Weekly Update: 10.26.24
I plunged the sheets into the wash tub, rotating them over and over. I was waiting, watching the road for the Home Depot truck. Bonnie-Jean and I worked quickly, keeping time to an old Carolyn Dawn Johnson song belting from a blue tooth speaker. Laundry baskets of sheets, duvet covers, and clothing were stacked beside us. It was a big job, but we knew it was one of the last times we would be doing laundry outside.
Finally, the big white truck pulled in, and two delivery guys made quick work of unloading all of the appliances we purchased back during the Home Depot Labor Day sale. I took a break from the wash to help check over the appliances, making sure the items we received matched the items on our order. It was surreal watching everything wheeled into place.
Before we hooked up any of the appliances, our dad installed a filter in our well house. We occasionally get sediment in our water, and we didn't want anything clogging our new washing machine. Hooking up the filter required an impromptu trip to Springfield, so we didn't get many appliances set up until Tuesday. Most of the ladies finished washing the laundry while Grace took advantage of the hot day to shampoo the tent carpet one more time before winter. I found time to install our refrigerator's new ice maker, which was a sinch. Then we plugged in the fridge and let it chill. While we worked, the kids kept coming into the house, admiring the appliances almost as much as the adults.
On Tuesday, Dad and I worked to install the rest of the appliances. Jeremiah helped stack the dryer onto the washer. Dad installed the range. I read directions and held levels. I also repaired some trim that was damaged during the appliance drop-off. We finished by starting on the water heater, though we realized we needed to order a few more supplies before we finished. Next week, we hope to install our over-the-range microwave.
It's been so amazing using our new appliances. Grace loaded the fridge first thing Tuesday morning. Ever since we moved out here, we have used a small, under-the-counter refrigerator in our little office building, along with several ice chests. Twice each day, we switched out ice packs/totes of ice, keeping everything cold. Our little chest freezer would freeze the ice packs until the next change over. Even with all of our efforts, it has been a challenge to keep food -- especially fragile produce -- fresh. All of that is over now. On Wednesday, I started our first load of laundry in our washer. It feels so decedent, watching the laundry wash itself. Erin made the kids macaroni and cheese for lunch on the new range one day. They cheered about their "first meal on the new stove".
We made other progress in the bunkhouse. Dad installed our first electric lights. I think we turn them on for just no reason sometimes. Grace painted the trim in the kitchen area. Grace and I worked on interior siding in the rest of the living area of the bunkhouse. It was slow going, as we worked up high, pushing the scaffolding back and forth.
Jeremiah and Levi started staining our exterior siding. After a lot of research, we decided to use Eco Wood Treatment -- a wash that protects the wood permanently. There is no need to reapply it. Plus, it's natural and safe for the environment. It turns the wood a weathered gray color, which we love. Jeremiah experimented with brushing it on, but he wasn't happy with the result. He built a frame and lined it with plastic so that we could try dipping the boards. Levi started the actual dipping process. It worked, but there were still parts of the board that weren't turning grey. After some experimentation, he started working the treatment in with a scrub brush. That worked wonders, and the results were fabulous.
It was a big week for us. Our routine at the end of it is different from what we started with. We have a lot more time for the bunkhouse, for which we are so thankful. We also took time to get caught up on homestead upkeep -- extra cleaning and bookwork. It will be another exciting week coming up, as we hope to finish the water heater and install our kitchen sink. Grace and I also hope to make a lot more progress on the siding. The summer-like weather has been a huge gift, as it has made us more than warm enough these October nights. It's been just the chance we needed, as we turn our attention toward the living room and getting our wood stove installed. Fall is in full bloom, and despite life's difficulties, we are enjoying this season.
