Homestead update - winter is upon us
The woodstove has been going almost constantly for two weeks now. R's got the knack of stoking the fire so that there are still embers in the morning and gets a slow fire going that lasts until the boy gets home. Nice thing is that we always have hot water for tea now ;-)
We've put up storm windows in most of the windows downstairs and hung curtains over doors and blocking off areas of the house. It reminds me of one of those sci-fi Dr. Who shows when you're pushing through layers upon layers of plastic. But it keeps the warm where we can use it. I've also gone and blocked the foundation vents, so one more thing to keep the warm in!
Our power bill is $100 lower than it was last year this time, so we're doing something right. We've also moved into the smaller bedrooms. I think that helps too.
On the animal front, the Sheep are back. They were staying with a neighbor, but broke out and showed up on our front driveway. We lost another chicken. She just died. No idea why. So we are down to 4 hens and the rooster, but on the plus side, they are laying again. R spend the day insulating the chicken coop. That should cut the power bill too. Just need to find the stupid thermocube. It's an awesome concept, it's like a timer, but it goes by temperature, below freezing and it turns on. It is perfect for the stock tank heater and the chicken coop heater.
Horses are enjoying their blankets. It hasn't been above freezing up here for a couple of days. We have a temporary boarder. He's a 17+ hand thoroughbred. Wow, now that's a tall horse.
Kittens are cuter than evah. Gwen (the white demon) is currently laying sprawled out like only a kitten can be. Ripley (mamma) and Fay are curled up together somewhere. Fiona has been going out into the yard with me and sticks close. It's been over 4 months and only one escape scare. Turns out she was under the bed. I miss Isabella and Graf, but not the angst.
Work has been difficult, but I am hopefully getting it under control. It's frustrating to work so hard and yet not feel like it makes a difference. On the otherhand, it has inspired me to get back to other writing and my latest script is actually making progress. On another plus side though, R's job has been extended until June and the China trip delayed until March. AND *** drumroll ** some money that was owed us is actually being returned!!! Small windfall will pay for the replacement pressure Tank for the well. Who knows, it may mean we can use the upstairs bathroom for the first time in 2 years.
The kid is AMAZING. Playing his guitar all the time. He is really showing progress. I'm thrilled. He's working on Blackbird for me. He's doing great in school and working on getting money for his trip to China.
Hexmas is upcoming too. I have my sekrit friend and I'm trolling his/her livejournal for ideas. I love sekrit santa hexmas. It is the most silly fun evah.
Kitten update. Is it normal for a kitten to sleep on her back with legs splayed? She looks totally silly!
We've put up storm windows in most of the windows downstairs and hung curtains over doors and blocking off areas of the house. It reminds me of one of those sci-fi Dr. Who shows when you're pushing through layers upon layers of plastic. But it keeps the warm where we can use it. I've also gone and blocked the foundation vents, so one more thing to keep the warm in!
Our power bill is $100 lower than it was last year this time, so we're doing something right. We've also moved into the smaller bedrooms. I think that helps too.
On the animal front, the Sheep are back. They were staying with a neighbor, but broke out and showed up on our front driveway. We lost another chicken. She just died. No idea why. So we are down to 4 hens and the rooster, but on the plus side, they are laying again. R spend the day insulating the chicken coop. That should cut the power bill too. Just need to find the stupid thermocube. It's an awesome concept, it's like a timer, but it goes by temperature, below freezing and it turns on. It is perfect for the stock tank heater and the chicken coop heater.
Horses are enjoying their blankets. It hasn't been above freezing up here for a couple of days. We have a temporary boarder. He's a 17+ hand thoroughbred. Wow, now that's a tall horse.
Kittens are cuter than evah. Gwen (the white demon) is currently laying sprawled out like only a kitten can be. Ripley (mamma) and Fay are curled up together somewhere. Fiona has been going out into the yard with me and sticks close. It's been over 4 months and only one escape scare. Turns out she was under the bed. I miss Isabella and Graf, but not the angst.
Work has been difficult, but I am hopefully getting it under control. It's frustrating to work so hard and yet not feel like it makes a difference. On the otherhand, it has inspired me to get back to other writing and my latest script is actually making progress. On another plus side though, R's job has been extended until June and the China trip delayed until March. AND *** drumroll ** some money that was owed us is actually being returned!!! Small windfall will pay for the replacement pressure Tank for the well. Who knows, it may mean we can use the upstairs bathroom for the first time in 2 years.
The kid is AMAZING. Playing his guitar all the time. He is really showing progress. I'm thrilled. He's working on Blackbird for me. He's doing great in school and working on getting money for his trip to China.
Hexmas is upcoming too. I have my sekrit friend and I'm trolling his/her livejournal for ideas. I love sekrit santa hexmas. It is the most silly fun evah.
Kitten update. Is it normal for a kitten to sleep on her back with legs splayed? She looks totally silly!