tommywalnuts-My Self Sufficient Journal: Rural, Urban, and back again

[Dace]

So nice that you were able to help out a friend in need
I am sure he was very grateful!

Great idea on getting everyone to recycle by tempting them with a BBQ I bet you are getting a lot of support all the sudden!

 

[tommywalnuts]

An update on the pickled peppers: I took them to work and passed out jars to the pepper lovers. Man, the guys were turning red, sweating, almost in tears with the habeneros. Everyone bragged on them though, said they tasted wonderful. They want more next time I can them. I was really proud that my efforts were truly enjoyed.

 

[tommywalnuts]

Hey folks, hope eveyone is doing OK. I haven't posted in a while, been pretty busy getting the kids into thier new school. We have taken them out of the city school system(thug central), and they now attend a small country school that hopefully will help them learn more and grow into good people, rather than the crappy influences they have had in school to date.
On the SS front, just been pickling cukes and peppers, and watching the chickens. Our Salmon Faverolle roosters are so beautiful. I'm really glad I didn't get rid of them. They look like what I consider the quintessential barnyard rooster. The hens(red sex links)continue to churn out the eggs. I have been giving my grandma fresh eggs and homeade pickles, and that really makes her happy. Its a taste of the old days to her. She is no longer able to care for chickens or cook stuff. My aunt lives with her to take care of things, and her daughter and I do whatever we can to make her happy. Its really great to see Mamaws eyes light up and have her say that those were the best pickles ever!
This weekend John and I built a small deck off the back of our house. I used 2x2 steel tubing for a frame. It is bolted onto the back wall with 3 1/2" RS screws. I leveled it with the old cinder blocks that made up our back steps, and covered it with treated 2x6's. It is 8x10, and next weekend we will go back with rails and and a gate. Below are some pics, it was a really easy build. If anyone would like to build one and has any questions, please feel free to ask.

in progress, to show the frame

John at work lol

Finished platform, with Duke already checking out the shade

It still has more to go, but ya'll get the idea. Also, when this finishes up, we are going to refurbish one of those free standing metal swings with the fabric seat. It will be done with recycled materials, so stay tuned lol. God bless all, and have a good one.

 

[Henrietta23]

You have been busy! Deck looks great.
I think I'm going to be in your position with the schools in a few years. I worked at our middle school last year and I really don't want my son going there. I hope we have a great alternative before then!

 

[TanksHill]

The deck looks great. Perfect place for a cup of morning coffee,

 

[2dream]

Love the deck. And duke looks right at home.

 

[tommywalnuts]

Warning...not an upbeat SS type of post


I used to be a pot smoking street punk who really didn't give a crap about anything or anybody except having a good time. Then I met my wife, and she really showed me how important having a good heart is. For six years, I have been on a daily path of growing my soul, and walking a Christian path. I know no one said it was easy, but....here lately it seems there is a real force set out to throw stumbling blocks in our way.
My momma has a lot of mental probs(schizoprenia, delusions, etc.) 20 years ago, she accused my papaw of having an extramarital affair, of which she was the product. All this was revealed through psychic connections, angels, demons, and "breakthroughs in her mental blocks". Over the past years she has alienated herself from all other family, accusing my grandma and my aunt of sexual abuse, devil worship, murder, and the theft of country songs that she wrote(she claims to have written strawberry wine among others). Amyways, in spite of this I have been walking a tight rope for years, visiting my grandma and her(they live across the road from one another) for years. I have really worked hard to foster my relationship with all family....but now my aunt and her daughter are suddenly ganging up to push me and my wife out. The reason I suspect is that my grandma's health is declining, and they are out to scoop up the family land(140 acres, large house, three house in town). They pick on my wife, making snide remarks, and talk trash about our kids. To me, personally, the inheritance is not important, just making my mamaw happy. I ahve 5 acres of my own, and I can't even get a house put there with the economy so bad. If I can't take care of 5 acres, what would I do with more. But now, my wife don't want to go back, my momma is telling me how wrong I am to "get in so thick with them", and I am starting to wonder why everyone is so selfish and mean. On top of that, my job is a mad house of hurry up, wait, hurry up, you do this, now I don't like that etc. Plus add to it the pressure of getting out of debt slowly but surely, keeping current bills paid, kids being disrespectful right and left, thier momma(wifes sister)being homeless so guess where she is living(my home), everyone has an opinion on what we are doing wrong in raising the kids..................ARRRRGGGHHHHH @$#%^&&@!!!!!!!
I am praying hard for some guidance right now. I never knew until this stage in my life what folks meant by the weight of the world on your shoulders. And to top it all off....I really miss my dog.

Sorry to rant....just step to the back of the complaint line marked Tommy....its the REALLY long one.

 

[dragonlaurel]

Tommy,
It's good that you try to treat everybody well. However you treat people, always comes back around. Having a big house will be lonely if nobody wants to be around them because of the way they behaved.
It sounds like your wife helped turn things around in your life. That is worth alot. Your wife and kids deserve to be treated well. You may need to tell your other family that you are tired of them being so critical. I hope your sister in law will be able to get on her feet soon, too.
I recently lost my kitty, who was a big part of my life. The furry members of our family make a big difference and teach us so much about love. It sounds like he had a good, happy life and was loved alot.
Good luck, I hope everything improves soon for you.

 

[TanksHill]

Tommy feel free to rant on us any time you need. I am sorry about the situation with your Aunt and cousin. Maybe it would be best to visit without your wife and kids. Just an idea.

We are all having hard times right now. Some worse than others. Hang in there and good things will come.

 

[keljonma]

Tommy, the deck looks great!

As TH mentioned, many of us are going through a season of suffering. Personally, I am trying to find what He wants me to learn during this time. And I make sure I glorify Him whenever possible, for we are truly blessed to know our redeemer lives! You are in our prayers.