Annarchy

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.

Everyone was up and tending to their chores by the time GS got up yesterday. I brought him a cup of coffee and we talked a while about our remaining supplies. I left him to drink his coffee and wake up and headed for Big D's wagon. When I arrived I found her bundled in several sweaters, her long wool coat, shearing gloves, and scarves, with blankets heaped up on her lap and a hot cup of tea in her hands. She looked like the little boy from the Christmas Story. LOL Naomi seemed concerned about keeping her warm and explained the tent inside the wagon had been able to stop the frigid wind from freezing them to death. James had helped the men shovel snow for hours and I could see that he was wearied. I admired his dedication and determination to keep her and everyone else safe. Their buggy was buried next to their wagon but it had made an impromptu wind barrier for their animals. Before leaving we dug it out and got it ready to be used. I was surprised how well it held up through that storm. By the time I returned to our wagon, GS was at the fire talking about their plans for the day. We would stay providing security and start preparing a path for the wagons to move out as soon as the weather would let us. As the search party left, I stirred the fire, placing another log as a wind break, so it could thaw and begin coaling, then went back to digging snow away from wagon wheels, methodically going down the line. Listening to the sounds of the radio chatter seemed to bring back a sense of normalcy and provided hope that we'd find everyone OK. When the news came we'd made contact with the other group, the camp burst forth in praises, whoops and laughter. I breathed a sigh of relief and praises to God, then, continued clearing snow with renewed strength. After the scouting party returned, things became joyous, everyone chattering about what they had found and the possibilities of renewing some of our stores. Hay for the animals was my first concern, yet thoughts of what I might find began crowding in. I ran over to Big D and shared the good news, she and James offered the buggy as a means of transporting some of the supplies back to camp. By the end of the day I was exhausted yet excited about our great fortune, I crawled in to bed and passed out.

Last night was a challenge, GS808 was antsy about our security and we opted to take 2 hour watches instead of 4 hours due to the cold. It seemed like every time I'd go to sleep, there he was waking me for my shift. Sometime in the middle of the night, I decided to let him sleep and stoked the fire to warm my toes. My drover has proven itself priceless in keeping me warm and dry, but his coat doesn't cover his legs. He was playing 'macho man' and would reply "I'm OK" when I asked him how he was doing. Sometime before dawn the wind stopped for a while. The eire silence was almost unnerving. I could hear snoring from a couple of wagons, a few moans and the shuffle of animals huddling to stay warm. Looking up I was encouraged by an occasional star sparkling through the clouds. It only lasted for a short time before the wind picked up again. The blowing snow was cascading over the top of the wagons that were part of our wind break making the area look like a surreal cave in the glow of the fire. As dawn broke, the wind had become a gusty breeze, the clouds are starting to break up but the temperature seems to have dropped. The sounds of people and animals waking and stirring, brought me back to reality. Things needed to be done if we were going to make it through this. I went to the back of our wagon and pulled the tarp aside enough to pull out one of the bales of hay the ranch had given us and filled the bucket with grain. Quietly, I went to the animals and made sure they all got a leaf and a handful of grain. Good Morning, Mother was up. "There's some hot water here, coffee or tea?" I went back to the fire where I had kept some water from freezing during the night and we began taking bowls of water to the animals one at a time. Good morning Michael "It seems like it might clear up enough today for us to find the rest of our group." " How'd you guys fare last night?" "We did OK, naturally cold, but we survived." "Coffee is ready and there's some water for Lori's cocoa."

Ok, now that was an experience, with floods of memories trying to control my comments. IRL, we snow backpacked for 20 some years. Even taking the Sunday School High School class on some of them, knee deep snow up the mountains. On one adventure we were caught in a blizzard, it snowed so much our tent was buried and they closed all the roads and we had to move barricades to get out. And yes, I've started and maintained a camp fire through it all. Dry wood can usually be found under other dead wood and fallen trees and dry bark for kindling can be found on the south <I think> side of must large trees. Depends if it's been raining before the snow falls, then it takes a little more work to find enough wood to start it. Then, the logs can be set next to the fire to dry out enough to use. (This UnReality trip has my DH wanting to go again.)

Snuggled in our cold weather sleeping bags on top of the bed mats with the coleman sleeping bag over us, I didn't want to move. I reached up and rearranged my stocking cap and could feel the icy air around us. I stayed there for quite some time wondering what time it was and going over the events of the last couple of days. The warm shower and evening festivities still lingering wistfully in my thoughts. While I had been visiting with the Ladies, DH had made a deal with Mr Rock and Mr Smith and had traded a Remington 870 shotgun and an AR15 with a case of ammo for each in exchange for a young heifer they had recently bread, two chickens with a cage, 100# bag of grain and 2 bails of hay. I hadn't even noticed in my rush to get in and go until we had already started moving. He'd tethered the cow to the back of our wagon and hung the chicken cage next to the turkeys. As we had continued traveling, I kept gazing up to the mountains. They seemed to be growing larger than life. Waves of apprehension kept nagging in the back of my thoughts. Yes, I had made sure things were secured and we had access to our necessities, but I still couldn't shake the feeling that we would need to be prepared for the unexpected. The moisture in the air had surprised me. Having joined this group from the arid desert, it was almost a relief to feel my skin not screaming for lotion or oil. The cold however was a different story. GS asked me to pull out his down jacket, warm socks and thick boots, just in case, so I made sure my boots, drover, socks & warm sweaters were ready too. I fed the animals and checked on Big D. She said everything was under control, and if she needed me she would let me know. At lunch, I chopped up some spam and fried it with a cup of whole kernel corn on a bed of noodles. GS promptly smothered his with tabasco. Not fantastic, but edible and nutritious. When the snow first began to fall, we paused long enough to get our warm things on and I made sure our new heifer was tethered securely. I'm still trying to figure out what to call her. She sort of moved away from me when I first approached but eagerly took the handful of grass I offered and let me scratch her forehead. Then, checked on the and birds put one of our wool blankets over their cages. By the time I jumped back in the wagon, I couldn't see any of the other wagons. That wind seemed like it was taking my breath away and the snow felt like it was piercing my cheeks. GS told me to move 2 of the water bottles to the front on either side of our sleeping area and wrap them with the blankets. As I fumbled around in the wagon he coaxed our oxen to try to catch up. Panic began to seep in. I found our compass, his GPS and put them near the sleeping bags, then crawled up to him to see how he was doing. So far, so good, but we still couldn't see any tracks or wagons. After what seemed like forever a shadow appeared in front of us. "There they are, I told you not to worry." he said. My nerves were racked and I was freezing by the time we got stopped. Where was Big D? How was she doing? Did she need help? Yet, adrenaline kicked in and we helped secure everything and checked to make sure those we could find were good to go for the night. DH insisted on setting up 4 hour shifts for security. A snow storm wouldn't stop a predator from taking advantage of the situation. Still laying there, I could tell the wind was still howling and I knew I needed to get up and move or I'd be stuck there and of no use to anyone. I slid out of our sleeping bag, dressed and crawled out of the wagon. [iRL: to prevent freezing from perspiration while you sleep, you have to wear bear minimum.] It was now light enough to get a fairly good view of the situation we were in. The wagons were almost covered in snow on one side and most of the animals were huddled together. I headed to find me a place to relieve myself. Grumbling about having to clear me a spot behind a tree. I hope everyone remembers not to eat yellow snow. Fire! Someone had beat me to it. Wonderful! "Oh, yes we have 10 gal that hasn't frozen yet. No problem, be right back." We used 5 gallons to water the animals, and I packed snow in the empty bottle and set it near the fire adding more as it melted making sure the bottle wouldn't melt. The day seemed to whiz by with tending to animals, providing wood for the fire, trying to keep warm, attempts to contact the rest of our group, and keeping a reign on the children. We were grateful for the chili, ummmmm, warmed my bones. Wanted to join tea time with Mother & Q for tea, but DH needed me to get him some coffee - in other words, he needed me to spend time with him. So with a sigh that we have such a wonderful group of people, I crawled back in our wagon and promptly passed out.

Oh man.... I must apologize for not being here .... I had an IRS audit that put all my priorities IRL. I came here and noticed the 'Comment' thread was updated and decided to read it first. It's only been 2 days, hasn't it?? What is going on?!?! So now, I am heading over to the wagon, quite apprehensive, to find out......

.....................and the next thing I knew it was almost dawn. I laid there listening to a rooster stretch his vocal cords, then got up and went for a stroll. I could hear a few ranch hands tending to their chores. When I returned I found my magnesium lighting tool and checked my belt. Flashlight, weapon, magazines, multi-tool. Hmmmm, severely deficient, considering what other people had. Bandana in my pocket for emergency bandage, sling &/or hanky, but it wouldn't be sufficient as a blanket, let alone rain tarp. LOL My Dearest had already gotten our wagon ready to go and was chomping at the bit for me to get a move on. I jumped in we were off. The sandwiches were such a treat at lunch. Ummmmm..... Grateful that God has supplied again unexpectedly. At the end of the day, I was ready for the rest. Yet, I knew I still had to start a fire without matches or my bic lighter. I grabbed a piece of dead fall wood with bark on it and pulled my knife and began scraping the under bark to make a fine powder over the grass and small twigs I was working with. After several strikes a small weft of smoke started to lightly rise. Gently I struck again several times, this time the smoke became continuos enough that I knew it was beginning to make some embers. Lightly and very cautiously, I began to blow on the embers while continuing to strike the stick, amazingly it began to brighten and after a few more minutes a flame burst forth. I'd done it!!!! Looking up I saw that there were other fires already going and was quickly humbled that it had taken me so long, and that I'd lost track of time because I was so intent on what I was doing. [iRL: 20 minutes] With a sigh of relief that it had worked, I built the fire up to handle our dinner tonight. Dearest is getting a can of green beans, boiled noodles mixed with a can of mushroom soup and a teaspoon of chicken bullion. Quietly after dinner, I wished GS808 a happy B-day and we crawled into our sleeping bag and passed out.

The campfire at the ranch was outstanding. I was so relieved to have this rest-bit from our normal routine of this last month, relieved I didn't have to account for our food, rationing and determining if what we were using would cut into future meal planning. Long story short, I ate too much. After Jacob's tale and explanation, I wondered for a moment if I was up to the task. My mind ran through all our supplies, talents and limitations. One of my big ones is my back, lifting and capabilities of being able to handle the strain we will soon be facing. Riding in a wagon, doing miscellaneous tasks and such, hasn't been too stressful so far. However, the thoughts of what we are up against, challenges of starting from scratch with limited resources, caused a sudden rush of fear to curse through me. I wondered if my talents and knowledge were really enough to contribute anything to our new society. Yeah, right, like someone would want to learn how to tat lace, or maybe tanning hides for use. *Sigh* GS came up behind me and giving me a hug then whispered to me "we'll be just fine, have faith". We moseyed back to our wagon as things quieted down and rifled through our stuff, trying to calculate if we had enough to make it to our new home, panic flashed through my mind considering there wouldn't be a store to run down to and get what I ran out of. I dosed off thinking how generous a gift the Ranch has given all of us ........................

Yesterday seemed like we were on a bumpy roller coaster, this leg of our journey finally took it's toll on me, more than usual. When we stopped for the night, we used the coleman camp stove instead of starting my usual little camp fire. My Dearest could tell I wasn't feeling up to par and wanted me to take it easy. He made me a bowl of canned chicken soup saying, "it's just what the doctor ordered." He's such a sweetheart. Then, he went over to check on his mother. When he returned, he said she was being waited on hand and foot and didn't need anything. At dark, I lit a small candle, we crawled into our sleeping bag, he grabbed his book while I passed out. Waking early I found that walking was such a challenge even using my walking stick, however, like the "Little Train" I kept telling myself, "I think I can, I think I can...." and I did. After feeding the turkeys, I ventured on a short walk and gathered some dandelion greens, and found some red and white clover. When I returned to camp Gunslinger808 said we were ready to go. I worked on separating the red clover heads to be used in an infusion for the medical wagon. They are used as an astringent, expectorant, & antispasmodic, to treat bronchitis, coughs, hoarseness, diarrhea and chronic skin conditions. Also as a component of herbal tea mixtures for treating chest colds and stomach disorders, and used in compresses and bath preparations to treat rashes, ulcers, burns and sores. The leaves I set aside for tea and separated the young leaves to be used in my dandelion green salad, but they can also be cooked in soups and eaten like spinach. The white clover flower heads had some seeds which I separated. They are a good nitrogen-fixing plant which will enrich the soil. The flower heads will be dried and can be ued as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic or infused to treat gastritis, severe diarrhea and rheumatic pains, plus if our medical staff can make an inhalant it is good for respiratory infections. I will use some of them for tea this time and add the leaves in our salad. I also found a coin. It is a brass "Executive Experiment 1837 Fiscal Agent" coin. Not worth much, but the nostalgic value is interesting. Which made me think about what we are going to about trade/money at our homestead. [iRL: I found it in the road wrapped in an old t-shirt. They were repairing the wooden plank walkway round the historical center some time back and I think someone picked it up and then lost it. LOL] I was overjoyed to see mommato3boys!!! Welcome back! And warm showers!!! And food!!! With a sigh of relief, after unhitching the oxen, I grabbed a towel, my blue jean skirt, a thick sweater, clean underclothes and my warm moccasins, and headed for the showers looking forward to washing my long hair without freezing my noggin off. I met DH as I came out and he asked how long before the water got hot again, , and headed towards our group and the food..............

Good Morning to all, such a lovely song your were singing Michael, it lulled into my memory most of the morning mingled with: When I walk with the Lord, In the light of His word, What glory He sheds on our way When we do His good will He abides with us still and with all who will Trust and obey.... After Michael left Lori, I went over with my Momma's Cocoa Mix in a ziploc with a thermos of boiling water. (I know it's simple, but it helps me when I'm needing a chocolate fix.) I wanted to thank her for allowing Gunslinger808 raid so many books. If he's got a book he's content. She had finished the cup Michael brought and was willing to try my 'simple mix'. {I hope she liked it.} We chatted for a few and I headed out to make my morning rounds. I still wanted to check a small valley that had a wash which was full during the storm. After stopping by Mother, I was interested in the live turkeys we now have, especially since the only live stock we have is a ferret, , I'd be willing to make sure they were cared for, if she had too many other chores to tend to, and if we need the food, I would help with the butchering. We chatted a minute about Shasha and the pups, I let her get back to the day's activities and headed for that valley. After walking about for some time, I came to the valley, which now only had a small trickle of a stream flowing in it, and walked along for a few noticing the sun glinting off the sand. After further inspection, there appeared to be more than just a few glints. I knelt and stirred the sand with my knife watching the glitter catch in the water flow and flicker back down to the bottom. Fools gold, iron pyrite, shucks. I made my way back to camp just in time to help hitch our oxen and bury our campfire. Then, I crawled into my propped up makeshift sleeping bag chair and watched the world pass by. Fleeting memories of days past egging my longing for the instant world we left behind, with reason telling me to let it go.

My Momma's Cocoa Mix 2 Tbs unsweetened cocoa 2 Tbs powdered milk 1 Tbs Sugar dash of salt Mix ingredients, add boiling water. Instant Mocha: 1 tsp instant coffee per cup

Well, it certainly has been a long day. Everyone was out and about after being cooped up for the last 24 hours avoiding the rain. There were people attending the animals, bringing in armloads of grass and twigs, others were busy assessing and attending to the effect of all the rain and wind on everything. The children were swarming around Mother's wagon attempting to get a chance to see the newborn babies. All of them claiming that one of them was theirs. LOL About mid morning when the sun peaked through the first time, I had allowed my fire to die to coals in order to remove the rocks I had placed in the bottom, the last thing we need is for someone to get hurt from wet rocks shattering. Carefully, I used my camping walking stick to scoot the rocks to the side of my pit to the other side of the ring rocks. They had served their purpose and the ground was almost dry underneath. So far, I've used 2 logs and some medium branches and figure there should be enough wood to have a fire for meals and maybe evening heat for 3 days. By then, I hope we will come across some more dead wood dry enough to replenish my stock. After removing the rocks, I scooped the remaining coals into the center and put a medium barky branch on them to smolder, then went and lent a hand clearing the mud from the wagon wheels and stuffing grass around them. After several hours most of the wagons were free from their tombs and people were attending to other chores. I re-kindled the fire at lunch and made enough chicken soup for everyone by borrowing a large kettle from PCS. BYOB .... Bring Your Own Bowl was the motto. We had all been working hard, most of us had gotten wet in the storm and we were dealing with all the mud. I figured it is worth the effort, so we don't catch a cold. [iRL: DH caught a cold on our trip, poor baby, he really had chicken soup for lunch.] Thank you Mother for making the biscuit dumplings for the chicken soup, it complemented our meal perfectly. After lunch, I put 3 cups of beans in the Haro and set it on the coals to steep for dinner. Mid afternoon I went for another walkabout and found that the small hills, valleys and ravines held a wealth of vegetation and animals. I was specifically looking to see if the wolf had followed us. I think she was just grateful we left her puppies alone, because I didn't see any new tracks around our area. The old tracks I found looked to be at least a couple of months old, probably before she made her den and had her pups. Rabbits and gophers were prominent and mingled in the cow tracks were deer tracks. Nothing specifically new and nothing that seemed a threat. After returning to camp, I visited each wagon, saying "Hi" and seeing how things were going. Most were busy tending animals, children and general cleaning/organizing things to prepare for any other contingencies we may encounter. It was so nice to hear from MT3B and I am very relieved to hear the little one is recovering on schedule. answered! Big D was walking around, gazing at all the live stock and talking with the other wagons. I stopped and talked with Naomi and James for a few. They said they had some setbacks in the rural areas with the oxen's hooves and the horses shoes, but after a day or so they were able to travel again. They did mention it was a challenge to find a motel for her and how much they cared for her. They said they were dedicated to her but could lend a hand if we all needed anything. Naomi promptly suggested that if any one would like a nail manicure she would be willing to trade. Then she looked down at my hands and the look of shock crossed her face. With all this mud bogging and work, my fingers have split open on the tips. [iRL] She turned and went over to their wagon and brought out a small suitcase and dressed the fingers that were effected while lecturing me on proper hand care. DH had removed the tarp and put it up, I could tell by the book he had in his hand he'd had been over to Lori's Library and traded again. At this rate, he'll have read everything before we get to our destination. I honestly don't know what he will do once he's read them all. He goes through severe withdrawal if he doesn't have a book to read. As evening approached the sky began to change colors, from deep blue with cotton clouds to glowing brilliant yellows, oranges and reds. When the sun went below the horizon the whole picture became surreal, the sky lit up brilliant florescent red. I could hear comments through out the camp.. "Wow, look at that!" with a couple "WhooHoo's!!!" My coals were almost out, a spark or two when I stirred them. It seemed everyone was staying close to their own wagons so I kindled enough fire to boil the beans, cook some rice and a pan of green chili chicken enchiladas. It's been a long day and I'm tired. Preparations for tomorrow..... [iRL: Happy Thanksgiving everyone!]

Was that the triangle? LOL Good Morning. I woke before dawn, slithered out of my sleeping bag, lit a small candle to read. As the day began to lighten, it was evident that we will have a lot of work to do today. All the animals seemed huddled together in groups, communal warming I suppose. I grabbed my boots and drover and went out to get a good assessment of our surroundings. I took one of our tarps and made a lean to off the back of our wagon using the two shovels as poles for the low side. DH had found a nice little spot to park slightly elevated, so I gathered a few rocks to make a medium sized fire pit under the tarp, and lined the bottom of the pit with the rocks to keep the moisture from defeating my efforts. Since the first time it rained and I had trouble finding dry wood, my 'little' stash of wood has become a cord or two. Gratefully, I pulled out my knife and began shaving some bark for kindling, got a fire going and began heating some water. If anyone needs, I have 2 types of warm water heating now, drinking and cleaning, and coffee....

Oh my, where did that rain come from? Brrrrrrr...... We left yesterday, at the back of the pack. I tried to let GS808 sleep in to give him as much time before the wagon began shaking his socks off. When we began to move GS808 growled, rolled over in his sleeping bag and put the pillow over his head. We had to navigate the trail from all the other wagons with care. Hoof prints, wheel ruts and gopher holes proved to be rather challenging, especially since this is the first time I actually drove the oxen. I've been carefully watching everyone how to do it, but it is much harder than it looks. The oxen decided to go left when I wanted them to go right, then, when they responded, they would go 90 degrees the opposite direction. We zigzagged for about an hour before I had driven Gunslinger up a wall enough that he took over for me. My muscles were screaming at me this morning after all the bumping, jerking and jolting through those fields. I was concerned about Big D's progress, hoping that they were able to find a path with less resistance, and was elated to find her waiting for us when we arrived. She is looking great, but I can tell the stress of leaving everything behind, that she's used to, is nagging at her. I started our small BBQ, heated some water, we had some tea and talked for hours. She was full of adventure stories, tales of our 'circus' and general trials they had endured to get here. I even forgot to eat and ended up taking a vitamin. Then, to end the day with such a rush of adrenaline! Yells and gunshots almost sent my heart into panic attack. Gunslinger808 took off and I went over to Big D. Since we've been able to 'open carry', I've had my Springfield XD 40 subcompact on my belt. MIL was relieved to see me and nodded at James that he could stand down a little. I don't think he really trusts me yet, he seems really, really protective of her. This morning, I didn't eat again, just not hungry, and finished my daily studies shortly after sunrise. The animals seemed much calmer this morning, however, I noticed a definite ear twitching at any little sound, from most of the animals. I found the tracks of our intruder and followed them down a small hill, then, saw where it seems to have circled back a couple of times. There also appeared what looked like pup tracks, much smaller, probably 2 from what I could tell. I must agree, it was a wolf, but by the looks of all the tracks I found, we invaded their territory. They were probably trying to take advantage of the fact, that a whole bunch of "food" just arrived. I didn't venture too close, weapon or not, I didn't want to disrupt them any more than they have been already. Hopefully, after we move on, they won't follow. Rain, Rain, go away.. Come again another day. We were OK when it first started to rain, I made sure everything was covered and protected. But when the rain started coming down in sheets, Gunslinger asked me to get his snorkel & mask. He's such a riot!!! It worked!!!! I could see Big D's umbrella bobbing back and forth at times, so I figured they were doing just fine. I had to lead the oxen after lunch, they were being stubborn and didn't seem like they wanted to move. By the time the first wagon got stuck I was covered in mud up to my knees. Our wagon was still moving and we tracked into the circle making sure we weren't parked on too much gunky mud. After unhitching the oxen and changing into some dry warm clothes, I focused on providing something for us to eat. Hmmmm... canned goods. As dusk came upon us, I took out one of our lanterns and sparked it up, then, rolled out the cold weather sleeping bag and zipped the medium weather bags together placing them on top. I pulled out the sterno camp stove and heated a can of chicken soup. Peeking out at the rest of the camp was a sight to behold. All these wagons, lined up in an odd circle, glowing from some type of light source, illuminating the menagerie of animals and people milling about in the center. Wow, if only I had brought my camera. LOL I slid out of the wagon and walked over to Big D's wagon, James & Naomi had her in the hammock and were waiting on her hand and foot. (Wow! what did she offer them!?!?!?!) James was handing her a plate of food and Naomi was putting away her laundry. The lady seems to have everything under control. After talking for a few, I went back and climbed into bed. Brrrrrrrr...... DH whispered "where's your hot flashes when we need 'em?"

AMarthaByHeart, may you have a blessed Thanksgiving also. I drew this on the road, it's just a sketch of the abandoned barn & field we stayed at after the 'incident' in the last town. I forgot to bring my camera on our IRL trip. (It really needs more work to look right.)

Yes, indeed. She even added to it. LOL Ooopppsss, I did forget to add her flashlight & several packs of batteries.

Good Morning Michael, "Rise, Shine..." Now that song is stuck in my head again. LOL Coffee anyone? I made a large pot this morning instead of my usual instant and have quite a bit left over. I've already smothered the coals, made sure they are completely out and buried. I had a handful of oatmeal this morning, thank you Mother for the 1/2 cup of milk, it livened up an otherwise bland bowl of oats just perfectly. GS808 will be surprised to have real milk in his coffee when he gets up, I'm still waiting for him to wake up, seems like he could sleep through anything. The oxen are hooked up, our wagon is ready, the new bolts are holding fast, the wheels are checked, everything is packed and we're ready to head 'em out. [iRL] Looking forward to getting to our destination this evening, God willing, all will go smoothly.

We made it here to MIL's house and I gave her my notes on our progress and the story line that I had been working on for her. She looked it over and made me add a couple things. She also chose a 'user name'. She's so much fun to talk to. So, hopefully, maybe, possibly, I will be able to teach her how to turn on the computer, log in and read our story, maybe just maybe she might even post something.

Thank you so much for allowing me to re-charge my cell phone this morning! There were a couple messages from my MIL, which I had apparently missed when I checked before. After they loaded their wagon, which James is driving, while Naomi and her are leading the way in the buggy, they managed to travel 15 miles the first day and stopped at a hotel in the suburbs. She said the staff was chuckling at their vehicles and 'get-up' but accommodated the animals by letting them graze on their back lawn. The next few days they traveled through the rural areas, hoping they could lesson the gap and meet up with our group before we got too far ahead, traveling 10 to 15 miles a day. Most nights were spent at motels they came across in the evenings, until they crossed into the country. When passing through the small towns, they inquired about our progress, hearing numerous stories filled with humor and drama. She said the roads they were traveling were clear and traffic was light without any setbacks, unless you count her breaking a fingernail. Nice to see you up and moving around Mt_Rider. Now, I'm going to go for another walkabout and when I get back, I think I'll make some biscuits and jerky/beef gravy for dinner before Services.

Got my MIL's messages, things had begun to get out of hand, the border was compromised and she was getting out while she still could. She took out all of her savings and investments and went on a spending spree with her maid and butler, cleaned out 3 Home Depot's garden center's seed supplies and bought as much supplies as Sam's would allow her to. James had access to the wagon and oxen and Naomi had the buggy, horse and saddle. It took them a couple of weeks to pack the wagon and prepare to evacuate the city. Mil = "Big D": Medical pathologist, carpentry, grew up in the 1930's knows the old fashioned ways of things. Maid-Naomi: Cleaning, and was trained in the art of manicures - crash course for the trip. Butler-James: Furrier, jack of most trades. 1 Wagon, 2 oxen; 1 horse & buggy with saddle. Shelter: 2 tents, 3 sleeping bags, down mattress, 6 pillows, comforter, 5 blankets, and 2 small hammocks. Security: 1 Shotgun, 1 Rossi .38, 4 boxes of shells for each Kitchen: Meat grinder Tortilla press 2 frying pans 2 stacking boiling pans Silverware, knives Plates, bowls, cups Clothing: 10 pr shoes 5 sweat suits 10 pr warm socks 10 shirts 12 slacks 2 kakis pants 2 rain coats 3 wool coats 1 wind breaker 2 umbrellas Bathroom/Sanitary: Makeup, hair curlers, hand mirror, brush & comb 5 cases TP 10 Salon nail kits & supplies 10 bottles of glycerin 3 cases of glycerin soap 2 cases of dial liquid refill bottles 15 cans of lysol spray 25 bottles lysol liquid 5 pure water filters 5 gal bleach 5 large bottles of laundry soap Food: 20 boxes Special K 20 boxes Raisin Bran 15 pkg single serve cereals 48 coffee mate creamer 25# dried milk 30 boxes mint tea 10 gal olive oil 5 gal cooking oil Canned Meats: 50 Chicken 50 fish: salmon, mackerel, & tuna 50 spam 12 hams 12 roasts 25 vienna sausage 20# jerky Canned Veggies: 20 corn 10 asparagus 15 spinach 15 green beans 10 peas 25 french beans 10 mixed veggies 10 carrots Canned Fruit: 10 peaches 10 pears 10 mixed 10 pineapple 5 strawberries 5 blueberry Dried Fruit: 5# each; blueberries, raisins, apricots, bananas, strawberries, & pineapple 50# masa 10# lard 20# corn meal 50# sugar 50# salt 5# corn starch 50# flour 5# yeast 5# baking soda 5# baking powder 5# each tomato, chicken, beef bullion Seeds: Spinach lettuce corn, white & yellow asparagus chamomile radishes onions zucchini egg plant okra green beans peas black eye peas acorn squash crooked neck squash pumpkin tomatoes, cherry, beefsteak & roma watermelon cantaloupe cilantro parsley jalapeno bell pepper long green chili basil rosemary thyme cumin sage garlic oregano 20# wheat Misc: 3 boxes books 5 pr reading glasses 10 cases cigarettes 25 gal Johnny Walker Red 8 pkg flint 5 gal lighter fluid 2 zippos 10 pkg 5 bic lighters 10 bottles vitamines 10 months worth of meds 4 wooden barrels - 1-water, 2-dry goods, 1 canned goods 1 10 gal plastic bucket used for storage on trip 5 plastic 5 gal buckets - 2 filled with package seeds, 1 filled with wheat, 2 empty for cleaning 1 small BBQ 50# charcoal 10 gal starter fluid 100 yds of rope

Good Morning! What a way to get the adrenaline flowing. I was returning from my walkabout when I heard such a blood curdling scream from the field, I hustled into view just in time to see the laundry go flying. then, that hush, you could have heard a pin drop. Mt_Rider was flattened out and people were running to her rescue. Oh My! Is she OK? Then, MrM assured us she would be. I was very glad I had put up our laundry before I went out, and headed to lend a hand with the re-washing. Silly animal, seems to have a mind of it's own most of the time. LOL My MIL left another message, "Big D" had just arrived in town and is going to spend the night there. She was greeted with open arms and Mrs Mayer said they would make sure they were escorted to our location tomorrow. I'm looking forward to our Sunday Services and then will be filling my day helping out where I can to help calm my excitement.

We've been painting the inside of our house which has taken every moment I have available. Hindsight, I should have started weeks/months ago. I'll grab a pen & paper today while we are on the road and catch up on the last couple of days and post it later. Thank you all for your wonderful writing skills, it's exciting to see 'what happens next'.

Good morning, I was sitting behind our wagon reading, haven't gone for my walkabout yet, I needed some coffee first. I strolled over to the main camp fire and sat there warming my toes. A little on the chilly side this morning. Gazing across the field glistening with dew mesmerized by the sparkling bits capturing the mornings sun. Wonderful idea Mother, I think I'll take your idea and try to capture the quiet ambiance of this place. The last couple of day I spent re-arranging our wagon, storing the supplies I had picked up. We yolked our oxen and walked them around to keep them from getting lazy. They seemed OK with it and seemed rather anxious to get moving. Once the word went out we were moving, we helped some of the others pack their things. I am grateful that we are moving away from all the attention to someplace we aren't under constant scrutiny. Today, my plans are, checking on the animals, letting GS808 sleep in, do my walkabout and draw a little. Then, make sure everything is ready for the arrival of MIL who said they are about 20 miles away from us. [iRL: 6 hour drive to bring MIL home with us.] I am so excited! Gotta go, if I want to accomplish everything on my ToDo list...

(Mother, you are such a joy.) Cala Vasita (MIL/DH call it that.) 2-3 1/4" Sliced zucchini 1/2 cup diced onion 1/2 cup diced tomatoes 1/2 cup corn 1 Tbs tomato bullion 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 - 1 cup of water Salt & pepper to taste Saute onion until opaque, add diced tomatoes and saute slightly. Add corn, bullion, zucchini and water. Simmer until zucchini is tender, stirring occasionally making sure it's not burning. Sprinkle cheese on top when most of the water is gone, cover and let set 5 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Prep time, 5-10 minutes, cook time on a fire, appx. 10-15 minutes.

I spent the evening of our "incident" around the campfire listening to the songs and watching people coming and going, while I sipped a cup of coffee, then crashed. Hypothermia had taken it's toll on my body even tho I had warmed up, the body still needs time to recover from the restricted blood flow. A good nights sleep in a warm sleeping bag was just the ticket I needed. Morning broke and I woke with thoughts of concern for our injured and the repairs that needed to be done, to be ready to travel when the time arrived. GS808 & I talked about needing to ask Michael about helping with the repairs to the tongue of our wagon. Seems the bolts gave way and did not damage the wood, thank God. I joined in the prayers and relished the songs of the morning which continued to comfort my fears throughout the day. I was delighted to catch myself humming them, remembering the words with the tune floating through my head. I went to town with one of the deputies and checked on everyone at the hospital, but was unable to visit P and mommato3boys because the Doctor was in the room at the time I was there. I left and walked to the grocery store. The owner let me plug in my cell phone to recharge while I browsed. They were very talkative and told me stories of the town folk and mentioned how the Mayor's daughter wants to marry that boy she was with. I took advantage of the conversation and offered to trade that beautiful diamond ring for supplies. He was excited to take the deal, saying it would be a perfect fit for her. He gave me a whole uncut rack of ribeye, 5 canned hams, 3 heads of lettuce, 8 zucchini, a dozen avacados, a dozen tomatoes, 2-5# bags of onions and 2-10# bags of potatoes. I purchased several more cans of veggies, some canned tuna and mackerel, 5# of salt and a couple bags of ice. Then he offered to have one of his employees give me a ride back to camp. *Score!* He asked me how we were doing and I told him we had some people in the hospital, our animals had bolted and a few were injured but we have skilled people that were getting the situation under control. When I arrived back at camp, I checked with Mother to see how things were going. She told me Mt_Rider was looking for me about a tanning class. We also discussed taking care of the ribeye I brought back from the market. Ribeye steaks for all tomorrow night and we were going to marinade the short ribs to go with, complemented with cala vasita <spelling? my spanish sucks >! Makes me feel good that we could all enjoy the benefits of that 'pretty ring' God provided. Without any one having to feel guilty about it. Fair trade. I checked with Gunslinger808 to see if he had a chance to talk with Michael. He said he was going to but got busy helping out with the animals and repairs. I checked my voice mail again while heading to visit Mt_Rider and MIL is on her way, I'll have to go back to the "Preparation" Thread and post what she's bringing.... lol. She'll be here by Monday [iRL: until some time in January (finished repainting her room toady)]. I met Mt_Rider on my way and she wants to tan the oxen hide. I told her I needed to see what we were dealing with and I'd be back after finishing my walkabout. It was nice to hear she was feeling better, but to me, she didn't quite look like she was up to parr. We said a quick prayer and praise and parted with a hug. Evening came too quickly and after a full day I sat by the fire drinking a cup of mint tea and retired and morning seemed to come too soon, I woke just before dawn and got up. I sat by our little camp fire stirring the coals for quite some time thinking about all that had transpired in the last few days. Wondering how we will fare when there is a threat with no type of outside help. There were enough coals left from last night to make a small mound and place a medium sized piece on it to smolder until I got back. I finished my reading and went for another walkabout with a song Grandmother would sing in the mornings to me, Rise and shine give God the Glory!! playing in my thoughts. The ravine by the stream was so beautiful, all things considered. I saw quite a few animal tracks, dog/'yote, otter, deer, skunk and maybe raccoon, that one was pretty faint, and of course ours, scarred a few dove sitting next to the water and saw a couple ducks swim behind some reeds and then made my way back to camp. Finding hardly any one up I moseyed to quiltys41's wagon. Seeing she didn't seem well either, was very concerned about the TIA. (IRL: MIL had them frequently after Da died.) I was very concerned but she didn't want to go to town to the hospital. I found Mother and we decided to store/prep the meat because we were going to take care of the oxen meat toady and I need to take care of the hide. The skin had been removed by the time I got there. I took it and laid it out to flesh it, using a knife being careful to not cut or tear the skin, then stretched the hide out by laying it on the ground flesh-side up, and punching wooden stakes at intervals around the edges and driving them into the ground close to the edge but not so close that the skin would tear and without stretching the hide beyond its original size, to prevent it from shrinking. For the leather we needed to flip the hide over so that the hair side is up, then mix up a slurry of wood ashes and water and rub it into the hide well and let it set until the hair starts coming loose when you pulled on it, which may take a couple of days. After we get all the hair shaved/scrapped off we will want to prevent the hide from getting stiff if it gets wet, we'll make a tripod of sticks and drape the hide over a small smudge fire and smoke the hide until it becomes a nice buckskin color turning it over as necessary for the smoke to penetrate all parts. As the sun began to set, I strolled over to the main campfire and sat for hours gazing into the fire loosing myself in the flames. Drank a cup of tea and headed for bed.