Schedule Change - Heading out in One Week

Wifey practiced her bread-from-scratch skills last night.

Time seems to be speeding up. After sharing with Uncle R that my new job begins in two weeks, he informed me that I'd need to get there a few days early because the farm house has some plumbing issues. Since I'll be staying there for a  month or so in order to scout out the new job, town, schools, church, etc...I need to make sure things are running as smoothly as possible.

Looks like the old farm house is in need of a new water heater and some minor plumbing repairs. Instead of leaving on a Saturday and arriving Sunday (work starts Monday), I'll be leaving either Wednesday or Thursday of next week. It all depends on if Mr. Plumber can do everything on Friday.

Team Alpha + Wifey on recent trip to Disneyland

I'm going to pack up my 10x12' enclosed trailer and take some stuff with me. I figure it's one less load to pack up on the next trip and it will afford me some comforts from home. Not quite sure what I'll take yet. Most likely camping gear, normal travel gear (clothes, etc), and whatever else might come in handy on the farm. I'll get to see how well the Orange Jeep pulls a loaded trailer 1,000 miles. Her gas mileage is already pretty pathetic as it is. This should be a real gas guzzling trip.

Once I get there, I'll need to do a quick assessment of the living quarters. I'm sure I'll spend a few hours sweeping up cob webs and dead critters, wiping things down, and putting my stuff away. I'll have to get in the habit of leaving the farm gate the way I found it. First rule of the country: leave a gate the way you find it. If it's open, leave it open but for sure, if it is CLOSED...leave it closed. I have a cousin out there that may have a small herd free grazing. I DO NOT want to be responsible for letting those animals loose on my first week there.

I have to make sure everything at home is handled for Wifey so she doesn't have any unexpected surprises while I'm gone. Get the bills paid up, check the Suburban's oil and other fluids, discuss security and OPSEC for a manless house and establish an emergency call procedure.

Team Bravo about to Tea Party in style.

I'll document the road trip with lots of pictures and report in once I get there. Hopefully it won't take too long to get settled into the new job and find a rental home. We will need to stay in a rental until we figure out how we are going to homestead the farm. We've discussed putting a double-wide trailer there but the cost would eat up the funds we have for building a house. So, for now, I'll be looking for a nearby rental property. Problem is, all the houses in these types of small towns were built back in a time when 1200 square feet was a typical house size. With six kids, we feel pretty packed in our Arizona home and it is 2000 square feet. Either we're going to have to deal with a smaller home or I'll have to figure something else out (farm house + trailer?). Any suggestions from my Internet family and friends are welcome!

I'm hoping that once I get into town and start meeting folks, someone will have just what I need. Something under $1000/mo, big enough for our family, and near the farm/job. Indoor plumbing would be nice too ;-)

per Wifey's request: Yes dear, you beat me...once ;-)

~OJD

Next: Planning for the solo roadtrip