The current routine:
There are several creeks on this farm. This creek begins on this farm and is rather small. I use a coffee can to scoop water from the creek then pour into a larger bucket.
From there, I can provide water to the sheep and goats, or provide water to the house for periodic flushing. Luckily, while this creek is outside the goat yard and front barn yard, it does run directly through the rear barn yard, providing access to water for the donkeys and the major water consumers–the cows.
I can’t do much with cooking. I can’t do dishes. I’m mostly eating sandwiches. I had Morgan pack up and I took her to my cousin’s house for the duration.
I have a guy coming tomorrow to “look” at what needs done.
I’m pretty sure I would miss Stringtown Rising if I didn’t have a little hardship here to comfort me! Most importantly, it is a reminder of what a wonderful thing it is to live in a state that is full of water. I’m not set up to purify drinking water or bring water straight up out of the well, so I’m drinking store-bought water, but I can provide for at least some of the most basic needs right out of the land itself. It’s not convenient, but it’s a reminder of what life’s basic necessities really are–and a poke in the arm not to get too spoiled and to appreciate the natural resources around me.
P.S. Some of you generously took it upon yourselves to donate to the plumbing calamity fund (see discussion in the comments here). THANK YOU.
P.P.S. Edit to add: I can’t believe I’ve left this out of the story so far. After the first fix-it people left yesterday, and after my cousin put in a call to try to round up some new fix-it people to do the job, while we were waiting for said new fix-it people to call back, he insisted on getting a shovel and making me go out to the problem culvert with him. He shoveled for awhile then handed me the shovel and told me to start digging. I had my sobbing breakdown over the plumbing calamity scheduled for that particular moment, but I had to dig instead. I can’t remember the last time I dug a trench by hand with a shovel. Maybe never. Don’t they make backhoes for that? I’m sure there’s some kind of lesson in there somewhere, but at least I was too tired to wallow in an emotional breakdown after that. I was happy to go back to the house and sit down with no water and not be shoveling.
CATRAY44 says:
Amen to all the above. What a blessing to have that water source. So many resources we often are not aware of. Nice to know you have them if SHTF, (even in small ways.) Your cousin is a wise man, lol. (One thing that is great to have is the travel sized Berkey…)
On January 7, 2012 at 6:23 pm
whaledancer says:
I knew your cousin is a jewel, but I didn’t know he’s also wise. I haven’t used shoveling therapy, but I think it must be similar to wood chopping therapy, which I can recommend.
It’s hard to find the silver linings in this situation, and I think you’re to be commended for succeeding. It is good to know that you can be self-sufficient if you must. I’m glad the creek isn’t frozen. Let’s see, um… You won’t have to plan any camping trips to experience “roughing it”?
Okay, I give up. Truth is, it’s the pits, and I hope you can get it fixed quickly. In the meantime, I think you need chocolate, don’t you?
On January 7, 2012 at 6:26 pm
twiggityNDgoats says:
Smart man yer cousin.
On January 7, 2012 at 6:31 pm
BuckeyeGirl says:
I figure contributing to the overhead cost of the website includes making sure the blogger doesn’t die of thirst! :pawprint:
On January 7, 2012 at 6:39 pm
hawkswench says:
Do you know if anyone has an old still? It would be the same process of making moonshine if I remember correctly. You would be boiling water and letting the steam come up the copper tubing and cooling while it travels turning into distilled water. I know easier to buy the bottled water but I know we did this in science class one year back in elementary school using a tea kettle and aluminum foil.
On January 7, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Donna says:
Your cousin’s a smart man, Suzanne… I’m certain that there’d be many a crying farmer out there if they didn’t immediately ‘put their hand to the plow and not look back’. He got you digging and being a part of the solution rather than slipping into a pity-party. Hang in there – you’re going to have the best farm on the block when it’s all said and done! :clover:
On January 7, 2012 at 6:53 pm
lifeisgood/ Melinda says:
Extremely smart man that cousin of yours! I am so sorry you are having these problems with the plumbing, but just remember anything…and I do mean ANYTHING is fixable in some way or another and you are tough!
I will keep you in my prayers!
On January 7, 2012 at 7:07 pm
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
Uh huh. Smart man, your cousin. Just look at it as a character building experience. After all, what the h#L$ you gonna do otherwise? It’ll get fixed.
On January 7, 2012 at 7:14 pm
ticka1 says:
Praying you get water soon. Instead of a plumbing fund we need to start a fund for chocolate for you :yes:
On January 7, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Yendor Nella says:
I feel for you. I just thought it was kinda funny that as I scrolled down to comments, that there was an ad for electric water faucets for 149 bucks.
On January 7, 2012 at 9:12 pm
GA_in_GA says:
Oh, no! Still no water! That really stinks. Hope you’ll be able to get things repaired Monday. So sorry you are going through this, but it sounds like your cousin is better than a shrink!
On January 7, 2012 at 9:53 pm
GrammieEarth says:
Thank Goodness for :dancingmonster: cousins!!!
The more we are forced to deal with, the more we learn.
Good thing no one said we have to like the LEARNING CURVES of life!
Keep on keepin on…you can (and will) manage, cope and learn.
:heart: :hug:
On January 7, 2012 at 11:08 pm
princessvanessa says:
I love how the brown hen is down at the creek helping herself to a drink of water. Yessiree Bob, no need to bring water to her, she’ll come to the water.
Please be very careful while carrying water over the wet grass and muddy areas. Early last year I slipped on some water that was on the kitchen floor and fell. I broke my shoulder and I’m still not back to normal range of motion. With you being all alone (Morgan’s at her cousins) please do be extra cautious.
On January 7, 2012 at 11:59 pm
Darlene in North GA says:
You may be able to get a “pitcher pump” (an old fashioned water pump) installed beside/near a faucet or the well itself. I don’t think they cost an arm and a leg, either. Nice thing is, if the electricity goes down or the well pump dies or you spring another leak (HOPE NOT!) you can still pump water.
Years ago, when I had my own place, someone suggested buying one. When the electricity went down, they said it was something I could install myself to get through until it was back up, then remove it and replace the pump connection.
You may want to check into it as I never did it and am not sure I am remembering the details correctly.
On January 8, 2012 at 2:47 am
Glenda says:
Smart cousin! Time enough when it is all over to have a good cry!
The more you learn to do for yourself, the better off you will be. Now is the time to learn everything about your water supply like where all turnoffs are, where possible heat tapes are located, the depth of your well, etc. I would start a file….
I would also be checking where all water lines are to the bathrooms and various other locations. I hope none are in outside walls.
I know what no water is like. I can’t count the times that has happened here due to various and sundry things.
I hope they find a speedy and relatively cheap fix for you.
Here is a real blessing: You have landed in a nest of wonderful family members. That is something to really be thankful for.
On January 8, 2012 at 5:25 am
Old WV Broad says:
Adminsand/or Mods, I have a question…
I just sent a little paypal towards the plumbing fund, but I have a question about the advertising on the website. Can I help Suzanne more by clicking on the ads, or is it the same that I just land on a page where the ads are? If I need toIs a click through to the ad enough, or do I need to make another click once at their site to help? It only takes a minute or so, and if it helps, I am so willing!
On January 8, 2012 at 9:12 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
No, clicking on the ads doesn’t make any difference, but thank you!
On January 8, 2012 at 9:44 am
JOJO says:
:happyflower:
This is probably a silly question, but is any of this covered under you home owners insurance?
On January 8, 2012 at 9:16 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Re the insurance, I will be calling to double check. I have combed over the policy and it’s pretty confusing with all the exclusions and legal language, but I don’t believe it is covered. Or at least, they give themselves a lot of outs.
On January 8, 2012 at 9:36 am
CATRAY44 says:
I have been wondering the same thing, Old WV Broad! (Love the handle, lol.)
On January 8, 2012 at 9:33 am
rainn says:
:heart: Suzanne I sure hope you can feel the hugs so many of us are sending your way through the airways-via the internet!!! Keep on truckin’ my friend :shimmy: :sheep:
On January 8, 2012 at 10:39 am
Auntie Linda says:
Wow, I can totally sympathize with your water woes. We were without water for 8 days last summer, right in the midst of canning season, due to a power outage. We were hauling buckets out of the pool to flush, as there’s no water running through our property. I have a much greater appreciation for the basic necessities of life now! Here’s hoping there’s an easy fix and that it happens soon…
On January 8, 2012 at 10:42 am
Sonia says:
I am just wishing I had a working well pump. That’s my current issue. Pump is dead as a door nail. Hopefully the pump guys will be out here sometime tomorrow, and hoping for a quick fix. Sure do not want to pay the thousands to replace that baby! Definitely not with Uncle Sam just around the corner. AcK!!!! Suzanne, I feel the pain! I do not have a stream in my backyard to gather some water, but did trudge some home from work this morning in these large plastic bottles. AAAhhhhh, the relief of the occassional flush! Don’t know how to appreciate the simplest of things until you know longer have it.
On January 8, 2012 at 11:06 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Sonia, I’m so sorry about your pump! I hope you can get it fixed without buying a new one!
On January 8, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Julia says:
Can you turn the pump on for a few minutes to fill up buckets and bathtubs?
Also, about clicking on ads. It may not result in a direct additional payment to Suzanne, but I’m sure it would help in the long run. The advertisers have statistics to know where their incoming traffic comes from, and if the rate of click-through from CITR goes up, it may be possible to negotiate a higher rate for the ad itself the next time.
On January 8, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Birdi says:
Glad you pointed out the Donate button! Take care and best of luck to you! Hugs!
On January 8, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Sonia says:
Thanks Suzanne! I have my fingers and toes crossed, and I hope you get yours fixed really soon as well. I think I will go and have a glass of homemade apple wine for both of us. 🙂
On January 9, 2012 at 4:16 pm