Mother

I'm late checking in today. Just too many things going on. I didn't get much sleep last night. I sat outside some of the night because I didn't want to wake DH and Mom with my coughing. I didn't stay long either time I was out there because I kept getting the feeling I was being watched. When I talked to the guard about it they said that everything had been quiet and they'd seen nothing unusual. For some reason I just can't shake this feeling that there's something out there and our own animals actions seem to back that feeling up. LOL, okay I don't believe that paranoia runs in our family so I'm going to tell myself to ignore it even though I've always trusted my intuition in the past. Then of course, I slept late. Lori, I did get that note from Michael but unfortunately I didn't catch MtR before she decided to be FRISKY this morning. Who would have thought she'd have been out of her tent early enough to do so Umm, problem is,,, I don't think we can get you a new heart all that soon. Could you wait until we mail order it? I'm in a lot of pain, still coughing but surprisingly enough am feeling a bit better too. Well enough to try driving today while DGD drives her mom's oxen and DD goes into town. I really didn't have a big list but the family has thought of some things, namely we'd like some of the fresh produce. They are also going to look for some herbs for me if any might be available, even in capsule or tea form. Most of what I need I have plants, seeds, or cuttings of but they won't be ready until long after we've arrived. I feel we might need them on the trail if we keep running into 'bugs' along the trail. We've decided to see if we can get a few more gel cell 6 volt batteries for the solar system or something comparable like a deep cycle one. They won't give us more power but will give us more storage and that might be important in times of no sun. Of course there's the M&M's. Now that people have been mentioning them our "ladies" seem to think that more chocolate might be a good idea. Suddenly they are asking if we can grow chocolate. I told them chocolate and even carob needs a more tropical climate than where we're going (I do have some along to see if they can be grown but don't tell them in case it doesn't work out) I told them there is always chocolate mint, which has a mint flavor but only the smell of chocolate. ( I have some of these along too) We might be able to grow Himalayan Honeysuckle with it's sort of chocolate caramel tasting berry but it would be a real tender plant. Problem is, I don't have one of those along. Sooo, it looks like they have decided to stock up on cocoa and/or carob, which ever they can get easiest. Somehow I suspect that those town women might have already noticed that chocolate could be scarce. Anyone have a recipe for M&M's? Makes me glad I'm allergic to it and don't have those cravings. AND it's a good thing I have a recipe to make PEEPS. Marshmallows, mmmmmm. Can't have holidays without Peeps, can you and I know you can't have a camp fire without roasting marshmallows. (well, okay so some people need chocolate and graham crackers with their marshmallows) Seriously now, Oh you WERE serious about that chocolate. uMmm okay. MT3B, if you feel that your family is being caught by the same 'bug' we all have back here, be sure to join us as we're trying desperately not to spread it too far. It doesn't appear to be serious but it weakens and we sure don't need a wagon train FULL of weak people. Truth be known though, if we keep seeing this pop up all over we might as well just pull back together with it as to have the bigger part lagging behind. I believe the Benefactor's ill people will be well enough to go back to their train tomorrow if no one else comes down with it. Did anyone notice that when you drive/ride/walk hour after hour that your mind can wander? Even our guards have admitted that the long hours get to them and makes them a bit dull. That might not be so good. We need to stay on out toes, especially while we are going through these populated areas. But my mind wants to linger on what the Taxi driver is thinking as he drives us back and forth from town to a WAGON TRAIN!!!!! Each time he has to drive further away to reach us. Each time is he looking at us thinking,,,,"These people are NUTS!" or is he wondering if he and his family should be going with us??? And the last thought on the Taxi driver is.. Do we want him to bring the last people to our CAMP tonight, Maybe someone and some guards should meet that last taxi on the road some distance back??? Is tonight the place we're supposed to have hot showers? Did I miss them last night? I've forgotten already. I wake up each morning and look out the wagon flap and see all the wagons in the circle. I think, Yup, we are still on the wagon train, but where ARE we. AND NO! we are NOT there yet! Darn big kids, but they sure make it a whole lot of fun traveling. (We aren't there yet,,,Are we?)

Evening (((((MtR))))), good to see you out of your tent for a few. Ice Cream? Did you say ICE CREAM. I hadn't even realized that I missed it until you mentioned it,, Gee thanks, Now I'll have to make some. After all,, we have all this rich cream. We have a bit of sweeteners of various kinds left, a few eggs. Hmmmm, 12-volt refrigerator with small freezer! I have my Donvier non electric Ice Cream maker. Hmmm.. Course, it only makes a quart at a time with it's freezer gel pan..... Let's see, Ice cream, hot showers. What more could a gal want to dream about. Crawling back into the Gypsy wagon as the grandkids call it so I can get to dreamin'. (((((everyone)))))) Good grief MtR. What IS that donkey having fits about? She keeps looking over through the trees. Must be something in there she wants. Wouldn't you think she'd be more interested in that nice big Jack over among the Benefactors animals? Here, give her a carrot or two. That might help. What a night. DD's Saint has been goofy all night too. Big sigh! Hoping MT3B's family get back soon.

Finally, the wagon is stopped and I'm starting to get my legs under me again. I'm grateful that the guys found this spot even if it is too close to town for my comfort. MT3B, be sure to let us know right away when your guys get back and if it goes on too long we'll send someone else in to check. We have a folding three wheel bike here someone can use and if need be we'll send a couple in on horseback. I'm really sorry I wasn't able to help your DIL2B with her shoulder but I sure would hate to have her get this crud. I feel like the whole inside of our wagon is one mass of germs from my sneezing. I hope Mom doesn't catch it. We made up a bleach solution this morning and have been spraying it in the air with a spray bottle in lieu of lysol. Not sure it is going to help but it makes me feel I'm doing something. They tell me that MtR is still not feeling up to par but at least it's not this nasty bug. I am amazed at what she accomplishes with having MS. Can't be easy for her. Well, it's not easy for any of us really, let alone if we have health issues. Strangely enough, there are few things I really miss. Running hot water for showers that ease the muscle spasms that I am prone to are the biggest one for me. We have some modern 12-volt/solar/LP equipment along but are using them only very occasionally. I wanted to bring along an antique wood burning water heater that we had but that thing weighed a TON and we couldn't justify the convenience. Instead our son brought along the pipe and equipment needed to make a hot water heater in one of our wood stoves IF any of them makes it to the land. I'm still not convinced that we won't have to jettison some of them along the way. Then of course, my aching body misses our queen sized super padded mattress. Sleeping on bags of grain with a four inch foam just is NOT the same..... More than anything I miss my younger son and his family. It was the hardest thing I've done in years to leave them. We have hopes that they will be joining us but we all know that's it's possible they may not make it. Our horse’s shoes are holding up well. DSIL has been keeping an eye on them. His grandfather farmed with horses his whole life and he helped him for years. He also knows livestock so we know he will be a blessing in the future. I'm amazed that our cows and goats are still producing well despite the miles of travel each day without adequate grazing. This morning I set almost a half-gallon of cream to churn into butter today. I want to warn everyone to keep the fires very low key tonight if at all. So far the wind is away from the town so our smoke and cooking smells should be safe from detection unless someone is close by but the flickering light might be seen through the trees. Still, it might be wise to put them out as soon as they are no longer needed and do so with dirt, not water, as that causes a terrific amount of smoke. Perhaps we should have a discussion on different types of hidden fires, such as the Dakota Hole fire, and other ways for us to be more hidden, if hiding a whole wagon train can be done that is? Let's stay as quiet as we can just to avoid trouble. We've doubled the guard tonight but let's all stay alert.

AHCHOO!!! BLOW BLOW BLOW this runny nose. Humph! I must be in the 'second wave' of sickness going around as several of those in the 'infirmary' circle are coughing and sneezing this morning. Those that had it first are well on their way to mending though are still suffering from the exhaustion that seems to come with this. I don't expect this to last any longer but I believe our wagons will stay isolated for a few days yet as no one in the other two circles seem to be coming down with it. We must be confining it well but not eradicating the germ yet. At least this sickness gave me a chance to get to know some of the people from the Benefactor's wagon train. They are all very pleasant but from the looks of their clothing and how inept most of them were around the camp I'm not sure how well they are making out in their camp. Their clothing seemed appropriate enough on first look but was more designer oriented than serviceable. I gather from talking with them that most were very well off financially most of their lives but have suffered reversals of their fortunes in the recent months. I spent many hours in the night on Friday night with the mother of the little girl who was so sick. She is almost 8 months pregnant with their second child and is understandably concerned for the baby. She asked a lot of questions about herbs she could take for various things but as she had no clue what any of them were, except for the Raspberry leaf I mentioned for toning and strengthening the uterus, I tried not to give her too much information. I asked a few questions about the Benefactors but she seemed reluctant to talk about them. She said she was a distant relative of MrJ but didn't know either of them very well. She just knew they were very wealthy and well respected and had been really nice to them all. She said that some of them were getting very low on supplies but that the Benefactors had promised them they would be able to secure more at one of the towns soon. I hope so as I believe that a lot of people on our train have lists started as well. All in all though, it really sounds like we are doing better than they are. Anarchy, that sounds like quite a find with those fish, (well even the ring is a GREAT find for later for barter) and coming across some cowslip to go with them was a nice addition. I can see I'll have to follow you next time you go looking. Yum Yum! I'm glad your MIL has decided to try to hook up with us. I hope she's safe on the trip here, it sounds like it's getting really bad out there. Hey, did you see any more signs of big doglike tracks or any tracts for that matter? The whole time I was out yesterday I felt like I was being 'watched'. Then, there is the strange actions of our animals. DD's Saint Bernard was constantly over in the tree line sniffing about and even the horses kept turning their ears that direction a sure sign something is going on. I had almost forgotten it yesterday but last night in the night in a bout of insomnia I was watching out the back plastic window of the wagon and was sure I saw a darker shadow moving in the trees. I couldn't tell what it was and none of the animals or dogs seem to be bothered by it so it's probably nothing. Stephanie, I'm sure sorry you are leaving us. I understand about needing to help family though. I will be praying you can convince them to return with you when the time comes for you to rejoin us. Please, stay alert and safe out there. It really sounds like it's getting rougher by the day. Our circle of wagons is ready to move out, no thanks to me as I'm just setting in my lawn chair trying to conserve my energy for the day. The ones who were well last night cooked a big pot of soup and we have that in the insulated cookers to stay hot for eating throughout the day. We managed to get a big pot of hot water going as well and put the hot water into several large thermoses for drinks along the trail. Now, If I can just drag myself into the wagon again, I'll be ready to see how travel in the wagon feels today, *groan*

YAWN Oh excuse me. Have I missed the whole day? I've been resting almost all day, mostly because I could barely get out of bed this morning. I believe my stupidity has finally caught up with me, a lot sooner than I expected too. When the family made the decision to come on this journey I was very leery of my physical stamina. I voiced that to my family and they told me that if I would pace myself I should be okay. They said they would do all they could to help me and they have. They have held up their end of the bargain but I have not held up mine. Several of them have even gently reminded me of it several times in the last few days. But NO!!! I had to be strong and brave and push myself to do what I saw as my responsibility. Well, THAT didn't work! I was so looking forward to services this morning (did we have them? No one has said.) I woke to stomach wrenching dizziness, pain and fatigue. A sure sign of a serious flare. One look at me trying to pull myself out of our bed had not only DH but also my Mom shaking their heads at me and pointing back to the bed. Sad that my almost 88 year old mom can outwork me....Of course, SHE knows how to PACE herself, allowing others to do what she no longer can feel comfortable doing. Wouldn't you think a person would learn by my age? I am a bit less dizzy now but I can't even begin to imagine the problems I will face tomorrow on the road if this hasn't let up totally. Just the thought of going back through that ditch is enough to make me pale already. YUK! I most likely won't be driving for a few days at least. The 20 year old GD is going to try her hand at it,,,,AFTER someone gets us back to the road again that is. She has handled horses before, quite a bit in fact, but never drove a team before. She's been helping to drive our oxen teams though and spent a couple of days helping PCS. I'm sure she will be fine, but darn, those horses were just letting me think I was the boss. Anyway, I've only admitted this because I know that we need to take care of ourselves on this trip. YES, we are forced into doing things we aren't used to doing but don't take chances with your health. Ask for help if you need it so you don't get down totally. You are no help at all that way. I know that one for sure! Also, don't forget that there's such a thing as emotional fatigue too. Talk it out if you are being bothered by something. Stephanie shared with us her issue with lack of privacy. That's a big one for most of us. This journey is only going to get tougher and there's going to be times that all of us will HAVE to push ourselves beyond our endurance. Best to build up some reserves for that time while we still can. I fully believe we are in for a rough ride. How did YOUR Sunday go? I'd really like to know what I missed.

Oh dear, what a day...PHew, it feels good to set still for a change. Laundry, Laundry and more laundry, having trying to coordinate getting the ill ones to the doctor, getting meals and etc was trying but we had lots of hands to help and it all went very smoothly. It was a blessing to find we didn't have anything serious to deal with and ohhhh my,,, ORANGES too. And apples. One would think that we were living in an alien world and it hadn't been less than a week since leaving home. There were a few more highlights as well to this beautifully sunny and warm day. One was Mr.Mt_R coming to our circle and adjusting all who wanted to be adjusted. I was all for pushing all those sick people out of the way and rushing to the front of the line but I was polite and waited until he had tended those before asking for some help myself. I feel SOOOOOO much better now. Thank you so much for offering to help us out. Truthfully, everyone does seem to be feeling a bit better tonight. Lots of coughing going on but at least now they can get the crud out of their lungs and bronchial. We had been following Q's advise and not giving anything for the fever until it reached over 102 but there were a couple of young ones that even meds wouldn't bring the fever down. The wonders Mr.Mt_R worked did the trick. One was the entertainment by Stephanie and Critters. Mom and I were on the way to the latrines and happened to be near enough to at least enjoy the show. We laughed until we were almost in tears. A much needed laugh I might add. Of course, we aren't allowed to "mention" what the 'play' was about but I believe it will take on a historic aspect with the group from now on. Thank you Stephanie, for that wonderful rendition of the "Great Afghan Chase of 2009"!! Then of course, there was the addition of Mommato3boys and her family to our group. We are all so glad you joined us here. I'm surprised you even found us but then I suppose it's kind of hard to bring in this many wagons and animals without leaving some sort of trail. I certainly hope you didn't follow MY path through that LITTLE Ditch. It was definitely one of those don't try this at home times. LOL. I believe I'm getting better though and it's good that I can experience it for little ditches as I'm sure there's going to be a whole lot worse before we get there. I suspect that this was just Ditch 101. The afternoon gave me time for a short walk in the woods and surrounding meadows. As I suspected it was pretty early for much in the way of potherbs but I was thrilled to find white willow along the stream. We have used a lot of my supply so we filled a basket with bark and twigs to dry for replacement. While harvesting the willow I found a wonderful span of watercress in the stream below. I'm always a little leery of using cress from any but the swiftest moving streams as this was but to make sure we will soak it in water that's had a couple of water purification tablets dissolved in it. Then it will be a peppery nutritious addition to our diet. They are great chopped fine and sprinkled on a bowl of soup or used on a sandwich. We found some small patches of lambs quarter and larger patches of winter cress. Not enough for potherbs but a nice addition to a salad especially since some of the winter cress was nicely white in the center, always less bitter. I found a beautiful patch of violets. The tiny leaves and flowers are great in a salad, especially with the addition of the watercress to give them a bite. I added some tiny purslane leaves for a bit of a lemony taste but there wasn't a lot of them either. As salads go there wasn't as much as I'd have liked. Another week or two would have seen a lot more. A great find was wild rosehips still hanging on bushes. They are tiny, not big like the domestic variety but tasty made into tea and are full of vitamin C. We only took a small amount of them as they are tedious to pick. We found tiny new shoots of mallow plants and I had some of the people with me dig up the roots to dry for a soothing tea or poultice. The mallow leaves will work too and though fuzzy, the very early ones will be good good in our salad. Then we found nettles growing robustly even this early in the year. I took out a plastic bag for these and turning it inside out with my hand inside I picked the whole bag full. They can be used cooked as a potherb but it would take a whole lot more to make a meal. No, I wanted them to make a tea to use as a hair rinse. It leaves the hair shiny and soft. They also make a great tea after dried, tasting a bit like green tea. We might come back tomorrow and pick a lot more. I'm sure there were a whole lot more edibles and medicinals out there but I was too tired to be able to search for them. If we come to gather more nettles I'll do a bit more looking tomorrow. Well, the work is done for the day unless someone needs me in the night. We are all clean, well fed, comfortable and ready to relax around the fire, my favorite time of the day. I'm hoping that someone will start singing. There's nothing nicer than a tune to start the day and a tune to end it.

Good morning Michael. Great song. What a pleasant way to greet the day. Good morning everyone. Just reporting in that we have quite a few sick people over here. Three wagons from the Benefactor's group came last night and another this morning. The illness seems to be confined to coughing, runny noses, and sneezing mostly but a few have fevers and aches with it, indicating a bit more serious virus. One little girl from the other group was seriously congested and our OTC meds weren't cutting it so we finally put some onion poultices on her chest in the night. That seems to have relieved it quite a bit and she's finally able to breathe better. I really believe that she should be one of those going to see that doctor. Michael, I can't thank you enough for finding him. I'd really like to try to make sure we aren't dealing with H1N1 though I'm not sure he can tell us with any certainty if it is or not as that test takes a few days to come back. The symptoms just don't quite seem to fit though so perhaps we are just dealing with a nasty common flu virus. I will try to talk the parents into letting us send their children to the doctor in the care of some of the sick adults or we aren't going to have enough room for everyone. I suppose a few could ride horses over if needed though and that would give you the protection you asked for. We'll have everyone that's going ready to go at any time you say. Fifteen miles is a fair distance to travel. Strange to think of that though when just last week fifteen miles was just fifteen minutes away. How drastically our concepts of time and place have changed in just five days. We'll start washing first thing this morning but instead of going to the stream we'll do most of it here in several large tubs. We have a central fire started in the "infirmary" circle as well. (Thanks to all of you who brought us wood) I will want to boil the handkerchiefs and other clothing just to make sure we kill some germs. I do have a lot of dry bleach along but would like to save that for when on the trail again. Breakfast will be varied over here. We have a big pot of oatmeal ready but also have some loaves of bread for toasting, have jams and jellies set out, and will make eggs and bacon for any that prefer that. It's really good to be able to use the fire to cook over and save our precious fuel for inclement weather. I will say, it's a bit harder on the back cooking this way though. I’m glad I brought my lawn chair. Phew! We've already started a big pot of nutritious soup for lunch. Everyone added what they had to it and we'll let it simmer all day. There's lots of rich broth forming on it for those who can't stomach anything heavier. We've got some fresh meat in various wagons (in coolers) that need to be used up so we're going to be cooking that too. We’ll probably cook rice to go with it. I’d love some of PCS’s gumbo but I know she’s still not feeling well from that snakebite and needs her rest. It will taste just as good later down the road, maybe even better. We’ll make a rich gravy for topping the rice and will also have a bit of sweetening for any that likes their rice that way. With plenty of milk and lots of eggs Mom’s agreed to try her hand at making custard over an open fire this morning as it makes a nice light nutritious food for those not feeling well. We set some yogurt last night along with some milk set to clabber for cottage cheese. I’ll also probably make some soft vinegar cheese as well. A few fish wouldn't go amiss to add some fresh variety to our diets so we'll be sending a few of the well people from here to try their hand at bringing a few back but we will try to arrange to be at the fishing area only when others aren't going to be there. I doubt we’ll find enough spring greens in this area to feed the whole train but I’d like to at least see if there are any usable herbs around. Would anyone want to go along? I don’t think I’m coming down with anything but could stay a bit apart from you. We will probably need a guard though as some of the animals are still keeping watch towards the heavily wooded area. There must be something out there that makes them at least curious. Anarchy, have you noticed anything more? It’s rather strange, as the dogs aren’t barking at whatever it is. Well, can’t stand here ‘jawing’ any longer, there’s work to do if I plan to rest a bit tomorrow. Have a great day everyone.

YES,,,,,If you check out the other thread you can see that we're already on the trail but haven't gotten far yet. Get you 'stuff' packed and meet us out there.

Annarchy, we've been hearing that sound as well. Our dogs are restless and have wined towards the wooded are a couple of times. They don't seem nervous, just antsy. A couple of our guys went out and found big dog type tracks as well but didn't see anything else. Knowing wildlife like I do, I don't expect it will just out and out attack a wagon or a tent but I hope the guards are on the alert just the same. Feels a bit creepy to be over here by ourselves. I'm grateful for the stopover though. I think a couple of days of no jostling will really help GS's leg and we can start getting some hot packs on it. I finally got some steam going for those with congestion tonight. That should relieve things somewhat. Lots to do tomorrow what with the LITTLE ditch managing to take out a lot of stuff in our wagons. Nothing broken as far as we can see but a lot rearranged, and a bit of wagon repair. I'm off to bed for a while but if anyone needs me just let me know. (((((((distant hugs to keep down contagion)))))

You want me to drive these horse WHERE?

Are we there yet? Just thought I'd make all you mothers feel at home! I've only heard that ten times today and that was from the BIG kids ... The littlest has been content playing LEGO's and sleeping away the afternoon. He's till feverish but doesn't seem quite as miserable as he was. Injured GS is a bit grumbly about not being able to just put on the brace he got at the hospital and crawl out of the wagon. That knee is still so swollen he can't even GET the brace on. He's really not a problem though. He's as great guy and has been helping to entertain his little brother. At 22 he thinks he's invincible though and he really does just wants to be doing his share. Does anyone know where we're stopping tonight? If I heard it I forgot it, it's been that kind of day.

Sorry, Mt_R, I was talking at the same time as you. I'll keep my eye out for early spring medicinal herbs though it's still a bit early yet. Plus using them from along the road carries the chance of them being covered with exhaust chemcals or sprays. We might get willow bark along the streams though. I do have a suggestion. If anyone has vitamin C in their supplies or we can get some in a nearby town that they start taking it now if they haven't been already. It might cut down on the new cases or the severity of the disease. Additionally, if we can get to a town with a health food store I would like to stock more Gelsemium and Bryonia. Both specifics for fevers/colds/flu among other things. Perhaps even Bach Rescue Remedy and maybe.... Okay, so if get near somewhere that has a health food store I'll just make a list. I brought a very large supply of natural meds but if we have two trains of people going down we could need a lot more.

Quilty's, I had actually considered this option myself. I believe you are correct in needing to stop the contagion before it spreads worse. Because our GS has a fever it's wise to keep it controlled. Our family has all been around my GS so we will volunteer to drop back, all five wagons. That way we will have protection with extra numbers. Also, we will already be isolated if more of us come down with it. We are heavily armed and there are enough of us that we can act as our own guard at least at night. The one problem I see with this is if it gets dusty or muddy. In a normal wagon train, to be fair, the lead wagon of one day would be the tail the next to avoid having to slog through dust or mud day after day in the same position as it puts a terrible burden on the teams. So far we are on paved or gravel roads so don't expect mud but we could hit some dust if it gets dry. That dust will only make the symptoms worse. Remember, we will be at the back of BOTH wagon trains as the Benefactors are ahead of us most of the time. It will also have to be decided if we are traveling behind the last wagons or behind the animals. As for others joining us, I believe Annarchy said something about sneezing but if it's just sinus or ? I'd hate to have her catch something from us. Perhaps she could just isolate herself a bit until she decides what it is. Of course, anyone with a fever probably should join us. I have enough natural health care and in-home health care education and experience that I can handle most cold/flu situations. I have a very large selection of herbs and homeopathic remedies as well so we can use them first and only resort to our precious medications if needed. I suggest that we pull no medically trained people out of line unless they feel they have been seriously exposed or feel they are coming down with the same symptoms. I thought of you when I say this, Q, as you and my DD and injured GS may have been exposed to something different at the hospital the other night. Unless someone objects, we'll be dropping back as soon as we get to an area wide enough to do so. Q, thank you for thinking of the good of the train. I will be adding my prayers to others.

I set my internal alarm clock last night to awaken at HOT SHOWER time. It was still raining and cold out. The camper wagon was almost as wet inside from humidity. I could hear water dripping off the 'inside' of the top and lay there for a few minutes wondering how many wet areas I'd have to tend to and how I could change the humidity without sacrificing warmth. It was mostly dark inside the wagon. Mom's privacy curtains block almost all light from the clear plastic windows in front but through the one in back I could see the trees by the soft glow of the light at the shower building. I suddenly had a deepening of appreciation for that light and the fact that hot running water was there for us to use. Within minutes Mom and I were helping each other down the back steps with towels in hand and headed to the showers. We passed a couple of guards along the way but didn't know them. I knew that DH was out there some where on guard as well. It was a good feeling to know that people were willing to give up their sleep to help protect us. It was obvious that there were a lot of people who had internal alarm clocks set this morning as the showers were full and it took us longer to get back to the wagon than expected. DH was at the wagon and already starting to feed the animals by the time we got back. We hastened to get breakfast finished. We had started it last night by putting corn meal cooked with left over meat into bread pans in the 12 volt refrigerators to set up. It made a sort of scrapple that we sliced, dredged in flour and fried in saved bacon fat. I like mine with gravy but didn't want to take time with it so instead we all ate it with fresh rich creamy butter. While we were getting hitched up, animal's milked, and things stored away Mom made dozens of buttermilk biscuits for lunch. We had put beans to soak last night and she brought them to a boil and put them in the insulated cooker with small bits of canned ham, dehydrated veggies, and seasonings to cook during the day for supper. I'm beginning to realize how tough it would be for me without her help, emotionally and physically. Both GS's were doing better this morning. The older one has slept better and the younger one's fever is down though he is going to be riding with us today so we can keep an eye on him. He's still sneezing and blowing and I'm really grateful for the packets of Kleenex I had in the wagon but at this rate they won't last long. I'm going to have to dig out the handkerchiefs that I brought. I believe we have everything done. I sent goat's milk over to CGA,, got the cream from last night set for butter, I've got the invalids tucked in, and I believe we are ready to go. Michael, we've got a big box of LEGO's here too. Believe it or not, the Oldest GS has them for now. (He loves them too and even electrifies them with batteries) Youngest one is playing with his small tractors but will get some of the LEGO's later. And Um Michael, aren't you glad you decided to stay? You'd have missed the LEGO's if you hadn't. (well, okay, AFTER Lori gets back) (((Mt_Rider,,,,,You KNOW it's true, that you bring on these things IRL. I'm just trying to prepare the other members of this part for that possibility ))

(That's Mt_Riders fault, every time she posts one of these UNreality exercises it happens. I keep wondering when the wagons are showing up at my door. LOL Hey, Michael, weren't YOU the one that said we should try out some of these things IRL? ) Annarchy, I'm afraid you caught that sneezing from us. DGS ran a fever all day today, sneezed, coughed, blew and etc (and went to the doctor IRL, not H1N1 he says) Tomorrow HAS to be better. We have to think positive to get us through the days. We still have weeks to go yet. I, for one, would relish a monotonous fifteen mile day for a change. Now I'm going to get some sleep in case Michael gets us up early again tomorrow morning.

Happy birthday to the young man Stephanie. It really is difficult to see them grow up right before our eyes. How wonderful that you could improvise and make it special for him. I bet he will never forget his tenth birday though. How many young people do you know who spends it on a WAGON TRAIN? After today it's nice to hear of a semblance of normalacy among us.

I will be glad to share our goats milk with you, CGA. We have five kids along and they tend to take a lot but are starting to nibble at some feed and grass as well. With the cows we get way more milk than we can use even with our large family. I hadn't remembered that you were an RN too, CGA. I am really grateful for all of you medical personelle. The accident has shown me just how important those people will be to the group. I checked on Sharon just a bit ago and she's not fairly well. I've sent our DGD over to give her a hand. Others are helping as well but I believe we need to relieve her as much as possible. It helps that we are all cooking for ourselves yet. Q, I've taken your advice and made some tea for DGS. It looks like I might have to dig out my cold tea too as the youngest (7 YO) is sneezing and blowing and coughing this morning. I pray it's not anything really contagious, like H1N1, but we are keeping him isolated in any case. He's not happy about being confined to a wagon but we told him he would know how his brother felt this way. My Mom is riding with him for a while to keep him busy with school work and games. That leaves me alone with the horses in the camper wagon as DH is driving the oxen for our wagon so our son can get some rest to take night watch later. I'm getting better at handling the horses but keep running Michaels song over in my mind wanting to sing it constantly to them to keep them 'calm'. Guess going over it in my mind helps ME be calm too. LOL. I'm sure not going to sing "Oh what a beautiful morning" but at least I have clear plastic curtains I can roll down if it downpours. Problem is, I feel like I can't see as well around me with those curtains, especially with rain on them. Why didn't they include 'windshield wipers' on this darn thing? The goats were complaining about the wet earlier but seem to have decided no one was listening. Little goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and etc are all in the wagon in front of me and I can see them all trying to huddle together despite the fact they are covered. With their body heat I'm sure they are probably warm enough. I believe it's just the constant movement that is having them look so depressed. The only thing that keeps me going is the thought of a hot shower at the end of the day. *groan*

We were up as well when Michael came to tell us the news. None of us are big on breakfast so we were ready to go in record time. Like Stephanie, once we were on the other side of the warehouse we took time to milk the cows and goats. When you are talking Two jersey cows who have not dropped in their production and three Nigerian goats well.....that's a lot of milk! WE fed some of the goats milk to the kids but I'm glad I brought a big old fashioned milk can along and that it was clean and ready to use. I put the rest of the milk in there and we'll decide what to do with it later. If it doesn't get too hot today I'll use it for cheese, other wise we might just feed dogs and other animals with it. I managed to get the cream skimmed from last night's milking though and put it in the cans I use to make butter and got them hung on the side of the wagon. I also managed to get a couple of black shower bags hung there to heat some water. It's so strange this morning. As Stephanie said, every noise seems so loud as we were getting ready to move out. I took a quick check of our GS though and he's slept right through it. I guess it's a good thing he is not a morning person and CAN sleep. I'm really feeling the stress this morning too. Not just of the situation but of being in and near towns at all. I'm a country girl through and through. I believe we're all feeling the stress of the trip and we've only been on the road a few days. We're tense and touchy and defensive and you know what? That's not a bad thing. It's just a sign that we're all trying to make our personalities and even our abilities all match up, mesh together and get it all to work. We'll get it before long I'm sure. We're going to have to as we need each and every person here to help get us through this. Anyway, I'm glad we're on the road and as soon as I know we are out of the area and a bit more secure Mom and I will get some breakfast for the family. We'll make it 'brunch' instead. Probably will just be cold left over biscuits and cheese or jelly and some fruit. If we stop long enough any time soon we'll get some meat cooking and in the fireless cooker. If not we can always use home canned meat. We'll add veggies and pasta to it later for a casserole. Firegirl, I really appreciate the offer to help with DGS. He was terribly restless in the night. We've got most of his care covered as his SO is a Physical Therapist and understands his injuries very well. She will monitor his BP and such and I knows what to look for as to infection. I've done a lot of in home health care over the years, was a wild life rehabilitator for over 27 (by the way, I'm glad that rabid dog is gone. I've had experience with rabies too and it's not nice at all.), I have an extensive background in herbology and natural healing but what I don't have is a lot of knowledge about modren medicines, antibiotics and all. I'll have to rely on others for that. I also don't have the physical ability to climb in and out of that wagon so I'm wondering if you'd like to help out with the herb packs when we start them in a couple of days. I'd be able to prepare them in our camper wagon as our modern camp kitchen is set up in there but I just can't imagine me running back and forth with hot packs. *groan* I'll understand if you might not be able to help though. There is just SO much to do on the trail. You also might be needed for helping with security as I believe we might need everyone's help with that if it gets as bad as I suspect it will. Let's just hope that we don't run into any trouble on the road. At least we have the Benefactor's group near us now. That will help perhaps even though it makes us even more notable than before. Stay safe everyone

((((Quilty)))) I don't know how to thank you enough for what you did for our GS. I wasn't at the hospital so I'm glad that you were able to be there. He's not going to like staying off his feet a while. I was hoping that as long as there was no open wounds we might escape infection but obviously we'll have to be very careful. We will be grateful for the antibiotics if they are needed. I have several courses of Cipro along as well but I was wondering if it would be worth while to start him on echinacea and possibly hit him with extra Vitamins to see if we can ward off the infection. What do you think? I also have willow, valarian root, St John's wort, and other herbs that will help with the pain and healing. I have both a walker and a pair of adjustable crutches along that we'll get him on when he's able. It's going to be extremely difficult for him to get in and out of the wagons for some time yet. We got him out of the camper wagon and back to his own for the night but it wasn't easy. He's not a complainer but I bet it's going to be a long trip for him. I'm glad you told us about the men in the waiting room. I believe MtR posted guards but I'm not sure I'm going to sleep soundly even for that. I hadn't expected to have trouble this soon. I'll look forward to an early wake up call and an early start to get on the road tomorrow. Unfortunately, we have a lot longer to travel near towns. I wish I could answer your question about MrS and MrJ. All I know about them is that they seem to be well respected and caring enough to want us to be safe when TEOTWAWKI occurs. Unfortunately, we're racing against time. Thanks again Q. Sleep well, you deserve the rest.

(thanks CGA) (back to the thread) We had a really rough night last night with DGS. It was decided that he be taken to the ER to have an exray of his leg and hip. He and his mom went by police car and were at the hospital for hours. Thankfully, there was nothing broken but he's in a lot of pain despite the meds given him. His mom managed to talk the doctor into giving him samples as we were on the 'road' with this 'reality show' and he did. Not only that he gave her extras just in case. This grandson is 22 and though he's the one we tease about sleeping late, he's a tough one. He took one pill refused another one this morning. He insisted that the rest be kept in case someone else needs them later. We have been icing the swelling on both hip and leg but as soon as that swelling goes down we will switch to hot Comfrey packs to start the healing. There are thankfully no breaks in the skin so we should be safe from infections. The comfrey should help with the pain, the bruising and the healing. All day he's been riding in the camper wagon so I could keep an eye on him He didn't want to hold up the train and was glad we were on the road at our regular time. From what CGA says it's a good thing we did. It's getting rough out there. Camping tonight in the abandoned parking lot of a deserted factory well between towns will help but I hope we have guards posted. I just don't feel safe here. Hopefully with the rain that's starting now we won't have any trouble with outsiders. I have a feeling that tonight is going to be wet, cold and miserable. Tonight's meal for us was heated up home canned venison stew with baking powder biscuits made in the camp oven over our camp stove. At least it was hot and filling. Please, everyone, stay alert.

Stepping out of my role also just for a post or two,,,,,, I spent all day monday cooking around an open fire with our 7-YO Grandson. It was his final test for his Chuckwagon study (homeschooled). He had to cook an entire meal for his family and Grandpa and I. Eight people, plus he made breakfast for the three of us. Helped build the fire ring with big rocks, started the fire on his own, got it going despite the wet wood and wind and smoke filled eyes. Built up a bed of coals and kept them that way all day. (10 to 5:30) He fried bacon crispy but not too crispy, made scrambled eggs, put on a big pot of beans with bacon to cook all day, made sour dough biscuits from a starter he started last week, used the same to make sour dough corn bread, fried chicken, baked sweet potatoes in the coals, cooked a ring sausage just for fun, and made peaches and dumplings for desert. Other than burning the beans on one side which we remedied by just pulling out the burnt stuff, the meal was a resounding success. I did NOT cook, I only instructed. (Wonder why I was so tired at the end of the day??) His family gave him an A+ and as there was very little left I guess that was a true test. His pride in accomplishment was so great to see. I hope you all take AH's suggestion and get into the REALITY of our trail life at least some of the time. I have lived this lifestyle, recreated it (or variations of it) for 20 years in public, and still I learn even from you all here. I am SO looking forward to more of this UNReality scene. Now to return to our regularly scheduled Trail Thread..... (Thanks for letting me play)

Michael, you are a blessing. Thank you so much for coming to my rescue with the horses and for helping to get us out of that setting after things calmed down some. Those horses sure seemed a whole lot better after you were with them a while. I'm going to have to learn that song for sure. It was one of my grandsons (not the 7YO thankfully) who got kicked. We don't think there are broken bones but we aren't sure. I believe that Q and Mr.MtR are confiring now to try to figure out what should be done. We're still close enough to a hospital if he needs it but that won't always be the case. We knew what we were facing when we chose to come along and we are ready to weather this together. Not a very auspicious way to start our journey but I felt that everyone worked together beautifully in getting out of that mess. At least we are finally out of that bedlam and in a quiet rural setting for the night. I look for it to be a long one for our family.

I was with the horses on the camper wagon, not driving though, but walking them through. I'm glad I did for when that shot went off they almost spooked. It was only because DH dropped back from the oxen and helped hold them that they calmed. Good thing Mom was in the other wagon at that point. At least they stood when she gave them the command to do so. I know we always listened to that command as kids too. It obviously works on animals just as well. I didn't see the goat the dogs got but I believe it might have been one our family that got kicked by our cow while trying to keep them from spooking. I can't leave the horses until someone comes to be with them and DH can't leave the oxen. I don't know who or how bad. I understand that Q and Mr.MTR are with them. Anyone know what happened? Could someone come to be with the horses so I can go to them? ((( )))

We are almost ready here as well. Still have to get one driver out of bed though I suspect that he will be awake as soon as his SO starts driving (she's not so good at it yet LOL) Like AH I have last night's cream hanging on the side of the wagon and will have fresh buttermilk biscuits for tonight slathered with rich creamy butter (got to love those jerseys). All the animals are milked and fed. We also have a lot of milk what with the cows and goats both. I'll let it sour naturally today and try to set it tonight to make cottage cheese or just a vinegar type cheese. I still have some milk left from this morning if anyone want's some before we leave, otherwise the little pigs are going to get it..... Breakfast was easy as I brought oatmeal to a boil last night, added dried fruit and some nuts and put it in the insulated cooker. It was ready to eat first thing this morning. I could have done the same thing by putting it in a Dutch Oven and burying it near the fire last night to slow cook but this is a lot easier to clean up from as the pans are Stainless Steel. While I cleaned up from the meal Mom made biscuit sandwhiches of left over meat for our noon meal. We made coffee and put it in a big thermos for on the trail, have cool water in a big crockery water cooler/dispenser for easy access on the road (stays cool in there a long time too). DH and the rest of the family took care of the animals and hitching up chores and we're ready to roll. I have to tell you though, I'm not sure my hands are going to hold up to holding those horses in today. I already have blisters despite the leather gloves I was wearing and my arm muscles are beaten. Phew!!! Hopefully they will be easier today now that I've had such great help with adjusting the harness. We didn't have it right and I'm glad we found out the first day out instead of waiting until they were raw before doing something about it. Please people, keep an eye on your animals, especially their feet and your OWN feet as well. Ten miles today? Lots more miles than it sound like if you have to walk them. I'm glad we're taking it easy these first few days but I may still have to have DH or one of the others drive today. Okay, laggard is NOW out of bed, thanks to some pranks by his sister and BIL, ohhhh and his MOM too. Seems they found the Big wind up alarm clock he had managed to hide.....That thing is almost as loud as Michaels triangle and a LOT more jarring. Did you all hear it?

I'm awake. Mom and I have been working on breakfast for almost an hour already. She's an early riser too. I am MOST of the time. Yawn,,,,could go back to sleep about now though Bed wasn't as bad as I expected last night though I worry about Mom on that seat. She SAID it was fine. Best get cracking if we're to be ready to go in an hour and a half. We have a couple of laggers still in bed yet. Hope they get used to this early rising soon. (Michael, want to move a bit closer to our number three wagon with that triangle for a few mornings? ) Hey, anyone know what the weather is supposed to be?