Life on the Homestead

CathyHorn

CathyHorn

Member
Location
NY
I think I will enjoy, and benefit from, keeping a journal. Day to day thoughts, ideas, lists, and progress made. I recently made a huge life decision, without giving it a lot of thought. I am alone in life. No partner, and I never had children. I've been married before, and to tell the truth, I guess I'm not cut out for it. I am a loner and I'm fine with that. I have dogs and cats. Anyway, I own land with a small cabin and mobile home. Had this place for about 20 years. A few years ago I bought a house in the city, because I was so tired of commuting, and driving in bad weather. So since I've retired I've had some health issues that have been addressed, and I now feel that I'm 100%. I impulsively sold the big house and moved back to my homestead. I admit it's been harder than I thought it would be. Some days I feel completely overwhelmed, there's so much to do out here, I don't know where to start.
 

Cathy, don't start by making big projects. Little steps that are easy. You do not have to do it all nor do you have a time line. I know winter is coming so those are the big things you must prepare for now. I do admire you for being able to go back to your homestead. Physically I could not do it now.
 
katlupe said:
Cathy, don't start by making big projects. Little steps that are easy. You do not have to do it all nor do you have a time line. I know winter is coming so those are the big things you must prepare for now. I do admire you for being able to go back to your homestead. Physically I could not do it now.
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I think the big thing is getting this woodstove set up. I have the stove, but the front glass is cracked and has to be replaced, pronto. I have 3 cords of wood. I bought an axe and a hatchet. I got the "through the wall kit", I'm just about to unbox it and see what's included.
 
Welcome @CathyHorn ... your diary should be interesting

.... I really admire you, and your brave decision to follow your dreams.
Fortitude, and all that determination will get you through the tough spots. After all, it is your love.
Best of wishes from me!


.... I know a Cathy Horn (spelled a little differently) ... but she would never do what you are accomplishing.. :)
 
I took advantage of the beautiful weather today and planted a cherry tree and a plum tree. I bought a battery powered auger a month ago and it works pretty good. Lots of rocks here in New York. So far I have put in 2 apple, 2 pear, a cherry and a plum. I have 2 more apple trees ordered, and that will be it for this year. I have always wanted a small orchard. Next year I think I'll add peaches.
katlupe said:
Cathy, don't start by making big projects. Little steps that are easy. You do not have to do it all nor do you have a time line. I know winter is coming so those are the big things you must prepare for now. I do admire you for being able to go back to your homestead. Physically I could not do it now.
Click to expand...
 
CathyHorn said:
I took advantage of the beautiful weather today and planted a cherry tree and a plum tree. I bought a battery powered auger a month ago and it works pretty good. Lots of rocks here in New York. So far I have put in 2 apple, 2 pear, a cherry and a plum. I have 2 more apple trees ordered, and that will be it for this year. I have always wanted a small orchard. Next year I think I'll add peaches.
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Sounds good! You are off to a good start.
 
CathyHorn said:
I took advantage of the beautiful weather today and planted a cherry tree and a plum tree. I bought a battery powered auger a month ago and it works pretty good. Lots of rocks here in New York. So far I have put in 2 apple, 2 pear, a cherry and a plum. I have 2 more apple trees ordered, and that will be it for this year. I have always wanted a small orchard. Next year I think I'll add peaches.
Click to expand...
did you say you;ve been there 20 years ?
 
I am trying to get this woodstove hooked up. The glass in the door is broken and must be replaced. It's held in by several screws that are very, very rusted, and I haven't been able to get them to budge. No amount of WD40 has worked. I am the type of person that absolutely hates to ask for help, partly because I see it as a sign of weakness, and partly because I amaze myself with what I can do when I put my mind to it. I have a very dear friend who just happens to refurbish wood stoves, and he's going to replace the broken glass for me. This morning he told me to remove the door and drop it off at his shop. Hmm, ok. I did not expect that I would be able to do it, but guess what?! I got the door off all by myself! And, I found a place online to order the replacement glass. I'll tell you what, I've been losing sleep worrying about this darn stove. I ordered a kit for mounting the cement board behind the stove, and found a store in my small town that carries the cement board. Yesterday was a complete waste, and today I'm making up for it.
 
CathyHorn said:
I am trying to get this woodstove hooked up. The glass in the door is broken and must be replaced. It's held in by several screws that are very, very rusted, and I haven't been able to get them to budge. No amount of WD40 has worked. I am the type of person that absolutely hates to ask for help, partly because I see it as a sign of weakness, and partly because I amaze myself with what I can do when I put my mind to it. I have a very dear friend who just happens to refurbish wood stoves, and he's going to replace the broken glass for me. This morning he told me to remove the door and drop it off at his shop. Hmm, ok. I did not expect that I would be able to do it, but guess what?! I got the door off all by myself! And, I found a place online to order the replacement glass. I'll tell you what, I've been losing sleep worrying about this darn stove. I ordered a kit for mounting the cement board behind the stove, and found a store in my small town that carries the cement board. Yesterday was a complete waste, and today I'm making up for it.
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Well done you... I can understand you, because I'm very independent myself...
 
CathyHorn said:
I am trying to get this woodstove hooked up. The glass in the door is broken and must be replaced. It's held in by several screws that are very, very rusted, and I haven't been able to get them to budge. No amount of WD40 has worked. I am the type of person that absolutely hates to ask for help, partly because I see it as a sign of weakness, and partly because I amaze myself with what I can do when I put my mind to it. I have a very dear friend who just happens to refurbish wood stoves, and he's going to replace the broken glass for me. This morning he told me to remove the door and drop it off at his shop. Hmm, ok. I did not expect that I would be able to do it, but guess what?! I got the door off all by myself! And, I found a place online to order the replacement glass. I'll tell you what, I've been losing sleep worrying about this darn stove. I ordered a kit for mounting the cement board behind the stove, and found a store in my small town that carries the cement board. Yesterday was a complete waste, and today I'm making up for it.
Click to expand...

Welcome, Kathy. Your adventure is fascinating. Please keep us informed. I lived many years in NY and New England but would have a hard time dealing with the cold these days. I have been in the south too long, but I still feel like an outsider at times. Maybe it's my personality.
 
Hard to believe that it's raining, again. No precipitation all summer, and now it never seems to stop. I got up quite early this morning to help my youngest sister, she had an appointment, and car troubles. Makes me feel good to be able to step up, she does so much for the family. She has 4 sons, all young adults. She's an amazing woman. Lost her husband to suicide about a year ago, he suffered from substance abuse issues. Anyway, I love my sister ❤️.
 
CathyHorn said:
Hard to believe that it's raining, again. No precipitation all summer, and now it never seems to stop. I got up quite early this morning to help my youngest sister, she had an appointment, and car troubles. Makes me feel good to be able to step up, she does so much for the family. She has 4 sons, all young adults. She's an amazing woman. Lost her husband to suicide about a year ago, he suffered from substance abuse issues. Anyway, I love my sister ❤️.
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Weren't your dogs Great Pyrenees? I see there was a whole thread about wanting to know about them. Thought you might be able to offer advice. I know your dogs were beautiful.
 

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