Summer

It's hard to believe that it has been six months since my last blog entry. I think this is due in part to being so busy, and admittedly a little undisciplined when it comes to maintaining a blog. Regardless, it is time to provide a progress update on our adventures.

Over the summer we had the cabin delivered and set up. Charlie installed the septic and plumbing so we were able to put away the porta-potty. Without the well, flushing meant several trips per day down to the stream to fetch a five gallon bucket of water. It didn't take long before we contracted Bub to dig a well, which is in place awaiting decision of whether or not to go solar with the pump.

Cost-wise, it's just about a wash. I plan on being off the grid, and we have been for six months by using two deep cycle DC batteries and solar panels, but providing enough power for the well pump means having to purchase more panels. I don't think we're ready for that just yet, so for now we are having the power company drop a residential line to the cabin. This decision was made easier when we spent the week of July 4th there working in what is undoubtedly the hottest time of the summer. I don't think I could get much work done without some really big fans or air conditioning- or both.

Linda has done a wonderful job outfitting and decorating the cabin interior. Garage sales, flea markets and discount stores all have contributed to the cozy furnishings. We also installed a block retaining wall after discovering that the entire mountain seemed to be washing away behind the cabin every time it rained. Yet another unexpected expense.

Over the next two weeks we should complete the electrical grid hookup and have running water. These have been the last obstacles to being ably to live "comfortably" in our little cabin. By winter, we should have the screened porch close to completion. I'm really looking forward to being able to sleep on the porch, like we used to do at my aunt's place. It will double the size of the cabin, and provide some much needed shade and shelter from the summer heat. Winter will also mean it's time to install the wood stove. I'll start cutting firewood as soon as the weather cools down to add to last years stack that has been drying in the barn. The first tree to go will be the one high on the hill behind the cabin. With it's exposed roots it could fall in a strong wind, and if it didn't hit the cabin it would surely crash into the new retaining wall.

The garden went fairly well this year. With the exception of a late stand of corn and some butter bean plants that just came up as a result from plowing under this years expended plants, I have harvested everything already. We managed to put away several quarts of dried peas and beans, corn, potatoes, onions, okra and peppers. I'll be making picked peppers and hot chow chow tonight and that should wrap up my harvesting chores until the late corn comes in. I doubt if there is enough time left in the season to get a second harvest of beans from the new plants.

So, there it is- the long awaited update. More to come soon, including pictures and the latest news on the 2011 wine.