bad news. $500 deductible...ouch. Then I called Samsung and ...la...da....they said they would extend our warranty out and covered all the repairs. Seems the ice maker (which we think has always been broken) dripped water into the motor, and then the water froze and expanded and cracked the condenser motor case or some such thing...But after only 6 days, the ice machine works again and so does the fridge!!! YEAH!!! Now, the water dispenser is not working though, which makes absolutely no sense.
There is still a tree on the house. Still in the power line. Still freaking me out. BUT...I've gotten the estimates I need and the guy is supposed to be out TODAY to get it off of our house, off of our yard, outta here! And he's taking out the little tree that also fell down but didn't get any press because, well it landed in the yard and not on the house. Updates on that after we see what happens today.
We lost our chicken Starr to her impacted crop while we were gone on our fact finding mission (yes, I will get to that!!! Be patient!). So I was grateful that I didn't have to cull her, but sad that I couldn't do anything to save her. Interestingly enough, the other girls did not peck at her sad little body as chickens tend to do (they will eat anything! I think they'd go after us if we weren't bigger than them.) But instead, they buried her in the hay. I took care of that matter and in respect, went and ordered 10 "nuggets" (which is what I call "day old baby chicks") They will be hatching on April 5th!! We know what we are getting and what some of their names will be... Connie, the new Americauna~Maran, the Cuckoo Maran~ and Becky, the Buckeye. I also ordered 4 "American Eskimo" chickens, but they come straight run (we won't know if they are boys or girls until some of them either start laying or crowing!) So we haven't thought up names for them yet. Oh, and on the day we returned from our trip, Arica started laying again! WooHoo.
The homeschool group did a "Hall of Presidents" like they have at Disney World, for President's Day. Each student had to stand up on the stage, with a mic and give a speech about their life, or recite a speech their president had given. It was a very fun night. BOY was President Zachary Taylor, old rough and ready! He did a really nice job. And I learned quite a bit about our 12th president. Now we are preparing for the Pinecar Derby on Saturday.
Speaking of our trip....NEXT POST~
But now, we're back from our jaunt and I'm ready to take a deep breath and tell you all about everything that has been going on. Perhaps in more than one post as I tend to be....um...rather verbal!
Our refridgerator has been broken for over 4 weeks. We had a power surge/brown out at the house and pow, the fridge took on a life of it's own...temp at 50*, fan screaming in terror, a brief period where I thought the good Lord above had answered my prayers and healed our machine. Then finally giving up and calling the insurance company to find out the bad news. $500 deductible...ouch. Then I called Samsung and ...la...da....they said they would extend our warranty out and covered all the repairs. Seems the ice maker (which we think has always been broken) dripped water into the motor, and then the water froze and expanded and cracked the condenser motor case or some such thing...But after only 6 days, the ice machine works again and so does the fridge!!! YEAH!!! Now, the water dispenser is not working though, which makes absolutely no sense.
There is still a tree on the house. Still in the power line. Still freaking me out. BUT...I've gotten the estimates I need and the guy is supposed to be out TODAY to get it off of our house, off of our yard, outta here! And he's taking out the little tree that also fell down but didn't get any press because, well it landed in the yard and not on the house. Updates on that after we see what happens today.
We lost our chicken Starr to her impacted crop while we were gone on our fact finding mission (yes, I will get to that!!! Be patient!). So I was grateful that I didn't have to cull her, but sad that I couldn't do anything to save her. Interestingly enough, the other girls did not peck at her sad little body as chickens tend to do (they will eat anything! I think they'd go after us if we weren't bigger than them.) But instead, they buried her in the hay. I took care of that matter and in respect, went and ordered 10 "nuggets" (which is what I call "day old baby chicks") They will be hatching on April 5th!! We know what we are getting and what some of their names will be... Connie, the new Americauna~Maran, the Cuckoo Maran~ and Becky, the Buckeye. I also ordered 4 "American Eskimo" chickens, but they come straight run (we won't know if they are boys or girls until some of them either start laying or crowing!) So we haven't thought up names for them yet. Oh, and on the day we returned from our trip, Arica started laying again! WooHoo.
The homeschool group did a "Hall of Presidents" like they have at Disney World, for President's Day. Each student had to stand up on the stage, with a mic and give a speech about their life, or recite a speech their president had given. It was a very fun night. BOY was President Zachary Taylor, old rough and ready! He did a really nice job. And I learned quite a bit about our 12th president. Now we are preparing for the Pinecar Derby on Saturday.
Speaking of our trip....NEXT POST~
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
UPDATES:
This will be a short post to update everyone about what is going on:
- There is still a tree on our house. We're trying to get tree guys, AEP power and everything coordinated. The insurance adjuster was out yesterday and said that it couldn't have fallen in a better way. Very little damage except to the deck. Oh, that and the fact that it is still tangled in the power line. That is freaking me out a bit, and keeping me praying for no fire.
- Arica hasn't layed since the 9th...so I'm not sure what is going on there. I don't see a problem...yet...maybe she is about to molt. I'm adding prayers to see a green egg soon.
- Starr is still with us. I haven't yet been able to post about what is going on with her. She hasn't layed since late January. She has an impacted crop and it is filled like a balloon. I should have culled her but haven't had the heart to do it. Having an impacted crop means everything is staying in her crop and she isn't getting any food/water into her. But apparently she is getting something as she is still hanging on. So we wait on her....
- Good news is that we are still getting an egg a day...the Buffies take turns laying.
- Now the big news, I'm packing up to go on an adventure. We will be delivering a bed to St. Louis and the BOY will get to see the Arch (God's hand in bringing a "one off" order from St. Louis!!), then off to meet and greet our new friends and find out more about the intentional community. Man has become good friends with the founder of the community and we are excited to meet them IRL (in real Life) and meet the other families committed to the community. We will be staying a night with one of the other families and there is a potluck planned at one of the other family's house.
While I am in the car, it's my plan to get caught up on my blogging and get everything posted in the various areas when I return, so be watching for updates!!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
'tis a bit windy....
OK, so that is slightly an understatement!
Here's BOY beside the rootball. And he's 52 inches tall.
We had the big wind storm last night (the same storm that brought Tornados to Oklahoma.) We lost power almost as soon as it started. I think the power came back on about 2 am. I was at work, so I'm not sure exactly when (Except estimating by the flashing digital clocks.)
I was delighted to see the power back on when I rolled up to our house this morning. The chickens are all accounted for. (Although Starr is not looking well, more on that soon). Then I went to go out the back door to feed the chickies and what do I see....
Yes, that would be a tree on our house...
It unrooted itself and broke through the deck railing and onto the roof over the living room / kitchen, is peeking into the BOY's bedroom window, and then on up on the top roof over the bedrooms. It's a 30+ year old tree that is about 70 feet tall....I'm thinking enough for a bed or two :)
I'm praising God that it didn't go through any windows, or through the roof. We don't know yet if the roof is damaged. I'm waiting for the assessor to call. Also waiting on the power company because we do have power but the branches are all over the power lines leading into our house. And it's still VERY windy today, so I pray that nothing shifts and breaks the lines or starts a fire. We also had damaged gutters and downspouts.
It's hard to see but the power line is running through this mess!
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