Whether we have censorship or not, I'll no longer post the over-the-fence chat thread. I've asked Cindy in Ky. to take it over. If she's not interested then perhaps someone else will do it, maybe Rebekah. It's been a very successful thread. A place you can talk about anything. I'll not keep it and risk being censored. As corny as it sounds, this is still America; and there were no rules on posting here except morals and respect until recently.

If anyone wants to continue the recipe and book review threads, go for it. The Let's Pretend threads have been fun, you may consider posting one now and then.

It may seem that I'm over-reacting to all this, but I don't think so. I'm not angry like some, I feel hurt and betrayed. I've been a very active participant on this thread for a year now and been reading since Nov of 99.

I will probably lurk now and then and may contribute privately, but I'll not participate in someone's personal agenda to hurt something that's been so great for homesteaders. It's easy to see what's going on, but I won't go there, I'm sure you're all intelligent enough to see, too. I don't like having the rules changed in the middle of the game.

I've never had a "bad" e-mail from anyone here, one that was iffy, but in the longrun very helpful. All the threads and responses I disagree with have only helped to make sure I know what I believe, which is what I hope for you. And with that, I have one more thread then ....

God bless you all, Cindy

-- Cindy (SE In) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), April 08, 2001

Answers

Your correct Cindy, "there were no rules on posting here except morals and respect". Too bad some could not observe those rules and had to have their posts deleted.

-- Lynn Goltz (lynngoltz@aol.com), April 08, 2001.

Since you've asked me to, of course I will, Cindy. This is the happiest thread we've got going. We learn the weather where everyone lives, what's comming up in the gardens, what we get accomplished each week and just saying Hi to each other. As long as it remains friendly and is allright with JD. Of course I don't want you to go.

The peach trees bloomed here yesterday, they are all pink. And it's so warm, it feels a little odd, like a storm maybe comming or something. The new baby goats are still kinda not sure what is going on, but they will be fine. They sure are pretty. Since bucks sell so high here in the fall, we need some more money making ideas.

We put up a fence yesterday to have a pasture just for the bucks. The guys stretched 300 feet of field fence all at once hooked to the truck with a ratchet strap. The other end was hooked to a very large tree. Don't ya know, it worked great. Then they just went along and set the posts. The little boys can go outside today if it don't rain.

I never posted on the recipe thread because I don't know how to cook a bit. (maybe I should go back and read them and learn how, huh?) I've never had a bad email either. I'm gonna miss you, I still miss my buddy, Sharon over in E. Ky. I wonder how she is. I miss her funny, funny posts. She made me smile and laugh.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@hotmail.com), April 08, 2001.

The good husband and I went to a lumber company liquidation auction yesterday and bought more stuff than we'd planned. One thing I wanted was a bathtub to use for retting flax for spinning. I usually have him do bidding as I have trouble following the auctioneer and the price. Well, I thought he'd gotten me one tub for his bid--no, he got me 4--COUNT 'EM FOUR! I was wondering what in this wide world I would do with 4 then I started thinking about rainwater storage, keeping minnows, troughs (unless someone has any inputs about the safety of the resins for stock watering)and decided to keep them all. I also got an antique but working scale that was legal for trade as recently as '93. He got lumber, a display rack and all the paint/stain/sealer and bubble packs on it, hand tools and a partial roll of remesh. We had taken two vehicles because initally we'd planned to run other errands in different directions and each come home when finished. Good thing we did because both the truck and van were PACKED. What fun!

-- marilyn (rainbow@ktis.net), April 08, 2001.

We, too, went to an auction yesterday. A member of our Amish community is moving back to Ohio, to be closer to family due to health problems. We came home with a brand new blade for our buzz saw at less than 1/5 of retail. I also was able to add to my cast iron cookware collection to the tune of $.50 a piece. My all time best buy though was a working Round Oak cookstove for $30. Now I need to redraw the house plans to include this in it. I've wanted one for years but was never able to afford one. Last week was a busy time in the barn as well, 3 more of our Jacob sheep lambed. We have two more 2 horned ewe lambs and a 4 horned ram to add to our flock. A nice warm rain during the night is helping the rest of the snow disappear. Polly in NNY

-- Polly (oakridge@northnet.org), April 08, 2001.

We have the night rate for electricity with New York State Electric and Gas (I call them something else privately but that's beside the point) so from 12:30 am to 8:00 am the electricity costs about a third of the day rate. Well, I check the weather channel last night and they weather guy said it's going to be warm and breezy today. I think, Great! I have a ton of laundry to do. I get up early (it was early but I'm not bright until the fifth cup of coffee kicks in) this morning, get 4 loads of laundry washed and get ready to hang it out. It starts to rain--hard. Drat, I guess it will be nice later on...well it's not nice yet and it's 10 am. So, I'm sitting here with four loads of wet laundry waiting for it to warm up. I've got my fingers crossed.

Went out to do chores this morning, no goat babies yet. I tell Fiona the Naughty Nubian (for the 100th time), that it's time to have the kids. She never listens to me. She just tries to steal the horse's grain while her's in the pan right in front of her--the pig. My husband thought Fiona loved him cuz when she saw him she'd wag her tail until I told him that she wags her tail at the warm water I bring her every morning and evening. Do all goats wag their tails? Or is Fiona just odd? She certainly wouldn't be the only odd animal we have. If an animal is "mentally challenged", at some point it will end up on our farm-especially if it's a dog. We adopted a kitten from the feed store (the third we've adopted in a year) took her to the Vet for spaying and shots and it turns out she's pregnant. They ask me if I want to abort the kittens. I said no, so we'll be having kittens in a month or two. The hamster that my farrier swore was female--wasn't. Now we have 15 hamsters- two adults and thirteen babies. Both of our vehicles must be some how tuned in to the amount of money in the checking account...I really don't understand how they could be but it must be the computer in the engines. The oxygen sensor in the Trooper decided not to work anymore. I was returning from grocery shopping (I only shop once every couple of months) filled to the brim with stuff and I notice black smoke billowing out behind me. I thought, "that's odd, I wonder who's vehicle is doing that?" Duh. An oxygen sensor must be gold plated, it simply must be to cost that much. Then my truck (which has a bumper sticker that reads: Silly dicks trucks are for chicks) has a brain fart and the 4WD won't work. After changing the actuator (wasn't it) my dear hubby's friend gets under it and says the CV joint is completely gone (he then called us morons but in a loving manner). Both hubby and I are mechanically challenged-that's being kind. Later that evening at the supper table my husband and I sang the Heehaw song to each other, "Gloom, despair, and agony on me, deep dark depression, excessive misery, if it weren't for bad luck we'd have to no luck at all. Gloom, despair and agony on me." The children are now totally convinced that we are nuts.

So, how was your week?

Stacy Rohan in Windsor, NY where it's still not warm and breezy

-- Stacy Rohan (KincoraFarm@aol.com), April 08, 2001.

I'm jealous! Didn't go to any auctions this week, but sounds like a couple of you really did well! Spent most of yesterday in the wind, putting up horse fence to separate the mares. One should foal any day, and I can't wait. Finally made the jump and got two weanling piglets late yesterday afternoon. They were quite a handful, and I'm amazed at how well they dig! Have to reinforce the pen they are in today, as they would have no trouble digging under the chain link fence and escaping to hog heaven! Need to get out and work on the garden, if the weather cooperates. It's about a month later than I usually start peas and early crops, but the weather just hasn't been it's usual self. Hope everyone has a nice week! Jan

-- Jan in CO (Janice12@aol.com), April 08, 2001.

It's been a beautiful weekend here in KY. Worked in the yard all day yesterday. Husband and stepson cleaned out one of our sheds and helped a neighbor patch some holes in their fence. It was so balmy last night we took off about midnight for a moonlit ride through the woods on our ATV. It was wonderful. More yardwork today and then visiting friends for the rest of the afternoon. Hope everybody has had a wonderful weekend!

-- nobrabbit (conlane@prodigy.net), April 08, 2001.

Stacey, I have a ewe named Fiona! Good name (she's a great ewe, too...retired show gal and has given me some wonderful babies.)

I spent all day yesterday either doing laundry (the trick in Western Washington is to try to second guess the few hours to hang it out when it won't rain!) or to hang it in the living room on a rack in front of the fire (so it has to be a little chilly or you waste wood energy by having a fire you don't need) OR running new fence lines.

How's that for a run-on sentence? Anyway, I'm cross-fencing b/c the grass is really coming up nicely (and it makes me cross when I do it.)

It is a beautiful morning here...the apple blossoms are just about ready to open and the sky is that wonderful whipped-up blue and white that early spring makes around here. I hope it holds off raining this morning. We have a Palm processional outdoors for Palm Sunday (although because of my husband's surgery, he has requested that we rename it "Knee Sunday...")

Y'all have a good day. Peace.

-- sheepish (the_original_sheepish@hotmail.com), April 08, 2001.

I get the awful feeling I've just missed something wonderful. I only found this site yesterday. I've been an avid Countryside reader for years and years and do my best to live in harmony with our Creator. I got so excited yesterday when I started reading all the terrific postings by people JUST LIKE ME!!! Now, it seems I've come in "a day late & a dollar short" because the "over the back fence" and "let's pretend" treads are shutting down. Please don't do this because there are so many people out there (specially me) who not only value your comments, but need your wisdom and practical input. Thanks so much for reading this. Dianne

-- Dianne Bone (dianne.bone@usa.net), April 08, 2001.

Well, here in sunny South Florida things are really beginning to heat up. We've finally had a few days (or nights) of rain that we have needed so desperately, However,we are still under water restrictions. Still haven't tested the soil in my little garden spot, nor have I finished reading the Square Foot Gardening book that I started awhile ago. Just can't seem to get a plan down and get goin' with it.Lots of other piddly little "gotta do" tasks are eatin' up my "leisure" time. While most folks want to dash on over to the beach or lay out by the pool, I want to get my hands in the dirt and get that garden in before the temps are so hot the okra comes up FRIED! Hope every one is having a wonderful spring so far.

-- Greenthumbelina (sck8107@aol.com), April 08, 2001.

Well life here is great,I want to tank everyone who kept my husband in your thoughts,he came through surgery great ! I think he is over doing it but you alll know how guys are! I just wanted to say thanks and MAKE THE RAIN STOP!

-- renee oneill{md.} (oneillsr@home.com), April 08, 2001.

Well, it's breezy but not warm--I hung the clothes anyway. Now the clothesline is sagging, with my luck (remember Gloom, despair, etc.) it'll fall down.

Oh, well....

Stacy Rohan in Windsor, NY

-- Stacy Rohan (KincoraFarm@aol.com), April 08, 2001.

Greetings Dianne! (If it helps any I haven't stumbled into any of the bad feelins except once when Christ and His place on this Forum was being hotly debated)

Don't despair. If the thread isn't continued by someone else, you can continue it by contributing to it,or asking a new question as "Over the Fence Chat" .

Rick

-- Rick K (rick_122@hotmail.com), April 08, 2001.

Cindy hate to see you go but a person needs to do whats best for them. good luck whatever you do. still no sign of carpenters to build my new room and porch but they promised to have it ready by mater canning time. the weather here is delightful 65 this am about 6 have cucumbers coming thru the ground. trying to learn how to make bio diesel. you folks have a good week. Bob se.ks.

-- Bobco (bobco@hit.net), April 08, 2001.

It's OK Dianne, Cindy in IN asked me to start the Over-The-Fence-Chat Thread each week. (my post is up at the top of this thread) I'll have to start new ones on Sat. night for the following week, in case you all get up earlier than me on Sunday. Not to worry, and welcome! I too, have been getting Countryside for years and years, and found this place last year. I love the internet!

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@hotmail.com), April 08, 2001.

Well here in calif I put tomatos and corn in about 2 weeks ago and was thinking how nice they are growing. Then we had a huge hail storm! I went out and covered them, but it got cold, so it will be interesting to see if they come out of it.

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), April 08, 2001.

Thanks to Cindy in Ky and Rick K. and others in the forum. I feel like I've "come home" when I hear some of the threads about gardening and other "beyond the sidewalk" work. I live in Massachusetts in a town about 26 miles Northwest of Boston. The people who live here say this is the "country". I was born and raised in central Virginia which is much more "country" than this a town with a population of almost 40,000 people but one must bloom where one is planted.

I am very fortunate to have a good husband who can do just about anything. (The secret is to tell him it probably can't be done) We live on 3/4 of an acre, grow most of our vegetables, have a dozen + or - chickens for eggs, which I use to barter with others who grow things I don't. When I moved north (22 yrs. ago) I was convinced that winter would be a six month long snow storm, so from the beginning, I have always kept at least 6 months of food in the house plus a wide assortment of oil lamps and candles. We heat our old house with two wood burning stoves, have a usable well in the cellar, and when the electricity goes out we're still okay. I really enjoy hearing what others are doing. Is your place big or small? Do you still have children at home? What do you grow in your gardens? Do you have animals? What are your future goals? One thing I wish people would think about including in their postings is their general location, either state or at least area.

Hope you won't think I'm being nosy. I just find it easier to learn about others by asking questions. Hope to hear from other like- minded people. Thanks for listening.

Dianne

-- Dianne Bone (dianne.bone@usa.net), April 08, 2001.

Got up and looked out the window and it was SNOWING! had about an inch on the ground.Was a little surprised but shouldn't have been. Guess I was really getting in the "Spring" mode. It has snowed and rained all day,,so didn't do anything outside.***My spring birds are back. Don't know what kind they are,,but they build a nest just over my big window and into the attic every year. (small hole up there) I don't mind them, they probably eat all kind of insect critters up there. The babies get a little noisy after they grow some,,but soon are trying their wings.****Cindy I hate to see you stop this nice thread.. I only found it a month or so ago. I enjoy it very much also,,it is nice to know what everyone is doing day by day.*** Guess I haven't been in contact long enough to really understand the changes going on. I have never got what I would call a scary or threatening email in my email box..even though many have disagreed vehemently with my faith.(and that's ok) We are all basically countrysiders and have so much in common, that's what gives "life" to this forum. Maybe you just need a break,,time to ponder. You must do what is needed for you. I have to take a few days rest from everything once in awhile..just need to breath and relax. Take care all...

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), April 08, 2001.

Hey Dianne, your well in the cellar sounds really neat! Tell us about it. Is it like 200 years old? We have goats, Alpines and Saanens, drink the milk, and a Donkey and pony, and Border Collies. The Borders are like my kids, Steve and I don't have any kids, my son is grown up. We have 12 acres and farmhouse and huge organic garden, lots of large type rabbits and we make wood carved animals and crafts when we have time. We are straight south of Louisville about an hour. It was actually 80* today.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@hotmail.com), April 08, 2001.

Hi, Cindy, Our house is only about 100 years old although I'm sure the dust in here is at least twice that old. The old well was once used as the water for the house, but when my husband bought the house it was filled in with debris. After cleaning out all that junk and unplugging the intake pipe, the well filled up with beautiful clean water. We don't really use this water except for outside watering simply because of how it's plumbed, but I had the water tested (prior to Y2K) and it's certainly as good as what comes out of the tap so we could use it if we needed to. We keep it covered but have easy access to it.

What I like most about my place is the original owner was a florist so everything around the property either blooms or bears fruit. What I dislike most about my place is we live on a fairly busy street so the traffic is awful at times. Fortunately, the house sits back off the road and we have a really nice lilac hedge that helps shield us from the road.

We've added on to the house several times but the best thing we did was add a front porch the width of the house and a deck/screened in porch across the back so we sit/eat outside all during the warm weather. I enjoy sitting out back, watching the chickens and song birds and watching my garden grow. Of course, I'm not sure I'll have a garden this year, as the garden area is still covered with about 2 feet of snow. Will Spring ever come?

Thanks for reading.

-- Dianne in Mass (dianne.bone@usa.net), April 09, 2001.

Hi Guys, It was 77 at 6am in the ozarks. Beautiful day that the Lord has made.

Cindy take your time and let the stress go away and then come back to us. Above all don't let a few stop what many enjoy, you.

Blessings, Sally

-- sally stanton (mallardhen67@hotmail.com), April 09, 2001.

I second keeping this thread running. It is one of the few I track on a regular basis. I know not a lot care about what I do as a commercial cattle farmer, basically non-gardener (six tomato plants this year), but I do enjoy reading what others are up to.

One of my two Muscovy hens sitting on nests in the workshop should hatch out within a week. Have a 1"x8" board across both entries to that room as I want to catch and separately raise about a dozen as I'm down to three hens and two males. Once hatched, as long as they stay around the trailer they do OK. As soon as momma takes them down to the pond they start to disappear.

Have a dozen assorted turkey poults ordered. A guy in the area will raise them them until they are about eight weeks old. Really will be mobile yard ornaments. I just like turkeys and now have a shed to put them in at night - assuming they can be trained to do so. Maybe or maybe not chickens to follow. I do miss the cock-a- doddle-do in the morning.

Was averaging a calf a day until a week ago. Two more this morning. A couple of other cows seems to be starting to bag up. So far 35 calves since February 23rd. After working them and sorting out last year's calves, turned then in on nice pasture. Nice to see the little folks grazing.

A mild winter and a nice spring so far. Am hoping for rain as I had a neighbor sod seed pasture plants in 30-acres.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), April 09, 2001.

To Ken in TN: Are you the Ken who has the big 4th of July celebration on your farm? If so, what kind of turn out do you get? I'd really enjoy hearing more about that.

Thanks for reading.

-- Dianne in Mass (dianne.bone@usa.net), April 10, 2001.

Dianne:

Yep, I'm the guy. Attendance varied. No one came last year due to a couple in IN having a more attractive venue. Am doing it over the Labor Day Weekend this year. Really just providing a place for people to get together to chit chat.

Really confuses some locals. "Why would you have people come you don't even know?"

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), April 10, 2001.

Hi, Ken, I've wanted to come to your celebration for the last two years but haven't made it yet. Keep everyone posted re: whatever you're planning this year. I read you often (and with pleasure) in Countryside. That's my favorite (and only) magazine. I first discovered it at my library where I go to read magazines instead of subscribing to them, but when I found CS I had to have it. Keep them all for reference and re-read often.

Thanks.

-- Dianne in Mass (dianne.bone@usa.net), April 10, 2001.

How about a convoy to Ken's place! he he he

Ken, we do care about your cows. We can never learn too much you know. I still want a milk cow.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@hotmail.com), April 10, 2001.

Well, yesterday I had my day all lined out, then I took off on a detour fighting wasps. They are looking for places to nest, in my Border Collie barn, goat barn and garage. I filled my pump sprayer with Kennel Dip and away I went, I won too! They are looking elsewhere now.

The Carpenter Bees are here, and it's funny, this year the male that stands guard by by sliding glass door in the back won't let any wasps near the door! He is helping me. He can't sting, only the girls can sting and she is in the wood somewhere. We seem to have a understanding this year. He moves aside to let me pass. He knows I know he can't sting because I tell him that all the time.

I did manage to get some work done in the afternoon, sprayer in hand. I refuse to let them get a foothold this year. The garage is usually bad, and that's where I get stung every year. Now is the time to set out your traps, if you have a problem.

My strawberries, apple trees and plum trees are blooming!

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@hotmail.com), April 12, 2001.

Excuse my stupidy. I thought the post was about helping Stacy. Suddenley, a bunch of Yahoos show up to distort the original request. Shame on you. I could "wish" a Pox upon your head. I will do better. I wish a fungus upon your feet, that will itch and cause the skin to crack. Wishing the pox under your arm pits looks inviting also. You better "Get Right" with helping your fellow man-kind. Good Luck!

-- My Story (andiam@sticking.com), April 14, 2001.

Swear To God! You may wonder why my response was so radical.In repose to the answers you/we see. It is magical, you see. The Web Master is in control. He/She controls, has the knowledge to "manipulate", not unlike the automobile repairer who does you a dis-service into conning you into having to pay much more than was honest. The "Pox" is lifted from me, and placed on them. Good Luck. Buy the way, what got my hair up, was I saw messages, suddenly disappear. Web Master, Your choice,to let this one stand......It is only your soul on trial.....

-- My Story (andiam@sticking.com), April 14, 2001.