01.20.12
Going Up the Country
The morning is dark and wet, a good thing as Spring arrived before Thanksgiving, and even now, continues to call the Bay Area “home” for what might become a year-long event as next week will bring 68 degrees. No skiing, no sitting around the fire, no cider to keep our bodies warm, and no one to cuddle, but that’s nothing new for me, but I always have my grandchildren!
Things sure do change around here. Angie and Robin have purchased a house on 5 acres of land in the country. This is good news for the entire family, as well as Jack the Dog, Kona the Cat, Millicent the Rabbit and of course, Blueberry and Buddy who will peck away the day, searching for worms and seeds. The property includes a huge stall for horses, a big building for storing items from tractors to bridles, a gazebo, a garden and most importantly – a swimming pool!
The property needs a LOT of work, and the inside definitely needs a facelift, so once the keys are handed over, the remodeling games will begin! I expect we will be moving in within three weeks, if not sooner. This is going to be an excellent way for everyone to get in better shape! I can only imagine what my brother Bill and Ms. Woody do every day on their 75 acres.
Angie’s plan is to have vines on the hill to the far right of the property, assorted fruit trees in the back of the property and close to the stream, and a bunch of other things that Angie and Jessica continue to discuss. A lot of work ahead, but before we know it, we will be weeding and weeding and weeding as we work on the front and back yards and everything in-between!
I will also be able to get my exercise in by working in the yard and maybe even running on the country road, or driving to Lake Berryessa where I can hike the Blue Ridge Mountain Range – not the one in Virginia – but the one here in Cali-Cali-California. What a view from Lake Berryessa!
Peace out!
“Going Up the Country”
I’m going up the country, baby don’t you wanna go
I’m going up the country, baby don’t you wanna go
I’m going up the country, baby don’t you wanna go
I’m going to some place where I’ve never been before.
I’m going, I’m going where the water tastes like wine
Well, I’m going where the water tastes like wine
We can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time
I’m gonna leave this city, got to get away
I’m gonna leave this city, got to get away
All this fussing and fighting, man, you know I sure can’t stay
Now baby, pack your leaving trunk, you know we’ve got to leave today
Just exactly where we’re going I cannot say,
but we might even leave the USA
‘Cause, there’s a brand new game that I want to play.
No use of you running, or screaming and crying
‘Cause you’ve got a home as long as I’ve got mine.
- Canned Heat
Aaron said,
January 20, 2012 at 9:58 AM
Um……Ann. I think you must have missed the memo. My cannabis garden will be positioned on the right side of the property on the hill, not vines like originally planned. Higher profit and less maintenance. Also, the stables will not be used for horses as horses are highly over rated in regards to assisting with up keep on a farm. Instead the stables will be housed with monkey’s since monkeys are excellent labor and can be assigned numerous tasks that need to be completed by a species that can stand in a upright position and can climb trees. Plus they are easy to maintain as they are self grooming and you don’t have to entertain them cause they entertain themselves by just simply “monkeying around”.
Ann Hornbeck said,
January 20, 2012 at 11:29 AM
You have been reading too many Suzanne Collins books! BTW, I am ready for book #2! And, if you would read the two books I gave you, they will knock your socks off, assuming you are wearing any!
Armagh Cassil said,
January 20, 2012 at 1:43 PM
You are very fortunate. Can I move there too? I would work very hard for room and board.
Ann Hornbeck said,
January 20, 2012 at 3:52 PM
Let’s talk about this. There is only one room for me and it is small. However, Angie and Robin are considering turning the garage into a mother-in-law unit for when Robin’s mother comes to visit, etc. We could share space when that happens which might be sooner than later. I was also considering putting a trailer on the property. I am watching my savings float away, but maybe we could make that work. I know you’re serious, and I know you need support.
Armagh Cassil said,
January 21, 2012 at 12:12 PM
Thanks Ann
In the next couple of weeks I will know more about what is happening with my job. At this point I have no savings! Something has for sure got to change here. I appreciate you considering something like this!
Ann Hornbeck said,
January 21, 2012 at 3:37 PM
There is a Bay Area nonprofit you need to contact: http://www.seasonofsharing.org. It is based in SF.
See if they can get you housing and out of your condo…DO IT!
Ann Hornbeck said,
January 21, 2012 at 3:39 PM
Besides, you are my friend – I will help as much as I can. If I had my own place, I would not hesitate for one minute.