| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 16 2012 : 4:12:32 PM
ok today I got up & decided to drive up to see the farm to see what I needed to do to fix the wall in the trailer mary said needed fixed....oh I had such a wonderful drive up there......I saw a beautiful ginger bread house in bright yellow with light green trim that was so pretty,..plywood dinosaurs in a corn field looking over the tops of the corn.....saw a VW rabbit car painted in a pretty gold with huge bunny ears on the back of it......got to see 2 really cool wooden covered bridges, crossed over 2 iron covered bridges & saw fields after fields of sweet corn.....about 7 miles before I got there I had to take a potty break & get more coffee,,,sure glad I did...cause as you will see below I don't think Mary ever really looked at the trailer....
as you can see thats one big hole...but wait it only gets better....lol.lol.lol
window completely removed from the frame
Oh would you look at that, someone decided to rip out most of the ceilings!!!!!
Well goodness sakes theres 2 more windows completely gone
Ok when you get your self up off the floor & wipe those laughter tears away....just know I am sooo glad I did the potty break cause I thought this was so funny....Not only was most of the ceiling ripped out but you could see molds from the leaks...the living room area had huge sheets of paneling gone, insulation gone to the point you could see outside.....both bedrooms had windows broken from the inside out of completely removed & the bathroom had the faucets ripped out of the tub & the wall where the piping for it also ripped out.....The front door was wood & rotted through so bad little of it was left & the so called backdoor had been kicked so hard from the inside it bowed & bend the framing & hinges.....
there is no way this can be fixed to anything I could ever live in since I am sure the floors with all the leaks are also spongy...plus I am sure the carpet is full of molds...lol.lol.lol....poor girl I bet she had no clue when she said it was liveable...well I didn't even see mice or rat droppings so I don't think even they will live in it....
I took over 120 pics of everything I could that she said she wanted fixed...well I am telling you it will take me years of cleaning out junk in the barns ect to just get to the walls....
Now don't fret, there is a 2 room shed they are using for yard stuff that could be used if I add a wood floor....to it & cut a double wide opening between the rooms so I can have the wood stove heat all of it.....
I will be writing about this on my blog with all the lovely pictures later on once I have rested a bit...10 1/2 hours of total driving time wore me out......but I had to share this with you all cause it tickled me so much...Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MtnGrlByTheBay |
Posted - Aug 29 2012 : 07:29:55 AM
Wow, it all just reminds me of the times we made forts as kids. Only better.
^^^I'm a RidgeRunner, and will always feel best when surrounded by the PA mountains.^^^
www.lastlapgang.com |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 25 2012 : 8:42:23 PM
You just tickle me to no end Heather...funny you would ask about the little packs of mayo...been looking for them but haven't found them so yes those would be perfect, yes taking beef, chicken & veg boullions with me....love cheddar broccoli soup & dry cheddar potato.........i love all soups as long as they don't contain split peas...could never like that one...but if it has cheese in it i love it, & am a big fan of wild rice anything......also like the dried onion soup as well....been pulling all the cheese packs form my mac & cheese boxes to take with me...lol...hubby doesn't eat cheese so he won't miss it......also found in a discount store some fondoo (sp) cheese thats already creamed that I got for under a $1 for a huge pack....so that will be a nice thing to have its a swiss cheese mix that will be great on noodles or in a cheesy soup this winter.....hope everyone is having a great weekend...Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 25 2012 : 8:27:01 PM
ok good to know! lol I am going to keep asking a few more questions, cause I am shopping and looking around for things to send you.
Would you like mayo in those little packets (no need to fridge!), would you like dry cheddar potato, or cheddar broccoli soup, or dry wild rice soup? Are you taking chicken base or chicken bullion? Do you like alphabet soup?
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 9:55:10 PM
Ok heather the cous cous sounds like something I would really like.....No I do not have a pie iron.....lol...since I had to asked you ant it was...but it sounds very cool, but please don't send something like that...thats way too much expense wise...I am taking one of my grittle flat things for making pancakes over the campfire so that should be good for grilling sandwiches...don't you think?.....
Ok I do like jams that are like apricot or berrie types...as for smores...love the graham crackers & choc...marshmallows not so much...but will nevev ever say no to choc...lol....Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 9:47:35 PM
A pie iron, is cast iron thing that you use over a fire to make pies, or grilled sandwiches and such, has a long handle.
Cous cous is very small pasta, about the size of rice. I was also considering quinoa it's about the same size but is a grain, the only down fall of it is it needs to be rinsed with water to get the bitter coating off first.
Do you like smore's or jam?
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 4:51:25 PM
ok heather..I am talking over 200 lbs of oatmeal with me...part for me part for the chickens..so good there...
am taking popcorn, have old enamel pot that does popcorn well....
What is a pie iron?
any quick breads I can do in a coffee can on top of the wood stove or over the camp fire...I love pumpkin or a spice bread the best but any would be enjoyed....
Never had cous cous...is it like rice/...if so would love that...probably plain would work best for me...
am taking lots of spices so good there as well
Since I am going to try very very hard to quit smoking, any hard candies would be wonderful...even sugar free are fine since I like them...just don't add butterscotch...everything else I like........I hear mint type candies are some of the best to suck on when trying to quit smoking...something to do with the calming effect mints have on the mind & body....
drying banana's right now.....Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 4:14:07 PM
ok what about oatmeal? Are you bringing enough, and do you like dried fruits for that if so?
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 4:13:30 PM
ok great info, also a few more questions
Do you like?
Cous cous-if so what flavors? OR do you like plain?
Is there spices you need, or are you bringing enough?
bread-if so what kinds?
Smore's? Or marshmallows-was thinking you could make them over your wood stove!
Popcorn?
Are you taking a popcorn popper for the stove? (we used to have one but no longer do, you may want to ask on freecycle if you don't have one yet)
Do you have one of those pie irons?
Do you like jam? What kind?
That's what I have thought of so far....am still racking my brain.
Hoping I can think of enough stuff where all of us can send useful care packages.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 2:20:21 PM
Heather...so many questions, but thank you its so hard to think of everything & you helped me more than yo know with your lists...
yes I am taking closeable containers for things so mice, bugs ect can't get into them.......I have so many here I am good to go on that....
as for liking...yes I like tuna (have about) 15 cans right now to take......Salmon & chicken (or baby turkey as we call it here) I have yet to get but do like...& yes love all kinds of crackers.
My mail will be deliveried right to the farm so I will be able to get it daily....so no walking into town to the post office
I love easy cookies like, oatmeal, raisin, gingersnap, molasses & choc chip...actually never met a cookie I didn't like...lol
Also adore biscotti types of cookies
As for dollies & so on I have tons that I can pick thur & take with me...I even have 1940's small table clothes I want to take...am good on bedding & pillow stuff also.....
My main thing is not getting bored when I am stuck cause of a snow storm...reading material like books/mags, small simple sewing kits, things like that I can put away easily when not working on.
Food items need to be able to deal with no heat, no frig concepts....love jerky of all kinds also.......
Things you can put in a envelope like powdered soups would be wonderful...hot choc or tea also...don't go big on this hens anything even a card would be wonderful from you all......
I promise you I will not starve or go hungry while there.......but am so thankful & blessed for your thoughtfulness...Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 1:50:59 PM
Please send me your new mailing address, I may or may not send anything. But, I want to at least try.
Please also add to the things you like.
Do you like tuna or salmon or chicken? Do you like beef jerky? Do you like crackers?
I would take as many jars and cans with you as you can for storage (to keep mice and such out!). I will try to send "tins" as I can, but I would like to send them filled at first with things you would like!
If I was you I would be hitting up freecycle before you leave (for jars, tins, and the like).
Any other "treats" that you like? Cookies, or such?
And where will the mail be going, and how frequently will you be able to get it?
Just let me know so I can think of some more things, and such. I don't want to bombard you with anything that wouldn't be useful to you.
What light weight decor would you like? Doilies, pillow cases, napkins? Please let us know.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| KathyC |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 11:18:02 PM
Michele,
Here's a short article about cheeses that do not have to be refrigerated http://www.ehow.com/info_8359918_cheeses-do-not-need-refrigerated.html and here's a youtube video about using on old refrigerator to make a root cellar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLM6rWmQxic.
Can't wait to hear about your adventures and I will be sending you a care package from time to time.
Kathy |
| westfork woman |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 4:53:11 PM
Once on a tv special about Siberia they showed the family opening up a small trap door in the kitchen floor, and reaching down about 3 feet and pulling up potatos and onions and even fresh tomatoes. If you are building a wooden floor over the top of the dirt floor in the shed, it should be fairly easy to built a trap door over a hole.
Keep that journal, it is something lots of us would like to read. Kennie Lyn
Greetings from the morning side of the hill. |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 11:27:58 AM
Lynette I plan on keeping a diary of sorts so that when i come back I may write a small book about my year...plus I have stocked up on batteries for my camera so i can take pics of what I do & get done as well....& down load them later...my camera will hold a 1000 pics.....Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 09:54:08 AM
Kennie, I am taking milk jugs & never even thought that I could stick them out to freeze & then bring in to use in a make shift ice box...wonderful & thank you...it means I can have cheese!!!!!!...its funny I have tons of coolers around here so will definitely bring my coleman one with me...can't thank you enough...Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| westfork woman |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 09:21:34 AM
Oh, Michelle, you a woman after my own heart. I have spent my entire life wondering if am as tough as my great-grandmothers. You are headed for the adventure of a life time.
I have a few hints.
When we were in Wyoming we didn't have a fridge. I did have a freezer, so I froze gallon jugs of water and put them in a cooler in my kitchen, and that was in the summer. I would bet that when it starts to get cold, you could freeze jugs of water and trade them off in your cooler. It is amazing just how little stuff you need to keep cold. I didn't even have a big cooler, just one of the old metal coleman's. I kept cheese, some fresh veggie's, mayo, sour cream, and any leftovers.
You should be able to keep some stuff cold by putting it against an outside wall and covering it with a blanket. I kept potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, and apples by stacking them against the back door of the trailer house we lived in in the 70's and covering the door and everything with a heavy blanket. Stay healty and have fun in your new life. Kennie Lyn
Greetings from the morning side of the hill. |
| erowease |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 6:40:33 PM
I am so excited for you and your new adventure. I think this will give you the time you need to find yourself and put everything into perspective. Yes, there will be trials and tribulations but each one a lesson to learn and make you stronger. I wish you the best.
Lesley
#2950
"I see God in the eyes of every child...every life is precious to God, whatever the circumstances." Mother Teresa |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 6:26:03 PM
Michele--you can dehydrate cottage cheese and keep in an airtight container. No need to refrigerate it. I learned about it in MaryJane's Outpost book. Comes in handy when you're hiking or camping as well.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 5:05:34 PM
ok racked my brain while I was moping the dining room floor about what I would need or like while I am there...
Mainly cards & letters are the top important thing for me so I can stay in touch
My biggest worry is catching colds...so good herbal teas for coughs, runny noses & just feeling bad, plus a tea thats for relaxing so on nights my mind is going 90 miles an hour I can sleep.
maybe some small packs of flavored coffees like hazelnut or so on......can be instant or regular since I will be brewing coffee...can't live without it...lol
the crystal light type lemonade. you can add to water in a bottle..
homemade baby wipes for when I am out in the barns & need to wipe my face of hands.....i could do the wet wash cloth in a baggie but I have a feeling it won't be enough when I am in a really dirty area....I do plan to wash the baby wipes & reuse them if possible...
maybe something I can use in my big plastic tub to help ease sore muscles when I bathe.
I would love candy canes around the holidays...adore those & eat them alot when I can get them.
Any dried soups you make
any dried fruits you do
any dried vegs except for hot peppers & bell peppers
If anyone knows of any cheese you don't have to refrig would you tell me...I love cheese & have it in the frig at all times but there except in the winter won't have it unless you know of some i can keep in a baggie & not cold....That is one thing I know I will miss so any ideas...please tell me.......I know Baby Bells don't have to be refrigged so will be stocking up on those & there is another in a paper round box with a cow on it that doesn't have to be cold either...other than that I don't know.
I will have plenty of beans, brown rice & macaroni so will be good there.....
oh & kittie treats if possible...need happy cats as well as the happy chickens...
xoxo...Michele'
Also need lots of love sent & friendship sent my way as i prepare for this & after I go......
I will post the address just a few days before I go so those who want to write can....
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 12:41:58 PM
Kristin, most of the building have been there since early 1880's...pretty amazing isn't it...they were built so well...one barn which i adore is all hooked together with heavy wood dowels & notched beams...I am sure if I look real hard once there I will find lots of square headed nails as well...Those if I have to remove will be used if possible again...if not will create a art piece with them for the farm.....
Oh hens I just don't know what to say....I can't believe with everything you are all doing you want to send me care packages to boot...what have i done to deserve all this kindness for you all....
its easier to tell you what i don't like than to try & list everything i do so here goes
don't like or can't eat:
bell peppers
split peas
anything with liver
butterscotch
nuts...no teeth to chew them up with
Anything else is a go & will greatly enjoy but I will think about this tonight & do a list for you all so its easier for you.....
I can't tell you how honored i am about your thoughtfulness...lots of hen hugs.kisses sent your way...Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 11:58:20 AM
Michele, I love that 2nd picture of the wooden building through the hole in the wall. That looks like it will be around for a long time. I am hoping you have a great year there. I will look forward to your postings while you're there too.
Kris
Happiness is simple.
www.kris-outbackfarm.blogspot.com |
| treelady |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 11:33:43 AM
I have been working on a Michele care package already, my dehydrator has been going for a couple of days :). Was just thinking I needed to find a box to start putting goodies in it. I also think it would be good to stagger them out a bit, so she always has something to look forward to.
A little rain can straighten a flower stem. A little love can change a life.
Max Lucado |
| kysheeplady |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:48:56 AM
Michele,
Couldn't you just do a wish list for us ... you know of things you would like but, don't have time to make or can't bring and all the hens ... that wanted to ... could pick something from YOUR list and we could send it along to you????
Teri
"There are black sheep in every flock"
White Sheep Farm
www.whitesheepfarm.com |
| nabrown42 |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:32:11 AM
Are there any foods you don't like? It's no fun getting something you don't like when storage is at a premium. It would make sense to send you things after you get to NY rather than make you have to pack them up and tote them when you move. Even if others aren't interested in doing this, which I doubt very much, I am going to get up a Michele Care Package, from now on known as a MCP, and get it off to you as soon as you give me the go-ahead.
"I've wept in the night for the shortness of sight that to someone's needs I've been blind; but I've yet to feel a twinge of regret for being a little too kind." |
| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:16:42 AM
Oh sweetie I am so smiling right now & my heart feels like it will explode.....now for paperback books I like...all mysteries...love to get all of the Agatha Christies again...been years since I read them....also love books like Tom Clancey(sp?) writes.....they are war type mysteries.........I also love Readers Digest....I also like the authors who are like erma bomback....things that make you laugh on the floor type of books......
The offer to send dried food is sooo kind.....thank you xoxo...Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
| nabrown42 |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:08:54 AM
Dear sister hens, We could all help Michele out by sending a packet of dehydrated food, homemade or store bought. I'd love to start of group MJB's friends to help support this courageous sister. Anyone else interested?
"I've wept in the night for the shortness of sight that to someone's needs I've been blind; but I've yet to feel a twinge of regret for being a little too kind." |
