Friday, July 29, 2011

Poor Planning on Your Part Does Not Constitute an Emergency on Mine!

Thanks to the thugs in Washington, who in their infinite wisdom, overspent our credit cards and now want to take out another to pay the minimum payment on the other ones, we're getting ready to make a series of final moves.

I don't typically get off the general outline of my blog, specifically the Compound, gardening, projects and chickens. But the insanity has come to a point where serious thought needs to be given to final preperations for the onslaught of increased interest rates and hyperinflation. Now is the time to buy next years staples; including shoes, socks, etc. What will you need to make it through? Prepping is more than just food or resources for food. If you haven't already, now is a really good time to really consider the things you use on a daily basis.

Poor planning by our government will not create an emergency for me! We've been preparing, so we won't have to stand in line or fight for the last can of food on the shelves. For those of you who do not believe people will fight for the last of anything, here's a story;

We moved to Miami in 1994, specifically the area that was hit by hurricane Andrew back in 1992. We had our first threat of a hurricane that summer since Andrew, and the Moose headed off to the hardware store to buy plywood for the windows. He spent over 8 hours waiting in line in his truck. While in the store to pay, two fully grown men were rolling around on the floor fighting for the last box of tapcons! It will become a "dog eat dog" world, and I will NOT be wearing Milkbone underwear! Will you??

Sunday, July 24, 2011

More Work, and a Day Off!

Lucky me! I get today off! We decided this past week, that we'd work out at the Compound on Saturday, and then take today off. It's a much needed break, because it's been non-stop since we got back from vacation in June. Off to the movies...

We spent yesterday taking care of the Hooligan's and working to finish the refurb of the camper. We made a huge impact: we finished putting up wainscoting in the bedroom, and living room, as well as painting them both. It was another 14 hour day, but we are looking at the end of the tunnel on this part of the project. Next is a few small things like a backsplash update in the kitchen, hanging curtains and bringing in the new furniture. Then it's the screened in deck.

As promised last week, here's a picture of our pond. Completely full! The two bubbles, are a result of the pond being directly on top of the water table, and gases form under the liner, creating these bubbles. They look terrible, but there is nothing to be done for them. They come and go all on their own.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Tired and Sore - Again!

OK, I realize that with age the body doesn't function like a 20 something, but you would think after over a years worth of heavy lifting on weekends, it would be easier to function. Well, it's Monday morning and I'm tired and sore all over! I was hoping to have a more svelt figure, but nothing, nada, no! The Moose burst my bubble this morning and said: "just think how we would look if we didn't have the Compound!". What's that supposed to mean?!

It was another long hot weekend, of mowing, caring for the Hooligans, and remodeling the camper. We are making progress, sometimes it seems slow, but with each new area we take on, we find something that needs to be reworked or repaired. I will have photos when the project is completed. We still have to finish painting, hanging curtains, installing kitchen backsplash and floor trim. Then we should be set for the furniture. Then it's on to the deck/screen porch. Then?

The Hooligans are 17 weeks, and only a matter of a few weeks before they start laying eggs. If you ever consider chickens, please consider Buckeyes or Red Stars. Both have been awesome, loveable and friendly. Even the roosters, so far. General Patton is getting crazy huge, and should easily top out at 9lbs.




The Moose opened up part of the fence between the Hooligans and the garden so they could go in and scratch around. They've been "chickens", and only go in around 5-6 feet, and then head back to their play yard. They're silly, and worth every penny. Truly a labor of love.


Have a good week! I hope to have photos of the overflowing pond, next week!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

The General Crowing

I just had to share. Here's the General crowing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to--mlKDkHo

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Shelter for when SHTF

In our efforts to be as close to prepared for when SHTF, if you've followed this blog then you know we have a garden and chickens, we needed shelter. Along with prepping for food and supplies, we have always looked upon the Compound as a SHTF retreat. Of course, it's actually turned out to be a heck of a lot of work, and a lot of fun along the way. We really felt the only major element still missing was a place with a roof and 4 walls. The camper that came with the property was not ideal. But since we don't want to fork over tens of thousands of dollars on a new or used one, and our property is so remote that no new home building permits are being issued, we decided to refurbish the one we had.

We spent the long weekend working on the refurb of our 5th wheel camper. Remember, the "tired and stinky" camper! Well, it's not stinky any more! All the old flooring that was removed, has a good start at replacement with new vinyl tiles. What a difference a long weekend can make. My fingers are sore (and my knees, back, feet and bum), from working with the sticky tiles. All of the special cuts, chewed up a good number of cutting blades, and what little I have for finger nails these days. Of course nothing is square, throw in some floor vents, and angled cabinets and you're set for a fun, long weekend. The Moose worked on wiring, repairing some of the areas eaten through by mice, venting the a.c., and shoring up some of the rotted wood areas, and foaming the gaps created over time. No more access for bugs or mice.

We worked 12 to 14 hours each day, and are well on the way to getting this project off the list. Everything is a big mess, tool boxes, drills, saws, etc. all laying around. But we stood back from it all, and are happy with the progress we made.

We also took care of the Hooligan's, which by the way, both General Patton (aka Crabby Patty) and Monkey are both crowing. It brings a smile to my face each time I hear them. To think we raised them from little fluff balls, to what they are now, 15 weeks old.

We also celebrated Miss Izzy's birthday. We think she's 12 years old. She was a rescue, so we're not really quite sure. Since it was her birthday, she was not given her bath. That was the best present ever!