We have finally arrived in North Carolina. We are what you call "Boomerang Kids", as we have moved back in with Josh's parents until we can build our house. It's nice to have so much space! We went from a 2-bedroom apartment to a 4-bedroom house. I'm sure to most, moving in with the "In-laws" would feel crowded, but it does not feel that way at all. There are definitely things to become accustomed to--like everyone's idiosyncrasies, the cooler weather, going down to the basement to find missing items, the Southern culture and learning my way around town--but overall, I feel cozy and comfortable. Week one. Going just fine.
We went up to the farm last weekend. We spent most of the afternoon cleaning out the travel trailer that was left on the property. Oh my! What a mess! (Disclaimer for those who may be eating...this place was NASTY!) It was as if the previous owner arrived in 1995 and NEVER once cleaned the place. There were old dishes in the sink, dust and spiderwebs in every corner and rat droppings galore. Josh said it sounded as if you were vacuuming up a bag of spilled rice. Eww! And everything smelled like mothballs, wet dog and old man--not a pleasant combination. As make-shift insulation, he had also stuffed sheets and blankets in every nook and cranny.
We moved onto the 2 sheds that were left untouched for decades. It was as if he just opened the door and tossed stuff in. But amidst the mess, we have inherited a few treasures-- a riding lawn mower, a push-mower, a busted chainsaw, 35 rusty horseshoes, a space heater, 10 plastic containers and a cast iron bacon press in the shape of a pig.
We spent the rest of the time chopping wood, burning sticks and pulling leaves, branches and debris out of the creek at the front of the property. I got so filthy, I went home with mud in my hair!
We went up to the farm last weekend. We spent most of the afternoon cleaning out the travel trailer that was left on the property. Oh my! What a mess! (Disclaimer for those who may be eating...this place was NASTY!) It was as if the previous owner arrived in 1995 and NEVER once cleaned the place. There were old dishes in the sink, dust and spiderwebs in every corner and rat droppings galore. Josh said it sounded as if you were vacuuming up a bag of spilled rice. Eww! And everything smelled like mothballs, wet dog and old man--not a pleasant combination. As make-shift insulation, he had also stuffed sheets and blankets in every nook and cranny.
We moved onto the 2 sheds that were left untouched for decades. It was as if he just opened the door and tossed stuff in. But amidst the mess, we have inherited a few treasures-- a riding lawn mower, a push-mower, a busted chainsaw, 35 rusty horseshoes, a space heater, 10 plastic containers and a cast iron bacon press in the shape of a pig.
We spent the rest of the time chopping wood, burning sticks and pulling leaves, branches and debris out of the creek at the front of the property. I got so filthy, I went home with mud in my hair!
Josh stacking firewood. His dad cut it up with the chainsaw that we found in the shed. (Our first trip up to the property since Christmas.)
Then the Josh and Chris built a firepit to burn the debris and smaller twigs that from the tree that had fallen near the travel trailer. What is it with boys and their fascination with fire and burning things anyway?
Cleaning out the creek. That giant tree branch was stuck in the bottom of the creek blocking the hole to the other side of the driveway. It took both Josh & I pulling on it in the opposite direction for 5 minutes to free it. When we finally pulled it free, there was a satisfying "glug, swish, pop!" and we both shot backwards into the ground.
My shoes. Maytag & Clorox must love country folk!
We've sure got our work cut out for us if we are going to whip this farm into shape!
But first on the agenda: Our house! We are meeting with a local architect this week. I'm excited to walk the property with him and hear his thoughts on the possible homesites and ideas for the design. I have a lot of ideas but can't wait to see what he comes up with. Which reminds me, I should probably go write my list of "Home Must-haves" so I can bring it to him this week.
But first on the agenda: Our house! We are meeting with a local architect this week. I'm excited to walk the property with him and hear his thoughts on the possible homesites and ideas for the design. I have a lot of ideas but can't wait to see what he comes up with. Which reminds me, I should probably go write my list of "Home Must-haves" so I can bring it to him this week.