Man! Time sure flies when you're busy! I had intended to go out to the property and take some pictures of the trees from ground level. This plan was based on the mid-week post I had about Trees based on Sarge's post about them.
Unfortunately, I am still prohibited from driving because of the loss of conciousness which caused my accident and put me in a neck brace for the past 2 1/2 months.
Yes, Beans, Thursday I'll see the Doctor that put me in the brace. We'll see if I'm "Free at Last!" or not. Please Lord the first option, pretty please.
Unfortunately, because I blacked out I am prohibited from driving until the end of April. Mrs. J has been very patient in driving me to places. But, she's got something called a job, that takes up her time and driving me takes some prior planning and flexibility on our respective parts.
No, Beans, I can't just go to Lowes on a whim. Coordination with the "Driver" is required.
I think I've mentioned that her latest "job" is as a travel agent. We've been on a lot of cruises in our 44 years of marriage. Found them to be relaxing, fun, visited many places we wouldn't normally have seen and several other reasons we like cruising.
But, she found herself setting up the cruises herself and not through a travel agency after a couple of screw ups on the agency's part.
So, she decided to start her own travel agency employing herself. My role is to schlep bags when we go on the trip. It's been a lot of fun.
In the past month or so, she's been working on a AMAWaterways river cruise through Provence, starting at Lyon and ending at Arles on the Rhone River starting April 6th. The Boat (I have a hard time calling it a ship) only holds 155 passengers which is a plus in my mind. Service is good, It's not crowded, there isn't a disco pounding rock and roll at several thousand decibels at well past midnight either.
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| The Rhone River at Avignon |
All Good things, but she's been very busy.
Which brings me back to the "I can't drive" situation. She's busy getting her customers all ready to go, with reservations, tours they want, meal packages and a myriad of other things to take care of.
So chauferring me around isn't at the top of her priority list.
But...This week the construction foreman and Mrs J and I will get together and walk the property. The primary reason is determining what is being built where and what is being taken down and a plethora of other decisions to be made.
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| Realtor.com |
As I discussed last Friday, the property is 4.2 acres. There's one small cleared patch where the house to be demolished is located. (It’s a run down 1950s/60s model that's basically falling down on its own.). The rest of the property is heavily forested. We need to clear a small clearing for my Brother's cottage. We're thinking it'll be on the right side of the small bend in the road just after you enter the property (there's a restriction of no closer to a border than 25') so that should work. Another area needs to be cleared for the Barn and grazing area for the horses. That will be on the far side of the old house in the picture. Also an area for the dogs to run around in needs to be evaluated. I think this one won't be much of a problem since they don't need a whole lot of space. Fencing is also needed. The entire perimeter needs a good fence, The horse pen needs an additional layer, or maybe just a couple more sides using the perimeter to complete the pasture. The dog pen will use our house as one of the sides and a mesh fence small enough to keep our miniature dachsund from getting out.
A gate is in the plan for access to the property. On some of our readers suggestions, we'll put in some sensors at the gates and receivers in the homes.
So...A lot of things going down
Comments and suggestions will be deeply appreciated.
Thanks
Peace out y'all!
P.S. I meant to comment on Sarge's post on Tanks a couple of days ago, but got wrapped up. The first live missile I fired was an AGM-65 Maverick. The target was, you guessed it, a Tank. Missile hit right between the chassis and the turret. Blew the turret right off. Yeah, I had to buy drinks at the bar that night. Worth every cent!
With all that's going on you'll need a bigger plate juvat. Not being able to drive for another three and a half months is a PITA eh? There's a lot of trees in that photo, once areas for structures gets cleared out any chance for some sort of solar cells for power for backup?
ReplyDeleteNylon,
DeleteDefinitely a PITA for both of us.
An interesting question, Nylon, I'll have to talk that over with the builder. Our last house had a standby generator as a backup. Worked great. One or the other should work, we'll see what he has to say.
Thanks for the reminder.
juvat
We just moved out of a small town 'bout 25 miles East of the problem center of Oregon; there were several reasons, the most defining of which is that I'm getting, as a result of several medical problems, too disabled to fix/repair/maintain things that I could do very easily just 5 years ago and bringing in a tradesman to do it just irks me, besides which, they're currently asking too much to do a comparatively shi**y job. No: it's not that I'm a perfectionist: I (have to) live there/with it.
ReplyDeleteGetting back to the original reason for my response: the place was on 11+ acres: 3 cleared, the rest in Douglas Firs and whatever other species manged to gain a foothold. When we first moved in, the prior owner (greenie-weenie) had let the forest grow unchecked and the firs had started to encroach on the house and, over time, I took down over and split over fifty (30-40 ft. make good firewood). Yeah! I know: I'm supposed to be a city-boy dentist, but WTH, I needed the exercise and I did spend many summers on my uncle's farm. About three years ago, we had a pretty hot, dry summer and a few folks (under-insured: those rates were climbing to the ridiculous) lost their properties and in some instances, were lucky to get out with their lives.
I was getting nervous: using a walker, I don't move as fast as I once did and if the fire's downhill of us, I'm probably a smoked duck.
We recently sold very recently and moved to the opposite (diagonally) end of the country to a multi-story concrete structure with a few lovely palms waving their fronds in the breeze.
Trees, under the right conditions (hot,dry), can go up much faster than you'd like think - and the fire fighters are busy enough without me asking for help: trees are nice to look at and keep the air cooler and cleaner and provide a lot of localized oxygen, but I'd clear 'em where there might be a problem (in case of fire).
Boron,
DeleteThanks for your story. I'll definitely keep it in mind. Lots of things to consider or consider again.
As to my ability to "do things on my own", I'll know a lot more after my appointment this Thursday with my neurologist. We shall see what we shall see.
juvat
**to a multi-story concrete structure with a few lovely palms waving their fronds in the breeze.**
DeleteI'm in Clearwater FL, besides palms we have some oaks too,
Rob,
DeleteClearwater is nice, but a bit more crowded than we would prefer.
juvat
Does the entire property actually need to be fenced (as opposed to clearly marking the corners and lines), or only areas designated to contain the staff & boarders?
ReplyDeleteGood question! We plan to as the contractor the question “How much” on tomorrow’s walk. If the entire acreage isn’t fenced the a gate is pretty useless, but it would be VERY nice to have.
DeleteAll about the Benjamins I guess and whether or not we have enough of them. We shall see.
Thanks for reminding me which lets us think it through a bit more .
juvat
If you get the perimeter fenced now, you'll have it done & an animal getting out of it's pen will not be as big a deal as it could be.
DeleteRob,
DeleteThat's kinda my thoughts also. There is a saying. "Good fences make good neighbors". And you're right about an animal getting out of one area, but still contained. (Unless, it's very determined to star in the remake of "The Great Escape")
Thanks
juvat
Juvat, my parents' lived on their property for 22 years or so before final having to move because of medical reasons. In the later years, to Boron's point, physical ability to do things became an issue. If you have space (and most of all, money) including a room and/or outbuilding that can be used as a gym might give some additional mileage.
ReplyDeleteThe other recommendation they really benefitted from was paving the road to their house. It really made a difference in the rainy season.
Hoping the neurologist visit goes well!
THBB,
DeleteThanks, all good info. The house plan does have a room for my "Office", I think some exercise equipment might/will be added. We did pave the road at our previous property. You're right about paved versus dirt on a rainy day. That experiment ended with a decision to go with the former experience. Again, though, it'll have to be added to the "wanted" list an prioritized thereon.
Thanks for adding that to our list.
juvat
Might look into a bump gate for access. Maybe the local FFA needs a project for a welding class to help build it.
ReplyDeleteAnon,
DeleteHadn't heard of a bump gate. Did a little research on it. Something to consider. Thanks
juvat
No advice here, enjoy life, it ain't that long, and don't sweat the small stuff.
ReplyDeleteSarge, Will do! Looking forward to getting the project started. I don't want to get bored!
Deletejuvat
Boredom doesn't seem to be a problem.
ReplyDeleteWell. one would think, but since I not permitted to drive and Mrs J. has a large river tour she's finalizing the plans for, I don't get out much anymore. So...
Deletejuvat
Can you clear enough area around the doomed house that you could give it to the fire department? Real houses make the best trainers.
ReplyDeleteStB,
DeleteNot sure what you mean. Would they burn it down and then we could excavate it? Or would they want to use it repeatedly for training? Wouldn't necessarily mind the first, but there isn't a lot of room on the property (it's long but not that wide) to use it for an extended period.
juvat
Burn it down in sections, to practice. The aerial photo makes it look kike you might have too many trees
Delete.
Waaaay to many trees.!
DeleteWe will be careful ! And get professional help frequently !
juvat
Sounds like things are moving along smartly.
ReplyDeleteThe river cruise sounds nice. No thumpa-thumpa music all night long sounds really nice.
As to the property, enjoy the stroll. Take good pictures. And make sure to clear a good firebreak around the house (that would be, if a tree fell, it wouldn't hit the new casa.)
Beans,
DeleteLast first, that is the first thing on the list. We'll measure the house planned dimensions add a tree falling and fire danger padding around it, then call in the wood cutters. The builder will need that done first to even bring in his bulldozer for the existing house demolition.
River cruises are now Mrs J and my favorite cruise types. Mostly for the aspects you and I both mentioned.
And for the First to be last, I sure hope so. Time will tell.
juvat
And have a good survey of the land. You want to be on the highest spot, of course, and check the flood plain data.
DeleteBeans,
DeleteWill do. Thanks
juvat
Were you thinking about another workshop? Or are you combining that into the barn? You seemed to enjoy the projects you had been working on.
ReplyDeleteMy other thought was to talk with the contractor about being sure to have a ramp/wide hallways and doorways and extra-big bathrooms in the house. In other words, having it be as accessible as possible. No, I understand that neither one of you are currently needing to use a walker or a wheelchair, but, as you have experienced over the past 2 years, life happens while you are planning other things, and after going through all the work of building a new house, it would be a major drag not to be able to use it if some other accident, or medical issue raised it's ugly head. A ramp is always useful, especially when hauling furniture or groceries around, and a bathroom that has a lower lip on the shower so ya don't have to pick your feet up high as well as LOTS of grab rails to hang on to are also helpful.
Don't want to rain on your parade, but you and Mrs J are not on the sunny side of 60 any more, and some anticipatory planning may well be helpful a couple of years down the line. Sit down and think about the unthinkable, and how would you want to deal with it in this new house. A bathroom and a bedroom on the main floor are huge considerations, as are easy ways around stairs. I have friends who bought their split level raised ranch 20 years ago and are now realizing there is no bathroom on the same level as the kitchen, living room, or the bedroom. Your picture looks like it will be a one level ranch. But it is helpful to be able to get a wheelchair or a walker down a hallway, and through a doorway without having to turn sideways.
Fingers crossed on being sprung from your neck brace!!
Suz
Suz,
DeleteYou and my Wife are on the same side. Mrs J started this project by buying an "Idea" blue print, (the agency that did it is in the link on the photo in my last post) specifying exactly your recommended expansive dimensions. We brought that up with the builder in our meetings with him and we will remind him when he presents us with his blueprints (the ones that matter). So, at this point in the process, I'm comfortable. But, vigilance and oversight are important throughout the process. But thanks for the reminder.
Believe me, losing the neck brace is #1 on my nightly prayer list.
Cheers,
juvat
LOTS & LOTS of grab rails (where they help you pull yourself off the floor) - bathrooms have been noted as the worst place around the house for accidents
DeleteI like lots of grab rails. there's talk of a chair for me in the shower - Humpph!!! only as a last resort
grab rails, a removable, variable shower spray-head, and a non-slip tile floor work just fine for me
Boron,
DeleteGuard rails and ramps are definitely in the plans. As are wide hallways and door ways. The shower will also be to the more accessible dimensions. Thanks
juvat
River cruising is one of our favorite vacations. By the way, we have added a miniature doxie to our family.
ReplyDeleteTuna, send us your Email address, Mre J has several rivers cruises in planning. No pressure, just an opportunity, if you like river cruises.
Deletejuvat
Done, but you have it.
DeleteYep, you should now have her email address if interested .
Deletejuvat
If you want to fence, and need to clear land, you might talk to a logging company. Otherwise, that's going to be EXPENSIVE, much less the fencing costs...
ReplyDeleteOld NFO,
DeleteInteresting. Closest one to us is a couple of hours north, but a phone call and an estimate might be worth it.
Thanks for the suggestion..
juvat