Edge of the Forest...

Well, I forgot again, but I'm here now!

We are still not really getting into the plans we had for this property.  It seems that this first year here has been fraught with more problems than we had anticipated. 

We had initially wanted to plant a garden, get a couple of miniature donkeys for the children and possibly get some guineas, but you know how it goes, "best layed plans" and all. 

I may plant a much more scaled-back version of the garden we had wanted, just so we can see how it goes this spring and summer.  The minature donkeys and guineas are going to have to wait until next year.  There's no way we can do them right now.

The biggest problem we have had here, since moving in, has been septic tank problems.  We have had to have it pumped twice now, and after the second pumping, we installed a clean-out tube, just past the tank, so if we get a blockage in that line, we can get to it.  We augered-out the line, while the tank was still empty, as we found HUGE tree roots all down the line.  We have also put down a root killer into that pipe.  In this area, if you want to replace your septic system, you have to go with the new aerobic systems, to the tune of $5000, and that is with any company you go with out here.  They are all the same price.  Well, we don't have that kind of change sitting around here, so we will continue maintaining the old system.  It is doing better now, but still kind of slow.  We figure, at about $100 a pop, if we have to pump it once a year, that is a lot of pumping we would have to do to reach $5000 spent.  So, for now, that is what we are doing.  We are hoping not to have to pump for quite a while now.

My stove and dishwasher both up and died on me too, shortly after we moved in.  They were the original appliances with the place, and NOT in good condition at all.  The stove was a fire waiting to happen.  The dishwasher had a crack in the tub and was leaking water everywhere, plus most things did not work on it, including the soap dispenser.  So, they have both been replaced.  Our refrigerator also died on us, but was resurected by the repairman, and it was still under warranty, HOORAY!  We even got back a large portion of the money we lost on the food that spoiled. 

Well, that is all the updates on the little homestead for now.  I'll check back in soon, so that you can hear something a little more fun from me!