Life as a Backyard Hillbilly

Thanks to Jessica and Shane’s long driveway we were able to back right in next to their house, spend maximum time with the family and save a few dollars on camping fees.

We have been lucky enough to moochdock several times at friends and families residences. My brother Bob has a totally empty cul-de-sac that is perfect for the occasional overnight, The Finken Farm has enough room to open a campground and accommodate dozens of rigs and the venue at Kevin and Cheryl's wedding earlier this fall were also nice enough to let us stay on their property. 

Of course like every campground or other camping location there are pros and cons to each. Power can vary from location to location. For example; at my brothers we are 100 yards or so from their house so water and power can be an issue. We conserve water and run totally off our solar. At the farm they have both water and a 50amp hookup but no sewer facilities so we have to try and conserve our waste water usage. 

There are a few things that we need to take into account as a backyard hillbilly. In the case of Jessica and Shane's property things are tight. Our left side is within a foot of the neighbor’s property line. We cannot go over to that side without going on their property. The back of the rig actually extends over another neighbor’s property line. Good thing they have nice neighbors! For power we have one 15amp outlet so although it is enough most of the time we cannot run any electric heaters and have to turn everything else off when using the microwave or toaster. Next is to use the house facilities as much as possible. Bathroom, showers, dishes and of course laundry are all done in the house. Although we can add more water if we need to, dumping waste water is a whole other story. Our goal is to hold out the entire month without having to pull out and dump.

The other thing we need to keep in mind is maintaining Jess and Shane’s privacy. Everyone needs alone time, individuals and family. Although we want to make the most of our time here we also need to give them some alone time. It is hard to relax in your own home when the evil monster-in-law could burst through the door at any second. We did have a sleep over last weekend. Both Dylan and Kendall slept over. I slept in the living room, Barb, Dylan, Kendall, Dakota and Daisy all slept in the bed. I think I got the better end of that deal!

With a population of just over 4,000, Greencastle has a small town atmosphere in both culture and architecture. Friday night the 16th was the annual tree lighting in the town square. Since "everyone in town" attends the lighting, it was an event we just could not miss!

The tower in the background was originally built in 1872 as a bank clock tower. 

Daughter and Mother!

The next day we got to go see Kendall at her gymnastics class!

With Jessica and Shane working most days and the kids in school we have been able to get out on a couple adventures and have plans for many more. This past week we drove to Maryland and visited Cunningham Falls State Park right after it snow. Talk about beautiful! But wet….. It had rained, snowed and rained again so not only was the snow wet and mushy the trees were raining ice chunks on us the entire hike.

First ones on the boardwalk!

Cunningham Falls

Daisy made it about 100 yards before she just gave up and looked at us. We took turns carrying her the rest of the way. Dakota on the other hand ran and ran and ran. Not a lot of room for her to run in the yard so she was happy to get out in the open.

On our way home we stopped by Pennsylvania Dutch Market in Hagerstown, MD. Filled with Amish and Mennonite merchants this unique market has a little bit of everything. Lots of good food and some great furniture. I figured they would not appreciate a lot of pictures taken of the merchandise and employees but I did manage to sneak this picture of a particularly interesting item.   

Tempting but we did not try it

During the weekend we got out to Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania

We walked the mile and a half loop around the lake. It has been a long time since I have gone on a hike with little kids and totally forgot about the occasional meltdowns. Fortunately I only had one when I just sat down in the snow and started crying. Since no one would carry me I had to get up and catch up to everyone else.

Since Barb had access to a full kitchen for Thanksgiving so she took advantage of it. Not one, but two turkeys, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, desert salad, rolls and pumpkin pie! It was a great day filled with football and food. Of course it was spending it with family that made it special. So what are we thankful for? Family, friends, our health, happiness and the ability to fulfill our dreams...…none which should be taken for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!