Shed Demo - The Shed Has Got To Go!

As with many projects, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and taking that first step. I've been planning to tear down this little building ever since the first time it blocked the view from the window. I've just been too afraid to begin.

The existing shed. Falling down and scary. 

The shed scares me. I think the previous owner/builder of the shed had planned on putting in an outhouse. Local rumor is that the owner argued with the county about whether or not he was trying to build an outhouse. It sure looks like a good beginning for an outhouse to me (which the county does not allow). There is a huge hole dug under the shed. 

I imagine all sorts of wildlife living under there... from bears, to skunks, to spiders and snakes and the bogeyman. The shed gives me the heebie-jeebies. I won't walk near it unless it is broad daylight for fear of what might jump out at me.

No, it isn't a rational fear. I know it's not rational. But I'm still very scared of that shed. And for everyone who thinks I'm brave to go camping at The Shack, you can see that I'm not really so brave after all. 

From the time I bought the land, that building has been shedding pieces (see what I did there? haha). Little bits of roof or siding are blown off and during each camping trip I'm out in the yard picking up bits of shed litter from the yard.

During my trip over the long weekend in February, the shed had lost even more shingles and siding. And it has started to lean noticeably.  I decided to be brave and even if I just pulled one piece of something down, it would be a start.

Over time the roof shingles have all blown away.

Rusty nails and rotted wood everywhere.

The amount of siding that has blown off.
And look how much the building has begun to lean.

I salvaged a crate full of brackets and some aluminum pieces from inside the rickety building - the rotting floor barely able to hold my weight. Then I started pulling some siding down.

Under that siding and plastic were a large variety of bug carcasses and spider eggs. It was very disgusting. But I kept at it. I worked very slowly and carefully, trying not to drop any of the rusty nails. There is already an enormous amount of rusty nails jutting out from the boards, I did not want to add to that danger.

I swept off the removed pieces of siding and I took it inside The Shack to store for later projects. I might salvage enough siding for a small chicken coop or dog house!  

I did not get very far. Other people could have torn down the entire shed in one day. On one hand I feel frustrated that I accomplish so little during each trip. On the other hand, I tell myself that it's okay. I'm not other people. And that I got started is progress enough. Not only is it enough, it's pretty darn remarkable. 

The progress I made removing siding.

I'm a "mature", out-of-shape grandmotherly type who has never demo'd any building on my own. Let alone a terrifying shed. 

Overall, I am pretty proud of the progress I made.

PS. I forgot to mention that the additional motivation to tear down the shed came from having reached out to a builder. I've sent him information about how I want to build the new Shack and I'm waiting to hear back for an approximate cost. There is a slim chance I can begin building in 2020!  That motivated me to begin working on removing that ugly old shed. 

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A Jar Full of Biscuits

Delicious biscuits from scratch.

I've recently had some really good luck at making flaky, tasty biscuits with a new-to-me recipe and technique. I am so proud of these pretty biscuits that I keep them on display in a jar on the kitchen counter. 

This recipe and tips came from Appalachia's Homestead with Patara. I have tried to make biscuits from scratch previously. Many times. But they came out flat and dry. Sometimes they were bitter. I finally gave up on making my own biscuits. I kept buying Bisquick or those biscuits in the cans that can be found in the refrigerated section of the store. 

Recently, after a weekend of binge-watching homestead videos on youtube and after watching several of Patara's videos on making taller biscuits, I was inspired to try again.  I chose her "splitting the fats" recipe and gave it a try. The results were taller and tasty Bisquick-like biscuits. I will no longer have to spend money on Bisquick mix!!

Since that success, I have made these biscuits every day or two. They are so quick and easy to make! With the exception of bagels, I have not purchased any bread from the store. 

These are the biscuits from my first batch:

Patara includes her tips for taller biscuits and preheating the oven and pan. I'm convinced those two tips have helped me be successful with this recipe. 

The recipe itself is so easy that I just have this list of ingredients hanging on my fridge for convenience:

In addition to Patara's helpful tips, I have adjusted for my own style. Initially, I thought I'd buy a biscuit cutter. However, I think I prefer the small square biscuits I get by cutting the dough with a knife. Also, I have found that if I roll the dough out on my baking stone (at a cold room temperature and lightly floured) I am successful rolling the dough. 

I am very excited about being able to quickly make these biscuits. I will no longer have to buy Bisquick or canned biscuits (which aren't cheap). Also, I am glad to be developing skills that will help reduce my trips to the grocery store once I move to The Shack. Living here at the apartment means there is a Wal-Mart within easy walking distance and several convenience stores in between. I can shop for meals every single day on the way home from work. At The Shack, the closest convenience stores are driving distance and large grocery store is almost 10 miles away and Wal-Mart is 25 miles away. I want to increase my skills (cooking, gardening, canning, etc) so that I can decrease my drives to the stores. 

Here is Patara's tutorial for tall, delicious, easy biscuits using two types of fat.

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you. I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you