Home for the Winter

We’ve been planning our exodus to Missouri for quite some time now.  Mountain Man has been making trips to the Ozarks trying to get our small farm into shape for my arrival but it’s a daunting task.  Nevertheless, we’ve been making plans to leave and I’ve been a participant although I admit a reluctant one.  Not only did I have quite a rough time in the Ozarks on our previous trip (if you are a new reader, you can find out more by clicking HERE), but I also love Red Pine Mountain.  Each night as the time to leave has drawn closer, I’ve been thinking about all the “firsts” I would miss (first harvest moon, first snow, first below zero day, first snow bank higher than the house, my list goes on and on) and I’ve been thinking about the farm buried under snow and alone and lonely throughout the winter.  But, we were going to be leaving November 1st.

Yesterday, we took the RV in for an inspection.  We thought we might need some adjustment to the brakes or some other miscellaneous repairs.  We discovered in order to be road safe, our RV needed all new tires.  And, the cost of those tires is $3,000.00.  Yes, $3,000.00.  And, did I mention our property tax bill is also due this month?  Neither Mountain Man nor I slept last night and then this morning, we had a long talk.  We’ve decided we just don’t have that kind of extra money to spend on tires just to drive the RV to the Ozarks and we have no other vehicle large enough to haul a horse trailer and transport the 7 dogs.  So, I’m not going, at least not now.  We decided to try to find the RV a home with someone who has that kind of excess cash and Mountain Man will continue his trips out there to work on the house.  And, me, well, I’ll stay home on Red Pine Mountain and witness all my special firsts. 

My faith has once again been reaffirmed in miracles in the most unlikely circumstances.

(31) Comments
Split Rock Ranch said:

All you have to do is put it out there to The Universe what you want and you will get what you ask for. Sometimes this occurs in the strangest ways, but always for the best. Wishing you a warm and happy winter in Vermont. Enjoy all the firsts!

Date: October 07, 2009

Vixen said:

Well I never thought I would say this but….I'm glad tires are so expensive!

I can't wait to share with you (via the internet I guess) your firsts of the season on the mountain.

Date: October 07, 2009

Carol @ TheWritersPorch said:

I TOTALLY agree with Split Rock!
I'm happy your staying and like Vixen, can't wait to keep you company!! :)

Date: October 07, 2009

Neas Nuttiness said:

I'm so glad that you will get to spend more time on Red Pine Mountain.

One day, I'll have to post pictures of my parents place in Missouri. The fall colors there, are so beautiful. My husband and I would like to build a home on their, but there just isn't a "market" for a job for him there AND it is no place to commute to and from, all winter long!

Wishing you and Mountain Man, the very best.

Date: October 07, 2009

Luke Sidewalker said:

$3,000 for a set of tires! But Chairman Bernanke said there was no present threat of inflation…

Someone is lying, and my money is not on the good people from Red Pine Mountain.

-Luke Sidewalker

Date: October 07, 2009

Shinade aka Jackie said:

Awwww…I remember all of those firsts from living in Maine. I also believe that everything works according to God's plan.

So you are staying for some reason this winter even if you never ever find out why.

Blessings to both of you!!
Hugs,
Jackie:-)

Date: October 07, 2009

ethelmaepotter! said:

Sorry your plans aren't working out, but…
We'll get winter pictures from Vermont!!!! Yippee!!!

Date: October 07, 2009

Flat Creek Farm said:

Trying again. I can't stand it when I make typos! ha! Ok… here goes again…
Well, sorry to hear you won't be wintering in our fair state, but I know where your heart IS :) And I'm happy for you that things turned out the way they did. Can't wait to see Winter pics from Red Pine Mountain! -Tammy

Date: October 07, 2009

Lin said:

Oh, I'm glad you are staying, but what a bummer on the motor home! Yikes, things are expensive these days. I spend $350 at the store the other night buying coats, hats, and such for 2 kids. UGH. Can I come to Red Pine Mtn too?

Date: October 07, 2009

Knitnut,Karen said:

Well, I'm hoping this is a good thing. I am worried though about your cooking skills(from previous posts)will you be able to fend for yourself in such harsh conditions? I'm hoping so. I want to see your firsts!

Date: October 07, 2009

Haf Dozen Reasons....... said:

Thanks for the link to the beginning!!! What an adventure! Makes our adventure to WY look like a grand vacation!!! lol

Wish you two the best while the saga continues.

Date: October 08, 2009

Deborah said:

I'm happy your staying, I'm sad about the expense of everything. I wonder when it will be zero…Not for a while..Do you have a wood stove? My pellet stove is already up and running!

Date: October 08, 2009

Julia said:

Oh the cost of tires and property taxes weighs heavily on us too. I can not believe the price of EITHER!!! Our tax bill would make you pass out. Well I almost makes me pass out every time I see it.

Thank You so much for the wonderful gifts. Ella wore her apron all afternoon to the store, the vet, etc. Also she carried around the necklace too. :) And we will break in the soap in about 15 minutes. You are sincerely a most generous person! Thank you from from the bottom of our hearts.

Date: October 08, 2009

Becky said:

Things happen for a reason so I keep telling myself! I wouldn't want to leave that beautiful place either. We are here to keep you company through the winter.

Date: October 08, 2009

Far Side of Fifty said:

Whoa, those are some expensive tires. I guess I would stay home too! All things happen for a reason, and now you will get to see all those firsts that you would have missed. :)

Date: October 08, 2009

Cactus Jack Splash said:

Amazing how a simple wish can turn into a wonderful reality

Date: October 08, 2009

JW.BW said:

Wow!! I dont really know what to say. I am sure there is some relief, and I am also sure there is some disappointment. I know you will miss him when he is gone. When will he be taking his next trip down??

Date: October 08, 2009

LadyFi said:

Gosh – amazing how miracles come when we most need them.

Date: October 08, 2009

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said:

It sounds like you will happily stay on Red Pine Mountain this winter but I don't understand why Mountain Man is still going. Eventually you still plan to move there? I'm glad I don't have to make these kind of hard decisions since we only have one home and like it. Enjoy your cold snowy days!

Date: October 08, 2009

Cedar ... said:

Well, for those that don't understand a motorhome would have two tires on front and four on the back as it would have dual wheels. Do the math, large tires really are expensive. Mountain Woman, I'm so glad you will be here in the north country experiencing all your favorite "firsts." And some of them aren't far away!

Date: October 08, 2009

Chris said:

Well, I selfishly admit I am glad to hear you're not going to be out of contact this winter. I would miss all your beautiful pictures of the mountain and reading about all your exploits while you were gone south for the winter.

I also just ordered some cat food from your pet store site, and am very impressed with the ingredients and prices, which is important now that we are back to feeding 3 cats.

Date: October 08, 2009

DayPhoto said:

Taxes for you, water for us. I can't imagine us leaving here either.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

P.S. I love this new photo header of your place.

Date: October 08, 2009

SpottedCow said:

God works in small ways…and answers our prayers. I'd be happy to pay you a visit, all you have to do is ask. I come through your way often to visit my daughter and grandbaby. :)

Date: October 08, 2009

Thistle Cove Farm said:

Glad it worked out so well for you; hope you enjoy your firsts…

Date: October 10, 2009

Robynn's Ravings said:

Okay. I'm immediately going to the practical. Are you staying there withOUT Mountain Man? If so, I'm just a little concerned for you and Khrysta. But I'm probably misunderstanding something. I AM thrilled that you get to stay longer. I just showed your header picture to my son and his exact words were, "OH WOW! Lucky!" It is GORGEOUS. I just wanna curl up in front of the wood stove (or fireplace) and stay with you for the winter. :)

Date: October 10, 2009

Deborah said:

Hi again! I just gave you a "shout" over at my blog because my follower-friend loved your name Whitesnake…So I mentioned you and linked it to you! Thank you for your suggestion! Have a nice weekend! I heard it is peak season in northern Vermont! It must be beautiful!

Date: October 10, 2009

JW.BW said:

I love your new header and background!!!!!

Date: October 10, 2009

Raising Z said:

Hi, I am visiting from SITS. Happy Saturday Sharefest. I know what you mean about all those firsts that you like to experience :) I am a New Englander too and though I don't live on top of a mountain, the year I traveled over seas in college during the fall was very hard on me. I missed the leaves changing, the first frost, Thanksgiving (ate pizza in Greece that day), first snow etc. I am sorry that you and your man have to be separated but I am glad that you will be there for all that you love!

Date: October 10, 2009

Martha said:

That is too bad about the RV expense, but I am glad you will be home at your beloved Red Pine Mountain home. I hope the time you and MM are apart goes quickly.

Date: October 10, 2009

alessandra said:

How do you want to stay when snow bank is higher than the house? LOL!
thank you for visiting and commenting, and I'm glad you appreciated my tips.
Bye!

Date: October 10, 2009

Rural Revival said:

I am so happy for you and your heart! : )
I look forward to seeing any of your 'firsts' that you kindly share with us. He does work in mysterious ways and I am sure this is a blessing.

Be well! ~Andrea~

Date: October 10, 2009