Independence Day!

We got the truck unloaded yesterday evening, pretty late.  It seems fitting to move into this new place on Independence Day.
Today we spent finding and unpacking the stuff we need to live for a while.

The local fireworks are showing tonight, but I am too tired to go, so Snow took the others so I can hit the sack early.


I love the new place.

Even though it doesn't have water yet.
Or a water heater.

I need a shower, so that little lack-of-water problem seems really important.

The handyman we've hired says he will be able to  get the pump from the delivered water cistern up and running on Monday, but no one will fill the cistern until it is inspected. We found another cistern that collects rainwater. It is hidden under a huge old bush, but we noticed that most of the downspots are diverted to join behind that bush, and some clearing away showed us the cement lid of that hidden cistern.  We also think that cistern is the reason there was thigh-high clear water in the basement when we first saw the house.  It seems to overflow into the basement when it gets full.

BUT, if it is full, we might be able to use that for watering the garden or washing the car, eventually. And actually, with the Clyde Cancer Cluster pretty foremost in my mind, I think cleaning that cistern, repairing it, filtering that water and using it for drinking might be the best.

Until then, we are buying drinking water, and washing up in the sink.

Well, Happy Independence Day! I'm off to bed!!

Moving Day!

Finally! We have the truck packed, the gas and electric turned off in IL, and the electric scheduled to turn on in OH (there is no gas service).  Tomorrow we leave. I wonder if I will be able sleep tonight?

It is such a huge change for us. There will be five females - Me (age 48) my oldest daughter Snow (age 26) Middle daughter Jasmine, (23) Youngest daughter Gracie (19) and grandaughter Melody (4). And our goal is to become as self sufficient food-wise as possible on the not-quite-three-acres we have purchased in Northern Ohio. It will be so different from what my little 'urban farm' has been!

While it is too late this summer to start much of a garden, I would like to put in some tomato plants at least, and some greens. Melody is allergic to lettuce and I don't like it much so the greens will probably be some that we can cover with cold frames to last us into the fall and winter, like swiss chard, spinach and corn salad. When I am upset or worried, thinking about my future garden really is a comfort.
Crazy, eh?

Congratulations, Salutations and Movement

Moving!

Guess what I am doing for the Holidays? Moving! We are moving from our huge 8 bedroom house to a smaller (but still big) home a few blocks away. I can't wait. Well, I mean, I can't wait to be moved in, but I am not thrilled about packing and hefting and sorting...

But, still, it is all very exciting! The only downside is that I will need all new window treatments, as the windows in the new house are HUGE while the ones in this house are tall and skinny. So, any ideas for cheap but classy window treatments? I also am looking for gently used living room furniture, since I hadn't realized how shabby my couch had become over the last 15 (!) years of use. There is nothing like moving to bring out the materialist in me!



Winner!
The winner of last week's giveaway is Larrikin's lurch. She should be receiving her little bottle this week!

I will be posting photos of the house and interior all this week, and I would LOVE advice on decorating on a shoestring. Think, window treatments, (the view is pretty urban, but the light is terrific!) storage, room arrangement, and holiday decoration. I prefer DIY and recycled, since I really don't want my move to negatively impact the world!



and I am cheap!



Congrats to Larrikin's Lurch and to Me!

Oooh, look at the attic! :