Jeanine's permaculture projects

Tyler, yes we are salvaging a lot of stuff, we have also posted some stuff on facebook and people have picked up doors and things, plus one of my neighbors is salvaging LOTS of wood both for himself and to save for us for later use. It is amazing how fortunate we are to have the neighbors that we have.

I saw your post after I had already typed up this update so I'm just going to copy and paste here below. It is late (early a.m.) and while I'm tired and achy I still can't sleep dang it!

Update for my ‘projects’ page:
The lot next door to me became available. The portion that I purchased is 1.75 acres and has a house and rickety shed on it. We are currently demolishing the house. Completely by hand at this point. This will bring us to 3 acres. Very private and surrounded by other wooded/rural property.

We were WELL on our way to being COMPLETELY debt free in 33 months but now I have gone into debt again for this piece of property. Not only that but what we paid for it is more than three times what the land is worth on paper. But – we can do this. No more trips to get my hair cut; clippers work just fine. More beans and rice, eat more greens – I have lots of greens .

Also, the chickens are now getting more free food from the woods so that is also saving a bit and I am expecting the youngsters to provide some eggs ….soon! The two boys are certainly maturing so I’m thinking the girls won’t be far behind.

So far it seems that the rickety shed is the most valuable building and I’m envisioning it as housing for goats and chickens. Mostly chickens though because in this area goats don’t need much in the way of housing and the woods provide the shade that is so important for livestock in our area. Our biggest concern is getting it properly fenced to protect the animals from predators. We have a good electric fence charger but I would like something stronger. I believe that 15 joule is pretty strong but I’m not sure.

So that is all for this late night rambling. I do have pictures but I am just not motivated yet to post them but I will.

By demolishing the house, you should reduce your tax liability substantially...to undeveloped property.

Good luck with your new found elbow room!

Here are a few pics of the new property. The kitchen is a pretty good guide as to the condition of the rest of the house. The resident had put 5 gallon buckets in the attic when the roof started leaking. Then when they overflowed the ceiling fell down. Marty had an unhappy surprise when he removed the toilet - no pictures of that thank you - your welcome.

I am currently convalescing from a whack on the head that I got when I passed out yesterday. We now think it is probably related to mold that I was breathing while pulling up rotten moldy carpet right before I went to work. So I am currently banned from the inside of the house and have a cute black eye. We have GREAT neighbors though and they have been so much help to Marty so he is not stuck doing this by himself.

And for those of you that don't already know, this is just over an acre and a house that is next door - we bought it and are demolishing the house. Hope to grow more stuff and raise more chickens and some goats.

And, tonight I had a sweet tooth so I had to include our poached pears with chocolate sauce Last of the pear harvest -- need more pears!!

Shame on you for handling moldy stuff without a protective mask! I'm glad you're ok, but please make sure anyone working in there has masks and possibly protective paper suits. N 95 masks are available at Home Depot and Lowe's.

Nine months later: House next door is torn down, the house I live in is repainted, back porch torn off, made trip to Netherlands with my mom, lost my FIL to a long term illness, got a new puppy for security and companionship, and lots of other stuff.

There is breathing space again.

I see that Paul has his farm - that will be exciting to watch develop.

A 'spiral' is planned here and the 'pond' is evolving.

Have two batches of wine making - we'll see if I have what it takes to be a home wine maker.

Our summer garden pretty much sucked this year. We have had way more rain than normal.

Now just waiting for end of September when I will re-plant garlic and get the winter greens started. Planting some more ginger today and rearranging the chickens to incorporate some new aracaunas into the flock.

The seeds from Tyler sprouted beautifully and then wasted away while I was overseas. I saved some though so I am going to try growing soap berries again.

So that is the update from this happy mess

As some of you may know I am not at the farmlette anymore. Life changing events and all that.

Nowdays living in an RV very close to my job. Plans for retirement next year are cancelled - guess I keep punching the clock for a few more years.
Surprised at how much I like the small space (aprox 256 sq ft) and bare minimum of possessions.

The only thing I really miss are my gardens, birds and dog. Birds and dog I can’t do anything about for now, but the landlady is moving me to a spot where I can have a small garden.

Super excited about that!! I’ll also experiment with container gardening, which I have always sucked at.

Also going to Va in about two weeks to take a PDC with Wayne Weisman. And that has me so excited I’m about to come out of my skin 

So, Chapter 2 of my permaculture experience begins. I’m thinking about starting a new thread for it – or should I keep it in the same thread?