Shed Camping: February 2021

Oh my. I can hardly believe that I haven't blogged here for 6 months -- and yet the proof is in the timestamp on my last blog post (the demolished Shack). I have been camping but haven't had the gumption to write about my adventures. Let's see if can do a little catch up here. 

Country roads taking me home

The year 2020 was a trying time for all of us. Next month will be the year anniversary that a pandemic changed everything. There is no excuse for me not keeping up here. Yet there is. I have really struggled with doing remote work/telehealth sessions. I am profoundly thankful that I have maintained employment during this time (and my heart breaks for those who haven't been able to maintain employment or their businesses). While I am thankful to be employed, I have found that working via the internet isn't my strength. And clearly, that led to a lapse in blogging. Among other things. 

I apologize.

I hope to get back into the swing of things through sharing some of my photos from my camping trip last weekend. I spent Valentine's Day with Mother Nature and it was spectacular. 

Shed Camping During an Ice Storm.

The Shack was demo'd in August and I have used the storage shed for camping in the meantime. Much to the bewilderment of some folks, I have enjoyed my shed very much. To be honest, winter camping in the shed without the woodstove has been slightly less comfortable than camping in The Shack. Regardless, I have still gone up to camp every few weeks, but I really miss that blazing wood heat. My camping trips have been over just one night during the cold trips rather than a string of consecutive days.

I use a portable Mr. Heater (propane heater) for some heat while I'm puttering around inside the shed. (Caution: when using such heaters, ventilation is a MUST in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning!). I also still use my wonderful sleeping bag that keeps me toasty overnight without the heater.  I use my propane cooktop for cooking and for melting ice that freezes overnight.  I wear layers of clothing under snowmobile pants and put sweaters on the dogs. Overall, we remain comfortable.

I left Daisy at home during this most recent trip because she is a bit of a diva - and Rat Terriers have such a thin coat of hair that it is hard for them to remain warm. But Willy loves the snow and would pout if I left him behind.

Willy, February 2021

I know many people are stunned that I go camping in the winter. But I feel it is much the same as camping in the summer. Maybe even more enjoyable!  Food stays cold without a cooler. There are zero bugs and no risk of seeing snakes. No poison ivy. And no miserable humidity. I enjoy winter camping very much. I just have to problem-solve a bit differently.

Drying clothes after sledding without the woodstove

That portable Mr. Heater has turned out to be a fabulous purchase!  I love that thing and highly recommend it. But it didn't perform quite as well in the extremely low temperatures (lows around 20F outside, 40 - 50F inside). If you look closely, you can see that ice formed on the propane bottle when the temps were at their coldest. The propane stopped working before the bottles were completely empty. I have saved the partial bottles for cooking use in warmer weather.

Winter Scenes: Valentine's Weekend 2021

The scenes were Mother Nature's art displays at her finest. BEAUTIFUL.  I walked, sat in the shed and watched through the window, went sledding in the knee-deep snow, and admired the views. I cannot describe it adequately in words. Probably not in photos either. It was one of those things that I am glad I witnessed in person.

early morning after the storm

trees covered in ice 

dormant flower garden - prayer flags and pine trees on ice

Construction Update

Construction progress has been slow for a variety of reasons. Initially, I hadn't realized that perk tests expire, so I had to have it perked again. The pandemic caused delays with that (offices were closed, paperwork delayed).  Construction finally began and there have been a variety of delays since. The biggest delay has been the supply chain problems related to doors and windows. It took what felt like a lifetime for the doors and windows to arrive. 

My contractor called me on Feb 12 to let me know that the doors and windows had finally been delivered. We rejoiced!

I was so excited to see them that I literally hugged them.

Doors and Windows

I am writing this on 2/18/2021. And my doors and windows have since been installed. I'm ecstatic!

These are the photos from my builder:

"front" entry door

livingroom window and sliding door

bedroom sliding door and window

The delay in the windows and doors had caused all progress to stop. Inspections have to occur after the home is closed in and before the next step of construction begins. I cannot begin to describe how thrilled I am that this step has been completed.

I was able to manage to take and upload two brief video tours of the construction during my camping trips. I am hoping to improve my videography skills so that I can continue to document progress via video. But we'll see. I have a lot to learn about video editing.

If you are interested in the brief tours, you can see those videos here:

November 25, 2020 - My Small Home Build is in Progress

Build Update Jan 23, 2021 - Plumbing is Roughed in ! 

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Crunchy No Knead Round Loaf Bread

Over time I am becoming more able to bake breads and biscuits. But I still need easy bread recipes. This beautiful no-knead round loaf definitely qualifies as easy. 

I call this my Living Traditions bread because I saw the recipe made for the first time on their homesteading Youtube channel. Using only few ingredients, they start their loaf at one point in the day then go about their chores in the garden and barns. Later they return and use a dutch oven to bake this bread. Making bread doesn't get much easier than this.

This bread recipe calls for:

• 3 c. flour
• 1/4 t. yeast
• 1 t. salt
• 1 1/2 c. warm water

The bread is baked in a dutch oven with a lid. Parchment paper should also be added to the shopping list for this recipe. Scoring the top of the loaf prior to baking allows the steam to release as well as makes a pretty, rustic loaf.

I cannot take credit for the recipe. I learned from the two youtube tutorials listed below.  If you have been wanting to learn to bake bread but are nervous about it - like I was - this is an easy recipe to begin with. Only on one occasion did this recipe not bake up easily and beautifully. And that was clearly because my kitchen was very cold that day. Otherwise, this bread makes up with a very short amount of actual work time. 

I should add that it was this exact delicious but crusty loaf that prompted my friend to give me the gift of a professional Dexter Russell bread knife. The knife is amazing! You can see my review of my new bread knife here. 

Dexter Russell 8 inch Bread Knife

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Related Links

I watch Kevin and Sarah at Living Traditions several times a week. There is so much about what they are doing on their homestead that I admire: gardening, garden-to-table recipes, baking, and canning. Every video is like a visit with friends while they work their homestead. In one episode, Kevin shows us how to bake this wonderful no-knead loaf of bread - starting the bread and letting it rise while they go about their business on the homestead.

Jenny Can Cook uses the same recipe and technique for this round loaf of no knead bread. Her baking tutorial video is much more condensed. If you want a much shorter, to-the-point recipe, this is the video you'll want to see. 

Camping -- April 2020

It's a surreal time. In some ways nothing feels the same. We are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. So many things have changed and with social isolation, wearing masks on rare trips into stores, and working from home my days are blending together in a strange way. 

And yet, some things are soothing and familiar. The Shack is one of those things. My land is a constant for me. It is spring in the mountains of north eastern West Virginia. Social isolation on the ridge feels good. It feels right.

I was able to spend this past weekend there. Puttering around on my land and breathing in that fresh cool air was exactly what I needed. To avoid doing any shopping or extra stopping between the apartment and The Shack, I didn't plan any projects and I took my groceries with me. I really did nothing but relax.

The only thing I did that was productive was talk to the builder. I'm in the process of getting a quote for the home I'd like to build. This process is both exciting and terrifying. I will talk more about the status of that process soon.

Otherwise, I spent the three days soaking up the outdoors.

My woods. Trees that are bare of leaves but the Eastern Redbud
and dogwoods are blooming profusely.

Perfect morel mushroom weather.  I found three
and fried them up. Yum!

Paw Paw tree blossoms. I've worked hard to nurture these
trees and look forward to having my own fruit. I
hope that happens this year.

Smoker + Cast Iron + beans and ham = YUM !!

I missed the photo of the Cardinal perched in that Eastern Redbud. But I watched it watching me.

Someday I will live on my land. Hopefully soon. Please keep me in your thoughts as I go through the process of getting numbers and deciding if this will be the year I build.

*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.




Related Links:

It is interesting to me that I was camping and hiking at The Shack exactly a year ago. Ironic that a year ago I took a photo of the neighbor's small home being built and this year I am talking to the builder who built that home. If you want to see the photo of that house in process, the fantastic skyscapes that year, and the pretty red lizard click here.

I bought my Char Griller in 2017 and I have had no complaints. In fact, I really like using it to cook. To read more about my grill, smoker, and side burner combo, click here. 

Bird Journal: Turkey

Turkey at The Shack

Only someone with a trained eye, with much experience and with the ability to zoom in on my photo, will be able to see my visitor. I apologize. I had no way of getting a better shot. 

While camping at The Shack, early one extremely foggy morning, I woke to a distant and strange noise. 

At first I thought poor Willy, my dog, had stomach upset. His stomach often makes an odd assortment of gurgles and high-pitched sounds. I adjusted the sleeping bag and rolled over. And heard the noise again.

A wild turkey gobbling!  I was so excited!

I have always had trouble seeing wild turkeys in the woods. They are very sneaky and seem almost invisible to me. But I've heard them over the years and always love to hear their gobble.

The sound came closer and I realized the Tom was crossing my yard and entering my woods! 

Through the old glass slider, on an extremely foggy morning, and at a distance, I was not able to get a clear photo. With the naked eye, I could see the coloration of his head and I could clearly see his beard hanging. He took nearly 30 minutes to slowly pass through my woods and eventually out of hearing distance.

photo courtesy wikimedia commons: public domain

I tried desperately to get my phone to open a video or audio of turkey calls so I could try to call him closer. But like always... I had insufficient cell service. 

(note: Verizon service in much of West Virginia is TERRIBLE. My cell phone is rendered useless except for phone calls and basic text messages. Even text messages are often delayed. My hotspot/internet is worthless at The Shack. I really need to change providers. If anyone has a recommendation for cell and hotspot/internet providers in the eastern panhandle, please comment!  I hear AT&T is a good option. Anyone have an option about another provider?)

Related Link:  To hear a turkey gobble, visit the Cornell AllAboutBirds site and click "listen".  My visitor did not fan his tail or puff up but you can see an excellent video of a male turkey doing so on the Cornell site. 

Shed Demo (part 2)

more progress on the shed demo

In February, I finally worked up the nerve to begin demo on the shed. That included working up enough nerve to stand close enough to the shed to begin pulling off some of the siding. I was proud of the little bit of progress I made during that weekend visit.

You can read about the beginning of the Shed Demo - The Shed Has Got to Go! here. 

Last weekend I was back at The Shack and I continued pulling some of the vinyl siding off the two sides that I could reach.  I removed the vinyl, cleaned off the dead bug carcasses and spiders, and stored it in The Shack to be used later. I worked very hard to keep track of the hundreds of rusty nails.

My plan was to remove all of the vinyl and plastic portions while dropping the wood and nails into the hole underneath. When finished, I planned on burning the wood then burying the remaining nails and metal trash. 

As I pulled the plastic barrier, dust and bugs flew everywhere and the shed shook and rocked. I removed some of the particle board wall. The wooden walls and studs were so rotten that they crumbled into dust if I squeezed too hard. 

rotten wood and rusty nails galore

I began to realize that there would be no safe way to lean a ladder on the remaining side in order to begin removing the vinyl siding. 

I decided to not leave the structure standing as it was so close to tipping over. I gave a couple of shoves and pulls and the building toppled over easily.

Looking out at my handiwork at the end of the day. I was pleased.

During my next visit I will find a way to continue to safely remove the vinyl and plastic from that final wall while dropping the rotten wood into the pit. 

It may not seem like much progress, but I am THRILLED. That was a giant step for me. Everyone who homesteads does so at their own pace. Or should. The important thing is to just keep moving forward toward your dream. 

*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.

Bird Journal: Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker - photo courtesy of Pixabay

I knew it!  I just couldn't prove it! Until recently. There are Northern Flickers at The Shack. I'm thrilled to have finally positively identified one. And through the excitement of seeing an elusive Flicker I am learning a bit more about them.

When I lived in my previous apartment, a single Northern Flicker sat perched on a tall, dead tree very near to my 3rd floor balcony. That is how I became familiar with what the large woodpeckers looked like. I moved away from that apartment and hadn't seen a Flicker since.

At The Shack, a couple of years ago, I thought I saw a Flicker. But it was at a distance. I let self-doubt creep in.

Flicker at the birdbath with the support of a bluebird.

During the camping trip in February the Flicker came to visit my birdbath! Several times. The Flicker was bashful, clearly knowing that there was motion inside of The Shack. He flew away every time I moved even the slightest bit. While the bluebirds clearly know when I am present (they seem to look in the windows to see if I'm there) they allow me to move around in front of the window and take photos of them. So I moved my position (hiding behind the wall) and propped my camera up (I REALLY need a tripod) and I waited. Eventually, the Flicker joined the bluebirds. I could barely contain my excitement.

The next morning, if I held perfectly still, the Flicker came on his own.

My photos aren't very clear because the double-pane windows at The Shack have some condensation between the panes at the bottom. But between my photos and watching with the binoculars, I clearly see that I have a male Northern Flicker as a neighbor! And in the morning light, his colors are especially beautiful.

For a bit, I thought I may also have a female Flicker present. But I did not get photos of her. And it may have just been the male but at angles that made his mustache hard to see.  You can be sure I will continue to watch for the Flickers and hope that it is a pair living there. 

 a Flicker's colors are beautiful - even through a foggy window

Northern Flickers

Since seeing the male Flicker, I have looked up some additional information. I now know that:

• Male Flickers (eastern) have a black "mustache" and the females do not (western birds have a red mustache)
• Other identifying colors of the yellow-shafted birds in the east include a white rump (visible in flight), red crescent on the back of the head, and a black bib. They also have grey and tan shades of face.
• Northern Flickers are woodpeckers but they also spend a good deal of time on the ground (which I observed in my yard)
• They eat mainly ants and beetles (which may explain why they like my woods. I'm told many of my trees are dead from beetle-kill). 
• Flickers aren't known to frequently visit bird feeders but do like birdbaths (yay!)
• Northern Flickers are migratory - although in West Virginia, the map shows that they remain year 'round.
• Northern Flickers nest in hollow trees. 

Related Links:

For more information about the Northern Flickers, including recordings of their sounds, visit theCornellLab's All About Birds site. I cannot access the internet at The Shack, but when I return to the land of internet connections it is my favorite site for identifying birds.

Because my woods is dying and the hollow trees are falling down, I want to put a nesting box (or two) up for the Flickers. NestWatch includes measurements and tips for making bird boxes specifically for the species of birds. 

I keep a bird identification book handy since the internet is not accessible while at The Shack.  I like the DK Smithsonian Handbooks: Birds of North America. While more expert birders would recommend other field guides, I like this one because it is easy for a novice to use and the photos are in color and very helpful.




*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.

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. 

*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.

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

Sights and Sounds at The Shack in January 2020

I hadn't gone camping at The Shack since NOVEMBER! That is far too long between visits. But this past weekend I was able to go up and enjoy my little bit of land on the ridge. Here are just a few of the sights and sounds from the trip.

It was extremely foggy when I arrived. I had to hang my head out the window in order to stay on the road. I began a few false turns before I was able to find the Santa sign in my yard literally a couple feet in front of me. The fog up there is thick, disorienting, and like something from a movie set. Mother Nature is amazing.

It was cold in the top half of The Shack. Only 40F degrees when I arrived Friday evening. But I am not going to complain. I believe the weather was more mild that what is usual for January.

I immediately lit a fire in the wood stove and settled in. I LOVE that old wood stove and the crackling fires.

I also lit the kerosene heater that my BFF left for me when he borrowed The Shack in December. Between the kerosene heater and the wood stove, I almost cooked myself out!  It was a nice 72F degrees in that drafty, uninsulated building!

It rained all evening. I couldn't watch the stars as I fell asleep, but that was okay. The rain beating on the tin roof (yes, rusted!) was a nice sound. Sorry, I didn't think to record that.

In the morning, I had an egg and sausage bagel - cooked on top of the wood stove. 

While my food cooked, I checked the game cam memory cards. The batteries had run out on both cameras but there were still plenty of photos. No bears this time. But plenty of deer, cats, and birds. The bird bath continues to be a popular spot to visit. It is clear that when the bird bath is dry, the wildlife still checks it out. Then when it rains, they gather for a drink. I look forward to being able to always keep it filled. In the meantime, I'm glad the animals at least get a drink when it rains. 

The remainder of the weekend was dry but very windy. Confirmation that in addition to my solar panels, a wind generator would probably be a productive piece of equipment on my land. 

And last but definitely not least, I've met someone who is beginning her West Virginia country living dream. Her name is Deb and if you would like an introduction to Deb and her land, you can read about it here. 

The view as I leave....           it's so hard to leave.

*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.

Introducing Deb - She's Making Her Dream Come True

I would like to introduce you to Deb. She and I are very similar in some ways. Deb has decided to make her own dream of living in the country true. She took the huge first step and has purchased her own piece of land.

The country road approaching her land

Congratulations Deb on taking that step! And congratulations on finding such a glorious piece of Almost Heaven, West Virginia!

This weekend I spent time at The Shack. On Saturday I went by Deb's land. I am thrilled for her. Absolutely thrilled. She and I "met" on social media. On Twitter. Someone had asked a question like "If money were no object...." and my answer was something like "Build The Shack and buy the adjacent lot". Deb commented to me that she's been looking at land in West Virginia, from east to west and some places further south. She definitely has actively house-hunted for longer than I had and in many more parts of the state. Coincidentally, she had looked in the same area that The Shack is located. Deb was serious about choosing the place of her dreams. For both of us, that dream includes being more rural than our current urban/suburban locations. For both of us, that includes a place that allows chickens and is large enough for a garden.

Anyway, as usual, I've rambled. 

Saturday I went to see her land. She gave me the tour and it was breath-taking. I'm so happy for her.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

The existing hint of a driveway.
Note: the photo does not adequately show the steep incline.

Up the steep "driveway" and down the hill is a hidden pond.
A wonderful, glorious pond!

I instantly fell in love with the pond.

Deb and her pond.

Neither of us know why this rock looks like this.
But it is interesting.

Back down the hill where holes are being dug for the gate.

Digging holes on ridges in WV feels (to me) like trying to widen
the grand canyon using a teaspoon. It's not easy. Fortunately, her cousin is
helping her get things started.

Deb's country road.

This piece of land is amazing. I look forward to watching her progress in turning this bare land into the home of her dreams.