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Across the Fence:  My new off grid home :)  |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3340 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3340 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 20 2012 : 2:26:04 PM
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Finally....I applaud all of your very important and VALID points Annette!
I've been following this thread for quite a while, but held back on any comment. I would never do what Michele is doing without months and months of preparation and research especially in this day and age. It all sounds very "adventurous" and brave, but you better be able to back it up. I hope your words are taken to heart so this "adventure" doesn't turn out to be a serious disaster. Just my thoughts....
Melody
Farmgirl #525 |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2012 : 3:16:47 PM
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Thank you Melody & Mary Jane......for your comments...Yes this is not a whim on my part also you have to realize I have lived this way twice in different States...one being Mo & dealing with horrible ice storms...both were without a car as well....I am not some city girl who has decided to ditch everything & go live in the wilds.......To me this is not an adventure but I am wanting to go back to a way I have lived before & with hubby at odds with me & our marriage its the perfect time for me to do this.....now you all forget I will be near the main house of the farm if I need help with a serous injury or sickness...plus I will have a cell phone on my at all times....I am 3.5 miles from the town center & have farms on all sides of me with homes I can see or get to........with the cold snowy winters I am not worried as I will be in the shed with the wood stove & yes wood is a priority to have, which I will be looking into soon to order & have sent out there...plus there is tons of wood on the property that I can get to easily for use.......If I am hospitalized I can call Mary so she can have either the old milk farmer on the property tend to the chickens or one of her family can come out & tend to them while I am away....but unless I have a heart attack I don't stay in hospitals ever....even with surgeries I came home the next day after a full day of IV's....
As far as research thats why I went to the farm to see it first hand so I would know what I am getting into....googled the map, weather ect for that area as well as crime rate........I am planning everything on a year long plan for supplies, meds, needs & so on....
& also for a few things that run over that for emergencies & so on.......I do have health insurance so I am good there........the main thing is that I have everything I will need for the winter...spring, summer will be not so bad for my needs....
I am taking all precautions with this, plus having people who I can contact while there plus Mary & her hubby comes up there once a month to check on the place so if I need anything she will bring it then with them..........Again hens thank you for the advice any bit helps with something I may have forgotten....Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
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nabrown42
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Nancy
Caneyville
KY
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2012 : 4:38:56 PM
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Michele, you said you always have your cell phone on you. Is the farmer going to let you recharge it in his house?
Guess what was in our post office waiting for us today? You're right...your book and what a treat it is! Keith grabbed it when I went into the little grocery in our tiny burg...he stayed in the car and thumbed through it while I picked up a few things. We're going to give it a good going over and hopefully put it to good use next Spring. Thank you so much for it. Your hard work shows>.
"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." |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2012 : 4:40:10 PM
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I bought & just received a cell phone solar charger yesterday so i never have to depend on the main house electric for it but if all else fails I will have a key to the attic apt where I will be re-doing the floors & walls for her so can if needed charge it in there....
I can't tell you how happy I am that you got your book & hubby grabbed it first...I just hope I did him proud with it & didn't confuse him...but remember any questions you have just email me & I will clear them up for you about the book info ok?.....So if something doesn't make sense you tell me so I can clarify it better for you....Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2012 : 10:24:14 PM
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I think you'll be all right. I would also bring books to read since I'm a literary nut. It'll give you a way to pass the time when those blizzards hit. Remember too, you have to eat more when it's cold to stay warm, especially if you're working outdoors. You might also look up instructions for making a solar oven. Probably can't use it till next spring, but they cook very efficiently in warm weather. You may be a "hen" but you're no chicken!
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/ |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 08:26:18 AM
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Oh Cindy you are a hen after my own heart...yeap am building a solar oven & a outside food dryer that will have removable legs that fit inside the items when not in use...I hit the dollar store & got lots of the larger width foil just for the solar oven/stove.....Another thing I stocked up on is jello...now I can't jell it without a frig but in the winter I love drinking hot jello water like tea.......gives me a boost of sugars & warms me up.....will be put in a thermos to take into the barns with me while I am working...I am taking 2 thermos with me so I can have coffee in one & either hot jello or got herbal teas to carry with me around the farm as I work while its cold.
One of the reasons I am stocking & taking lots of good lima beans (my favorite) along with other beans, pastas & brown rice is so I have hearty meals at the end of the day once work is done........I can slow cook them on the wood stove before I head out on a building & have it going all day so I come back to a good meal & warm place....
I am so thankful for all the hens who are bartering my old books for dried vegs, laundry soaps, ect as they will be wonderful to have & I just don't have time to prepare everything I want with me...I can't tell you how big of a help the hens have been to me over this......Yes the books are another important thing I have been stocking up on....hitting thrift shops ect to get paper back books to take with me......Michele'
Chickens RULE!
hen #2622
theoldbatzfarm.blogspot.com |
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nabrown42
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Nancy
Caneyville
KY
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:06:03 AM
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Michele, what topics do you enjoy reading? I'd be happy to ship some to you.
"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." |
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nabrown42
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Nancy
Caneyville
KY
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:08:54 AM
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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." |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:16:42 AM
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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 |
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nabrown42
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Nancy
Caneyville
KY
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:32:11 AM
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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." |
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kysheeplady
True Blue Farmgirl
1291 Posts
Teri
KY
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 10:48:56 AM
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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 |
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treelady
True Blue Farmgirl
2388 Posts
Julie
Medina
ND
USA
2388 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 11:33:43 AM
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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 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 11:58:20 AM
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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 |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 12:41:58 PM
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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 |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 5:05:34 PM
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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 |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 6:26:03 PM
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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/ |
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erowease
True Blue Farmgirl
294 Posts
Lesley
Edmonds
wa
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2012 : 6:40:33 PM
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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 |
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westfork woman
True Blue Farmgirl
554 Posts
Kennie Lyn
Emmett
Idaho
USA
554 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 09:21:34 AM
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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. |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 09:54:08 AM
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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 |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 11:27:58 AM
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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 |
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westfork woman
True Blue Farmgirl
554 Posts
Kennie Lyn
Emmett
Idaho
USA
554 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2012 : 4:53:11 PM
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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. |
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KathyC
True Blue Farmgirl
583 Posts
Kathy
Gastonia
NC
USA
583 Posts |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 1:50:59 PM
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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 |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 2:20:21 PM
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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 |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2012 : 4:13:30 PM
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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 |
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Across the Fence: My new off grid home :) |
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My new off grid home :)
