Stinky, stinky

When we returned to the farm house a week later, it still stank of cigarette smoke.  So, we spent the entire day, September 17, cleaning.  Steve mopped the walls with a Bona Mop (get yours here) and vinegar, which our research told us was the best for getting out cigarette smell.

Next I burned some more sage.  I also took a potpourri pot and lots of potpourri, with citrus, again to try and absorb the smell.  We opened jars of Fresh Wave (get yours here)

I took lots of coffee beans and ground coffee and kept a pot brewing most of the day.  I cleaned the cook top, oven and kitchen  counter tops again

and Steve tackled the master bathroom.  Just having a bar of Grandma's Soap in the bathroom made it smell oh so much better.  You can buy yours here.

 My sister came to visit and we walked the property, trying to identify trees and plants.  Next weekend we hope to spend three days and set up a refrigerator, washer/dryer and bed so we can get more done.

Day One of DEMO

Loaded up the pickup truck, took the dog to get a booster to protect him from "country" fleas and ticks, stopped by A Cleaner Place to get a vacuum cleaner and more cleaning supplies and headed to Chandler, bright and early this morning.  On the way, got a text from a friend that she was available if we needed any help.  Uh, yes, thank you.  How good a friend is that?

So, we burned some sage to cleanse the air

Then I went to work on cleaning; just so we could use the kitchen while we work on the house.  The sink, the oven, the cook top, how could they be so dirty??

Did I get them clean; no.  But they are better and I will keep working.  We needed a break and needed to be reminded why we bought this property, so we decided to go for a walk on the back of the property; good decision.

At the end of the day, we accomplished two out of three of our goals:  carpet removed and curtains, blinds removed.  We worked on a few things not on the list and did not get the outside pressure washed, but we are going back tomorrow and were pleased with our progress.

Moving to the Country

We are buying a house and eight acres in the country!  Yes, I have lived in the country before, but never quite like this.  Over two miles down a dirt road (yes, I know it's mostly gravel, but we still call them dirt roads.)  Every day I want to leave my house that's about five miles driving on a dirt road, to get anywhere!  WHEH!  What was I thinking. 

I was thinking about the peace and tranquility, land that is mine, chickens to have, goats to have, endless garden space, wild blackberries, space to roam.  I am thinking I'm getting back to my roots, back to my tribe and I will love it. 

Five miles of dirt roads always stopped me before.  But today, in order to get something affordable, where I can have time to actually spend on my property, this is what I can have.  This is what I want, this is my destiny.  We have a lot of work to do, but we have a plan and we believe we are up for the challenge!!

These are the quick pictures I took as we were doing our final tour of the house.  I promise some better pictures as our journey unfolds.  I would love to hear about your farming adventures, changes in lifestyle and how you've found peace and tranquility.