Back in the 603

We arrived back in the 603 last Thursday, a bit ahead of schedule due to streamlining our itinerary. (For those non-NH-er-ites, 603 is the NH area code so we sometimes affectionally refer to our state as "the 603".) We took the weekend to visit family and friends in the southern part of the state, then traveled the rest of the journey, arriving home in the north country today. The well company comes tomorrow morning to turn the water back on so, for tonight, we have pitchers of water from the camper, and buckets of pond water for toilet flushing. Since our heat also depends on water, we have a cozy fire in the wood stove.

We had very good weather for the whole trip. Even traveling today from southern to northern NH, only light rain. We're all glad to be home, even Sammy and Dora. There are plenty of projects planned for the summer. So, unless something noteworthy or unusual happens, I'll sign off until next winter's excursion. Hope you all have a great rest of the year.

Peaceful river in Advance, NC

Beautiful blooming Dogwoods in NC

Cozy sitting area at our campground in NC

Star Magnolia, southern NH

Homeward Bound - Again

We leave tomorrow (Monday) morning headed to NC, then VA, PA, NY and, finally, arriving in NH on Friday. We'll visit with family in southern NH and actually arrive home on the 24th.

Jim got really sick on Thursday and Friday and we were somewhat concerned we'd be delayed in our travels. While we really enjoy being away in the winter, we're always excited to be getting home in the spring. While a delay wouldn't have been the worst thing in life, it would definitely have been disappointing and potentially expensive. Our medical insurance has a higher deductible plus 20% of bills if we're out of NH. Fortunately, thanks to a blessing from members of our church, he was all better by Friday night. We were discussing faith at church this morning and a friend wished us safe travels. I commented I have to have lots of faith because Jim's driving. She grinned and replied that she totally understands!

Our hosts here on the farm, the "C" family took us out to dinner Saturday night at a place that serves bison as well as the usual menu items. The restaurant is located in Peachtree City, GA, which is a city that was developed with over 90 miles of multi-use paths, and has over 10,000 golf carts! People go every where in them, including kids taking them to school. Lovely time with wonderful people accompanied by great food. We've really enjoyed working on their farm this winter and wish them good fortune with their upcoming endeavors.

Our friends, the "C" family, in GA

The last blog had the before and after of the outside of the chicken coop I rebuilt. Several people have asked what changes were made on the inside. Originally, it was sort of like a screen house with a much smaller enclosed area inside. It was fine for the few chickens they started with, but as their flock grew, it became cramped, crowded and difficult to clean. In addition to totally revamping the exterior, I gutted the inside so it is now open, with removable roosts at the end, a wood floor, and removable nest boxes. The removable roosts make it so much easier to work in there when it's time to clean, and the wood floor is so much better than trying to clean wet, stinky poop out of the dirt.

You can see the small enclosed area inside the screen house

The inside after the smaller enclosed area was removed

Removable roosts at the back, nest boxes on the left, wooden floor

As we leave GA, we also leave behind some wonderful friendships we've made here. I can't say enough about how the church members here have welcomed us into their lives with open arms and shown their Christ-like love. We've been invited to join their various activities, and several have welcomed us into their homes for dinner and friendship. In Matthew 25:35-40 we read about how we should care for one another. We've never been most of the things it talks about in those verses, but we were strangers and they took us in. We will forever be grateful for their friendship and support of these 2 vagabonds. We are already planning a short stay in this area next winter to rekindle the wonderful friendships we've made, and touch base with our new life-long friends. Meanwhile, we'll have to be content to keep in touch through FB.

Azaleas in full beauty

Almost Done

Only about another week before we head out toward home. Taking our time on the trek northeastward, we'll drive 4 to 6 hours a day before stopping for the night. We leave Griffin, GA on the 17th and will arrive in southern NH on the 24th to spend a few days visiting family, then head home on the 27th. The well company will be hooking up the water on the 28th and we'll begin the unpacking process from the trailer to the house. Although we always appreciate getting away from the winter's cold and snow, we also look forward to being home.

The projects here are winding down. We've installed and replaced lots of fencing, rebuilt the chicken coop (before and after pictures below), repaired the orchard irrigation hoses and installed new ones, cleaned up lots and lots of leaves, and done regular yard and farm maintenance. Grass is really starting to grow so we've had several opportunities to begin mowing, a chore that we'll begin soon enough at home.

Before

After

We've had lots of rain of late. One storm dropped 7" of rain in 48 hours, and the lightning looked like a laser light show. The reservoir just up the road flooded over and homes in that area were evacuated. Luckily it didn't come this way. I can just imagine our trailer floating down the road! We were high and dry throughout, although most of the farm was a bit waterlogged for a few days.

I attended the 181st birthday celebration of the Relief Society, the women's organization in my church. It was founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, IL, and has more than 7 million members in over 188 countries and territories, making it one of the oldest and largest women's organization in the world. It was wonderful getting together with like-minded women who support and love one another.

Apparently Canada Geese aren't just winter residents in GA. The farm we're at has them year round. Sometimes their constant honking can disturb your sleep in the wee hours of the morning. This female built a cozy nest along the bank of the pond and is spreading her wings to protect her eggs from the rain. The goslings hatched out Easter morning. Unfortunately, most of them will probably end up lunch for the pond turtles.

Protecting her nest from the rain

New Easter babies

Dora absolutely loves "L", particularly getting to ride in the pony cart with her. We do have to tie her in though, because she'd jump out to see anyone else who happens to be around. I've never seen such a people addict!

Dora and "L" out for a buggy ride

And Sammy just chills on the couch most of the day. At 16 years old, he's still doing well, although having a bit of difficulty with stairs of late. Just the other day he complained that they're a lot steeper than they used to be when he was younger pup.