Annarchy

Morning came early for me, knowing we would get to see the Valley for the first time, now that the day was here, we were faced with the challenge to transverse the steep grade. From our vantage point, here at the apex of the mountain, we could easily see most of the valley. Forests beginning to bud light greens that contrasted the crystal blue of the lake. Hills shrouded by tree tops blending into the landscape gently sloping toward the lower valley. The far mountains still capped in snow glistening as the sun crested the horizon. A breathtaking sight that was peaceful, inviting and intriguing. I glanced back one more time, before heading to the meeting about getting us down the other side. The pulley system was ingenious and I watched intently as the first few wagons were carefully maneuvered into place and escorted down the trail. Hurriedly, I covered the bird cages and checked the tightness of the ropes holding everything down. Big D's wagon was next, as seamless as the routine had become, I had to subdue my apprehension and watched as it passed the boulders safely near the bottom. As the wagon turned the corner, I could see James giving the thumbs-up signal back up at us, then, it disappeared into the trees. Big D's buggy went down almost toppling at the rut midway. A hoot from someone and it was up-righted as quickly as it had tipped. Big D almost squeezed the life out of my arm as we stood there watching. The ropes they used to tie the wheels worked as well on her buggy as on AH's. GS used the quad to get some of the men back up the hill and take Mother's Mother, Big D and a few others who were not as sure footed down. He commented he thought his mother bruised his ribs as hard as she was hanging on. I used my walking stick to come down behind our wagon. Once down to the pull off, I gathered some wood and started a small camp fire to help ease the stress of the day and make it possible for those who wanted to cook or warm up. With only half of us safely down the incline, it was difficult for me to sleep well. I sat at the fire most of the night dozing occasionally, listening to the silence of the night, and watching the stars. As dawn broke, everyone got up early and got right back to the task of getting everyone else safely off the mountain top. The quad still had three quarters of a tank left and was used again to give rides back up the incline and down with people and boxes. By the time everyone was down, he had half of a tank left. You could tell by the end of the day, everyone was beat from the work and stress of the last two days, by the subdued conversations, yet, there was an air of excitement for what our futures hold. I fed and watered our animals, made GS a bowl of chicken soup and we laid down for the night, relieved no one was hurt.

There isn't a little magnifying glass or such for me. (I'm a Mac) When I Right+click, I can open it in a separate window and save it, but it is the same size as the one on the page, approximately 200W x 400L pixels. When we get home tonight, I'll use my PC and see how it looks. IRL, we will be going back home today. Thoughts of our WH trip wafting in my mind, hoping no one gives us any trouble or obstacles to endure, yet. LOL

Zzzzzz

Oh my, Michael, we've got some dogwood and sandalwood if you want to trade some chick peas and tomato paste...... Seems all you have to do is cover with some sand and in a couple of days you have pups. The sandalwood takes an extra day to produce sandals.

Don't worry CeeGee, when we moved from the farm, I was a teen, we moved into the heart of a big city. Quite the culture shock to a little farm girl. Got educated real quick. Big D (MIL) is strictly a big city Lady, with all the bells and whistles, her DH did everything for her. She's been riding along cushioned in pillows in her buggy, still being waited on hand and foot. Hmmmm... who's opening the spa at the hot springs? I'll be looking forward to making regular visits to relieve my tired bones. Maybe Naomi will open a salon to manicure our tired hands. I really liked the info about an acre, thank you Mother. Gotta go, stews on

Here it is: (05:04 PM) firegirl969 - This is firegirl. I finally got in. I am waiting on the chat for the Wagons 'Ho journey discussion tonight. I just want to make sure I got this right. Somebody please let me know. Blessings, firegirl (05:09 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - OK glad you got it. I sent you a PM and here you are (05:11 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - there you are ! (05:11 PM) firegirl969 - Yea, I wasn't going all the way to the top of the page. Go figure that. Well, glad I got in. I am going to cook supper now (crab stew) and then be ready for the 9:30 chat. Thanks for giving me the directions. (05:12 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - hello firegirl969 (05:13 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - OK glad you can write as well as find it see ya later (05:13 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (05:33 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - time to make more coffee - lets see I got the wood, matches, coffee pot, coffee cup................ now where did I put the coffee beans? Somewhere in one of the tubes I am sure................. maybe here.......... or here? Got them. OK so now the coffee bean grinder? it sould be with the Colman Kitchen ..... Yes! so I am all set for the meeting. Coffe anyone I got plenty? (06:13 PM) CeeGee - Just wondering by the fire to make sure that I can find my way.... (06:29 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Did someone say coffee? I'm gonna go get a cup! Be right back. (06:37 PM) Annarchy - Bringing up the rear............but I'm here (06:38 PM) CeeGee - Howdy, all! I think that we are a bit early.....hope we don't doze off waiting (06:40 PM) CeeGee - don't know about you, but I sure am stiff! (06:41 PM) Annarchy - I was afraid I was late, oxen were mossy'n along... me too. I had quite a time making sure I could get everything in the wagon. (06:41 PM) Annarchy - AH, I've got our coffee cups, might we have a cup of coffee too? (06:42 PM) CeeGee - I think that every one else won't be here for 45 mins or so (06:42 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - here's your coffee (06:43 PM) CeeGee - Any one for hot chocolate? (06:43 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Lots of cream, no sugar. Thanks! (06:43 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - brb (06:44 PM) Mother - **Groan** I can see it's going to take some getting used to, this bouncing and all. I'm got a pot of mint tea if anyone is interested (06:45 PM) Mother - Didn't Mt.R promise us a real bathroom? I'm going to go check it out to see if I can find a shower/ BRB. (06:45 PM) CeeGee - I think that if I had tea, I'd fall asleep.... (06:46 PM) CeeGee - A shower.......mmmmmmmmmmmmm (06:46 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I think I heard something about real bathrooms. (06:46 PM) CrabGrassAcres - good coffee! (06:47 PM) Annarchy - Thanks for the coffee AH, ohhh that shower sounds so good, real bathrooms? brb (06:47 PM) CeeGee - brb (06:49 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - well I'm back- Seeing we had the 2 long ladders hanging on the side of the wagon that stick out the back about 4 feet. So Lori asked if I could rig up some canvisa nd make a changing clothes, potty room. Well I had it done before we left. I just now when and got it all set up for her. (06:49 PM) CrabGrassAcres - might be hard to keep a group together, everybody wants a shower (06:50 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - got out her chamber chair so now we are set. we can sit on it to change clothes or sit on it to go potty. I better find that smalll shovel we packed/ (06:52 PM) CrabGrassAcres - we just use a bucket (06:52 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - hang a bucket form the back of the wagon (in our chamber room) and we are feeling good! Good thing the last time we made soap I made some "soap on a rope" remember those? (06:53 PM) CeeGee - we have a bucket with a potty seat (06:54 PM) CrabGrassAcres - remember when the pope came to texas years ago. they were selling "pope soap on a rope"> (06:55 PM) CeeGee - CGA, how did you DD do today? (06:56 PM) CrabGrassAcres - She just grinned and loooked and laughed and rocked. Then crawled in back and took a nap. She travels well. (06:56 PM) CeeGee - good (06:57 PM) Mother - Well that was a quick shower but I feel much better now. A bit chilly but it worked out some of the kinks. AH, we have a more or less permanent potty set up in the camper wagon with curtains that can be pulled around it. (06:57 PM) CrabGrassAcres - The camper is a good idea. (06:58 PM) Annarchy - DH crawled on top of the towels and went back to sleep. He even slept through the sirens. Poor baby, I worked the heck out of him. (06:59 PM) CeeGee - my crew can sleep thru the sirens too. our little town has sirens at 7,12, and 6 mon-fri (07:00 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - Like I want to go potty when the wagon is movng? NOW THAT would be something to wwrite home about! (07:00 PM) Mother - Only if you forget to put the LID down, AH (07:01 PM) Mother - We 'girls' are better aims I believe. (07:02 PM) Annarchy - That's why I thought we were late, he pulled over and handed me a shovel. (07:02 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - LOL (07:04 PM) Mother - I'm glad we have the camper but it's really only just a covered wagon with plastic windows to keep the rain off when you are driving. (07:04 PM) Mother - I'm concerned about it making it through the mountain passes though (07:04 PM) CrabGrassAcres - It looks sturdy (07:05 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - 6 members here and 5 out there somewhere (07:05 PM) Mother - It's pretty neat for sure. Someone took a lot of time to build it. We found it at an auction. (07:05 PM) Mother - We didn't lose anyone along the way, did we? (07:06 PM) CrabGrassAcres - What kind of driving conditions are we expecting once we leave "civilization"? (07:06 PM) CeeGee - can we paint circus pics on it? (07:07 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Where's Mr Rider? (07:07 PM) Mother - If you look close you can see it's got nifty murals on the sides of it. CGA, sounds like it might be forested for most of the way and then that big mountain to get across. Could be bad. (07:07 PM) CeeGee - we are still early (07:08 PM) Mother - CeeGee, I tried to get a caliope or some such to put on it LOL (07:08 PM) CeeGee - LOL! my DH could play it (07:09 PM) firegirl969 - I'm in. I am still having some issues with the computer tonight. Could it be the full moon? I hope I don't lose ya'll. (07:09 PM) Mother - Can't you all just see us coming down the road with that wagon with caliope music blaring? (07:09 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Will we be following forest service roads? (07:09 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - a bit early but we are here so enjoy (07:09 PM) CeeGee - Hi, firegirl (07:09 PM) Mother - Fire girl, We'll get out the duct tape if you have too much trouble and tape you in here LOL (07:09 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - hey firlgirl969 you made it in! (07:10 PM) Mother - CGA We should ask Mt_R when she gets here. (07:10 PM) CeeGee - tape (07:10 PM) Louis1 - (07:10 PM) firegirl969 - Yep, I got in finally. (07:11 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - tape? (07:11 PM) Mother - Hi Louis, nice of you to meet us here for our first night on the road. You going to join our wagon train? (07:11 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I just hope we aren't expected to clear our own roads! (07:11 PM) CeeGee - duck tape (07:11 PM) Mother - We have various colors of duct tape for keeping people in chat. What color would you like FG (07:12 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Hi Mt Rider! (07:12 PM) firegirl969 - Red, it's my favorite color. (07:12 PM) Mother - We do have genuine duck tape CeeGee and even Camo tape!!!! (07:13 PM) Mother - Red it will be then Fire Girl. We'll keep an eye on you and if you have any more trouble we'll start taping LOL (07:14 PM) firegirl969 - I will take the Camo then. Maybe I can sneak up on varmits to make you all a varmit stew for supper one night! (07:14 PM) Mt_Rider - wooofta.....I'm tired! Hi yall! (07:14 PM) CeeGee - howdy MtR (07:14 PM) firegirl969 - Mother, you really have red! Lucky me!! (07:14 PM) Mother - Yum varmit stew. cool. I'm all for it. (07:15 PM) Mother - Hi MtR (07:15 PM) Louis1 - Anybody ever ate varmint stew? (07:15 PM) Mother - Michael has coffee or I have mint tea (07:15 PM) Mother - Depends on the varmint (07:15 PM) CrabGrassAcres - That anything like my famous "roots and road kill stew?" (07:16 PM) Mother - Seriously, I'm wondering how many varmint stews we'll be eating before we reach the valley (07:17 PM) firegirl969 - I made varmit stew when my kids were young. The boys would kill doves, quail, rabbits, and squirrils and clean them then put them in the freezer in bags. They never marked what they had, so I would take out whatever and add onions, potatoes, carrots, and brown gravy mix and call it varmit stew. They loved it. (07:17 PM) Annarchy - Squirrel isn't too shabby. (07:18 PM) firegirl969 - I bet we will get to make lots of variations of varmit stew along the way. I've got the canned potatoes and some dried Vidalia onions along for the road. (07:19 PM) Mother - Actually possum isn't bad if you remove all the fat you can. I like it soaked in milk over night better though. (07:19 PM) CeeGee - can somebody poke MtR and make sure she's awake? (07:19 PM) Mother - I'm not as crazy about raccoon though. (07:20 PM) Mother - Mt_R <<<<<<<< (07:20 PM) firegirl969 - I'm not crazy about possum...too greasy for my tastes. I do look forward to that roadkill stew though. (07:21 PM) Louis1 - Possum in stew is OK (07:21 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - better get that fire going (07:21 PM) Louis1 - Raccoon is great bbq'd, taste like goat (07:21 PM) Mt_Rider - shhhhhhhh Mother!....I was trying to catch up on the conversation... (07:22 PM) Mother - If you soak it overnight in milk then parboil it and toss the first water it's really not bad. (07:22 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - food, food , food is that all you people can think about? (07:22 PM) firegirl969 - Yea, I tried coon BBQ'ed and it was good! (07:22 PM) CoM - Good evening! (07:22 PM) Mt_Rider - We think raccoon got one of our female ducks just before we left.... I'd eat that one! (07:22 PM) Mother - WE've been on the trail all day AH, Of COURSE we're thinking of food LOL (07:22 PM) CeeGee - uhhhh, yea (07:23 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Hi CoM! (07:23 PM) Mt_Rider - Hi CoM.... (07:23 PM) Annarchy - I brought 8 lbs of chicken for PCS, from my freezer. Any room in your freezer CGA for the remainder of the 10 lbs of salmon I didn't get dried yet? (07:23 PM) Mt_Rider - Hey, is there a big enough fire tonite...Mother? Have you baked rust off of cast iron pots before? (07:24 PM) firegirl969 - No, actually I am thinking about when we get farther on down the road maybe we can keep our eyes open for some hot springs to soak in. Doesn't that sound heavenly? (07:24 PM) Mt_Rider - Yum, salmon... (07:24 PM) Mother - Yeah, I have and it does work if the fire is hot enough. I used to clean mine in a self cleaning oven. (07:24 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - we got a big one going now (07:24 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I think we are going to be doing some juggling in the freezers. I thought maybe we should pick up some dry ice for the ice chests too. (07:24 PM) CeeGee - hot springs would be great (07:24 PM) Mt_Rider - Just before leaving I remembered 2 important pieces ... (07:25 PM) Mother - HOT SPRINGS Oh YEAH (07:25 PM) Mother - any on the way Mt_R (07:25 PM) Annarchy - Better yet, I think I use this corner of the fire to smoke it.... where's my extra grill rack?.. (07:25 PM) Mt_Rider - A 2 gallon family heirloon round-bottom kettle with bail handle &... (07:25 PM) Mother - What did you remember MTR (07:25 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Haven't had smoked salmon in yrs (07:26 PM) Mt_Rider - My #8 fire-type dutch oven (07:26 PM) Mother - & (07:26 PM) Mt_Rider - Both rusted but still quite solid... (07:26 PM) Mother - YOu mean you almost forgot them??? (07:27 PM) Cat - Who's smoking salmon? That stuff's hard to keep LIT! (07:27 PM) Mother - Annarchy, I have an extra couple of grills, should we get that salmon going now? (07:27 PM) Mt_Rider - hmm...some folks have family heirlooMs....I get family heirlooNs...LOL [typo] (07:27 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Almost as bad as smoking ham (07:28 PM) Mt_Rider - Hey cat!!! You traveling with us? Gettin' outta 'dodge'? (07:28 PM) Annarchy - Hi Cat....lol (07:28 PM) CeeGee - Cat lol! (07:28 PM) Cat - You guys gonna post the shout/chat? (07:28 PM) Mt_Rider - MtRider will be keeping a carefully eye on that salmon.... (07:28 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - is cat coming with us? (07:29 PM) Mt_Rider - ...post it? Uh...how? And we'd have to take a vote.... Anyone? (07:29 PM) Mother - I figure its really nice of people to come see us as we travel through. Give us a feeling of still being home. (07:29 PM) Cat - I'm just peekin' in. I'm beat. It's been a downer day. (07:29 PM) Mother - I'd like to see it posted if we can? (07:29 PM) Cat - But I'd love to stow away and read it later. (07:29 PM) Mt_Rider - Hi Mommadogs...did you just get here? Are you packing???? (07:29 PM) Mother - Might make a lot of people go HUH???? but it would be fun (07:29 PM) Mt_Rider - ((((cat)))) (07:30 PM) CeeGee - sorry, Cat (07:31 PM) Mother - (((((Cat)))) (07:31 PM) firegirl969 - Suits me to post it if the majority agrees to. (07:32 PM) Mt_Rider - MtRider raps her gavel....or her tin cup: Does anyone object to our Wagons Ho Fireside Chat being posted on the forum? (07:32 PM) CeeGee - fine with me to post (07:32 PM) Annarchy - (((Cat))) (07:33 PM) Mother - Not I (07:33 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - go for it (07:33 PM) Annarchy - I'm ok with it (07:33 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - where's john to tel us how to do it? (07:33 PM) Annarchy - Mother votes "no"? (07:34 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Fine with me (07:34 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - watch out 'the boss' stopped by to say Hello! 07:35 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - well she WAS here? (07:35 PM) Mt_Rider - OK Annarchy...can you do that then?? :hugs3: (07:35 PM) Annarchy - Ok, NP....gotta turn the salmon.... (07:35 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - SO lets get talking about TODAY! (07:36 PM) firegirl969 - Anybody got some hot chocolate made? It's getting cold outside. (07:36 PM) Mt_Rider - Y'know...in the twinkling light of the campfire, Micheal...you get to seeing things. (07:36 PM) CeeGee - I've got hoy chocolate (07:36 PM) Mother - I meant that I didn't MIND LOL (07:36 PM) Cat - Gotta go tuck in a kiddo. *SIGH* What will I do when she no longer wants me to? Night and hugs... (07:36 PM) Annarchy - Hi MommaDongs (07:36 PM) CeeGee - make that hot (07:36 PM) CeeGee - make that hot (07:37 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - smooth ride for us but then again we done this wagon riding (07:37 PM) CeeGee - we must be tired! watch out for the typos! (07:37 PM) MommaDogs - Hi all, just had to take my cranberry jelly out of the canner. Sorry to disappear. I'm packing tonight, gotta get moving, I guess (07:37 PM) Mt_Rider - Hot chocolate...yep, I brought a big batch of add homemade "add-water" kind! Pass it around...watch that kettle doesn't tip.... (07:37 PM) CeeGee - brb (07:37 PM) firegirl969 - CG, can I come get a cup? Nite cat (07:38 PM) MommaDogs - Did anyone figure out how to pack glass jars full of goodies? I would hate to throw it all away. Oh... sounds good, I'll put on a batch of hot chocolate also just in case any of you aren't yet on the wagon train and want to stop by... chocolate chips, sugar, milk... yum (07:38 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - are we missing people aready? (07:39 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - Did they turn back home? (07:39 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - in with the grain in barrels (07:39 PM) MommaDogs - firegirl, I got your pack in my car to be mailed, but have been busy... FYI - hope you didn't need it for the wagon trip. I'll bring it along (07:40 PM) Mt_Rider - Some are trying to rearrange their stuff...critters/wagons....the first few days will be quite a learning curve... (07:40 PM) Mother - My jars are mostly packed in boxes with strips of foam insulation wound them. you know, the kind that you use for sills when you are building. I've used that for years in the camper (07:40 PM) Mt_Rider - How are your animals settling in...we've had enough dog fights...sheeesh! (07:40 PM) CeeGee - yes, firegirl have some chocolate (07:40 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - good plan (07:41 PM) Mother - DD's Saint sat by me the whole day and never moved. I think she just didn't want to walk (07:41 PM) Mt_Rider - I've got towels and other cloth...I hope it holds...but I also put each jar in a plastic bag in case of accident! (07:42 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - Lori is off to bed - not wanting to hear about all the chit-chat about other things was hoping to hear about the trip (07:42 PM) MommaDogs - Just dog fights, or did they go after any of the livestock? (07:42 PM) Mt_Rider - No , just dogs trying to sort out who was gonna be the boss of who.... (07:43 PM) CrabGrassAcres - My Pyrs have been having a good time, but they don't like any other dogs around their flocks. (07:43 PM) MommaDogs - When I join, my Clay will settle it all. We call him the judge... or the fun police. He'll get right in the middle of those fights and tell them to knock it off. He won't bother anyone unless they're being brats. (07:43 PM) Mt_Rider - Which is how it should be! I'm scared to let my dumb dog outta the wagon..but she likes riding too. (07:43 PM) Mother - Mt_R, can you tell us anything about what tomorrow is going to bring. Maybe what we'll be driving through (07:44 PM) CeeGee - so what can we look forward to tomorrow? (07:44 PM) MommaDogs - Samara can't wait to meet your Pyrs - hope they like her. She needs some playmates on this trip. (07:45 PM) firegirl969 - Sorry to disappear, I had to get that cup of hot chocolate. Thanks, CG. It's soooo good! (07:45 PM) CrabGrassAcres - What kind of dog is Samara? (07:45 PM) CoM - Louis???? I sent you a message (07:45 PM) Mt_Rider - Bit more of the same. any time we get on the busier paved roads, they want to escort us. [withOUT sirens puleeez!] We're supposed to make 10 miles tomorrow... (07:45 PM) MommaDogs - It's going to be a quick winter (here quickly) - what are our plans if we are stuck in a snow storm that doesn't let up. (07:45 PM) MommaDogs - Samara is one of Darlene/Kayra's pups. (07:46 PM) Mt_Rider - It's kinda flat so we shouldn't have any trouble ...the next day gets to a hilly section tho. I hope it's dry by then. My horse slipped a few times today in the muddy sections. (07:46 PM) CrabGrassAcres - My adult male, Gordon, is a good judge of character. If she is a good livestock dog, he'll be ok with her. (07:46 PM) Annarchy - 10 miles!? I think my oxen need that whip I brought. They keep wanting to graze on the side of the road. (07:47 PM) MommaDogs - Can I bring solar panels to this settlement? (07:47 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - snowshoes on the ox and skis on the wagon wheels LOL (07:47 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I think some others have solar panels. I'm bringing a generator. (07:47 PM) Mt_Rider - [Mommadogs...This is the last week in March and we nearly expect that there will be at least one more snow...which we'll hunker down and wait out. (07:47 PM) firegirl969 - Our oxen did ok in the mud today, but they sure are stubborn! (07:48 PM) MommaDogs - LOL, she's afraid of livestock. Well, she was, we're working on her. Maybe Gordon can help her out. Oh, and she thinks there is nothing funnier than jumping in the middle of turkeys and seeing the feathers fly. Yeah... LSGD. LOL (07:48 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I've known it to snow the last day of June in the mountains. (07:48 PM) Mt_Rider - Yes on solar....be sure to bring a solar yard light for tent/wagon interior lighting. (07:48 PM) MommaDogs - Oh, I've gotten the time wrong on the chat and the season wrong on the journey. Silly me, of course. (07:49 PM) Mother - I'm bring a couple of solar set up's MD along with some good batteries. Won't last forever but for a while, a long while maybe. We have a couple of small solar panels set up on the wagons too (07:49 PM) CeeGee - solar yard lights help find the potty at night too (07:50 PM) firegirl969 - Yea, I got our solar lights out of the yard and put in the wagon yesterday after one of ya'll posted about them. I didn't bring our solar panels as we didn't have an inverter or batteries yet to go with them. (07:50 PM) Mt_Rider - @ Mommadogs....*this* reality changes! (07:50 PM) Mother - I'd rather have oxen in the snow and mud than horses (07:50 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - we packed our solor reading lamps Michael made for the end talbe sin the bedroom (also work well on the road) (07:51 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Might need to leash Samara then. We will be herding turkeys and geese at least part of the time and they will be out grazing in the evenings. (07:51 PM) Mt_Rider - At least we've only got mud in the low spots....so far.... (07:52 PM) CoM - I guess noone can semy posts (07:52 PM) Mt_Rider - My cat is NOT happy about this lifestyle change. she misses her sunny windowsills and the warm waterbed...lol (07:52 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - what time are we getting up in the morning? I don't want to miss using my GONG! (07:53 PM) firegirl969 - How many turkey eggs can a banty hen set on? I would love to barter for a few in the spring to get me a small start to turkeys. (07:53 PM) Mt_Rider - Sorry CoM....we planned to do this Fireside chat for our Scenario tonite.... it's a special thing. (07:54 PM) Mt_Rider - ...banty on turkey eggs...that's a visual ...so what IS the answer? (07:55 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - 6 but she must really want too LOL (07:55 PM) Mother - AH CoM, ((((( ))))) YOu really aren't invisible, just sort of being outshouted as we're all kind of hyped up about this chat. (07:56 PM) Mother - I've had some banties that wouldn't be able to set on one egg without rolling from side to side to keep it warm LOL (07:56 PM) Mt_Rider - How about just a *bit* later tomorrow morning with your Alarm Clock! sheeeeesh! (07:57 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - brb - gotta go potty....................... now where was that big ol' tree I saw? (07:57 PM) Mother - But if I know banty's, they WILL want to. Best darn moms. (07:57 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I have some poults along in a cage if someone needs a few. (07:58 PM) Mt_Rider - So how are your family/spouses taking to this trail? (07:58 PM) MommaDogs - OH, now there's a question... should I slaughter my ducks and turks now or bring them along alive? (07:58 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I also have some game chicks and ducklings and goslings (07:58 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Bring your poultry live! (07:58 PM) Mother - If Michael is going to get us up with that 'gong' of his could you have him do it from behind that tree he just went to find? (07:58 PM) Annarchy - watch out for bears AH (07:58 PM) CeeGee - well, OGS fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pliiow (07:59 PM) CrabGrassAcres - We will need our livestock when we get there (07:59 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - back! man I know it is still March but it gets COLD when you are away from the fire (07:59 PM) Mother - My Mom is doing great with all this. Loving it in fact. (07:59 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Wish I could sleep that easily (07:59 PM) Mt_Rider - CGA...I REALLY am excited about the Cotton Patch geese..for cleaning garden weeds...so, who tells them what is a weed? (07:59 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Glad your Mom is doing good, Mother (07:59 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Daughter is having a good time (08:00 PM) CeeGee - everyone else was grumbling at the fire when I left (08:00 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Mt Rider, you train them in the brooder. Feed them the weeds you want them to eat (08:00 PM) CrabGrassAcres - They are best at weeding out grass (08:00 PM) CeeGee - but so happy to be here (08:00 PM) Mt_Rider - BRB...gotta check something on the fire... (08:01 PM) firegirl969 - I would love a couple of those poults. We will have to get together and barter for them. I forgot to add one skill that I have. I can sex eggs before setting. That's right. Next year, we can add more hens than roosters to get our flocks going. (08:01 PM) CeeGee - the grumbling will stop in a day or so (08:01 PM) Annarchy - DH will speak to the officers who want to escort us. He said they'll let us slide for a while. He found the library wagon and I haven't seen him since... (08:02 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - hatch turkey eggs: Put straw in a washtube, put lantern in middle and set eggs around that. Don't forget to turn then each day until they hatch. (08:02 PM) firegirl969 - DH isn't real happy either. His butt ain't used to all day in a saddle yet. I think he might be a little "raw!" (08:02 PM) CeeGee - firegirl, how can you sex eggs? I'm just a city girl here (08:03 PM) Mother - My DD is at the library wagon as well. Hey, FG, I want to learn how to sex and egg. (08:04 PM) Annarchy - .....hmmmm... this is going to be good..... (08:04 PM) MommaDogs - I'm pretty sure the pink ones are girls and the blue are boys (08:04 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - PLEASE make sure nody give Bill (Library Wagon Drive any booze. He is trying to stop - that is one reason he is on the trip. (08:05 PM) firegirl969 - Round end=hen Pointed end =rooster. All eggs have one rounded end, the other end is the one you look at. I am at 100% for 2 years for all eggs except Barred Rock. I missed one of them this summer. I pick out the eggs I want to set and pick the hen eggs and set them under the hen. It really works. I learned this some 15 years ago from an elderly black man, and I got good at it way back then. (08:06 PM) Annarchy - Cool! (08:06 PM) CeeGee - thanks (08:06 PM) Mother - I've heard of that FG. haven't tried my hand at it. I can sex a goose, and tell if a hen is laying or not but not sex and egg. Cool (08:07 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - see what being on this trip will do to your brain (08:07 PM) firegirl969 - You're welcome. It will come in real handy when we get "home." (08:07 PM) Mt_Rider - sex and egg?? I leave to go get some chow and...huh? LOL Mother (08:07 PM) MommaDogs - So no pink. (08:07 PM) MommaDogs - Does the same hold true of duck eggs? (08:07 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Need to teach it to the hatcheries so they don't set so many rooster eggs. (08:08 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - ya just might learn a thing or two (08:08 PM) CeeGee - I hope to learn a thing or two (08:08 PM) Mother - Doesn't sex and eggs go together? (08:08 PM) firegirl969 - I haven't ever done any duck eggs. We can try it out though. MommaDogs, I had a pink egg this summer hatch out a hen, but it had the rounded end on it also. (08:09 PM) Mt_Rider - AMEN to that! CGA.....,We get way too many males... (08:09 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I put a ton of books on the library wagon. Guess someone needs to sort them. (08:09 PM) CeeGee - I hope so, mother (08:10 PM) MommaDogs - SEE! Pink = girl LOL (08:10 PM) Mt_Rider - Our 5 'feral boys' up and dissappeared 2 nites ago. No evidence of predators...so we suspect 2-legged? [iRL] (08:10 PM) firegirl969 - Can we check out books from the "library?" (08:10 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - that be Lori as she does that all day at work (08:10 PM) Mt_Rider - [i've heard that's one half of the equation, Mother..lol] (08:10 PM) MommaDogs - I have a ton more books. Who's making sure that the books are not duplicated? (08:11 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - yup just no using them in the outhouse for .... well you know! (08:12 PM) CeeGee - do we have any more business to discuss? my eyes are drooping! (08:12 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - Lori set up a card system last week so we know who got what and how many copies we have just check them in (08:12 PM) Mt_Rider - feral = wild, but really they are the extra males we kicked out of the pen. Too many males and they kill your females [the valuable-for-egg-laying-ones!] cuz of the drive to...y'know. (08:13 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Are the police escort going to let us go into town to shop as needed? (08:13 PM) MommaDogs - Me too. eyes dropping. Good night all. That daylight savings is killing me. See you soon on the trail. (08:13 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - don't forget to check everything over before you put out in the morning - we don't want any surprizes on the road (08:14 PM) Mt_Rider - {gasp} AH...who would *think* of using any book [except the Sears catalog] for TP?? (08:14 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Ain't seen a "Sars catlog' in yrs! (08:14 PM) Annarchy - ....salmon is nicely smoked .... (08:14 PM) Mother - I need to have someone check the harness on the camper horses. i dont know a think about them and I think they are rubbing wrong (08:14 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Last un I did see was all slick pages (08:15 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Phone book works better (08:15 PM) Mother - Did you get it all done Annarchy (08:15 PM) Mt_Rider - Yeah...well....I assume so. We're only supposed to be escorted due to traffic concerns. But you know how folks treated the gypsies in times past. We're bound to get some unpleasant reactions. (08:15 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Mother, ask my sister to check them. She's a horse person. (08:15 PM) Annarchy - I put a replica of the 1890 version in the library wagon. (08:15 PM) Mt_Rider - I brought some phone books! Compact and thin paper! (08:16 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Mt Rider, that's kind of what I was afraid of. (08:16 PM) Mt_Rider - Yum, I wanna taste please? (08:16 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - Michael can check for you (08:16 PM) CrabGrassAcres - That and how folks tend to treat strangers these days (08:17 PM) Annarchy - the fire was perfect on this end and it is cooling, ready to put into some extra ziplocs I brought. (08:17 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Sounds good, Annarchy! (08:18 PM) Annarchy - ....help yourself everyone, less to package and I can save the bags for later. (08:18 PM) Mt_Rider - I'm also concerned that folks might not want to sell to us..outsiders when 'their own' might need the scarce supplies. BUT, to some, a sale is a sale & money in their pocket. (08:18 PM) Mother - Thanks CGA I'll do that In the morning before we leave. My DD is a horse person too but not sure of harnesses. (08:18 PM) CrabGrassAcres - That's some fine eating, Ann (08:18 PM) firegirl969 - Boy, that salmon sounds good. I haven't had smoked salmon in years. I'll come on over a try out a taste. Thanks for sharing, Ann (08:19 PM) Mt_Rider - We'll need to go in groups...not too large a group in any one store [intimidation] yet not too few either. (08:19 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Mt Rider there is that too. Things have got so scarce (08:19 PM) Mother - That would be good too AH. Just so I know they aren't getting into trouble first day out (08:19 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I'm packing my .38 (08:20 PM) firegirl969 - DH will have protection and his badge with him. (08:20 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - we can watch the wagons as we are all set for the trip (08:20 PM) Mother - WE have to be sure to leave enough with the wagons for protection too. (08:21 PM) Mt_Rider - MrSmith&MrJones...they have taken care of security for our whole group but would advise some of our so-inclined folks to add to the night watch. (08:21 PM) Mother - We are all set too but will probably go into a small town later in the trip (08:21 PM) firegirl969 - I can stay with the wagons. I can shoot the rifle or shotgun if need be. (08:22 PM) Annarchy - DH communicates well with almost anyone, with authority. I'll send him and I'll stay with the wagon... I'm a fairly good shot. (08:22 PM) Mt_Rider - Speaking of town/shopping, has anyone realized they forgot something. I am absolutely nuts about forgetting things...I worry too much. (08:23 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - I guess I'm out as watchman - I wouldn't shoot anybody? (08:23 PM) Mt_Rider - Wellll, lets *try* not to shoot anyone but....some folks are gonna be bent on evil... (08:23 PM) firegirl969 - Mt. Rider, I'm with you. I keep going over everything in my head, cause I know I forgot something, but I just can't figure out what it is. (08:23 PM) Annarchy - Awww AH, we need some men to back us up.... (08:24 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I don't have too much trouble with shooting if needed. (08:24 PM) Annarchy - I reevaluated my supplies and was upset at the many things I couldn't bring. *sigh* (08:24 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - nope (08:25 PM) CrabGrassAcres - It was hard to decide on some things (08:25 PM) Mt_Rider - [hi chinajade...we're doing an UNreality scnario here tonite...if this all looks weird to you...From the Wagons Ho thread in Pioneer forum.... ] (08:25 PM) Annarchy - .... wrong AH? (08:25 PM) firegirl969 - My eyes are getting mighty heavy and DH is ready to turn in also, so I will see all of you in the morning. Nite (08:26 PM) Mother - I guess I'm not much for shooting people either but I bet I could talk them to death LOL (08:26 PM) Mt_Rider - Nite firegirl....be ready for that danged loud triangle in the wee hours before dawn... (08:26 PM) Mother - Nite FG (08:27 PM) Annarchy - I honestly can't say which way I would go. If our lives depended on it....? (08:27 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - No that WAS Michael talking. I am a christain and a homesteaders but NO GUNS! (sorry) (08:27 PM) Annarchy - Nite FG (08:27 PM) Annarchy - Ohhhhhh, OK. I sincerely understand. (08:28 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Well, holler if you see a bad guy (08:28 PM) Mt_Rider - lol CGA....sheesh! (08:28 PM) Annarchy - Guns serve a purpose, that's how I feel about them. (08:28 PM) Mt_Rider - I think it *should* be a very hard choice... (08:28 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I'm not itching to shoot anybody, but if I have to, I will. (08:29 PM) Mother - so how do we tell a bad guy.? (08:29 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Just pray it never comes to that (08:29 PM) Mt_Rider - I've chosen but...I hope I don't ever meet that evil... (08:30 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - well I did bring my slingshot and bb's so I can hit them and scare them off? (08:30 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - bad gut wears black hat - good guy wears white hat? (08:31 PM) Mt_Rider - .....a bad guy...the one that is shooting at your family and might have it one... My rule at home was: If they kill my dog while busting in my house... consider that proof of intent (08:31 PM) Mt_Rider - ...um: might have Hit one, I meant (08:31 PM) CrabGrassAcres - If Gordon growls at them, better get your guard up. (08:32 PM) CrabGrassAcres - That dog has a sixth sense or something. (08:32 PM) Mother - If I'm tired enough and they bother me *I* might growl at them (08:32 PM) Mt_Rider - Watch out Micheal...you can put an eye out with the slingshot.... But seriously, I could nearly take your stance too. I can see it both ways. Like I said, I chose. (08:33 PM) Annarchy - bad guys are the ones threatening our lives. I'd probably throw something first, like a big rock or two... (08:33 PM) Mother - O (08:33 PM) Mother - hmmm (08:33 PM) CrabGrassAcres - If they're close enough to hit with a rock, they're too close (08:33 PM) Mother - I've been holding the reins too much today, can anyone tell? (08:34 PM) Mt_Rider - Nah, hide BEHIND the big rock first.... (08:34 PM) Mother - Move over Mt R. (08:34 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I have to think of daughter. She isn't good at hiding. (08:35 PM) Mother - this talk makes me wonder what each of us will do if we ARE faced with a situation. It would be inconceivable that we won't before this is all over. (08:35 PM) Annarchy - LOL, I guess my attitude comes from years of training by my DH. Always doing threat assessment no matter where we go. (08:35 PM) CrabGrassAcres - Mt Rider, are we going to have some sort of road all the way? (08:35 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - Hey about saving the chat- Can it be saved and just PM to all members in the wagon train and nOT posted? well not until we are save and at out new home anyway? Just Michael thinking (08:35 PM) Mt_Rider - yikes...that is true, CGA. Any drill you can teach her? (08:36 PM) CrabGrassAcres - No, she isn't able to learn anything like that. (08:36 PM) Mother - I wonder if we can save the chat in the PL instead. (08:37 PM) Mt_Rider - Micheal, can I seriously ask you how you would handle the situation if some of the group like us were using weapons? (08:37 PM) Annarchy - AH, it can be done, I've saved up to 8:30 so far... (08:38 PM) Mother - I'd like to see it saved as Mom will want to know what we said. She is truly (IRL) enjoying this (08:38 PM) Mt_Rider - {does anyone else see folks blinking in and out on the right column?} (08:39 PM) Mother - I'm not sure how I would even handle it Mt.R. (08:39 PM) CeeGee - yes (08:40 PM) Mt_Rider - OK...we need to have a consences {sp} on IF we will post this...or the PM for WHO members only????? (08:40 PM) CrabGrassAcres - It is fine with me. I consider this a public area anyhow. (08:40 PM) Annarchy - I'm ok anyway you choose....... up to the point I need to leave. (08:40 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - OH I have no problem with OTHERS using guns ans stuff - I just will not. LIKE hunting it is fine if you plan to keep the meat but just to shoot fo rthe 'sport' of it - BAD! (08:41 PM) Annarchy - I'll send it to anyone who want, and you all can post or don't post it. (08:41 PM) CeeGee - fine with me to post (08:41 PM) Mother - I agree AH. I'm not a big fan of guns for guns sake but I have come to appreciate the possibility of needing them in the near future for protection. I'm just not sure I could use one on a person (08:42 PM) CrabGrassAcres - AH, glad we aren't offending (08:42 PM) Mt_Rider - AH..you ok with posting in Pioneer forum..separate thread? (08:42 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I just hope I neither hesitate too long nor shoot too soon. (08:43 PM) CrabGrassAcres - I expect I'd probably hesitate too long. (08:43 PM) Mt_Rider - Mother, you did in our Ill. story.... I agree totally about kill for no reason, even animals!!!! (08:43 PM) Mt_Rider - I'm with you, CGA!! (08:44 PM) Annarchy - Me too. (08:44 PM) Mt_Rider - I'd imagine I'd do some puking afterwards.... (08:45 PM) Mt_Rider - "our" Ill. story = "your" (08:45 PM) Amishway Homesteaders - where ever is fine with me. I was just thinking if we are 'hiding' from others. well shouldn't we be 'hiding' then? Make them wonder what we are up too. (08:45 PM) Mother - I suspect that I would do exactly as I did in Illinois Story. I would not be thinking about it but would just do it to protect those I loved. But if you read that story you know what happened afterwards too. (08:46 PM) Mt_Rider - yes Mother, I thot that part was quite realistic! (08:46 PM) Mother - I somehow suspect that dozens of horse and oxen drawn wagons would not be able to excape detection no matter WHAT they did LOL (08:47 PM) Annarchy - Well, time for me to retire, I've saved up to 8:45 pm.....I'll send it to Mt_Rider & Mother to add to it.... OK? (08:48 PM) Mt_Rider - "hiding" lol Micheal.... Now I just wonder about someone "official" reading this and being confused.. (08:48 PM) Mother - how do we save the rest or is that up until NOW? (08:48 PM) CeeGee - I am off too..............g'night all

When I told my dearest, he said, "Sorta like Moses at the Jordan river" LOL ------------------------------------------------------------ MT3B ------------------------------------------------------------ DH asked if it's a 12 point system? LOL (I neeeeed......) Yes, ooohhhhh, and I am taking notes.....LOL As a matter of fact, Gunslinger808 asked me about that a couple of weeks ago and we discussed it and those who are in the W*Ho train and those who will be coming later. We would possibly need a nominating and voting system to choose who's going to be I vote for Darlene. Seriously, I could hope for the ideal and we would not need any authority figures, but in reality, or Un-reality in this case, it is an issue to be addressed, if the powers that be, haven't already decided. I am refreshing my knowledge, researching some info about animal husbandry that I'm a little sketchy on, in other words, I've forgotten thru the years, and planning my dream home. Ooohhhh, and I AM dreaming. The last 40 some years, I've spent in less than 'ideal' circumstances and have always kept my 'teenage' dream house in the back of my mind, hoping 'someday' to have it. Now, in this wonderful forum, here on MsS , I have the opportunity to bring it to 'life'. A very special Christmas present indeed, even if it is only in our imaginations. Looking forward to the hot springs (Maybe I can whip together a bathing suit while we wait.)

Mother, I couldn't resist, that was my papa's response whenever we wanted to complain how hard something was.... you brought back a flood of precious memories of him... and he would always end it with 'barefoot in the snow'. Thank you for that very special Christmas gift. Mt3b, isn't it wonderful to remember the past. I catch myself doing things the old ways occasionally. Now.... YOU LOCKED THE THREAD!?! We HAVE to wait???? Stopped on this side of the top of the Mountain? Tired, wore out, recovering from bruises, sore muscles, and blisters? Indeed. I think I'll make a and sit on a log for a while.

Oh, you both flooded my mind with the past. The first years, we did all by hand. We brought in corn seed, alfalfa seed, 2 cows, 100 baby chicks and garden seeds. Borrowed a tractor to till the 2 fields for the corn and alfalfa, then remove the rocks. Tilled the garden by hand. Then we got an old tractor. At the closest town, 12 miles away, we brought corn to be ground into grain and and traded for supplies. It was several years before water and electricity was hooked up. One central fireplace had to be kept going in the winter. (Northern MI) We walked 1/2 mile to catch the bus for school. (in the snow barefoot..... ...not.) We had, a strawberry field/hill, currents, grapes, several types of apple trees, peach orchard, plums, 3 varieties of cherry trees, black berries, rasberries, beach nut, wallnut and maple trees. Traded grain & hay for 2 bread pigs (they named after me & my sister ) a couple pigletts were traded for ponies. There was a creek that ran through our property, 3 swamps, and a small lake on our grandparents property where we went fishing every weekend. Once a year we'd get 100 chicks, 1 turkey, 2 geese. By the time we moved we were up to 20 cows and we were still milking by hand. The only electric we had the first 5 years was to the milk freezer and Kraft would come and take our milk cans 1 - 2 times a week. One of our cow's milk was used only for us, she was a 'creamer', half her milk was cream, ummmmm. Well, shucks, I better quit, or I'll be here all day Looking forward to seeing how our Un-reality story progresses...

We lived on a self sufficient farm for many years. We had 80 acres next to my Grandparent's 120 acres. Wolves, bear, cats, wolverines, and an menagerie of woodland life, made it quite an experience for over 13 years. Hunting deer, 2 or 3 times a year, was normal and we utilized all parts. My siblings and I were in charge of many of the tasks entailed in butchering and processing the deer and some of our cows. One cow had a breach birth in the middle of the night, a come-along was used to remove the drowned calf, sadly, the mother didn't make it. When you survive on what you have... we processed her too. Everything you could possibly use, was used. The only thing I didn't mention, was, you can 'harden' the delicate casings by smoking or drying them and they can be saved a day or so, as long as they stay cold, in a brine solution (or longer if you have a refrigerator/freezer). Once filled, we usually smoked them, but Grandmother & Great Grandmother would make Swedish Potato Sausage (Pa-ta-tes'-skor) every year and freeze them. And that turkey that thought my red stocking cap made me a competitor, got ate on Thanksgiving, giving me a reprieve from being attacked while milking and doing other chores.

... quietly I got my belt and headed toward the other side of our wagon circle. Frost was glistening on everything. One side of the field were mountain slopes covered with forests shrouded in fog as you looked down. The other side was lined with forests reaching up the mountain. Pine tops poking through the tree tops still bare from the winter peppered with light yellow green of new growth. At the edge of the tree line were some berry plants with new growth and a few flowers, some ferns were beginning to grow under the protection of the forest, tufts of green splattered through the brown decomposing leaves and pine needles. A few squirrels began chattering at me as I came too close to their territory and a cardinal chirped loudly at a mate somewhere in the distance. There were some old ruts in the tree bark seemed to be from antlers. Dear tracks were prevalent with small fawn tracks mingled in. I imagine our field is popular with the local animals. I could still see our camp, people were beginning to move about when I turned back and began picking up dead wood. On my way back a chipmunk scurried down a hole and a cottontail, startled by my presence, rushed off, as I skirted the briers at the edge of the field. I dropped the arm load of wood next to the camp fire and went to check on Mt_Rider. She was propped up sipping on a cup of tea. We chatted a moment and I left so she could rest. Big D was still asleep but James was already at the fire talking with Chef with a cup in his hands. I stopped by our wagon long enough to hear DH snoring and headed toward the fire. They were discussing what needed to be done to take care of the meat. They began setting up teams to deal specifically with each desired result. We discussed whether we wanted to use the casings, so I offered to get started on it if someone else wanted to scrape the hides. We cut the intestine near the stomach and tied it off, squishing the contents through toward the large intestines and cut them off. I got a bucket of water warming, cut them into about 4 foot lengths and went to the steam and rinsed the casing thoroughly. Came back and started to turn it inside out, James began pouring the warm water into the fold in the casing, by the cup full while Chef helped feed the intestines using the weight of the water. After they were turned inside out, I finished by scrapping off all the mucus and rewashing them several times. James and Chef both took time to help turn them using the water technique. After they were finished, I rubbed them down with salt and dropped them in the empty bucket we'd used for the warm water. Chef and Mother were both trying to figure out who was going to fill them first when I went back to help deal with the hides. The people working on them had come over several times wanting to know if they were doing it right and wanting to know what the next step was, while we had been working on the casings. Taking a break, I managed to make CeeGee's service which revived and calmed my spirit. Then, the rest of the day for me was spent smoking meat, gathering wood, keeping the fire and chatting with everyone.

Yesterday had started routinely, everything progressing smoothly, until Mr_Rider came back. I am so grateful she came back. How long would it have been before someone discovered her missing? No doubt - too long to have saved her. As we saw her pass, GS808 pulled the reigns to stop, handed them to me and headed towards her, before he got 6 yards, they had her horse stopped and her in their arms. He came back because we were told to keep moving. I was consumed with concern, 'what ifs' flooding my thoughts until lunch break, when we were informed, she was doing well, all things considered. The rest of the day, I spent gazing toward Mother's wagon, praying that she would be fine. "Hypothermia sucks.", I thought, as I remembered the several times I've had it. Remembering, too, the lasting damage it can do if not treated properly, but I knew the medical experience of our group was able to handle it. I just wished it hadn't happened. On the brighter side of things, maybe some of the children would understand why we all keep harping on them about making sure they don't go anywhere alone. After stopping, we focused on our animals, dinner and rest. I knew with all the people checking on her, I would just get in the way, trusting she would be fine. All the jolting and jostling had finally taken it's toll and scattered things in our wagon. I worked for an hour re-securing our stuff while we discussed our plan for the mountain grades we needed to traverse. I decided on emptying all but 3 of the 5 gallon water jugs, hoping we would have enough streams to maintain them, if need be. We also discussed we need to be saving all our 'garbage' to recycle, like opened cans, once cleaned, can be used for numerous things - cups, bowls, scoops, and such. Then he said, 'now is one of those times of need, where towing the ATV will be an undue burden on our animals and using the fuel is justified'. He also said he would stack some of the ammo crates on the back of the ATV and drive it behind our wagon, then, suggested that we would probably be able to tow a cart to lesson someone else's burden if they needed. Morning came, for me, before dawn. I laid there fully awake letting my mind wonder before I finally got up. I sat on a log at the campfire and stirred the coals before stoking the fire, warmed up some water for coffee and did my reading. As the sky started to lighten, the animals began stirring and the camp slowly began to come alive. I put up my books, fed the animals, set his thermos of coffee on the seat of the wagon and went for a walk-a-bout...

Ummm.. that sounds tasty. I'm gonna have to try that.

We got off to a fantastic start. You could sense the anticipation to get to our next stopping point. We had been able to clean up and socialize yesterday, which seemed to bring energy back to many of us who were dragging a little from the trip. Amishway Homesteaders lead the way today and we ended up near the back again, only because the oxen don't think my voice is demanding enough. Their ears would twitch and it seemed they would look at each other and giggle, but wouldn't move. It took one snap of the whip to finally encourage them I ment business. I drove for a very short time before GS808 got up and took over. Gratefully, I crawled in back and re-arranged the sleeping bags and began taking inventory. There seems to be enough food to last for at least 3 weeks of regular meals, maybe 4 before we need to find another source of meat and veggies. The conversations around the fire last night, really got me thinking. I suppose we won't have windows in our house, because I didn't think to bring anything that could be used for that. As for a green house, I wonder if I could make due with a small one using a couple of the tarps we brought. Which reminded me to check my plants again. I covered them with some bubble wrap during the big snow storm and forgot about them. One died, the other 7 plants have new growth! Wow, I didn't expect that! Carefully, I re-secured them near the back so they could get some sun light as we traveled today. I am so very very grateful for the bungee cords and rope. How will we be able to make more? Rope, I can do, sorta, with vines or cloth, but the rubber and formed plastic would pose a problem to overcome. I looked at my sewing supplies, and wondered how long would my spools of thread last? Would the cotton seed I brought would be enough to produce a revolving crop productive enough that we could spin it to make clothes, rugs, bedding? Just the thought of the amount of work it takes to go from the seed to plant, to harvest, to spinning, to weaving, would we be able to get a crop in, harvested and spun by our first winter?.... I wore myself out thinking about it, yet, I know we will do it, because we want to, and because we have a resource to be able to. As I checked to see if my wool socks were dry yet, I wondered if anyone brought any sheep for wool? I would have to enjoy them until they wear out. Instantly, I thought of my 3 wool blankets, NO! I told myself, I like them just the way they are, warm and comfy when it is really cold outside. I'll just have to find another source for my socks. (lol) I looked at my moccasins and knew I could copy the pattern to make more when the need arose, then briefly thought of the cougar hide that was now rolled up buried in the wagon. How long would it take us to create a gasification system? Who would dig a septic system? Would we even want to? And pipes? I remember some people brought some, but I am sure there wouldn't be enough to meet everyones needs. I guess I will be hauling my water like we did when I was little. What will we do when our buckets give out? Would I have the skill to cut the wood and make another? Would there be enough resources in our valley to sustain our group over the long haul? Would we be sending people out for supplies and news? Goodness... my brain hurts thinking too much...LOL I gave up wondering about it for now and picked up my tatting shuttle and began another doily after deciding I would put to use, the supplies I have now, and see what happens when we get there. By lunch break, the lead wagons had found and turned into a pretty little valley where we fit nicely and stopped. Everyone bustled about preparing light meals, checking on animals, wagons, and each other. I visited with Big D a moment and she was fine. She too was pondering what our future held and mentioned she had all her based covered as long as she had her help nodding at James & Naomi. Both seem to stand a little straighter with confidence when she said that and both smiled contently at me, then got back to taking care of their tasks. We headed out again and the trail continued to climb, a turn here and another hill, another turn, another hill. As we progressed the trail became slimmer and the hills steeper. At one point it was all anyone could do to stay on the mountain path. The chill in the air as we continued to gain altitude was noticeable. After pulling out our thick coats and sweaters, I sat back and continued to work on my doily, planning dinner for tonight. Rice and something.... maybe chicken rice casserole and mix in a cup of peas. Again my mind began to wonder...I hadn't even thought about rice. When it's used up, where would we get more? Could we grow it? What would the soil be like, how much work needed to be done just to clear an area for the garden? Would our plants and seeds we brought like the climate? What type of plants and berries grew naturally there? Would there be any fruit trees, nut trees or maple trees? I had saved the seeds from the apple I ate and wondered if they would grow. As the sun began set, the road widened and another turn opened into a grassy field. I could see the the lead wagons turn to the side and begin to circle. DH was beat from wrestling the reigns all day and I knew he could use a cup of coffee, warm sponge bath and a good hearty meal. When we stopped, I hurried to unhitch the oxen and released the rope several feet for 'Little Lady', then took the chicken & turkey cages and set them next to the belly of the wagon, a little shelter and fresh air, after pulling out the bbq and quickly starting a fire. I thought back to our little test and really appreciated the bic lighter I used to start the kindling. He's promised to teach me how to use a bow to start a fire when we run out of the lighters. As dusk came upon us, everyone was into the swing of taking care of their tasks and socializing around the central camp fire. I think Chef started it today, seems like it's his pots on the grill over there. Silently, I sat there listening to our group, as I stirred the chicken, cream of mushroom soup, peas and rice with a little bullion and minced onion, making sure it wasn't burning. My dearest was in the wagon resting waiting for me to bring him something to eat.

Thanks Miki, I look forward to reading what the rest of the group is doing. I end up sharing it with DH & MIL at dinner. I asked my DH about that. His reply was rather interesting. He said, 'if we had taken all our supplies of ammo, he says it would last 3 to 4 generations to use it up. Mainly because we are not practicing with it and only using it for hunting and protection.' I know we have also brought bows and arrows which can be reproduced in most cases.

Good Morning! Crisp clean air, reading finished, chores done, wagon hitched and ready to go. GS808 is still asleep but as soon as we begin to move, I am sure he will wake up. His coffee is in the thermos and I've got some rice soaking for dinner. Praise God from whom all blessing flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host, Praise Father, Son & Holy Ghost.. It's going to be a wonder full day.

We seemed to have things really organized this morning, everyone was ready to go when the first wagon headed out. Even the animals seemed ready. One by one the line formed and we were on our way. The trail was aged but not as rough as yesterday's section, that had broken chef's wagon wheel. I had intently watched the group changing out the wheel. I wanted to be prepared enough to know basically how to do it, even if I may not have the strength to. They had to lift the body of the wagon to get the weight off the broken wheel and secure it. With a wheel wrench they went right to work replacing it without any trouble, checking the axle and making sure the spindles were not worn out in the process. I was impressed with their speed and accuracy and wished I had been able to watch closer, but I didn't want to get in the way. I had put beans to soak in the morning for dinner last night, and there was enough left over to mash up for refried beans tonight with a couple of corn tortillas. I opened our last can of asparagus for the greens. We also donated some of our ancho chili to the chef and gave him my recipe for enchilada sauce he took them with a twinkle in his eyes. This flat are is ideal tonight, the central camp fire is going, children running, laughing and playing, people gathered around the fire talking and the sky is twinkling with stars. Many of the conversations are planning what we will do when we reach the valley. Shelter, food and general survival. It's beginning to sink in that what we have is all we have, and if we want anything else, we either have to make it ourselves or go without. A very sobering thought. As the fire began to die down some, I headed for bed, still wondering what our future holds.

Good Morning! It's looks like it's going to be a beautiful day. Well, I've gotta get our animals fed and the oxen hitched. I am looking forward to reaching our stopping point tonight. Gotta run, I hear Gunslinger808 stirring and he'll need his coffee........

Excellent Mother, I've always just guessed. I didn't know there was a science to it. I put my hand over the coals and ' hmmmm, seems about right' . Sometimes I've been off drastically, to my chagrin . LOL Sugar Cookies 1 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg 1/2 tsp almond extract or vanilla 2 1/4 cups flour Cream butter add sugar & beat until light & fluffy. Beat in egg and extract. Divide dough as desired. (I make small balls because my board is small). Roll out and cut with cookie cutter. (I use a small round cutter for 2 - 3 bite sized cookies). Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies.

After sneaking out of the covers trying not to wake DH, I went out to the central camp fire and stirred the coals. Everyone was sleeping in after all we had experienced yesterday. Up early, rushing to escape the impending flood and mud, getting Mother's wagon unstuck. Now that was an incredible sight. Gunslinger kept telling me that jumping around wasn't going to help. LOL . Then dealing with the melting snow, the steep trail and keeping the animals moving took everything we could do. After we arrived, everyone busied themselves with tending to their animals, getting something to eat and settled in. Of course, I missed the evening. I still can't remember much. This morning, I went for a walk-a-bout and found enough dead wood to rekindle the camp fire. Slowly, people started waking and coming out, stretching, limping and groaning. Each concerned about the chores they faced and the clean up from the last couple of days. Being stuck in the snow and wind in our wagons had taken it's toll. I started a large bucket of water boiling and began offering warm water for laundry and helped string up several cloths lines between wagons. By mid morning most everyone was up and well into trying to bring things back to 'normal'. The animals seemed relieved, grazing and glancing around occasionally, like they also were waiting to see what would happen next. Frank didn't even want to come out, he looked at me like "well, where's my treat?" Mid afternoon, I decided to make some sugar cookies. I dug an area near the fire, lined the outside with rocks, stacked some larger pieces of wood over the rocks about 10 inches above the coals to hold in the heat, then placed a rack about 6 inches above the coals propped up with rocks. Then, slid in my baking tin, checking regularly to make sure the coals were hot enough and the cookies weren't burning and turning the pan to cook evenly. I actually noticed smiles as people realized what I was doing. I did have to trade Mother for the butter and one egg, by offering her 2 tatted lace doilies. Well worth the smiles I saw spread through the camp.

Our state got hit with a blizzard up in the mountains. Broke the record. Rained all day yesterday and last night another storm hit with 50+ mph winds. Couldn't help but think of the wind in our story. LOL

James had taken another group to the homestead that afternoon, by the time they returned it was almost dark. Big D & I spent some time together chatting about our hopes and plans for our new home. She was holding up remarkably well for an 80 year old Lady. It has to be the fresh air and unprocessed food. I was expecting her to be spitting fireballs at me for dragging her into this, however she is more spirited than I've seen her be in years. She said she has even been cooking a couple of times while her crew was doing chores. I spent some of the afternoon with the animals. (1 ferret, 2 chickens, 5 turkeys, 1 heifer.) Frank seems more than curious about the birds. I let him out a while to wonder around the wagon. It took him less than a minute to get to the chicken cage. His tail poofed up as he circled their cage and they wouldn't take their eyes off of him, cackling a warning or two when he ventured too close. I checked his food and water and put him back into his hammock. As far as I could tell, the turkeys could care less about anything except their own needs. Eagerly rushing towards me every time I go to feed them and clean their cage. The heifer I've nick named 'little Lady'. She seems timid and doesn't seem like she's fully grown up. Not like the seasons veterans we have with some of the other wagons. She has finally quit shying away from me when I try to pet her. By evening, I was bushed. We'd had a wonderful adventure at the homestead, learned a tremendous amount and actually had some time to socialize. By the time I crawled into bed, I realized my feet were freezing. I hadn't given it much thought during the day, but now as they were warming up they began to burn. It took a couple of hours for the stinging and tingling to subside. I woke with a jolt to the ruckus and wind outside, frantic voices carried on the wind got me moving immediately. Today, tho, I was making sure my feet stayed warm. I quickly dug out my wool winter socks and headed out to see what was up. The weather was forcing us to move out ASAP. I rushed to feed the animals and then went to tell Big D. They were already up and ready to go. She looked at me and said, "What took you so long?" then gave me a sheepish smile and climbed into her buggy. Boy, she had it made, they had her a little covey of blankets & pillows. She was cushioned like a bug in a rug. Shaking my head, I went back and we got under way. By the time we had stopped for the day, I was jolted, jarred and frazzled, covered with mud and muck, and my toes were cold again. I had walked with the oxen most of the way. Looking back at our wagon, GS looked so funny sitting with the reigns in his lap splattered from head to toe with mud. LOL He didn't think it was too funny. We got the animals situated and I kneeled over the edge of his seat and cleared an area where we could change without making a mess on everything. He told me Chef was cooking for us tonight. That was a blessing to hear. I leaned back against some towels and the next thing I remember, GS was telling me to get up and eat. I can't remember if I did or not. It's dawn now, so I must have or I'd be ravenous.

LOL, she liked it too. Closer to her style than an open one.

Here's a quick sketch of what I assumed Big D's buggy looked like.

I woke up several times during the night looking to see if it was dawn yet. I felt like a little kid waiting to open Christmas presents. Finally, I gave up trying to go back to sleep and got up. I slipped out to the fire and softly talked with the guard shift until dawn broke. We cracked up when we saw Michael putting the Do Not Disturb note on the outside of their wagon. After the morning routine, if you want to call it that, coffee, breakfasts and animal care was completed, I asked Q and Mother and if they wanted to ride with James & I. We were hoping to make a quick trip before lunch and maybe a couple later in the day. James had already hitched the horse and was ready to leave by the time we got there. James dropped us off at the front door and headed towards the barn. From what we had heard about the homestead and all it contained, the view from outside was amazingly deceptive. To me it looked like a old weathered shack, sticks from overgrown plants peaking through the snow. Until you got up closer and see it had several add on rooms around back. I noticed a medium sized shed like structure off by itself near the tree line. My first thought was "Why would you put an outhouse so far away from the house?". Curiosity got the best of me and I told them I wanted to check it out. There were loft shutters on one side and one door on the other side. Cautiously I opened the door and was immediately overwhelmed by the smell of smoke, ummmmmmm, a smoke house! I propped the door open to give me enough light to see and walked in almost banging my head on the burlap covered meat that hanging from the rafters. There were a few ham hocks and beef from what I could tell, further back and higher up appeared to be some type of sausages. Oh, my.....I was speachless. I immediately wondered how old it was and if we could take the chance of using some. I hurried back to the house and went in. My eyes screaming at me for going from dark to light to dark. It took a minute to get my bearings. I told Q about the smoke house and headed towards the back of the house, I wanted to see that greenhouse Mother had been raving about. I figured since we will be in an area that receives snow when we settle, I would need to learn as much about how this greenhouse was constructed if I was going to make one for us. I am too much of a veggie hound to have to survive winter without any greens. As I entered the room, the warmer moist air gently wafted past through the open door. Wow! Look at that! Beginning on the right side carefully walking toward the back, it was unbelievable all the plants they had managed to have flourishing in there. Black Horehound, a bee attractant, used medicinally for treating eye and ear disorders, internally in infusion or powder as a general sedative and externally as a compress to alleviate rheumatic pain. Motherwort, a popular herbal remedy for nervous tension and menstrual problems. An infusion is used for migraine, hysteria, anxiety and nervous heart disorders. Further down was Lovage, Anise, and knotgrass (dang, I couldn't kill that stuff in my lawn, let alone let it grow in my garden.) Yet, a Knotgrass infusion acts as a tonic mixed with tea for kidney disorders and kidney stones. I made it to the mint grove, from what I could tell there were several varieties, pepper mint, spearmint, chocolate mint, ginger mint and a couple I didn't recognize. Back by the mint was an Elder bush. (Mom used to make lemonade from the berries when we were little IRL). The flowers and fruit are used medicinally to treat colds and other respiratory infections and mild nervous disorders. Wine is made from the flowers and also used cosmetically. The fruit contains large amounts of vitamin C. They are mildly laxative also diuretic and sedative beneficial for insomnia and migraines. There were even some Liquorice plants, fennel, cumin, tarragon, and mugwort. This place was simply amazing. An ideal dream garden in my books. Carefully, I snipped and clipped leaves and any seeds I could find, filling the handful of baggies I had brought. Then, headed back into the house to see if anyone could use some help taking what they needed. By that time James had returned from the barn. He'd strapped several bales of hay to the back and mentioned how ideal this place was and how he was looking forward to setting up something like it for Big D. We took a little time choosing a little of this and that and headed back to camp.