I just love a good movie, don't you? This blog, however, is not about any of the above referenced movies. (And only one is worth watching. I'll leave it up to you, dear reader, to decide your own favorite)
In 2006, on a beautiful fall day, my good friend and I took my son to the Atlanta Aquarium -- a first for all of us. It was a wonderful day for all of us and we joked about how well everything was going for a Friday the 13th. A Friday the 13th in October no less. My friend and I dropped off my son and went out to spend some time together. Since August, we had grown closer and fonder of each other; rekindling a friendship and a flame that continued despite a 14 year absence from each other (both of us on our personal adventures). We didn't want the night to end.
So it didn't.
We realized that this was a special connection -- a true friendship full of trust and understanding, mutually goofy senses of humor, and a passionate attraction to one another. I was the first to say the three words (naturally - lol)
That was OUR Friday the 13th seven years ago. Its an anniversary we celebrate every year. Usually with Zaxby's. But that's another story.
So how did we celebrate our anniversary this year? Well, you know all that clearing we've been doing to get the land ready for the graders and the well? I apparently don't know what poison ivy looks like and am covered in a grand rash and itch to distraction.
I did still get my Zaxby's however.
The moral here? Don't know there is one except that I need to learn what poison ivy looks like. As for "The Seven year Itch" that's supposed to happen in relationships? For us, its only skin deep at least and with enough Ivarest will heal soon enough. We're still ridiculously in love and still each other's closest friend and confidante. Two years later we were married.
We celebrate that at Cracker Barrel.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Water, Water ANYWHERE??
Well (sorry -- no pun intended), seems that in clearing away a giant ant hill from the well site, somehow an electrical cord was shorted out and just like that we had no power to the well and no water to the house. To complicate matters, the pressure tank and well pipes have not been protected from the elements for about 2 years now and the internal bladder of the tank had torn (from the freezing and ice shards breaking up apparently).
No water for flushing.
No water for cooking or cleaning up.
No water for drinking.
We're so used to water just flowing from city source or well source through our pipes and into our service that NO WATER manifests itself in the human mind as confusion, disbelief, frustration, and (if we're smart) MOTIVATION.
We were handed a one gallon water bottle (filled) and told to use it if we REALLY had to flush the toilet. My hubby and I already keep a gallon in the room to make our coffee every morning. But there was little water for anything else -- and my serious urge to 'go' quickly disappeared.
The well guys arrived quickly, located the problem, installed a new a pressure tank, fixed the wires and got the pump up and running in less than an hour. Hubby and I watched the process and as we stood there I turned to him and said: "we really need to think about getting a solar pump or hand pump or something in case this happens to us!" Hubby -- being the smart wonderful man that he is -- totally agreed. The well guys overheard our conversation and began talking about options for our well (soon to be a reality) and mentioned a SimplePump (www.simplepump.com) set up added to our well at the time of installation. You can set these up anytime apparently, but always easiest when putting the well in initially. The younger of the two knew a bit more about it, but not enough he admitted. But, they said they would do the research and order us the one we'd need and install it when they came out to do the well. We will have water even if the power goes out, even if we don't have the cash on hand to fix the well immediately.
I have visions of me on a stationary bicycle hooked to the pump handle to make it work ... but hey, I could alway use a little exercise.
This would be a wonderful storybook ending to my story ... but we arrived home just a few days later after a shopping expedition and found that we were again waterless. When the well crew was here, they used the old PVC fittings to connect the new pressure tank and the main piece leading from the tank to the pump was spewing water like an open fire hydrant.
The water was again "out of service".
Why is it I always have to pee when the water is off?
My father in law had already been to the hardware store and back to get the required parts and he and hubby worked into the dark to get everything re-fitted. Under the circumstances and with servicable (but not the actual) tools necessary, we were back in business before the end of Jeopardy with only a minor leak to mar what was a brilliant repair.
During the wait, I was informed by my mother in law that she had several water containers in the 'back room' (a daunting expedition as 50 years worth of "EVERYTHING" is in that 'back room'). I nodded happily -- after the first event Hubby and I filled up our 5 gallon container 'just in case' something happened in the future. "Are they filled with water?" I asked my mother in law expectantly. "Well, no, but I DO have them -- but, you know, water goes bad after a while." I sighed internally and thought about all the containers of water we had collected at our old house before moving here. I know my son thought we were a little nuts about 'storing water' ... but this was just the scenario we were trying to avoid.
Water is a valuable commodity -- I'm sure many of you reading are already nodding your heads at the obvious. But so few of us really pay attention to putting aside a few gallons of water for emergencies -- and even in the South we get our water emergencies: busted pipes in the city knocking out water for several residential miles around, a freak ice storm and frozen pipes, too much rain and sewage runnoff into the public water system. Very few of my friends think about this as a possibility and it does make me worry about them.
How many of you have any kind of water saving system in place at your home?
In looking at sustainability and self-reliance (preparation??), I read many articles about how even in the crowded cities people CAN do things to grow their own food, albiet at smaller scale. But I rarely read any reminders to stock up on water; its usually just mentioned as an afterthought.
I encourage everyone to make this a priority thought. A few bottled gallons of water per person in your household can mean a big difference between total discomfort and just a minor disruption in lifestyle. A water catchement system can mean a big difference in your summer water bill and a healthy, thriving garden. Even a roof mounted solar water system can mean a nice warm shower in the middle of winter if the water goes out. There's so much one can do to insure that they have enough potable water to cook and drink, and enough non-potable water to use in toilets and gardens.
But to begin: KISS -- Keep it simple sweetie! Put aside one gallon of water per person per day for about 7 days. This is just a 'survival' amount -- FEMA only recommends 3 days in an emergency situation; two weeks for long term events. This supply does not incude water for flushing toilets or bathing, this is for drinking and cooking use. Your own water supply amount may vary according to your family's needs and personal preference.
If you choose to use your own containers, consider using soda containers and -- following Red Cross instructions -- about 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon (don't get squeamish! there's already clorine in your tap water!). Keep it out of sunshine, rotate your supply every six (6) months (you can use it in your garden or add to your outside water catchement set-up), and know that you're doing something that will benefit you and your family in an emergency.
There is a lot of great information on the web, particularly the CDC (remember their "How to survive a Zombie Apocalypse" campaign a few years ago -- a hoot, but practical information none the less for any natural disaster). You can access them at www.emergency.cdc.gov. There is also the Red Cross website (www.redcross.org) and they have a lot of good preparedness information, too, including info for pet owners (you listening JoJo?)
None of this is meant to alarm anyone -- just to bring awareness. This obviously wasn't a 'doomsday' scenario for us: I knew the well guys would get the problem worked out. But there we were, without water and business to take care of...if you know what I mean.
You just never know when you might not be able to flush the toilet.
An ode to Zibeline Knits (with my apologies to Dr. Seuss)
I love to knit!
How I love to Knit!
I knit hats here,
I knit scarves there;
I'm knitting a sweater
-- its here somewhere...
I knit in blue,
I knit in red;
I even knit things in my head!
My friend she taught me how to knit
(I wanted socks ... she had a fit!)
She taught me how to knit those socks
do buttonholes and fancy knots,
sweaters, scarves, and dishcloths too.
(I know someone who knit a zoo!)
So now whenever I want to knit
I think of my friend and take a sit
I pick up my needles and her yarn
and marvel at its yarney charm
I sit and knit and think good things
instead of people who were mean.
I sit and knit and before me blooms
a cowl or shawl in lovely hues.
And as I knit I thank my friend
for sharing a joy
that never ends.
How I love to Knit!
I knit hats here,
I knit scarves there;
I'm knitting a sweater
-- its here somewhere...
I knit in blue,
I knit in red;
I even knit things in my head!
My friend she taught me how to knit
(I wanted socks ... she had a fit!)
She taught me how to knit those socks
do buttonholes and fancy knots,
sweaters, scarves, and dishcloths too.
(I know someone who knit a zoo!)
So now whenever I want to knit
I think of my friend and take a sit
I pick up my needles and her yarn
and marvel at its yarney charm
I sit and knit and think good things
instead of people who were mean.
I sit and knit and before me blooms
a cowl or shawl in lovely hues.
And as I knit I thank my friend
for sharing a joy
that never ends.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Always look on the bright side of life ....
Remember the end of Monty Python's "Life of Brian"? The crucifixion scene where the three dudes are singing as they're hanging there? There's this big message about no matter how bleak things seem you just gotta keep your head up and stay optimistic.
Great message.
Doesn't work so well in real life. Come to think of it -- didn't turn out so well for Brian either, but that's another story.
We all get discouraged when we set out to accomplish a goal or realize a dream, and nothing could be tougher than trying to do it when you have reached an age where you begin to hear the tick-tick-tick of your mortal clock. One might begin to compromise on that dream or goal, setting the bar a little lower or deciding to take an easier path for the sake of expediency.
Let me throw in another famous British line: BOLLOCKS!!
I'm not saying this endeavor is going to be easy, please don't misunderstand. But the compromise -- the settling for less than what you REALLY want -- I don't think I'm ready to throw in the towel just yet. Especially this early in the process! That would be really sad.
But there are others to consider.
It has been said (by marriage counselors who gauge this sort of thing) that building or remodeling a home is one of the top causes of divorce among couples. Frustration builds: the endless waiting on (or looking for) people to return calls or quotes, the permits, fees, and restrictions/guidelines that must be followed to the letter. The actual WORK involved in building ... when one's body is not as young as one's mental attitude. The ambiguity of cost of this project when you have a finite budget; which leads to the conflict of going back to work to make more money for someone else to build your dream or staying home and being a full-time carpenter/scavenger to complete the dream yourself. (This begins a great argument in favor of cloning, but I don't want to open THAT door - lol)
And the endless house plans and revisions when one or the other has their heels dug in on THEIR plan or idea. Getting on the same page (literally) has to be one of the greatest challenges to homesteading and home building. Each of us plays around with square footage, porch space, location of rooms, storage versus windows, his domain/her domain, and countless other items that fall apart into the same old conversation ender: can we REALLY afford this? One invariably has the rose colored glasses ... the other: mud coated.
"Rosie" wants to start scavenging for wood, windows, screen doors; "Mudflats" points out the lack of storage space. One wants to look at mobile homes and the other doesn't. Someone says: "Maybe we should chuck it all and just go look for a house we can afford." Then the big question hits: is THIS place REALLY where we want to be or are supposed to be? Should we be looking in another part of the state? Another state? But what about the kids?
Whoa Nelly! Now we're talking about something totally different here. And again the nagging question: can we afford the search? Money becomes too big a determinate in this adventure. But without it, what can really get accomplished? Conundrum. Catch-22. Ironic (according to Alanis Morrisette's definition).
All this leads to an inertia ... a morass of disappointment, miscommunication, frustration, and depression. The brain becomes fogged in and nothing seems worth thinking about or working on anymore. Communication ends or dances around the subject because talking about "it" is painful and stands on the border of conflict and argument.
And nobody wants that.
So you wind up back at "BOLLOCKS". What happens after that when you find you and your spouse on different ends of the bollocks spectrum (inirtia versus full speed ahead)? There has to be some place to go, some to-do list in chronological order of how to get your homestead off the ground. I know, there are hundreds of books on building, homesteading, how-to for dummies or idiots (whichever catagory you feel you fit best), not to mention the magazines, websites, and YouTube videos. But all of this is so scattered and many of the writers are either clinical, cynical, or just talking about themselves personally instead of the "how-to-do-it-ness" that a novice like me desires.
Part of reaching that seasoned age (where the mortal clock ticks louder) is reaching the conclusion that I've compromised and lowered my expetations too many times in my early adult years. Wasted time. I should have ALWAYS been reaching for the best and expecting the best from myself and in fulfilling my goals and dreams. I quit taking second-best when I married the man I'd loved since the moment I first saw him 38 years ago. I just dug in my heels and made my stand. It hasn't been fairy-tale perfect for everyone, but between us its been pretty darn close! I didn't take second-best when I decided to go to college -- at 38, broke, abandoned by spouse and family, with two young ones in tow. I didn't quit when family members predicted I would be back "in six months with my tail between my legs." No! I dug my heels in and got two degrees and a great teaching career I'm still proud of today.
It wasn't always fun.
It wasn't always easy.
I got discouraged a lot.
I kept going.
BOLLOCKS to those who doubted me, hindered me, or collaborated to thwart me (that goes for the last excavator guy as well!). As the song says: I will survive! Heck! I DID survive! And on my own terms.
And so this crazy ramble may -- on the surface -- seem less about the homestead and more about personal matters. But isn't building a dream PERSONAL? Don't we all experience doubt, discouragement, frustration, and setbacks when we work a dream into a truly fulfilling reality? The only thing is NOT getting stuck in this emotional quicksand! Spend a day or two indulging the enormity and setbacks, then get off your butt and move on! Heck, I imagine this scenario will play itself out again a few times before we get a handle on the whole process and begin to see it through the same colored glasses: clear.
As long as our plan is solid and we're in agreement, all the rest is bollocks. I know there's a silver lining somewhere. In the meantime, I'll just keep singing and looking for the bright side.
Have a great weekend!
Next week's project: still looking for an excavator and septic tank company. Moon Landing Prevails!
Great message.
Doesn't work so well in real life. Come to think of it -- didn't turn out so well for Brian either, but that's another story.
We all get discouraged when we set out to accomplish a goal or realize a dream, and nothing could be tougher than trying to do it when you have reached an age where you begin to hear the tick-tick-tick of your mortal clock. One might begin to compromise on that dream or goal, setting the bar a little lower or deciding to take an easier path for the sake of expediency.
Let me throw in another famous British line: BOLLOCKS!!
I'm not saying this endeavor is going to be easy, please don't misunderstand. But the compromise -- the settling for less than what you REALLY want -- I don't think I'm ready to throw in the towel just yet. Especially this early in the process! That would be really sad.
But there are others to consider.
It has been said (by marriage counselors who gauge this sort of thing) that building or remodeling a home is one of the top causes of divorce among couples. Frustration builds: the endless waiting on (or looking for) people to return calls or quotes, the permits, fees, and restrictions/guidelines that must be followed to the letter. The actual WORK involved in building ... when one's body is not as young as one's mental attitude. The ambiguity of cost of this project when you have a finite budget; which leads to the conflict of going back to work to make more money for someone else to build your dream or staying home and being a full-time carpenter/scavenger to complete the dream yourself. (This begins a great argument in favor of cloning, but I don't want to open THAT door - lol)
And the endless house plans and revisions when one or the other has their heels dug in on THEIR plan or idea. Getting on the same page (literally) has to be one of the greatest challenges to homesteading and home building. Each of us plays around with square footage, porch space, location of rooms, storage versus windows, his domain/her domain, and countless other items that fall apart into the same old conversation ender: can we REALLY afford this? One invariably has the rose colored glasses ... the other: mud coated.
"Rosie" wants to start scavenging for wood, windows, screen doors; "Mudflats" points out the lack of storage space. One wants to look at mobile homes and the other doesn't. Someone says: "Maybe we should chuck it all and just go look for a house we can afford." Then the big question hits: is THIS place REALLY where we want to be or are supposed to be? Should we be looking in another part of the state? Another state? But what about the kids?
Whoa Nelly! Now we're talking about something totally different here. And again the nagging question: can we afford the search? Money becomes too big a determinate in this adventure. But without it, what can really get accomplished? Conundrum. Catch-22. Ironic (according to Alanis Morrisette's definition).
All this leads to an inertia ... a morass of disappointment, miscommunication, frustration, and depression. The brain becomes fogged in and nothing seems worth thinking about or working on anymore. Communication ends or dances around the subject because talking about "it" is painful and stands on the border of conflict and argument.
And nobody wants that.
So you wind up back at "BOLLOCKS". What happens after that when you find you and your spouse on different ends of the bollocks spectrum (inirtia versus full speed ahead)? There has to be some place to go, some to-do list in chronological order of how to get your homestead off the ground. I know, there are hundreds of books on building, homesteading, how-to for dummies or idiots (whichever catagory you feel you fit best), not to mention the magazines, websites, and YouTube videos. But all of this is so scattered and many of the writers are either clinical, cynical, or just talking about themselves personally instead of the "how-to-do-it-ness" that a novice like me desires.
Part of reaching that seasoned age (where the mortal clock ticks louder) is reaching the conclusion that I've compromised and lowered my expetations too many times in my early adult years. Wasted time. I should have ALWAYS been reaching for the best and expecting the best from myself and in fulfilling my goals and dreams. I quit taking second-best when I married the man I'd loved since the moment I first saw him 38 years ago. I just dug in my heels and made my stand. It hasn't been fairy-tale perfect for everyone, but between us its been pretty darn close! I didn't take second-best when I decided to go to college -- at 38, broke, abandoned by spouse and family, with two young ones in tow. I didn't quit when family members predicted I would be back "in six months with my tail between my legs." No! I dug my heels in and got two degrees and a great teaching career I'm still proud of today.
It wasn't always fun.
It wasn't always easy.
I got discouraged a lot.
I kept going.
BOLLOCKS to those who doubted me, hindered me, or collaborated to thwart me (that goes for the last excavator guy as well!). As the song says: I will survive! Heck! I DID survive! And on my own terms.
And so this crazy ramble may -- on the surface -- seem less about the homestead and more about personal matters. But isn't building a dream PERSONAL? Don't we all experience doubt, discouragement, frustration, and setbacks when we work a dream into a truly fulfilling reality? The only thing is NOT getting stuck in this emotional quicksand! Spend a day or two indulging the enormity and setbacks, then get off your butt and move on! Heck, I imagine this scenario will play itself out again a few times before we get a handle on the whole process and begin to see it through the same colored glasses: clear.
As long as our plan is solid and we're in agreement, all the rest is bollocks. I know there's a silver lining somewhere. In the meantime, I'll just keep singing and looking for the bright side.
Have a great weekend!
Next week's project: still looking for an excavator and septic tank company. Moon Landing Prevails!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013: I've been SCHOOLED!
WooHoo! Got the Soil Test over the weekend! A wonderful soil scientist by the name of Phillip Archer with Breedlove was the first person to contact me when I was leaving messages for soil tests; and averaging 300$ a pop you'd think MORE would have called back! But no, Phillip was the one who called and it must have been divine providence that put him in our path. Talk about knowledgeable! He's as much a geek about soils as I am about history -- and that's saying a lot! Fortunately for me, he didn't mind being subjected to a million question inquisition as we tromped through the overgrowth here at Tranquility Bay.
And yes, it WAS an education! Archer took 4 soil samples across an acre of our property looking for color changes in the topsoil and topography, beginning with the top of the hill where our big wood pile is located (and where we will likely locate our house). The color changes in the soil all mean something and determine where and whether you can site a septic system. The variety of soils we have on our small plot of land surprised me. Every sample was about 5 feet deep, so I got a real close look at what my soil is like. This also got me thinking about amendments and soil improvements that will need to be done later and will obviously be a subject of much discussion on this blog when the time comes.
So check out these photos and descriptions if you are also in the process of building your own little homestead oasis. Hopefully, it will help and you, too, will find a great soil expert willing to teach as he works. I'm going to keep descriptions brief, but honestly this guy taught me so much about our property there is just too much to share here.
The top right photo indicates that good old red clay we have in abundance around here. It was the right composition for our leach field and where we were hoping to site the septic. 
The next four photos show a lot of iron oxide run-off ... means the water is sitting too long in one spot. The sample below right is not as gross as it looks. The yellowing in the clay indicates poor soil for septic leach fields and is similar in make up to the yellow soils of China. The sample below left shows a good loose soil and indicates good drainage ... but it was too close to our well site to be viable.
The best part about this experience was that it turned out to be so much fun! Seriously! Archer was so eager to share information. He was patient with my thousand questions and misperceptions, he showed and explained the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of every soil sample taken. As a former teacher, it does help to have an interested and active group of students. Of course, my husband told me I'd be paying extra for the geology course I'd just received. I wouldn't have minded a bit! We wound up with a great soil survey at a good price (275$) and had the most fun playing in dirt -- second only to playing in the garden.
We've been very fortunate since we made the decision to relocate our homestead towards the top of the property. It appears we have picked a great spot for water AND drainage. That -- I will admit -- is largely sheer dumb luck. We know enough NOT to build where it floods, but we were worried about building so close to the road. Turns out -- top of the property has a lot of advantages.
This week's project: Getting quotes for grading the property.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Of Sling Blades and Sweat
Been a busy week here at Tranquility Bay! We began the week with (finally!) cooler weather and a foray into the weedy patch that will someday be part of our beautifully landscaped oasis in the woods. After tromping around through briars, hitchhikers, and poison ivy, my wonderful hubby and I decided to clear a path to the area where the well is to be dug.
Out of bed early (believe it or not ~ lol), we gathered our tools and set to work. At first, I didn't think this was going to be so bad, but there is so much hidden under the brush. We were "high steppin'" over limbs and ivy and decades old trash, long buried and struggling to be seen. A path to the well site was what I had my heart set on and my hubby went along with yet another one of my well-intentioned but unformed ideas. For better or worse, right? He puts up with a lot.
This is me. This is me with a sling blade.
This is me with a sling blade clearing off part of the path my hubby and I want to create. Sling blades are heavy. I quickly realized that my talents were more suited for pruning and raking. I generously returned the blade to my hubby and set about trimming back the overhanging limbs, pulling up unwanted pine saplings, and tearing/raking the unidentifiable vines out of the way. At some point, the endless enormity of the reality caught up with the foolish optimism of my ambiguous 'plan'. I was completely overwhelmed. Yes, I know this was MY idea and I know I told my hubby we could do this "in a snap!" ... I always say that when I realize I've bitten off more gum than I can chew. I kept on working -- no way I was going to weenie out after dragging my sweet man out of bed at 6:30 A.M.! NO WAY.
Meanwhile, hubby sling bladed to his hear'ts content -- as his talents are DEFINITELY the muscle of this team. He moved logs and cut down small, scraggly trees; took large limbs off fallen trees and started piling them into small stacks and path markers. Honestly, one of my favorite traits in my husband is that he is willing to work so diligently at such an enormous project with straightforward effort. No complaints, just a will-do attitude. Before I knew it, we had accomplished what I thought would be near impossible: a clear walk-way to our well site. I must say, its a beautiful thing. Most of the credit goes to my great inspiration -- my husband.
Out of bed early (believe it or not ~ lol), we gathered our tools and set to work. At first, I didn't think this was going to be so bad, but there is so much hidden under the brush. We were "high steppin'" over limbs and ivy and decades old trash, long buried and struggling to be seen. A path to the well site was what I had my heart set on and my hubby went along with yet another one of my well-intentioned but unformed ideas. For better or worse, right? He puts up with a lot.
This is me. This is me with a sling blade.
This is me with a sling blade clearing off part of the path my hubby and I want to create. Sling blades are heavy. I quickly realized that my talents were more suited for pruning and raking. I generously returned the blade to my hubby and set about trimming back the overhanging limbs, pulling up unwanted pine saplings, and tearing/raking the unidentifiable vines out of the way. At some point, the endless enormity of the reality caught up with the foolish optimism of my ambiguous 'plan'. I was completely overwhelmed. Yes, I know this was MY idea and I know I told my hubby we could do this "in a snap!" ... I always say that when I realize I've bitten off more gum than I can chew. I kept on working -- no way I was going to weenie out after dragging my sweet man out of bed at 6:30 A.M.! NO WAY.
Meanwhile, hubby sling bladed to his hear'ts content -- as his talents are DEFINITELY the muscle of this team. He moved logs and cut down small, scraggly trees; took large limbs off fallen trees and started piling them into small stacks and path markers. Honestly, one of my favorite traits in my husband is that he is willing to work so diligently at such an enormous project with straightforward effort. No complaints, just a will-do attitude. Before I knew it, we had accomplished what I thought would be near impossible: a clear walk-way to our well site. I must say, its a beautiful thing. Most of the credit goes to my great inspiration -- my husband.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Friday, September 13, 2013: Quick Update
Our well has been sited -- or "witched" as it's sometimes referred. The process is the same as its been for the last 200 years or so in this corner of the world, with a little upgrade from willow branch to metal rods ... to my utter amazement and surprise.
I am as close to a tech geek as this family gets (the one here in the cuds, not my kids, family, and former co-workers, etc). I naturally thought that locating underground water sources had become part of the digital/tech age as well. I was POSITIVE that the well guy would have something like a metal detector with sonar that would shoot a wave into the ground and a 'ping' would return indicating depth and/or presence of water. Seriously, this seems logical to me and I'm almost positive there's a machine just like this somewhere out in the world. I mean, isn't this the same type of technology archeaologists and oil companies utilize to locate what they're looking for underground?? Surely someone has invented a more portable model for locating potable water. (If not, feel free to use this suggestion as your inspiration.)
To my dear husband, this idea must have seemed ludicrious and prohibitively expensive for a local well company. He actually laughed at me. AT me. Then proceeded to patiently explain to his 'big city' wife that that just isn't how its done out here in the country. I was sceptical but decided to concede my point if just to save face and get my husband to stop chuckling at my fanciful notions.
Needless to say, locating a well is actually done with metal rods.
Enter one vindicated hubby -- exit my dignity, because even the well man laughed at me. AT me. Seriously though, no harm done minus a little egg on my face. And Mr. Rice explained in detail exactly what he was looking for: it isn't water (Surprise!), its cracks in the rock underground that increases gravitational pull which indicates this is a suitable place to locate a well and possibly -- yes, he said possibly -- water as well. Sometimes, he said, the rods will indicate strongly and they'll dig only to come up with an empty hole and no water. My favorite part of the entire episode was when Mr. Rice looked at me sincerely and said "This isn't an exact science, ya know." I could have hugged his neck! So, a quick video so you can see for yourself Mr. Rice "witching" for our water. (I did get permission to film and post him doing this)
Now, I'm pretty sure we're going to hit water due to all the underground springs we already have in the area and the fortune of my in-laws and several neighbors on the street. Their wells are putting out plenty of water and the cost was reasonable in all cases. Its going to be slightly higher up the hill at the eastern end of our proposed home site. We'll have some gravity to help the flow and be far enough away from the western side of the house to site the septic. I am encouraged by our measurment expedition and the well siting to think that we're going to be fortunate with our soil tests and septic site.
The only thing lacking at this point is a house plan. We're working on that. Gotta get the soil people out here first.
On that note (and in closing) I have spoken with a few soil scientists, engineers, and geologists. The general consensus is that it is better to get a geologist or a soil scientist instead of an engineer because of the specificity of degree and study. Now, my uncle is an engineer -- so this isn't meant to disparage civil engineers by any mean. Its just that SOME engineers just attend a 10-hour class and get a certification while the geologist and soil scientist ... well ... that ALL they do. That's all they studied. Sort of like me (Masters in Secondary Social Science Education) trying to teach Statistics. Sure, I've got a teaching degree and all, but just because I took one course in Stats in college does not make me qualified to teach (something my engineer uncle would adamantly agree with me! LOL!) So, if you're planning your own home -- something to consider.
Please keep your comments coming and let me know where you're located. Had some visitors from the Philippines visit my site recently! I lived in Luzon when I was 9 years old and it still holds a special place in my heart.
Wishing everyone a great weekend from Moon's Landing, Tranquility Bay!
To my dear husband, this idea must have seemed ludicrious and prohibitively expensive for a local well company. He actually laughed at me. AT me. Then proceeded to patiently explain to his 'big city' wife that that just isn't how its done out here in the country. I was sceptical but decided to concede my point if just to save face and get my husband to stop chuckling at my fanciful notions.
Needless to say, locating a well is actually done with metal rods.
Now, I'm pretty sure we're going to hit water due to all the underground springs we already have in the area and the fortune of my in-laws and several neighbors on the street. Their wells are putting out plenty of water and the cost was reasonable in all cases. Its going to be slightly higher up the hill at the eastern end of our proposed home site. We'll have some gravity to help the flow and be far enough away from the western side of the house to site the septic. I am encouraged by our measurment expedition and the well siting to think that we're going to be fortunate with our soil tests and septic site.
The only thing lacking at this point is a house plan. We're working on that. Gotta get the soil people out here first.
On that note (and in closing) I have spoken with a few soil scientists, engineers, and geologists. The general consensus is that it is better to get a geologist or a soil scientist instead of an engineer because of the specificity of degree and study. Now, my uncle is an engineer -- so this isn't meant to disparage civil engineers by any mean. Its just that SOME engineers just attend a 10-hour class and get a certification while the geologist and soil scientist ... well ... that ALL they do. That's all they studied. Sort of like me (Masters in Secondary Social Science Education) trying to teach Statistics. Sure, I've got a teaching degree and all, but just because I took one course in Stats in college does not make me qualified to teach (something my engineer uncle would adamantly agree with me! LOL!) So, if you're planning your own home -- something to consider.
Please keep your comments coming and let me know where you're located. Had some visitors from the Philippines visit my site recently! I lived in Luzon when I was 9 years old and it still holds a special place in my heart.
Wishing everyone a great weekend from Moon's Landing, Tranquility Bay!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Monday, September 9th, 2013 -- Which comes first: the perc test or the well?
Homesteading by baby steps. That's what we're doing. Whether it is better to site the well before the perc test or perc test the land before siting the well - that is the question.
The answer is: site the well.
Actually, its site the homesite THEN site the well.
So, we have sort-of/kind-of sited the house area -- now we should actually get some stakes and put down the perimeter of the dwelling. Getting my husband out of bed before the temperatures reach 90 (around 9:30 these days!) will be the tricky part. After that its all pounding stakes and tying survey tape. And avoiding mosquitos. Mosquitos love me. Apparently my blood type is known in a tri-state area of mosquito conniseours. Lucky me.
The important thing is: today is get well-siting prices day. Call every local well driller within 75 miles and find the best prices and quickest appointment time. More than likely we will go with one of the companies that drilled the well for our neighbors and Mom & Dad. And isn't that the beauty of living in a rural area -- having just a few neighbors to speak with and learn from. I'm luckier than some; relationships have already been established by my in-laws and it seems everyone on our road knows my darling hubby (fond memories of him driving his old Harley off and back from his ironhorse adventures). I get hugs from the neighbor lady across the street the first day we meet. I'm at home and accepted so quickly. They probably all think I'm a city-girl who finally wised-up and moved out to wide open spaces. They would be correct.
So, a well is in our near future. Here's how its working for us: the company we're going to us is going to site the well for free (free is good!). Then -- after the perk test -- we're going to get the well drilled. This will cost us 10$ per foot for the drilling and casing (high cost around $6000, but I don't think we'll have to go that far). THEN we need a pump and all the accessories that go into transferring the water from the well to a house. Cost range on this is $2000 to $4000 depending on what kind of well is dug, how much water we're getting, and how deep the well had to be dug. I think we're going to come out somewhere in the middle without a lot of problems; seems there is an artesian well under all our pine trees and scrub.
This is the first steps in building our homestead and I am thrilled!
And so it begins -- albiet at a snails pace. The speed limit around here averages 40 miles per hour. Life, however, moves a lot slower. Adjusting my pace is going to take a while for this 'city-girl'.
____________________________________
Oh! almost forgot! Did not get the job I applied for, so now I am free to volunteer at the library and my first assignment: reading stories to the kindergarten classes! I am so excited! I picked out my three books from the stack last week and the librarian will go with me for my first visit to introduce me around and get me started. I may not be working for a paycheck, but I love that I'll still be able to contribute to the community in an educational setting. No sense letting those college degrees go to waste!
Big smiles and best wishes for you all around for the days ahead.
The answer is: site the well.
Actually, its site the homesite THEN site the well.
So, we have sort-of/kind-of sited the house area -- now we should actually get some stakes and put down the perimeter of the dwelling. Getting my husband out of bed before the temperatures reach 90 (around 9:30 these days!) will be the tricky part. After that its all pounding stakes and tying survey tape. And avoiding mosquitos. Mosquitos love me. Apparently my blood type is known in a tri-state area of mosquito conniseours. Lucky me.
The important thing is: today is get well-siting prices day. Call every local well driller within 75 miles and find the best prices and quickest appointment time. More than likely we will go with one of the companies that drilled the well for our neighbors and Mom & Dad. And isn't that the beauty of living in a rural area -- having just a few neighbors to speak with and learn from. I'm luckier than some; relationships have already been established by my in-laws and it seems everyone on our road knows my darling hubby (fond memories of him driving his old Harley off and back from his ironhorse adventures). I get hugs from the neighbor lady across the street the first day we meet. I'm at home and accepted so quickly. They probably all think I'm a city-girl who finally wised-up and moved out to wide open spaces. They would be correct.
So, a well is in our near future. Here's how its working for us: the company we're going to us is going to site the well for free (free is good!). Then -- after the perk test -- we're going to get the well drilled. This will cost us 10$ per foot for the drilling and casing (high cost around $6000, but I don't think we'll have to go that far). THEN we need a pump and all the accessories that go into transferring the water from the well to a house. Cost range on this is $2000 to $4000 depending on what kind of well is dug, how much water we're getting, and how deep the well had to be dug. I think we're going to come out somewhere in the middle without a lot of problems; seems there is an artesian well under all our pine trees and scrub.
This is the first steps in building our homestead and I am thrilled!
And so it begins -- albiet at a snails pace. The speed limit around here averages 40 miles per hour. Life, however, moves a lot slower. Adjusting my pace is going to take a while for this 'city-girl'.
____________________________________
Oh! almost forgot! Did not get the job I applied for, so now I am free to volunteer at the library and my first assignment: reading stories to the kindergarten classes! I am so excited! I picked out my three books from the stack last week and the librarian will go with me for my first visit to introduce me around and get me started. I may not be working for a paycheck, but I love that I'll still be able to contribute to the community in an educational setting. No sense letting those college degrees go to waste!
Big smiles and best wishes for you all around for the days ahead.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Huckleberries, Muscadines, and Persimmons ... Oh My!
Well, we haven't broken the first bit of ground on our little corner of the world but we have the beginnings of a fruit orchard already waiting for us. Amazing how nature supplies us when we least expect it.
From my earlier post, we found out from our County Extension Office (who is FABULOUS!) that we don't have a blueberry bush but a HUCKLEBERRY bush ... which the deer have nearly decimated. How did my darling hubby put it? We've been "infliltrated"! LOL! We have the spot marked and will begin to prune and protect our little berry baby so we have a nice crop next year. Looking forward to finding huckleberry jam recipies to can. Please feel free to submit a recipie if you have one, otherwise I'll be over at Canning Granny looking for ideas.
(BTW: Canning Granny is one of my all time favorite sites for canning ideas. You can follow her page on Facebook and it is well worth it! From tried and tested master canners to the new converts -- ideas, problems, successes, and other information is shared freely and friendly. Check them out if you aren't following them already!)
Remember me mentioning that Hubby and I were out with the survey tape marking off potential house, well, and septic areas?In our trudgings through brush we discovered many of our muscadines had ripened beautifully! And talk about tasty! We were tired, thirsty, and miserable in the heat (okay: I was tired, thirsty, and miserable); the muscadines were warm, juicy, and as sweet as could be straight off the vine. I must have gobbled up a pint while we were out there. We've found three well-developed vines in different locations that will be easy to train on a trellis or vine fence. Just look at these beauties sitting like gems in the jar!
But the walk had more to reveal: Persimmon Trees! They're a little scraggly from the overgrowth of pines, but Hubby and I will clear out to create some more light. Didn't know off hand what we had, but we knew it was a fruit. So, off we went to the Extension Office to bother Clay again. Yes, I was taking photos in the car of our discovery just for this blog ... either as a warning or another one of Nature's bonuses.
Persimmons, it seems, are delicious -- especially to deer. BUT, you have to wait until they're gooey inside and falling off the tree before they're sweet enough to eat -- which won't happen until late Fall. I don't know if the deer wait that long, but the lady at the Extension office said that was what we needed to do if we wanted to make persimmon preserves. According to Clay, the intrepid County Extension Agent, its a lot of work for a little bit of fruit -- sort of like pomegranates.
I like pomegranates. But I will admit that it is definitely a lot of work for a quick burst of yummy goodness. However, with a couple of trees we may be able to make something to can AND leave enough to feed the wildlife. With apologies to my vegetarian readers out there -- it will also help stock our meat freezer if we're lucky.
At the library yesterday, Hubby found a Mother Earth News article on kit houses, building one's own house, and the cost per square footage. This is something I definitely have to read, but our first trip needs to be to the Department of Public Health. Permits, Perk Tests, and Fees ~ oh my. I want to ask my own questions too, like:
Found this glass-roofed yurt through another blog I follow: Living off the Grid. Another great Facebook page to follow. I really wouldn't do this for myself, but this certainly turned out beautifully, don't you think!?
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Premie Hats, Plants, and Projects
Found an interesting plant up on the land we want to develop. Looks like a blueberry plant -- and the deer have definitely been chomping away at it -- but not knowing our native wild edibles as well as we should we didn't take a chance. We took it to our County Extension Office. However, almost 2 weeks later and no answer from the office/plant person. I'm a bit disappointed because I'd really like to know whether to cultivate or eradicate this baby! I've been told that the UGA Extension Services is better about responding to emails and that may be my next tactic. 
It did of course make me pause and think that I really need to do some wild edibles research. I do know we have wild jonquils on the east side of the property. There are the remains of an old homestead there and I believe these beauties lined the walkway to the door. The area is choked by wisteria right now (beautiful, but invasive) or I'd add photos. As we get the area cleared I'll update.All that said and done, Hubby and I are going to start staking and flagging where and what we want to develop. Again, more on that soon. Here's the photo of the plant. If anyone knows what this is let me know.
I was sent this lovely project photo (below) by my good friend Wanda. Looks like I'm going to have to create a space just for this. It should ease my hubby's hammock phobia (LOL). I know: putting the cart before the horse. Should probably have the house first, ya think?! Hahahaha
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Cha-Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes
Finally a return to the blog. The Homesteading Blog that I started a few years back and then ... life got in the way big time.
Suffice to say this last (school) year was my annus horriblus, at least professionally and by extension what it did to me psychologically, emotionally, and socially. We've all had these events however and this is all the dwelling I'm going to allow about that former life. Now I have to be concerned about an ACTUAL dwelling of my own (or our own as my darling husband and I are in this together.)
We have left the comforts of our 1200+ square foot home to the ultra spacious 200 (more or less) square foot of my husband's former bedroom at his parents home. I know: 50 years old and moving back in with the parents, but its a start. There's 25 acres here to access, clear, mold into our vision of a working homestead. Of course we would make this move during what has become known as the "Georgia Monsoon Season 2013".
I'm not kidding -- we've NEVER seen this much rain in our entire lives during a Georgia summer. The ground is saturated and one of the first things we have to do before we even BEGIN to get a home established on this land is get a perk test done. How do you get a reliable perk test when the ground is already saturated? I'm hoping that as the season changes we'll see some dryer weather and then get the test done.
Now, some things I didn't know about establishing a new residence from the ground up (literally). Permits will cost you a fortune! And I'm not a stupid woman! I've read my Countryside and Backwoods Home magazines cover to cover and I have gleaned from others home-building experiences that you have to obtain permits if you want certian necessities -- like hot water.
Hot water is something that hubby and I just are not compromising on -- it is a requirement.
And indoor plumbing would be nice and we likely couldn't get away with an outhouse in this county anyway (although I have seen some nice ones I wouldn't mind in lieu of an indoor loo).
Can't get any of that until we have tests and permits which will cost us in the 550$ range just for the perk test and septic tank permit. I have to have a permit to install a septic tank. The mind still boggles. I get the perk test (300$) but not the "county's permission slip" to put in a septic tank (250$). Seems like the perk test alone should be the stamp of approval, but as everyone tells me, "they" all get their cut.
"They" again. "They" are who I'm trying to get out of my life for the most part. But, I'll get to that over the course of this blog experiment.
There are so many great ideas I want to get started with but at the moment weather and tying up loose ends with the outside world have consumed most of the month here. My son -- a high school senior this year -- is staying in our former community with family friends; a decision that both encourages and depresses me depending on the day and how long its been since I've heard from him. Darling Hubby needed to get on with Medicare for health insurance, I need to get the son on with Medicaid through DFACS (a program I NEVER thought I'd have to touch again!), and I will be without insurance until I can find either a job or something Obamaaffordable.
Bank accounts had to be moved, driver's licenses and insurance and tags moved to our new county, school and guardianship issues had to be straightened out with counselors, registars, and bookkeepers. Phone services had to be modified. And then there was the internet.
Or rather: lack of internet. We are so far out in the woods and away from the town 'proper' that internet service isn't available unless you get it by satelite. Pricing the only service provider in this area was pure sticker shock: 100$ for the basic service (local channels) and then nearly another 100$ if we wanted internet access AND internet surfing capabilities. I didn't know they were separate -- did you? LOL! So, that led to a purchase of a handy dandy laptop after spending a few weeks working in thelibrary computer lab. I'm a slow Blogger, kind of like my knitting -- want to get it right and constantly double check my stitches/word choices. I just felt like I was taking up too much computer time for others who really couldn't afford a computer. Although there isn't always an open corner for me to hide away and work, I find spots and the librarians seem to approve. I love this little library -- everyone knows everyone and picks out special books for frequent readers.
---------------------------------------------
So much to do and an internet blog is probably the last thing I need to worry about but I really want to do a blog about two older ... make that 'seasoned' ... people FINALLY beginning to break ground on just a dream and turn it into a dream realized. And we really know how to do so little when it comes to building a house. My darling man wants to get a modest trailer and put up a brick and mortar foundation skirt. I see his point: the plumbing and electrical wiring will all be in place, the appliances and counters, flooring and roofing all warranted and guaranteed. It makes sense, honestly. But ... I want to build.
I want to move the dirt around and get rid of the scrub; build a guide fence for the wild muscadine vines and cage in and protect the wild blueberry bushes. I want to terrace the slope the loggers cleared (and left such a mess) with the abundant wisteria vine and turn it into our fruit tree orchard.
I want to set my concrete piers and pier anchor blocks and build a raised foundation with a trap door to get to the plumbing shut off valve. I want a wrap around porch for cooking during the summer, storing food over the winter, and having my morning coffee or afternoon nap whenever the mood strikes.
As I went through my horrible last year of teaching (politics of personalities, not the kids) the only thought that took the edge off my anxiety of leaving was "work the soil, heal the mind." This mantra just popped in my head one day ... one of my lowest days ... and then *work the soil, heal the mind* was there, like a seed; like divine inspiration. Like a message too strong to ignore.
So, even though I fell in love with a cute little trailer and we had the money to purchase it outright and the lady who owned it wanted us to have it, the deal weirdly fell through and it was no longer an option (although it really would have fit us well). And as much as I really liked the place and REALLY wanted it NOW ... when we didn't get it I couldn't help wondering if I was cheating myself of my next great adventure: building my own home from scratch.
Darling Hubby still looks for trailer bargins in the penny pincher type magazines, but I'm convinced that we'll be happy with something we make ourselves. He may disagree however. Maybe, just maybe I can convince him that this IS our next great adventure -- the one we get to do together. To turn this overgrown, neglected beautiful slope into a homestead oasis that sustains us body and soul.
If we stay within budget -- I might get my satelite internet connection after all (and won't the library miss me then ;)
Suffice to say this last (school) year was my annus horriblus, at least professionally and by extension what it did to me psychologically, emotionally, and socially. We've all had these events however and this is all the dwelling I'm going to allow about that former life. Now I have to be concerned about an ACTUAL dwelling of my own (or our own as my darling husband and I are in this together.)
We have left the comforts of our 1200+ square foot home to the ultra spacious 200 (more or less) square foot of my husband's former bedroom at his parents home. I know: 50 years old and moving back in with the parents, but its a start. There's 25 acres here to access, clear, mold into our vision of a working homestead. Of course we would make this move during what has become known as the "Georgia Monsoon Season 2013".
I'm not kidding -- we've NEVER seen this much rain in our entire lives during a Georgia summer. The ground is saturated and one of the first things we have to do before we even BEGIN to get a home established on this land is get a perk test done. How do you get a reliable perk test when the ground is already saturated? I'm hoping that as the season changes we'll see some dryer weather and then get the test done.
Now, some things I didn't know about establishing a new residence from the ground up (literally). Permits will cost you a fortune! And I'm not a stupid woman! I've read my Countryside and Backwoods Home magazines cover to cover and I have gleaned from others home-building experiences that you have to obtain permits if you want certian necessities -- like hot water.
Hot water is something that hubby and I just are not compromising on -- it is a requirement.
And indoor plumbing would be nice and we likely couldn't get away with an outhouse in this county anyway (although I have seen some nice ones I wouldn't mind in lieu of an indoor loo).
Can't get any of that until we have tests and permits which will cost us in the 550$ range just for the perk test and septic tank permit. I have to have a permit to install a septic tank. The mind still boggles. I get the perk test (300$) but not the "county's permission slip" to put in a septic tank (250$). Seems like the perk test alone should be the stamp of approval, but as everyone tells me, "they" all get their cut.
"They" again. "They" are who I'm trying to get out of my life for the most part. But, I'll get to that over the course of this blog experiment.
There are so many great ideas I want to get started with but at the moment weather and tying up loose ends with the outside world have consumed most of the month here. My son -- a high school senior this year -- is staying in our former community with family friends; a decision that both encourages and depresses me depending on the day and how long its been since I've heard from him. Darling Hubby needed to get on with Medicare for health insurance, I need to get the son on with Medicaid through DFACS (a program I NEVER thought I'd have to touch again!), and I will be without insurance until I can find either a job or something Obamaaffordable.
Bank accounts had to be moved, driver's licenses and insurance and tags moved to our new county, school and guardianship issues had to be straightened out with counselors, registars, and bookkeepers. Phone services had to be modified. And then there was the internet.
Or rather: lack of internet. We are so far out in the woods and away from the town 'proper' that internet service isn't available unless you get it by satelite. Pricing the only service provider in this area was pure sticker shock: 100$ for the basic service (local channels) and then nearly another 100$ if we wanted internet access AND internet surfing capabilities. I didn't know they were separate -- did you? LOL! So, that led to a purchase of a handy dandy laptop after spending a few weeks working in thelibrary computer lab. I'm a slow Blogger, kind of like my knitting -- want to get it right and constantly double check my stitches/word choices. I just felt like I was taking up too much computer time for others who really couldn't afford a computer. Although there isn't always an open corner for me to hide away and work, I find spots and the librarians seem to approve. I love this little library -- everyone knows everyone and picks out special books for frequent readers.
---------------------------------------------
So much to do and an internet blog is probably the last thing I need to worry about but I really want to do a blog about two older ... make that 'seasoned' ... people FINALLY beginning to break ground on just a dream and turn it into a dream realized. And we really know how to do so little when it comes to building a house. My darling man wants to get a modest trailer and put up a brick and mortar foundation skirt. I see his point: the plumbing and electrical wiring will all be in place, the appliances and counters, flooring and roofing all warranted and guaranteed. It makes sense, honestly. But ... I want to build.
I want to move the dirt around and get rid of the scrub; build a guide fence for the wild muscadine vines and cage in and protect the wild blueberry bushes. I want to terrace the slope the loggers cleared (and left such a mess) with the abundant wisteria vine and turn it into our fruit tree orchard.
I want to set my concrete piers and pier anchor blocks and build a raised foundation with a trap door to get to the plumbing shut off valve. I want a wrap around porch for cooking during the summer, storing food over the winter, and having my morning coffee or afternoon nap whenever the mood strikes.
As I went through my horrible last year of teaching (politics of personalities, not the kids) the only thought that took the edge off my anxiety of leaving was "work the soil, heal the mind." This mantra just popped in my head one day ... one of my lowest days ... and then *work the soil, heal the mind* was there, like a seed; like divine inspiration. Like a message too strong to ignore.
So, even though I fell in love with a cute little trailer and we had the money to purchase it outright and the lady who owned it wanted us to have it, the deal weirdly fell through and it was no longer an option (although it really would have fit us well). And as much as I really liked the place and REALLY wanted it NOW ... when we didn't get it I couldn't help wondering if I was cheating myself of my next great adventure: building my own home from scratch.
Darling Hubby still looks for trailer bargins in the penny pincher type magazines, but I'm convinced that we'll be happy with something we make ourselves. He may disagree however. Maybe, just maybe I can convince him that this IS our next great adventure -- the one we get to do together. To turn this overgrown, neglected beautiful slope into a homestead oasis that sustains us body and soul.
If we stay within budget -- I might get my satelite internet connection after all (and won't the library miss me then ;)
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