tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30456957045909806742024-02-19T01:08:54.605-08:00Fiberton Acres BlogThis is our blog for Fiberton Acres! Located in San Miguel in the Central Coast of California, our tiny 'urban ranch and manor' is busy year round creating quality goods that you will be proud to own. Our philosophy is to do good for our earth and the people on it, and have fun while doing it. That is why you'll find a mix of yarncrafting goods, as well as farmy, granny chic, kitchy, upcycled and nerdy items. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-18636908445543118172020-01-18T09:10:00.000-08:002020-01-18T09:10:52.915-08:00What's Fiberton Acres Up to in 2020?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First and foremost, Happy New Year everyone! I am excited for 2020...which has already been quite exciting!<br />
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The new year finds me in Colorado for a couple months or so for shearing bison hides. Bison fiber has unique qualities and is crazy warm (as it is their winter coat that we shear) and makes for some awesome gloves, hats and socks. And it is a great way for me to become more adept at shearing!<br />
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Which brings me to....<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">What's Fiberton Acres Up to in 2020?</span></i><br />
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I don't like making resolutions. But I do like making goals. These are my goals for 2020!</h4>
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<b>1) Shearing, baby!</b><br />
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<li>The next 5-6 months are going to be filled with shearing! I am shearing bison hides for the next couple months, and then on to assisting Shorn Shearing Service in alpaca shearing. I help hold the animal while it is shorn, and this year my goal is to get better at shearing myself. I am feeling more confident all the time (thanks to great training from Shorn) and hope to be semi-fluent in alpaca shearing by the end of the shearing season!</li>
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<b>2) Do a freakin' pull-up and train for a run...</b><br />
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<li>Shearing has gotten me into the best shape of my life. With that, my goal is to be able to do a pull-up! I am hitting the gym fairly frequently and hope to hit the one pull-up mark by mid-year! I've also been thinking that learning to rock climb may help me reach that goal, too... It has also been too long since I have trained for a decent length run. So that is gonna happen this year, too!</li>
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<b>3) More travel!</b><br />
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<li>This year I have a goal to visit a new country. I plan on taking the ol' van to new places, checking out cool new places with shearing, and checking out a new country. I have been lucky to go to Australia...the next one I really want to visit is a South American country, but I also have never been to Canada, so I have a good back up plan. </li>
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<b>4) But also more gardening...</b><br />
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<li>I realize though that I also need something that grounds me, and putting my hands in the dirt and getting to grow something is a big deal for me. So this year I will be begging friends to let me come play in their yards in return for some veggies. :)</li>
</ul>
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<b>5) Revamp the Etsy Shop...</b><br />
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<li>And the Etsy Shop will be undergoing a bit of a ravamp! It will focus on products and tools for yarn crafters, including organizing solutions, knitting needles and crochet hooks, drop spindles, yarn bowls, kits, new yarn packs and more! These changes will happen over the next few months, and I will make sure to let you know as they happen. I will still do custom handmade knit and crochet items but they will be by custom order only. Just contact me through the Etsy Shop with your ideas!</li>
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<b>What are your goals in 2020?</b> I love sharing my goals, as it makes me feel more accountable. I would love to hear what you will be working toward in 2020!<br />
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I leave you with this. I can't find who to give credit to for this awesome quote/image. But it is pretty much my fav.<br />
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- Ash<br />
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-50611294583924395672019-10-23T10:12:00.000-07:002019-10-23T10:12:54.992-07:00Next stop...Australia! (Who says you can't shear alpacas for 24 hours?)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is almost here! Here are a few quick updates on the upcoming trip and our shop!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
In less than a month the following awesome and craziness will happen....</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1) The Etsy Shop will go on Vacay...</i></span><br />
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On November 4th, <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/fibertonacres" target="_blank">Fiberton Acres online shop</a> will go on "vacation" while I head to Australia for about a month. It will open back up on Dec 8th, so if you need a lovely little handmade item prior to that, make sure to get your order in prior to Nov 4th. Oh! And if you are in need of a special order, you can message me while I am on the road and I will work hard to accommodate the order for the holidays! Check out the <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/fibertonacres" target="_blank">Etsy shop here</a>!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">2) I will be one of the roustabouts for an epic and important record breaking fundraising event...</span></i><br />
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At 4pm, Friday, November 22nd in Australia (so 11pm, Thursday, Nov 21st in the U.S.) I get the honor to help Pete and Nigel, two of the best alpaca shearers in the world break an incredible record for shearing alpacas for 24hrs. What could make it cooler, you ask? How about making it for mental health awareness and suicide prevention all over the world? Pete and Nigel are raising funds for organizations all over the world. If you are in the US, funds will go to the Montana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you are in New Zealand, Australia or the UK, we have charities set up as well!<br />
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I will be the roustabout for a large chunk of the 24hrs (the person helping wrangle and hold the alpacas during shearing) and we will have a live feed set up for you to see how it's going! More info on the event, how to help and how to watch the live stream can be found at at<a href="http://www.shearforlight.com/" target="_blank"> www.shearforlight.com</a> as we get closer!<br />
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And if you want to donate directly in the US to this awesome event, <a href="https://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/shearforlight" target="_blank">click here</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>3) Follow Fiberton Acres on Instagram or FB for any updates while I am in Oz...</i></span><br />
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I will not be able to blog much (or at all) while I am in Australia, but if you are on social media, I will work to put up a few updates there! Find me on <a href="http://instagram.com/fibertonacres" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="http://facebook.com/fibertonacres" target="_blank">Facebook</a>!<br />
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-Ash</div>
Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-21815192634856668012019-10-18T08:32:00.002-07:002019-10-18T08:32:58.779-07:00Van Life So Far as a Solo Woman and Other Observations...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been several months living the van life now. I get little questions from friends and family from time to time, and I see a lot of discussion around the subject of being a lady living in her van.<br />
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There is a lot of great women who have a lot of cool insight into this subject for sure. But here are a few observations I've made so far!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Take On Van Life So Far...</i></span><br />
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I have done the whole van life thing for about 4 months or so. Full disclosure... there was a whole month I lived indoors in a house, trying out renting a room from a friend. And it is nuts...I realized I really, truly missed my van. And here is why: it's mine. I may not have a lot, but it gives me a place to call my own, do my own thing, and save up for future goals. I find that my new career is all about being flexible and able to travel at any given moment, so my van makes this happen without a lot of added expense.<br />
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But, of course, there are tons of things I have had to come to terms with. Everything takes longer. You often have to have a bathroom plan, because I don't have room for one. Showers are a thing. Oh, it snowed last night - Is that why it's so f'ing cold? OMG...how did all these mosquitos get in here?! Hold on, I need to put this item away before I can get to and use that one...<br />
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None of these are bad things for me I am learning (well except for mosquitoes.) I know it is definitely not for everyone, but I like having a small routine. I (mostly) like pushing myself a bit and not being complacent. I like that it makes me workout to get a shower.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>So...you ask...what does that routine look like? </i></span><br />
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It all depends on where I stayed the night before. My preferred place is a campsite that is secluded and free (which often means without amenities) but this lends itself to comfortably making coffee and breakfast and getting ready without feeling weird and not really worrying about the morning routine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Morning routine + no power = foam rollers!</td></tr>
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Other times, I may stealth camp in town. If I stay at a truck stop or parking lot, I skip the morning routine almost all together, throw on clothes and run in to buy a coffee.<br />
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And if I stay at a campground with amenities, you better believe I take my time, as I probably paid for that shiz.<br />
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I also have a gym membership so I workout in the evenings when it is quiet and can take showers there.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Which all that brings me to observations of being a solo-woman living in her van...</span></i><br />
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First and foremost, I always listen to my gut feelings of a spot. If I feel weird about it, I just leave. Honestly, I also had to feel out what I was comfy with and what I wasn't. And I have become more comfortable with a lot, actually. Less than a year ago, going camping by myself freaked me out- quite a bit, actually. It was a combo of being a woman and being newly single. I'd gone straight from living with my parents to living with my husband. I'm not saying it because it is a bad thing, but for me, I realized doing things alone was a tough new experience. I just had to learn I could do it. And now I find that I am pretty cozy in my little van wherever my gut says is cool.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">First solo camping trip!</td></tr>
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<br />In addition to gut feeling is defense. An awesome friend bought me a badass knife and some bear mace, and that helped me feel much more in control. I know some ladies keep a gun, or a bat, but basically I think you should choose some kind of defense that makes you feel comfortable and helps alleviate concerns. Hopefully you never have to use it, but it sure feels good to know I have something I can use if I felt the need.<br />
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However, I also realize that all I can do is take precautions, and I can't control everything that happens. That drives me a bit crazy but is also freeing.<br />
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<i>Here are my go to precautions</i>...I park the van to where I could easily drive off if I need. I keep all doors locked all the time I am in the van, and if I am sitting outside the van (campfire, picnic table, etc) then I keep the front of the van locked and my rear door unlocked for quick access. I keep the aforementioned mace and knife within reach. (Last night my knife doubled as a fire poker. Think about how that would smart! haha) I put up my blackout window covers even when camping in a secluded spot. If stealth camping, I make a strong effort to only exit and enter from the driver side door and not the back doors (which are my access doors) so it isn't obvious I am living in there. And I wear leggings to sleep in, because it's what all the cool kids wear now. Oh, and mostly because they are not obviously PJ's.<br />
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I am also lucky in that my dad made sure I knew how to do basic mechanics, and I am now pretty good at changing a tire, jumping my vehicles, etc. But I also have roadside assistance just in case.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Other observations...</span></i><br />
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At first I really hated saying I was living in my van. It felt weird to say what I was doing. And to be fair, if my gut feels weird about stating it, I don't say anything. But I have some super cool people in my life that not only have had faith in me, they know I can handle my shit and have really bolstered my confidence. I kind of love it now when my friend's daughter tells her friends I live in my van. I love how at the moment it makes me a bit unique.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrK5bihyphenhyphenMWEUcsO5AfWAWLwdQTXfSz5yC44Y4E6q62dOEbBQyE7LJvJrbxFCuxC3-2lDxv1ObaPXZeW5RCIMu3mS_czrH4v8ei2TP6tnGBZHhRizEwAAgtdOvkV6rm4gWlnBoyEE886VY1/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrK5bihyphenhyphenMWEUcsO5AfWAWLwdQTXfSz5yC44Y4E6q62dOEbBQyE7LJvJrbxFCuxC3-2lDxv1ObaPXZeW5RCIMu3mS_czrH4v8ei2TP6tnGBZHhRizEwAAgtdOvkV6rm4gWlnBoyEE886VY1/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also, it actually wasn't my first choice. I wanted to find a little place of my own. However, life pushed me in this direction, and I am so glad it did. I am now pretty close to self sufficiency. And it is my long term goal to pay off debts and save my money over the next year and then decide what I do. I think the only way I would live in a stick built place is if I have a yard where I can play outside as much as I can.<br />
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All I know for sure right now is that I try my hardest to take each day as it comes. And (most of the time) that is actually a pretty cool feeling.<br />
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What questions do you have about living in a super tiny place?<br />
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- Ash</div>
Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-43355787041172410652019-10-01T12:29:00.001-07:002019-10-01T12:29:36.568-07:005 Things I Needed for Van Life in My 1st Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "roboto" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you go through them to make a purchase I can earn a commission. But I only link to products that I recommend based on my experience with them, not because of the commission. :)</span></span></i></span><br />
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Here's a secret...you can't really know what you really need in your van home (or any tiny home) until you start living in it. Maybe that is not a secret. But hey, just know this shit is all a learning experience. However, maybe I can give a few ideas of things I found were super helpful for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CnFQYdsM3dYwt6SECOmP5q7cn-oeIIlXTyoWsBBXZfp6BZbjCHkxA6qX-dPDXjX9ccKOVmNmnZpmQ9b7nqickgFsCmsSWAfSzuw4jpBAlhtco2j7yhfQMR_65fF3v11UnhPSH5s9eC7r/s1600/5+things+for+van+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CnFQYdsM3dYwt6SECOmP5q7cn-oeIIlXTyoWsBBXZfp6BZbjCHkxA6qX-dPDXjX9ccKOVmNmnZpmQ9b7nqickgFsCmsSWAfSzuw4jpBAlhtco2j7yhfQMR_65fF3v11UnhPSH5s9eC7r/s400/5+things+for+van+life.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>NOTE... </b></i>I am living in my van full time on the SUPER cheap. So these are inexpensive ways to make life in your van a little easier. And these became serious essentials for me pretty freakin' quick.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074D1Q626/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B074D1Q626&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=24bdbc9a2ebaf5e83391edc09a82a5ff">Rubbermaid Brilliance 18-piece Food Storage Set</a></span><br />
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These are awesome. Being that I was on a super tight budget, I needed to use my regular cooler for cold food storage, which meant that ice would melt down and I worried about cross contamination of food containers leaking or getting ice water in them.<br />
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This set pretty much solved this for me. They have an airtight seal and seem to have kept water out and food in. (I generally try not to let too much water sit in the cooler, but sometimes it's a hot day and melting just happens!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2) <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018AIF8A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0018AIF8A&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=bd62d140660607c71afb74e338cf8da1" target="_blank">LOCK & LOCK Eggs Dispenser, Holder for 12 Eggs</a></span></span><br />
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Speaking of the cooler, I wanted to protect my eggs (which I love so I always have on hand) from getting crushed, and I soon also found that the cardboard containers absorbed moisture no matter if they touched the ice or not. This egg holder has been invaluable!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3) <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W4VD8C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000W4VD8C&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=373949ba20705a6a3e947b59b6fb9a1c" target="_blank">Coleman 2 Burner Grill Stove Combo</a></span></span><br />
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Keeping in line with food...you have to have a way to prepare it! I think one of the ways most people on the road, especially van lifers spend their money, is on food. Eating out is easy, but it is expensive and also can really throw off your health. Plus...I LOVE coffee. So having an easy way to heat water for the ol' french press was a must!<br />
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For me, this stove is the perfect solution. It has a regular burner on one side, and a grill on the other. The grill is perfect for toast, meats, etc and while that cooks you can make your eggs on the burner! ;) Plus it is compact and easy to set up and take down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jjbw1a4jsRDAOsuSvNTop8jOhMihrStn5h_u_FuLUG6K5HF8fGSiHH6gc62GwEELLvlbJeJRdEJblafxepx-j9gX5Aag24XXzzfe0iaKjy8sABzoAcxaTzsoqNY-BAAaP4xBZa0RDlCy/s1600/IMG_1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1283" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jjbw1a4jsRDAOsuSvNTop8jOhMihrStn5h_u_FuLUG6K5HF8fGSiHH6gc62GwEELLvlbJeJRdEJblafxepx-j9gX5Aag24XXzzfe0iaKjy8sABzoAcxaTzsoqNY-BAAaP4xBZa0RDlCy/s400/IMG_1016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My stove set up (Knees for added perspective.) </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009V0YT34/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009V0YT34&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=0ceac30a0633a3f8464f2e931c95dee4" target="_blank">GIOVANNI- Powder Power Dry Shampoo And Instant Volumizer- All Hair Types</a></span><br />
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Ok...so van life also means you may not get to shower as often as you're maybe once accustomed to. I quickly realized that a little dry shampoo goes a long way to making me at least look fresh!<br />
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I found this awesome dry shampoo. It is in powder form, smells great, is easy to use, and it is also free of parabens, dyes, etc. It is organic and cruelty free, too! It is a great way to hold you over when you need!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SS62PS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003SS62PS&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=e55c2e0b216bad6d452e7f7d53729e5b" target="_blank">Hopkins SP570804 Go Gear 12 Volt Oscillating Fan</a></span></div>
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I quickly found that if I wasn't running the van, it was getting pretty warm in there in the summer! I needed something to cool the van down some.</div>
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There are probably a lot of options out there on fans, but this one was economic and easy to use! I can clip it anywhere I need in the van, and it easily plugs in to the cigarette lighters in the van, so I didn't have to worry about batteries or electricity. It oscillates and has an easy on/off switch. Basic but totally does the job on a warm summer day! And as it has cooled off, I run my van's heater and use the fan to push the hot air to the back of my van.</div>
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As I mentioned, there have been lots of little things in which I thought I would totally use and then found they were more of a nuisance than help. But these things above have been my go to for the last couple months! </div>
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What do you use on a daily basis? </div>
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-Ash</div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-16447502808895626842019-08-19T09:30:00.000-07:002019-08-19T09:30:04.726-07:00Converting the Van on the Cheap - Part Two<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "roboto" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you go through them to make a purchase I can earn a commission. But I only link to products that I recommend based on my experience with them, not because of the commission. :)</span></i></span><br />
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Now that I finished the main parts...insulation, walls, ceiling and floor (<a href="https://blog.fibertonacres.com/2019/08/converting-van-on-super-cheap-first.html" target="_blank">see last post</a>), it was time for the fun stuff...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOal1a_mX7WlEpzwcDmNzn9llV0X0RMAu9P7lPNyo6zTEvY1f3usFIwT9LkGxlabT1r_F8OomgR6v3wgmxz030QTReOgfj2nOXQeoCPQ17rHB-7OyASyYO7JtIU29L3z_HuiLbszG1LASU/s1600/Coverting+the+van+pt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOal1a_mX7WlEpzwcDmNzn9llV0X0RMAu9P7lPNyo6zTEvY1f3usFIwT9LkGxlabT1r_F8OomgR6v3wgmxz030QTReOgfj2nOXQeoCPQ17rHB-7OyASyYO7JtIU29L3z_HuiLbszG1LASU/s400/Coverting+the+van+pt+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to build a 'chest' type structure around the right side wheel well. This was to hold some of the van essentials, like antifreeze, oil, tools, gas can, etc, as well as my shoes. I used the 2x2's to make the frame and the 1x4 against the wall to secure the lid to, and I used the remainder of the plywood from the floor to make the outside of the structure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1FCZIpD-6ZAVMa4dROoqIul5vwObNdwGO3yPpsdalh0gupaXg6rkb69HrCkHR2OiUKjv-WqCdO6FJWxP0IugNJCYNIEy-JruMcxz9hwAGkvtp5pIIWwWkl_vOGgqyL5jsT_h6i33sQNJ/s1600/IMG_0726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1FCZIpD-6ZAVMa4dROoqIul5vwObNdwGO3yPpsdalh0gupaXg6rkb69HrCkHR2OiUKjv-WqCdO6FJWxP0IugNJCYNIEy-JruMcxz9hwAGkvtp5pIIWwWkl_vOGgqyL5jsT_h6i33sQNJ/s400/IMG_0726.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the frame for the van essentials/shoe compartment...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CFZJ5fCRfqx58ut6LcqfTX9ajStxBWVZf4ZC-QPf9LKT-9IiKaB5J5nULFn-Fd-Ea0xbxU5UjzM1cxSV1FIlkAx4XugSdlAH6joLx7ryThL0tKuewFmgZDLQTHXvH-V4OGzRCfoqQWBK/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CFZJ5fCRfqx58ut6LcqfTX9ajStxBWVZf4ZC-QPf9LKT-9IiKaB5J5nULFn-Fd-Ea0xbxU5UjzM1cxSV1FIlkAx4XugSdlAH6joLx7ryThL0tKuewFmgZDLQTHXvH-V4OGzRCfoqQWBK/s400/IMG_0748.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe not perfect, but it is done and it totally does the job!</td></tr>
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Next was the shelving for the other side. I wanted it to include a countertop space to prep food, as well as a spot to inset some kind of water catch receptacle and attach my 5gallon water dispenser. Below I wanted to have some shelving for regularly used items, cleaning products, etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuR0LGFTifmDuPgGmzOKoeGg6L6JrlJ-lZHmHSxL94fUO2JMR0gmxIKDQ9R64aX4YiWPklv9gqt_qA4uou-3iAryqoMMrlIvl-dIkeETFMjxSHCioy5yzk7F3iklMnghzWu5YuQLIJ9Ci/s1600/58335941815__D905DA7A-8750-43B2-90F6-275D8391B2C9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuR0LGFTifmDuPgGmzOKoeGg6L6JrlJ-lZHmHSxL94fUO2JMR0gmxIKDQ9R64aX4YiWPklv9gqt_qA4uou-3iAryqoMMrlIvl-dIkeETFMjxSHCioy5yzk7F3iklMnghzWu5YuQLIJ9Ci/s400/58335941815__D905DA7A-8750-43B2-90F6-275D8391B2C9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building out the frame for the counter and shelving. </td></tr>
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I was super lucky in that a friend gifted me a nice chunk of butcher block that fit perfect as the food prep surface. (You can kinda see it in the upper right corner.)<br />
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I didn't get any pics of the shelving installation, but basically I made a cross support on the initial frame and then laid my 1x2's along these to create shelving just over the wheel well and under the food prep area. The butcher block took one end of the counter and then plywood for the rest of the counter. I made it not super tall, as I can't stand in the van anyway, so I can sit at the counter fairly comfortably.<br />
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Then I took my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00168PI4S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00168PI4S&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=79676b968d31b0d7b29bee507e449af1" target="_blank">5 gallon container</a> and found <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VPBL1Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000VPBL1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=68b24dbf77cbebe1bb388dcdd45f421c" target="_blank">this little trash can</a> that fit perfect as a water catch. I like that it is deeper than most of the other receptacles I was looking at.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXs8OoqcG_NFYbtEasnojLKg01xzOjo2dnPuyU9TbpDXzuYHjAeqWoLd7YaL0M8WoJI1jrP_yJuZELdR4GmerKGlvQiJhBrsZtcXOEM7TEsgCJrCVVJxnZVZ96SiTViqHpTyAHSo4u9dr/s1600/58338261056__54DE49F4-E916-4829-86B2-8B84C4B6D8DC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXs8OoqcG_NFYbtEasnojLKg01xzOjo2dnPuyU9TbpDXzuYHjAeqWoLd7YaL0M8WoJI1jrP_yJuZELdR4GmerKGlvQiJhBrsZtcXOEM7TEsgCJrCVVJxnZVZ96SiTViqHpTyAHSo4u9dr/s400/58338261056__54DE49F4-E916-4829-86B2-8B84C4B6D8DC.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming together!</td></tr>
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As you can also see, I got a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075H35S6P/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B075H35S6P&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=bd25aaf1a529bcc8a22c50d16d3322e0" target="_blank">3 tier utility cart like this</a> that worked perfect as my pantry. I just left the wheels off and put my heaviest jars, etc on the bottom shelves and have found it to be quite stable. I have gone over some bumpy spots and it has shifted a little but never turned over. And of course a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GMM9KVU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GMM9KVU&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=163a763b767996d845d56630dbae83a9" target="_blank">little Ikea rug</a>! </div>
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I found a little tiny wood crate sort of thing at the thrift store and it fits 3 8oz ball jars that contain my toiletries now and I mounted that up on the wall, as well as a little wooden paper organizer. </div>
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Then it was time for decorating! <3</div>
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I will say that Command hooks and strips are the best! I used <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073XR4X72/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B073XR4X72&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=609a3f548d1b4f5f9399a00907bc3f52" target="_blank">these strips</a> to hang my pictures. I used <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M3V8XI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000M3V8XI&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=018ffe3111627cb09a26dd01549b3689" target="_blank">hooks</a> for all kinds of things, like jackets and towel and garbage bag. And I found the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OI789JU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00OI789JU&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=001048683e2dd6c19bcc288a028f1a32" target="_blank">Command Mirror </a>which was perfect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_cQbnPYYv86CU6IBavKm4_egZXuaKJqLFjy-b7IpKBjdH3Gz_uBiXkGNQKv5bg_szy56gJa74NX98r-03rkhDb05P9_I9u_6_h7xwmx5XuL2gq8Po13yESH7XsEV0NKEW7tdnqMFi0hs/s1600/3100C13F-619D-417F-BE95-5229AC8CCAD8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_cQbnPYYv86CU6IBavKm4_egZXuaKJqLFjy-b7IpKBjdH3Gz_uBiXkGNQKv5bg_szy56gJa74NX98r-03rkhDb05P9_I9u_6_h7xwmx5XuL2gq8Po13yESH7XsEV0NKEW7tdnqMFi0hs/s400/3100C13F-619D-417F-BE95-5229AC8CCAD8.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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I added some Ikea hanging containers to hold a few plants and my kitchen utensils.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxw6kdUCGlq7E0vPg17LTSyhb2PlEDsK53EXJutiJdsm7c22iw2JVaoTIa3bpbj59DcPk60sm_hkiTks6Q3zL__tw9e9hVpclvmQF7q_NoFKSWTR3w-1Mln8e6QD-y6nUzvklJsRINjnM/s1600/BBC14A9C-886F-45B2-91C5-27825290AB11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxw6kdUCGlq7E0vPg17LTSyhb2PlEDsK53EXJutiJdsm7c22iw2JVaoTIa3bpbj59DcPk60sm_hkiTks6Q3zL__tw9e9hVpclvmQF7q_NoFKSWTR3w-1Mln8e6QD-y6nUzvklJsRINjnM/s400/BBC14A9C-886F-45B2-91C5-27825290AB11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention that wet and dry erase markers work on the wall?! :D</td></tr>
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I took a couple weeks at this point to live in the van and see what else I might want and need. My friend had pulled out some drawers and I realized they would be a perfect fit under the bed! So that was the next part of my build....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK7gYpXwqZMQ_1SHIPAt2PlJRVssYynIovXRQxfEL2jRff0tdFygWOc7p7IYkZMP0puy9ieREl5qPsVexXgO7OeH0QU9WjipmrHOKWlHiIOMxNwLFaGbyPwn5mUg3Qahe8EVPtvGDnjeI/s1600/6CDE64BF-7A27-40F7-B6F1-93BE11E86673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKK7gYpXwqZMQ_1SHIPAt2PlJRVssYynIovXRQxfEL2jRff0tdFygWOc7p7IYkZMP0puy9ieREl5qPsVexXgO7OeH0QU9WjipmrHOKWlHiIOMxNwLFaGbyPwn5mUg3Qahe8EVPtvGDnjeI/s320/6CDE64BF-7A27-40F7-B6F1-93BE11E86673.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawers in!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaOdnE-j2cgSDwRo2gRefctNKfgsg3_o8wHh2d3IWsiNcWmu625YJzYj_5dYk3GRP3D2wRPYmVXLkVU-Q0j4MHqmbFuTCoBNqOAvgDMPgw554IUzllYDC2JYk2vaHTVMdziJZAgx21ssI/s1600/9C873452-7D36-4ED4-9A5D-A1764675EBCA.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaOdnE-j2cgSDwRo2gRefctNKfgsg3_o8wHh2d3IWsiNcWmu625YJzYj_5dYk3GRP3D2wRPYmVXLkVU-Q0j4MHqmbFuTCoBNqOAvgDMPgw554IUzllYDC2JYk2vaHTVMdziJZAgx21ssI/s320/9C873452-7D36-4ED4-9A5D-A1764675EBCA.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The lower drawer now holds my dishes secure, and the upper some clothing like socks. Then the rest of the clothing is in the plastic tubs and my camp grill fits securely next to the drawers.</div>
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As you can see, there is still some finishing stuff I can do, and a few things I still want to build out. But those will be an update later!<br />
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I think that I spent about $600 on all the building materials and other goodies for the van. So with the van itself, mechanic repairs and supplies and conversion, I spent less than $2500.<br />
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I have now lived in the van for a couple months and I am loving it. It forces you to downsize and really see what you use on a weekly basis. It also forces you to be organized, which is great, too!<br />
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I also joined the local gym to have access to showers, and so it forces me to use the gym, which is a seriously awesome motivator!<br />
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Thinking of converting your vehicle, even if just for road trips here and there? Do it! And if you have questions, I am always happy to help!<br />
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Happy travels, friends!<br />
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- Ash</div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-5156998186241516802019-08-02T12:55:00.000-07:002019-08-02T13:25:44.156-07:00Converting the Van on the Super Cheap - First Steps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "roboto" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you go through them to make a purchase I can earn a commission. But I only link to products that I recommend based on my experience with them, not because of the commission. :)</span></span></i><br />
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It's about time that I start telling you about my Van Conversion!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69UN44TW2Q5ExvyNFVPg5Jj5J6veULPB5OHzHwf8iRgmswl_uxCgTahP2QtxHXKLHXH5iE_KS-nZZisjPjl71mPAvu5821rUJ3uNb2jYEH2LOezyDQ-SpSlEVbrmDwqeypJrCc1B9m3vV/s1600/Coverting+the+van+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69UN44TW2Q5ExvyNFVPg5Jj5J6veULPB5OHzHwf8iRgmswl_uxCgTahP2QtxHXKLHXH5iE_KS-nZZisjPjl71mPAvu5821rUJ3uNb2jYEH2LOezyDQ-SpSlEVbrmDwqeypJrCc1B9m3vV/s400/Coverting+the+van+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a cool challenge to do my van conversion as cheap as I could but still accomplish the things I wanted to accomplish for the van. I'm sure if you have looked at van conversions, you can see that it can be done on the cheap all the way to quite spendy. Of course, if you have the resources, you can have someone convert your van for you, but I had almost no resources, and I was not going to let that get in my way!<br />
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As I mentioned before, the van I found was $800 and I put about the same amount of work into it with the new catalytic converter (a little more expensive due to regulations in CA) and radiator replacement.<br />
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<b><u>Step 1) Mechanical Fixes</u></b><br />
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This go 'round, the radiator was first and foremost. I mean...it's not really supposed to do this....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJmnSxyuSk5f2oIW8iVwn8ReDqLlgMeY3cjG2ZSi9AujzRA0vJXyR-CqfHNxugBjRubQ6v5J94smQiWdkq3UQEc8Sl6gC5kZC7zkfQ_1iQadLi3fqqK3bkJj2AKY9raMc03-svNW2cAtX/s1600/IMG_1067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJmnSxyuSk5f2oIW8iVwn8ReDqLlgMeY3cjG2ZSi9AujzRA0vJXyR-CqfHNxugBjRubQ6v5J94smQiWdkq3UQEc8Sl6gC5kZC7zkfQ_1iQadLi3fqqK3bkJj2AKY9raMc03-svNW2cAtX/s400/IMG_1067.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the spray of coolant?!</td></tr>
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I replaced it all by myself, and I will say, ladies (and gents), you got this shit. Get on the YouTubes and look up your make and model and get your hands dirty. I was so freakin' proud of myself for just going for it myself. And even with a few small hiccups, it only took me a couple hours or so.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old radiator out and other pieces parts...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXMpCUvCygmoO4qUceYlbxffkzoPkd12rvHHYA-pwvU7wfeg3yk9tolzrMuPFRYMIej0enFhPfAoP3SO3izxuEdI4rLC_vZGCUPUWG0ToD8ChigW8x-r2WRSxShe9BxNgROIxYXXp_F27/s1600/1722EB6A-573B-4838-9429-6CC055E6F034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXMpCUvCygmoO4qUceYlbxffkzoPkd12rvHHYA-pwvU7wfeg3yk9tolzrMuPFRYMIej0enFhPfAoP3SO3izxuEdI4rLC_vZGCUPUWG0ToD8ChigW8x-r2WRSxShe9BxNgROIxYXXp_F27/s320/1722EB6A-573B-4838-9429-6CC055E6F034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New one in and just in time for the rain!</td></tr>
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<b><u>Step 2) Cleaning out the Van...</u></b><br />
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Next was to clean out the van. While I was on the road, I made a huge mistake...which, by God, I learned from. I left a few food items out. My first few nights back in my van were riddled with cleaning mouse poop and even mice running across my foot. (There may have also been panicked texts to my mom asking what the likelihood of me dying from hantavirus was. I was sure I was a goner.) Needless to say, after I got everything out of the van and cleaned up and mice eradicated, I made damn sure I put every single food item in a plastic bin or glass jar.<br />
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With that taken care of, it was on to the actual build. I elected to leave my already installed bed/couch in place. But generally you would remove everything that existed. In <a href="https://blog.fibertonacres.com/2019/06/new-adventures-for-fiberton-acrespart.html" target="_blank">a previous post </a>I showed my dad and I cutting out the welded in shelving, so all I needed to do was remove the carpeting and rubber mat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2eRYZbKXaPGlgCvIOHpwaaPLt08RYRWxKbGNPwk2IeSOqtAwWdKRWinMzw_dGj18FqnyL2_j6FhtNzl1wT74jUpbg21oaHCyo-bWwTgH2N8MoG0FTHnGZyqGtkFwSnB5Ud425-vGldUh/s1600/579F2106-E4B9-446A-A740-56146D767B4C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2eRYZbKXaPGlgCvIOHpwaaPLt08RYRWxKbGNPwk2IeSOqtAwWdKRWinMzw_dGj18FqnyL2_j6FhtNzl1wT74jUpbg21oaHCyo-bWwTgH2N8MoG0FTHnGZyqGtkFwSnB5Ud425-vGldUh/s320/579F2106-E4B9-446A-A740-56146D767B4C.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tearing out the bed lining stuffs...</td></tr>
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After I tore all that out, I got to discover an access hole that was cut into the floor above the gas tank...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG8uDN2n5ge0zZp1sH8m2KOobYk0-jeGkUnXoes_C82VjipuCwDQtxTqmB305kN5lg5EN6_jNvwfd1FsUZrlnpO3ovE1f9c5N85sg3WknlzwCdGThJs4x7M3AFgIBgKkQrIGdzhwEJ-Vv/s1600/IMG_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG8uDN2n5ge0zZp1sH8m2KOobYk0-jeGkUnXoes_C82VjipuCwDQtxTqmB305kN5lg5EN6_jNvwfd1FsUZrlnpO3ovE1f9c5N85sg3WknlzwCdGThJs4x7M3AFgIBgKkQrIGdzhwEJ-Vv/s320/IMG_0667.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise! Wait....That's not supposed to be there....</td></tr>
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For some reason they cut a piece of metal out I assume as a make shift cover, but didn't secure it. So I took my liquid nails glue and applied a heavy coating to it to try and keep moisture out.<br />
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I then vacuumed out the van and cleaned the floor as well as I could.<br />
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<u><b>Step 3) Insulating and installing the sub-floor...</b></u><br />
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The next part was buying all the goodies to start the actual build. I decided to go with rigid styrofoam insulation for a couple reasons. First, they are resistant to moisture, and as I mentioned in my previous post, I know condensation can be an issue. Second, it seemed like it would be pretty user friendly...just cut to fit and use a little glue to keep in place. And third, it's quite affordable. I actually only used 4 sheets of 4x8 1/2in thick insulation. I think this trip to Home Depot cost me about $250 for almost all my initial supplies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdm-_fbk8oXh66isoir46igaSmTaSwpPpXnmgydDJyIXA2nxevovMv1sQp4isL00ONiBO8xbmm5NQDtFrRU7VQiuPq6s5gbY8c4faGl6mwGakx53pDOQc2XQL-s-wejzQ38nQv_gHJVjS/s1600/A181B354-2E68-46D4-9043-B37CB135272D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdm-_fbk8oXh66isoir46igaSmTaSwpPpXnmgydDJyIXA2nxevovMv1sQp4isL00ONiBO8xbmm5NQDtFrRU7VQiuPq6s5gbY8c4faGl6mwGakx53pDOQc2XQL-s-wejzQ38nQv_gHJVjS/s320/A181B354-2E68-46D4-9043-B37CB135272D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insulation, plywood, white backer board, 2x2's, 1x4's, and 1x2's</td></tr>
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First I needed to secure the boards to my subfloor. Every couple feet I laid down a board cross ways and opted to secure them to the van with liquid nails. I alternated 1x4's with 1x2's for reasons that I now realize I cannot really tell you. It...just seemed right to me. I added 1x2's along the sides, too. Then I cut the insulation to fit the gaps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuemApBejsxss30qobPlqz6ZBQ9ME42hSgEcJSBoReLHZ5RDBYr0ieTLUHJ3UVtp-JYbG8bxkIA0XN1wrv_F8d9pHaW4i_TygcyVGIe7nxvahHVQWL9WWHJ8mPGFR7YLu2GLkjFvS9MfY/s1600/IMG_0696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuemApBejsxss30qobPlqz6ZBQ9ME42hSgEcJSBoReLHZ5RDBYr0ieTLUHJ3UVtp-JYbG8bxkIA0XN1wrv_F8d9pHaW4i_TygcyVGIe7nxvahHVQWL9WWHJ8mPGFR7YLu2GLkjFvS9MfY/s320/IMG_0696.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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Oh...and what about tools to cut the wood (and in the next step, screw in the wood)...? I used this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YN74HFK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00YN74HFK&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=6ec22a44f496f86249831dcfafabfb26" style="font-family: roboto, "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Porter Cable Circular Saw and Drill Set</a>. Not only are they affordable for a cordless circular saw and drill, they are also quite compact. They had no problem doing literally everything I needed to do!<br />
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<b><u>Step 4) Insulating walls and ceiling and installing the hardy backer board...</u></b><br />
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My next step was cutting insulation to fit between the metal supports on the walls and ceiling. I just used the existing metal supports rather than adding wood. So I glued insulation pieces into the spaces and then used spray foam insulation for the gaps. (I also learned that spray foam is super fun...like adult utilitarian silly string...)<br />
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I opted for white hardy backer board for the walls and ceiling, again for price and I like the white look and could shape it to the van. Added bonus! You can totally use dry or wet erase markers on it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LVdk7pb1H4wrFepZT2bT7JdvMs4fEPJLDesVnMdl6t9ck_xMMFIjX8S5qzgkEx0HZU5xl97_Ed6vRbHKPNo-nrvmpX1MD_jWaORh1p2vSxtFMoZg6mW6TQbUhWsfAGN3hBVlyrZY-5qW/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LVdk7pb1H4wrFepZT2bT7JdvMs4fEPJLDesVnMdl6t9ck_xMMFIjX8S5qzgkEx0HZU5xl97_Ed6vRbHKPNo-nrvmpX1MD_jWaORh1p2vSxtFMoZg6mW6TQbUhWsfAGN3hBVlyrZY-5qW/s400/IMG_0706.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backer board on the ceiling and a peek at the insulation on the walls.</td></tr>
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I wasn't strong enough to hold an entire piece of the backer board up AND screw it in to the metal, so I cut pieces the size of each metal support. I used 1/2in self tapping screws and have to admit I had to put in some serious muscle to get those to go in. For those ladies doing this, my dad offered the advice to get all phillips screws, and a size 2 gold impact screwdriver bit which doesn't strip out as fast or easy. I got these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E3FK850/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00E3FK850&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=3c82e065eb709219673e0257b2e55ded" target="_blank">Impact Gold Number 2 Phillips Insert Bits</a> and it worked better than the alternative for me for sure!<br />
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As you can see in the pic, I will eventually need to put up some trim to cover my seams, but for now, ceiling is up!<br />
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Walls were next and a little easier to hold up, so I kept them in larger pieces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeIKkKexITkP4ty-9cYb_0JtVlcKHlDsm_6VM1hyphenhyphenhceZfxB4w5FKcBV4BVnVvVCETHkDsmZ1U6JCeDakJcc0ealb7JY4cLRC9S8uAwWXTTT7RxtaZS_e4umO-vTuqmyvELfVWW2XtihwA/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeIKkKexITkP4ty-9cYb_0JtVlcKHlDsm_6VM1hyphenhyphenhceZfxB4w5FKcBV4BVnVvVCETHkDsmZ1U6JCeDakJcc0ealb7JY4cLRC9S8uAwWXTTT7RxtaZS_e4umO-vTuqmyvELfVWW2XtihwA/s400/IMG_0724.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walls up. Don't mind the mess on the bed. </td></tr>
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I knew I was building in some shelving and cabinets, so I just stopped the walls at that point. It would likely add some extra heat regulation to go all the way down, but all my stuff helps insulate...right?<br />
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<b><u>Step 5) Floor...</u></b><br />
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Well...the last pic sort of spoiled it. But while I was installing the ceiling and walls, I took a couple sheets of plywood and painted on some polyurethane (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LNTXUO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000LNTXUO&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=2992a3648b7fbd26f1a09f8ff34a274a" target="_blank">this is what I used</a> but I'd assume any polyurethane finish would work). I chose this cuz it is waterproof and seemed like it would be best for flooring. I went back and forth on what type of flooring I wanted, but I actually really like the look of plywood grain (I got just the cheaper CDX plywood at 3/8in thickness) and it seemed like a more cost effective and easy to install flooring. Surprisingly (as if I actually knew WTF I was doing) it was the perfect width for the floor of the van. As for length, I just had to add about 3 feet of an additional sheet of plywood to get the desired length. I used 1in wood screws to attach the plywood floor to the 1in subfloor supports.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq685LpPRSMZPmlQ4SB0cbeOQAuvv46MVijCXFf5ZDKtg3vIje6LiO7hYh9fioTCma4biDNyzYZVQqZ33eVWNX4wFnL9ynlFEFesm28tOiPSeVyjlPN1JqXMRrDZriVQAXgjpTix8hKuao/s1600/12459A06-339D-4C51-91C8-C6035D723414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq685LpPRSMZPmlQ4SB0cbeOQAuvv46MVijCXFf5ZDKtg3vIje6LiO7hYh9fioTCma4biDNyzYZVQqZ33eVWNX4wFnL9ynlFEFesm28tOiPSeVyjlPN1JqXMRrDZriVQAXgjpTix8hKuao/s400/12459A06-339D-4C51-91C8-C6035D723414.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor in. My trusty <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YN74HFK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00YN74HFK&linkCode=as2&tag=fibertonacres-20&linkId=6ec22a44f496f86249831dcfafabfb26" target="_blank">Porter Cable tools</a> at my side. </td></tr>
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<b><u>Next time in "Converting the Van"...</u></b><br />
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With the most important parts of the van done, its time to figure out what I needed for storage and counter space! Stay tuned for the next installment! ;)<br />
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Ash<br />
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<div id="amzn-assoc-ad-5dc0d61b-bade-4765-bd33-ede9bcf192df"></div><script async src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US&adInstanceId=5dc0d61b-bade-4765-bd33-ede9bcf192df"></script>Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-54617964681013162842019-07-30T10:24:00.001-07:002019-07-30T10:24:16.647-07:00Hitting the Road... Part 3 in the New Adventures for Fiberton Saga!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YtmKWotXVjIyf2rOFsVmX8TMN0o6cO41hMxxhcQxxi3eeN0C12P-O5OL-kT0oTXjJKtLw7Hx65OCeuXPka4mUxgcGQk04cbRxwcHT3c-T9m0ROpyhQEazji_ptZLYI2O7QTH6rQeTWtJ/s1600/Lger+New+Adventures+for+FA+pt3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YtmKWotXVjIyf2rOFsVmX8TMN0o6cO41hMxxhcQxxi3eeN0C12P-O5OL-kT0oTXjJKtLw7Hx65OCeuXPka4mUxgcGQk04cbRxwcHT3c-T9m0ROpyhQEazji_ptZLYI2O7QTH6rQeTWtJ/s400/Lger+New+Adventures+for+FA+pt3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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After I returned from Australia, I took two weeks to hang out with my parents and friends in my little town of San Miguel, CA. At that point, I had already packed everything up for the most part, so I worked on deciding next steps in my crazy little adventure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4_UAG-2i4WpiZ52zNcQELT3EwGqToMYXJQxpXWikwgMHm-PVU89szjOH8v4icr_9-RHfQCl6z3ceCOb-PMysxRTU8zW1DxTi5QZjzbcMU3IFBdWj4x4DXNoiHbewuWE2sqNm7gER6Zd5/s1600/IMG_2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4_UAG-2i4WpiZ52zNcQELT3EwGqToMYXJQxpXWikwgMHm-PVU89szjOH8v4icr_9-RHfQCl6z3ceCOb-PMysxRTU8zW1DxTi5QZjzbcMU3IFBdWj4x4DXNoiHbewuWE2sqNm7gER6Zd5/s320/IMG_2411.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December gardening with friends in Cali!</td></tr>
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<b><u>Winter on the Road...</u></b><br />
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I decided I'd first make my way down to visit family for the holidays in Prescott and Prescott Valley, AZ where I was born and raised. This was a perfect maiden voyage, as I followed my parents from San Miguel to there. We were able to address bugs with the van as a small group, as life on my own for the first time was quite intimidating. I didn't really want to let on...but being a single lady on the road by myself was a big change from my 17 years of marriage in a house or RV. I knew I could do it, and was excited for it, but I welcomed not doing the first leg of my new life on the road alone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWCCCfn3SvF4mj5-TDJgmjHTtvT74E8I4QE6L36HalmUvtnYs4KFWHJFmvaA-u77JI9EgFzTLN1e2MRPSLtf1rQ6ZNKxipzLWPPjHgzuYOwN9RQOxfYr5eUpWh25JZsWG_Ivgfmqf4SL0/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1024" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWCCCfn3SvF4mj5-TDJgmjHTtvT74E8I4QE6L36HalmUvtnYs4KFWHJFmvaA-u77JI9EgFzTLN1e2MRPSLtf1rQ6ZNKxipzLWPPjHgzuYOwN9RQOxfYr5eUpWh25JZsWG_Ivgfmqf4SL0/s400/IMG_2531.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz Hands! (Thanks, Dad!)</td></tr>
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The van did well overall, and I even spent a few nights sleeping in the cold AZ nights in the van to see how it might be. At that point it was not insulated, and, while I found out that I could do it if I had to, the cold outside and the heat from my body created condensation on the metal that was pretty significant. That would have to be addressed for future comfort for sure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VabvUFyEFOO8m0uV6GzP7xt6Npt5ieAQXRCw0FHCJmJ8s2ZkntX2kvN0E5z6ufJHklEXQYQ2vmGxz1ACDolsggEp4f-79GErUC1V4CBVUK9eUALQL0g43Q05LxBAkmFVueaDORTzz7l7/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VabvUFyEFOO8m0uV6GzP7xt6Npt5ieAQXRCw0FHCJmJ8s2ZkntX2kvN0E5z6ufJHklEXQYQ2vmGxz1ACDolsggEp4f-79GErUC1V4CBVUK9eUALQL0g43Q05LxBAkmFVueaDORTzz7l7/s400/IMG_2508.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following mom and dad to SLC</td></tr>
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After a great week or so in AZ, my parents followed me as far as Salt Lake City. There we parted ways after (another) tearful goodbye and I decided to head to Colorado for a bit. I had heard that there may be some shearing work over that way, and I wanted to check it out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuAMoS827SfaHWPA_nYDVg_MA7hJdh2adVVy3khUKPLei0uRGgRa3cuq8Hc_edkdeBvV_zyZ0kyy21qV9yt5yG8XGHoQhuEz4RvAy-ieu6y0ElWMJrmAOcq4kXhXm9SBlUT5YTu3hV90W/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuAMoS827SfaHWPA_nYDVg_MA7hJdh2adVVy3khUKPLei0uRGgRa3cuq8Hc_edkdeBvV_zyZ0kyy21qV9yt5yG8XGHoQhuEz4RvAy-ieu6y0ElWMJrmAOcq4kXhXm9SBlUT5YTu3hV90W/s400/IMG_2509.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyoming in late Dec.</td></tr>
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It worked out that I could help out with some bison shearing while I was there, which was a total trip. During my time in Colorado, I generally stayed in AirBnB's rather than the van. I did stay in the van one night and woke to this...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ4Dh55IbnhH1_-UL3KsCVj2gtw2QpvKWv9Rf3_FCHjdeoZVvqDPSN9fiZgGqzKIQbXA-VEAqvq05N5Fh_TAyiZOJ3pAz2CiTaD6DVescS7aS7c8Aj6IJyvrjm1y-XBXPqZOX3q0zGp7B/s1600/IMG_2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ4Dh55IbnhH1_-UL3KsCVj2gtw2QpvKWv9Rf3_FCHjdeoZVvqDPSN9fiZgGqzKIQbXA-VEAqvq05N5Fh_TAyiZOJ3pAz2CiTaD6DVescS7aS7c8Aj6IJyvrjm1y-XBXPqZOX3q0zGp7B/s400/IMG_2580.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meh...what's a little snow and negative degree weather...?</td></tr>
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Needless to say, without the van being converted yet, it was not super nice to stay in it in the winter months.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ybquetV9SGdokJ6S24XEno4dgC3M8VvUKy0d9vJWviVAufZxsEZ4b_xquESJFEyEY6xpalislje4nGD3add75fsmwvU4TV0SxYwAId6kIhCvMR9Ly64nBTuNLV9EHILy-m_hLAvQ1NhS/s1600/IMG_2775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ybquetV9SGdokJ6S24XEno4dgC3M8VvUKy0d9vJWviVAufZxsEZ4b_xquESJFEyEY6xpalislje4nGD3add75fsmwvU4TV0SxYwAId6kIhCvMR9Ly64nBTuNLV9EHILy-m_hLAvQ1NhS/s320/IMG_2775.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try and make the best of it! </td></tr>
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<b><u>Springtime Travels...</u></b><br />
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After Colorado, I got the super cool chance to go on the road with <a href="http://shornstore.com/" target="_blank">Shorn</a> Shearing again, this time getting to go first to the Southern Loop (FL, GA and AL). I've always wanted to go to Savannah, not only did I get that opportunity, I got to do it during a tornado warning. I felt like this was so much more authentic! As Audrey Hepburn says in Sabrina (my fav!), "You get yourself, not a drizzle, but some honest-to-goodness rain..." That's what Savannah gave me! It did not disappoint me one bit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCIwk5bSThLIO9-bHA9JkTuCdUnHgMpWVZ-KXsrSzGUgkX2sQ4d76Ul5Hd6dY16KunFquIuGpWl-aQddpVSYY7al8cHYgvBHyMbyKDT76ayE9aUhGAG30hCv9NH58yWjHr4qjfHXom5YE/s1600/89AF9E62-F30C-427A-8838-2B7FA4991386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1028" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCIwk5bSThLIO9-bHA9JkTuCdUnHgMpWVZ-KXsrSzGUgkX2sQ4d76Ul5Hd6dY16KunFquIuGpWl-aQddpVSYY7al8cHYgvBHyMbyKDT76ayE9aUhGAG30hCv9NH58yWjHr4qjfHXom5YE/s400/89AF9E62-F30C-427A-8838-2B7FA4991386.JPG" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I <3 Savannah!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSTy-eZ63o2ZSyf9eFT-BQsanLitKK1VyWHYI4HsE0N1B0b6M-2PruHEpbSu0WaCTXrPbZAbZu7HQG4pBPUs_A29hbCYf_H2jkoLY-CtfR5uM0IH0fJVuH7_PTjvxFNY7Y0T8owHIL5nM/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSTy-eZ63o2ZSyf9eFT-BQsanLitKK1VyWHYI4HsE0N1B0b6M-2PruHEpbSu0WaCTXrPbZAbZu7HQG4pBPUs_A29hbCYf_H2jkoLY-CtfR5uM0IH0fJVuH7_PTjvxFNY7Y0T8owHIL5nM/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is one of my very fav books and set in Savannah!</td></tr>
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During shearing I got to see a lot of the country that I had not seen... mountains and valleys, rock formations and rivers, animals and much, much more. It just reinforced my love for the road and getting to travel and experience as much as I can. Van life was looking more and more up my alley.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8iq1i25StfWY4X8Zs7kki7dgXINhpuD7oFgmekKrNPWfv2zCB0lMZuxBjLDGxzT9pKVHe9Jz6Nvur3vFxceu_CmdntNVfIfjoWutKS-Ss9DP-JaADh4EATw8qN3QoM99pA3QZLLzrltA/s1600/IMG_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8iq1i25StfWY4X8Zs7kki7dgXINhpuD7oFgmekKrNPWfv2zCB0lMZuxBjLDGxzT9pKVHe9Jz6Nvur3vFxceu_CmdntNVfIfjoWutKS-Ss9DP-JaADh4EATw8qN3QoM99pA3QZLLzrltA/s400/IMG_0408.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to practice some llama shearing at Ranch of the Oaks in AZ</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnILwbwgUcqMZfGktR2hrkmsD1bwMr1jndBZRlTRehczp76_ZC13VAGYHBbtpmO-bYaP1LiofOjRnGorK8Gr0tWkgT7cHoobOHq1d-hGUMdfOsG9uUhV5t3I47T9HH7jhuIyxBuap793K/s1600/IMG_0413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1600" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnILwbwgUcqMZfGktR2hrkmsD1bwMr1jndBZRlTRehczp76_ZC13VAGYHBbtpmO-bYaP1LiofOjRnGorK8Gr0tWkgT7cHoobOHq1d-hGUMdfOsG9uUhV5t3I47T9HH7jhuIyxBuap793K/s400/IMG_0413.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prescott, AZ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7FqZXd8u3VOUhPEl-dDJC_fJIeErz33AmdY6qSt6EYAKZSLwIrAngdkULx7M8YAkMa0SofPMbCwDFu0FHej9WQI-n2nmijggaLSRjofwytMyAqVtdTFbr0an7QmGiSQEi6nS_oMQsMrX/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7FqZXd8u3VOUhPEl-dDJC_fJIeErz33AmdY6qSt6EYAKZSLwIrAngdkULx7M8YAkMa0SofPMbCwDFu0FHej9WQI-n2nmijggaLSRjofwytMyAqVtdTFbr0an7QmGiSQEi6nS_oMQsMrX/s400/IMG_0441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navajo Monument in AZ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-UOaUrrGwgYsGkR4SOwX9FpgiFpHkyUVkunKJMUnft2mD4Mjk5rc3LCJZ_y8gB4uUzdUMDZASvib22Lya-R_DUhZ4uGO5BGDSAiVAvUBO_lUbrz9FaIPVC-sT6971TAhhlCUjuakKA6d/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-UOaUrrGwgYsGkR4SOwX9FpgiFpHkyUVkunKJMUnft2mD4Mjk5rc3LCJZ_y8gB4uUzdUMDZASvib22Lya-R_DUhZ4uGO5BGDSAiVAvUBO_lUbrz9FaIPVC-sT6971TAhhlCUjuakKA6d/s400/IMG_0502.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moab, UT area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01MqkAM7oCv-D7EBpvu1zxQvByymJrQTv6tGydz_fZvDD-yVDkaFVpiFLNsOEuFJ0Plsck_jYrjkSXbJWpG3TQaSMJU6y_A9ydD00OYbHb0M5_0Pr4DQ2sGYY6xg5BgPe8KbVaW2kIhZA/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01MqkAM7oCv-D7EBpvu1zxQvByymJrQTv6tGydz_fZvDD-yVDkaFVpiFLNsOEuFJ0Plsck_jYrjkSXbJWpG3TQaSMJU6y_A9ydD00OYbHb0M5_0Pr4DQ2sGYY6xg5BgPe8KbVaW2kIhZA/s400/IMG_0504.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty river in Utah.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>So now what....?</u></b><br />
<br />
Upon my return to Montana in early June (where I had left my van to go on my shearing adventures) I jumped straight into truly converting the van. And that, folks, is where I pick up next post!<br />
<br />
Ash<br />
<br />
PS - In future posts I will cover some of the places I camped that were super cool, like the Navajo National Monument! Stay tuned!<br />
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</div>
Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-9149179890889131292019-07-25T12:13:00.000-07:002019-07-25T12:13:48.096-07:00Australia bound...New Adventures for Fiberton Acres...part dos...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So where did I leave off....<br />
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Hitting the road in my sort-of-converted van!</div>
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Well...let me back up a little.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzOGBso5v3OMqKUB5esyLZIAiLYCZtmGEINTGB2EGQOOwQroAaVFRIzR-hZRRk_cYJCqWGwrJMZvZl04KvpVpwt_9qeNiTWrhsKOT2rbMERJz4cvJBjH18D70P2WALr4vR46d9XzYx5gR/s1600/New+Adventures+for+FA+pt2+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzOGBso5v3OMqKUB5esyLZIAiLYCZtmGEINTGB2EGQOOwQroAaVFRIzR-hZRRk_cYJCqWGwrJMZvZl04KvpVpwt_9qeNiTWrhsKOT2rbMERJz4cvJBjH18D70P2WALr4vR46d9XzYx5gR/s400/New+Adventures+for+FA+pt2+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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After my split, I had decided to begin a whole new career. As you are well aware of if you follow my blog or social media (or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FibertonAcres" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>), I am an avid yarn crafter and love working with animals. About 5 years ago or so, I met an alpaca shearer who I was quite impressed with at a shearing day and I caught the bug. I asked to help out whenever he came through the area. It was fascinating work, and it dovetailed so well into my passions for travel, animal husbandry and fiber arts. And it was a physical challenge that I loved.<br />
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And in 2018, I was invited to be the worker for <a href="https://www.shornstore.com/" target="_blank">Shorn Shearing</a> on all of the California and Arizona loops of the shearing season. It was an eye opening experience, and I was excited to begin learning to actually shear. I sheared my sheep at the time, and then those of a friend with a small herd. I was slow and it kicked my butt, but I loved it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3haEf496M5WKvaliWnGUJP1__a5l_1j55s1z2gDBrr3OuRQGhFXrki8ndIKKTO5-sN5Rcidh7HWVFjIsbaDy0DxsmJ3IScayLWsgOgBzAJWoQmYYHMDq09QgXLIN6748PvlTUU97jWnk/s1600/IMG_1010.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3haEf496M5WKvaliWnGUJP1__a5l_1j55s1z2gDBrr3OuRQGhFXrki8ndIKKTO5-sN5Rcidh7HWVFjIsbaDy0DxsmJ3IScayLWsgOgBzAJWoQmYYHMDq09QgXLIN6748PvlTUU97jWnk/s400/IMG_1010.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shearing Champ, my wether ram...very slowly...</td></tr>
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Then I got the invite of a lifetime for a girl who wanted nothing more than to see the world and do this work. Working with the shearer at the largest recorded alpaca farm in the world...in Australia.<br />
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Me?! Could I do it? Could I keep up and work with 150 lb alpacas all day long for close to 4 weeks straight? I knew I could, or at least I knew I was stubborn enough to do everything I could to make it happen. There was no f'ing way I would let this opportunity pass me up.<br />
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So that is when I quit my day job, made the difficult decision to find loving homes for my animals, and made some tearful goodbyes to family and friends.<br />
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I took a train from Paso Robles down to LAX and then boarded my 15 hr Virgin Australia flight to Sydney one late October evening. Is there a word that means scared/excited/self-doubting/eager/proud all wrapped into one? Because that was me. (Scexselfdoeagpro...? No...that sounds like something weird you'd find in an unsavory location online...hmmm....don't google that. lol)<br />
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Soon enough I found myself on a new continent for the first time in my life. I got into a car on the wrong side, and drove down the wrong side of the streets, which was both exciting and terrifying after sleep deprivation.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJUyHOU0oegyWXrQnC7g2FuL-xg45hcjfVc8JHxwtvierQ-ASw5f-HZETVXpABHj4fhHWNsSsoz-vaRRCQbxcoFK20swW0ZlzdYaK_nATgHxbYS9gqwaQ3mI3MSlKmCraL-ewDq-2zWKn/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJUyHOU0oegyWXrQnC7g2FuL-xg45hcjfVc8JHxwtvierQ-ASw5f-HZETVXpABHj4fhHWNsSsoz-vaRRCQbxcoFK20swW0ZlzdYaK_nATgHxbYS9gqwaQ3mI3MSlKmCraL-ewDq-2zWKn/s320/IMG_2084.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cool alley in Cooks Hill, New South Wales</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VAV6dwKamev9oSv_Uug056ASIzlUiM9DYJ982cUVhuk8KulE9gYBLhd7Hzzr_eT2UMG5YPQDBMAjzmP05uZjnn6tqRvcacWyiYh96Uzo0gD7Ei-SNpEqe1guP33TmvjWmbrE0amZgDmA/s1600/IMG_2110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1512" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VAV6dwKamev9oSv_Uug056ASIzlUiM9DYJ982cUVhuk8KulE9gYBLhd7Hzzr_eT2UMG5YPQDBMAjzmP05uZjnn6tqRvcacWyiYh96Uzo0gD7Ei-SNpEqe1guP33TmvjWmbrE0amZgDmA/s320/IMG_2110.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merino sheep sculpture/building!</td></tr>
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I spent my time there getting to do some sight seeing, as well as working the hardest I had ever done. I liken it to running a marathon (which I have only done a full marathon once)...you question what you're doing (and why) over the course of it many times, but you feel an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment at the end. My hands were swollen to the point where I had to cut several rings off and I was exhausted but I grew quite a bit stronger, both mentally and physically.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CT2lge-duMXOq1C0Kdw_Ny8L7nJ3zH9y2J6G0QkVpxlD88XPoUccRshrLKKbjgEsUqWOkn-WWkhN6H4qaAVhcA28MZoKfoNGhyphenhyphenCjzzbTaoGphpL56ygUhBOurc3N_Sd3Hq4NF2go5eGK/s1600/IMG_2115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CT2lge-duMXOq1C0Kdw_Ny8L7nJ3zH9y2J6G0QkVpxlD88XPoUccRshrLKKbjgEsUqWOkn-WWkhN6H4qaAVhcA28MZoKfoNGhyphenhyphenCjzzbTaoGphpL56ygUhBOurc3N_Sd3Hq4NF2go5eGK/s400/IMG_2115.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first day...and first view of a truly full shearing shed. Soon to be much cooler alpacas!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZjUVpISIZfcSqO26UOVO9XpOy2f5FlngtCooAa13XBgq3QR24kMO6PMVEN9mf6uou8d0io80eNLrwi9vIAv0u7GCClVHsgPsLvCapqHVzm17aNEmLPpLgWjwRYvam8758VjXLW0TkYA_/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZjUVpISIZfcSqO26UOVO9XpOy2f5FlngtCooAa13XBgq3QR24kMO6PMVEN9mf6uou8d0io80eNLrwi9vIAv0u7GCClVHsgPsLvCapqHVzm17aNEmLPpLgWjwRYvam8758VjXLW0TkYA_/s320/IMG_1334.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After cutting my first ring off...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZHHSCJcTTCRO7-Qn__w4rgu7IO7oyn2IRislMbvP-Xsiau64fIzvoy_GWHraJG2M9Ue11OOwPFhv0yP-1sd-LuMP1IrNN_m6yED-HC2Uizua6TyVMPRwkIEpfkIEFeVGPhtOFHvxY5Na/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="966" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZHHSCJcTTCRO7-Qn__w4rgu7IO7oyn2IRislMbvP-Xsiau64fIzvoy_GWHraJG2M9Ue11OOwPFhv0yP-1sd-LuMP1IrNN_m6yED-HC2Uizua6TyVMPRwkIEpfkIEFeVGPhtOFHvxY5Na/s320/IMG_2181.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And after the first week and an empty shearing shed!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Dj4lCLvK-hG1jBZIuhZIkraOBmm12FjC3IZpdcG_L1ilq7cyOcwMd8TmmrvNaEgdXeNiYr3p8X8Dbozdxp3XheYsnT7dwKH0sIW0oLVGSiS3ZIB6J3dZ0hhogl4BfKRjy0UmXp7_25zG/s1600/IMG_2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Dj4lCLvK-hG1jBZIuhZIkraOBmm12FjC3IZpdcG_L1ilq7cyOcwMd8TmmrvNaEgdXeNiYr3p8X8Dbozdxp3XheYsnT7dwKH0sIW0oLVGSiS3ZIB6J3dZ0hhogl4BfKRjy0UmXp7_25zG/s320/IMG_2199.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our biggest day! 113 alpacas sheared! </td></tr>
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I also proved to myself and those in the shearing shed that I could do it. (I was the first female worker they have had in there in that capacity...) And I made some awesome new friends.<br />
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It was bittersweet heading "home"... I knew I was going back to the uncertainty of my new life...to a packed up van ready for new travels but to places I was still unsure of. I was also excited to see my friends and family back in the states and recount some of the tales...like of the crazy (to me) animals I saw, and the lovely beaches I relaxed on and the great food and show off my new muscles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvafqN94u00hjrCdNhWLS-RHuXJYytvZNg6kRC7oaoWZ5Ue4B09MQBrTTKboPFSm2CE5slwZvbzlcrtw5wNjCiSvWpdcL_eu9n-vH9Z9wwyhPqY4hqLsLFH5c7nf7fYJ2BUKevATIL7t7b/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvafqN94u00hjrCdNhWLS-RHuXJYytvZNg6kRC7oaoWZ5Ue4B09MQBrTTKboPFSm2CE5slwZvbzlcrtw5wNjCiSvWpdcL_eu9n-vH9Z9wwyhPqY4hqLsLFH5c7nf7fYJ2BUKevATIL7t7b/s320/IMG_2088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach in Terrigal, NSW</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkD6KEWWwzy-CAaDIiJOl9k2zvCy7n8OxeiOsVlbqpER1F5JE_6uQINlRzcWsSmGDo7DhkTabpyTAuYqRiohtHjISSomd_2Zo4s29XZQv3VDuty_jX7JRbcRNHQI2sY_NEGka5PoWE2CC/s1600/IMG_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1512" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkD6KEWWwzy-CAaDIiJOl9k2zvCy7n8OxeiOsVlbqpER1F5JE_6uQINlRzcWsSmGDo7DhkTabpyTAuYqRiohtHjISSomd_2Zo4s29XZQv3VDuty_jX7JRbcRNHQI2sY_NEGka5PoWE2CC/s320/IMG_2102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a normal sized lizard to Australians...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywfJmsYtG5ZKe8VoFZZfISnlITjWuN4JSM7zREyRFWZRNeCXpbzqwJLvU5WXabaaJ5dG-rKYUkhkzHdLdiWZpO3AObiutbeNf7f2QRysuvz2X-u4BB7eG8asPxUi9OYmHetCNkx287mwe/s1600/IMG_2210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywfJmsYtG5ZKe8VoFZZfISnlITjWuN4JSM7zREyRFWZRNeCXpbzqwJLvU5WXabaaJ5dG-rKYUkhkzHdLdiWZpO3AObiutbeNf7f2QRysuvz2X-u4BB7eG8asPxUi9OYmHetCNkx287mwe/s320/IMG_2210.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a 'small' spider...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFk0aPGaXdpbdWDkQfYy_hVcdWbQx8M1aUxoiDR_1hh-6OFAdiuMW-Nb4vCdSrSRZbNLsQWvtE10nQQ9bu3zSwjluZWWXZsoFrCAwG269hH0cfiZHjSoDJB4RBb0edzsfigmsu_2yxoiO/s1600/IMG_2240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFk0aPGaXdpbdWDkQfYy_hVcdWbQx8M1aUxoiDR_1hh-6OFAdiuMW-Nb4vCdSrSRZbNLsQWvtE10nQQ9bu3zSwjluZWWXZsoFrCAwG269hH0cfiZHjSoDJB4RBb0edzsfigmsu_2yxoiO/s320/IMG_2240.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the zoo...these are like seagulls over there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegWqJSiBQKz3RgHWMFLOxcjq9OHH9kuZhULZBiPLDBzlWUlqXH0a4TQcwFBajrwvi5jhq1D2d34S0Pf6unBNxKFjZscP4ODqj32B9pM1VMkOhQCYx1QnED0PaS3JgrhO7LgAQYfz3Wkzk/s1600/IMG_2261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1318" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegWqJSiBQKz3RgHWMFLOxcjq9OHH9kuZhULZBiPLDBzlWUlqXH0a4TQcwFBajrwvi5jhq1D2d34S0Pf6unBNxKFjZscP4ODqj32B9pM1VMkOhQCYx1QnED0PaS3JgrhO7LgAQYfz3Wkzk/s320/IMG_2261.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Opera House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14h1k27fAl2bA9DToaODAWKIfYHDstHuMfFy1Mbi_pwVf9JML23fFCR9cA3cFbpd2p9FRTXGT51gAqTf5AqpU4tbEvIepLncg_gqsMQ3noPulwpOw91ohn_jttN5bNNN_641bderAiLWw/s1600/IMG_2216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14h1k27fAl2bA9DToaODAWKIfYHDstHuMfFy1Mbi_pwVf9JML23fFCR9cA3cFbpd2p9FRTXGT51gAqTf5AqpU4tbEvIepLncg_gqsMQ3noPulwpOw91ohn_jttN5bNNN_641bderAiLWw/s320/IMG_2216.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowhole rock feature in Kiama, NSW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBD42Vglb2bYIb8j4gEvhVzE1htveY1J34f3-hUgAfW8zqlR7LDcLgZetWVBnOLywDDhRl3YnGfjTLF7bq44piJv6tdDyRi4N57tDJtEtXmvEgOkBaPhBaNx7IDCnLlpxOQq2Z3HPUPjs/s1600/IMG_2250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBD42Vglb2bYIb8j4gEvhVzE1htveY1J34f3-hUgAfW8zqlR7LDcLgZetWVBnOLywDDhRl3YnGfjTLF7bq44piJv6tdDyRi4N57tDJtEtXmvEgOkBaPhBaNx7IDCnLlpxOQq2Z3HPUPjs/s320/IMG_2250.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A koala at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So really...it was then I hit the road...<br />
<br />
More soon!<br />
<br />
Ash</div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-4687145278002375012019-06-20T18:19:00.000-07:002019-06-20T18:19:31.297-07:00New adventures for Fiberton Acres...Part Uno<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ummm....first...sorry. I know it has been way way too long since I last wrote. Life has a way of<br />
taking some turns you don't expect, and let's be honest, I have yet to meet someone who really has their shit together enough to know how to deal with those changes.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68ZJIKkZte5l5iQ4FrE0L2GswtIVbnhXU1gOoRjnwvO6XIPhh3CK4JvsNuJ_GcUU_WrBOUr3We4Bp-D0-C27DTShg4UHWS393EJxOKQjBG6fTZUUpd_xgXOgKkVtF2_ChtTwsOGUce65q/s1600/New+Adventures+for+FA+pt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68ZJIKkZte5l5iQ4FrE0L2GswtIVbnhXU1gOoRjnwvO6XIPhh3CK4JvsNuJ_GcUU_WrBOUr3We4Bp-D0-C27DTShg4UHWS393EJxOKQjBG6fTZUUpd_xgXOgKkVtF2_ChtTwsOGUce65q/s320/New+Adventures+for+FA+pt1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But life is an adventure (and believe me, I keep repeating that mantra in my head) and I am definitely on a new journey. This time by myself, and it is okay.<br />
<br />
And in true starting over fashion, I have relocated to a new state and am in the process of taking on some of the biggest projects I have ever put my mind to. New career, new town, and soon to be, converting the van into my new tiny home!<br />
<br />
I have always loved the idea of the tiny home, and circumstances may have pushed that idea to the forefront. Purchased for a song it back in Pennsylvania, the white Chevy Express van got us back to California. Shortly after, it sputtered out and it seemed that it was headed for the salvage yard.<br />
<br />
Fast forward almost a year later (which is now almost a year ago). Ric and I made the very tough decision to split up. We spent about 20 years together, with good times and tough times, and while one of the toughest decisions of my life, we knew it was the right decision.<br />
<br />
Not knowing how I was going to get myself around, I looked out at the field where the white van sat and came to the conclusion that I was going to get her up and running again. I walked out with keys in hand, unsure of what state I'd find her in. A few dead rodents later, I inserted the key into the ignition of the vehicle that sat for months on end and turned it over. It started no problem.<br />
<br />
With the help of my dad, we figured out that it was the catalytic converter that went out. I ordered a new one and we got to work. My dad was my hero, loosening rusted bolts and cutting out the old catalytic converter. With a new one installed and a few other minor repairs, she was up and running once more!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNgDtKZbR-rrhAXrESQiv4wcvNaEgktPo83TZBwZ6HwAF2fHBiJrRkbEfT1TC3FebWm1oQscGzq34ZnsQ30cSl3i4Ydv8aJyC48fp0zIxVstg9XWyW-PRRS493vVhmc-L_-xzeQWcFyhF/s1600/IMG_1623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNgDtKZbR-rrhAXrESQiv4wcvNaEgktPo83TZBwZ6HwAF2fHBiJrRkbEfT1TC3FebWm1oQscGzq34ZnsQ30cSl3i4Ydv8aJyC48fp0zIxVstg9XWyW-PRRS493vVhmc-L_-xzeQWcFyhF/s320/IMG_1623.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catalytic Converter work...appropriate shoes...?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY1wFVs70HwdnUWOND702yKExeRIGLccncmX_fkhkokqMHwPkSbppfJj-Xg45dIjr9toGOV1K_OEMsakj0P2Aa0gaZS21UMado05ThHErkbQ9nz2PBxgBPsz9c2HJfgpi88_Vks6Dnvom/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY1wFVs70HwdnUWOND702yKExeRIGLccncmX_fkhkokqMHwPkSbppfJj-Xg45dIjr9toGOV1K_OEMsakj0P2Aa0gaZS21UMado05ThHErkbQ9nz2PBxgBPsz9c2HJfgpi88_Vks6Dnvom/s320/IMG_1997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few final fixes...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qe0UVoMdN9lV6WQrm_R3ajSt8uhnTpAXLDStViytVXClHvTg6-2zgK06KykBRfH0wS8dkmkF2t3OHfVhsO25fNc4811VdhM53QnRLzdMEGidkcA5PLIq_zAeYF5CZpm7kjd_6m2HryqV/s1600/IMG_1638+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qe0UVoMdN9lV6WQrm_R3ajSt8uhnTpAXLDStViytVXClHvTg6-2zgK06KykBRfH0wS8dkmkF2t3OHfVhsO25fNc4811VdhM53QnRLzdMEGidkcA5PLIq_zAeYF5CZpm7kjd_6m2HryqV/s320/IMG_1638+%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad added this on the to-do list...and subsequently marked it F'ing Done!</td></tr>
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<br />
My mom came over and we packed up the house. I made the next tough but important decision, I was going to start a new career and in that, start traveling more. The 'friend-lords' were the sweetest, and supported my decision, and kept the chickens. The sheep and rabbits found a new forever home, with many tears shed. And the white Chevy Express van got a futon bed installed and then got packed up with all the essential items I needed. Oh, and a name. C.W. for Covered Wagon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWWabzmjuaF3Y9E04ruBLcBqmtoAmnXeSeUeaEVKs60OVgyo4TlFPYUtC2widTkulR75LwaxBsjcENpTGyz9mlRlbdjHg-vVy4xkXGT1lxTdXbtSLPMGIx9fNqk7jb3ASvRX2-5dey_Py/s1600/IMG_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWWabzmjuaF3Y9E04ruBLcBqmtoAmnXeSeUeaEVKs60OVgyo4TlFPYUtC2widTkulR75LwaxBsjcENpTGyz9mlRlbdjHg-vVy4xkXGT1lxTdXbtSLPMGIx9fNqk7jb3ASvRX2-5dey_Py/s320/IMG_2010.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prepping the van for the futon...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7lf-vFUtqatyRc9jydJ-cm-qgN47GSS2qmsJBf9K7oNcbiirv_cjJwfwOtWzc4rgdrDiC3PLlcM6dsMYE2mY32eAvqS5dpSCZ4fvk-UVbmAHnHCyHR3ffJGBJYQVLFjKjLw2TNz_sUq2/s1600/56117238962__7D80BACA-E152-4867-B5A1-2E1099C14D35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7lf-vFUtqatyRc9jydJ-cm-qgN47GSS2qmsJBf9K7oNcbiirv_cjJwfwOtWzc4rgdrDiC3PLlcM6dsMYE2mY32eAvqS5dpSCZ4fvk-UVbmAHnHCyHR3ffJGBJYQVLFjKjLw2TNz_sUq2/s320/56117238962__7D80BACA-E152-4867-B5A1-2E1099C14D35.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enough to sleep on when need be!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ykXUHNau9p6WXl5mtiieo3bYDQJPiw9NfTZi64yeqgATFFhj9yS3n2N2qMK-ukBhteTJPK9Dpn2EiXePczaWS4to0o3m4uDQZBctrgj_knbxMnIWgm9X3k-pWxMrqBnETxY4MtE2rSn4/s1600/IMG_2451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ykXUHNau9p6WXl5mtiieo3bYDQJPiw9NfTZi64yeqgATFFhj9yS3n2N2qMK-ukBhteTJPK9Dpn2EiXePczaWS4to0o3m4uDQZBctrgj_knbxMnIWgm9X3k-pWxMrqBnETxY4MtE2rSn4/s320/IMG_2451.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all packed and ready for the new journeys!</td></tr>
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Then I hit the road.....<br />
<br />
~ Ash<br />
<br />
PS - A BIG thanks to all my friends and family who have been there for support through the last year's ups and downs. I am super excited for the next part of this journey so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-92066088750419029782018-04-10T10:22:00.000-07:002018-04-11T22:42:33.647-07:00How to Improve Your Daily Happiness in 2 Simple Steps...Confessions of an Impatient, Anxiety Ridden Farm GirlSometimes being positive is hard. Life is a bit of a shit show. But from watching way too many historical crime shows, I am realizing it kind of always has been throughout history. From my humble, super duper educated opinion (sarcasm), the only thing that changes over time is what kind of poo is being thrown your way. But you will always be dodging something.<br />
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<br />
Which is why I am trying to throw out a little positivity instead. I have to do this from time to time partially to remind myself that as long as I am trying to inject a little good into the world, I am doing okay. (Even though people may give you a look that indicates that they either a) have no intention of returning said kindness or b) have rarely been shown said kindness and don't know the correct way to act. I always kind of hope it is b, but also, I have to remind myself that, who cares? I did what was right and if they can't see that it is their loss, right?)<br />
<br />
I know, easier said than done.<br />
<br />
<b>Which is why you gotta make it work for you, too. </b><br />
<br />
Initially, I was going to tell you some "Chicken Soup" or "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" or "Do a Little Something" sort of thing...<br />
<br />
Which, actually, is great. <b>You should think about the small things in life. </b>Like after it rained the other day here, we actually had water in the river. That is a rarity here. Usually the water flows underground, so we never see the Salinas with actual flowing water. And on my way to work, I took a moment to pull off the side of the road and take a quick snap shot and look out. Work was kind of crap-tastic that day, but I just kept thinking about how cool the water was. It may be the only time in 2018 I get to see that.<br />
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<br />
I also wanted to share an idea for something that was unique, something that was totally me, something that would make me (and hopefully a few others) intentionally smile. <b>Some intentional happiness and silliness.</b><br />
<br />
While I was looking out my kitchen window thinking about this, I saw the Amtrak train go by. This made me think of how much I love waving at the folks on the train. I love when people wave at one another. A small connection, a moment out of their day to recognize another individual, which is nice but fleeting. I wanted to make a wave that would last, like when I was a kid and my grandparents lived right by the railroad. They had a train whistle for me, and every time the train went by I'd blow my whistle and wave. How could I recreate this feeling as an adult?<br />
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<b>Two words.</b><br />
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<i>TEA PARTY!</i><br />
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Here is the kicker...the day before I was going to set up my tea party by the side of the railroad tracks with the hubby, I happened to tell a woman I met that I have a farm. AND, she happened to tell me she was a photographer looking for somewhere fun to photograph.<br />
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<i>(Side bar and important creds- I did not ask her to our place to come take pics of the following. I know, as a maker and artist, that it sucks when someone wants you to do something for nothing. But she was interested in the animals, and I told her I love being the crazy animal mom and showing them off. However, once she came over and heard out our crazy idea, she was totally down to come take some photos...and we could not have asked for more!! All the following photos are credited to Keren Lynn Photography - an awesome full time RV'er documenting her travels and more. <a href="http://kerenlynnphotography.zenfolio.com/p618585844" target="_blank">Check her stuff out here!</a>)</i><br />
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So, we loaded up the friend-lords' truck and drove down to the tracks (which are located just down the hill from us) and set up shop....<br />
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After we set up (I mean, can it be any more perfect?), we sat down to sip on our 'tea' and wait...<br />
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<i>Ok, ok...tea or beer...a relaxing beverage either way...</i><br />
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Now the waiting begins. Here we joke about the cool winds, the scenic backdrop of the vineyard next to the track, and sip our beer while ever vigilantly checking on the Amtrak app for the departure of the train from Paso. </div>
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A hilarious side effect were the cars driving by in the mean time!</div>
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When it was time for the train, cheers went out from all our bystanders...</div>
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After a small, soft 'toot toot' from the Engineer, it was time! Time for #trainwaving! (I am starting the hash tag. Let's totally make it a thing.)<br />
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If you look close at a few of these pics, you can see a few waves!</div>
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And as fast as it came, it was gone. And we could NOT stop laughing!</div>
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The tracks lay quiet while we packed up, shivering in the cool wind and laughing. </div>
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It was all the perfect way to make us intentionally happy. To have a new experience that would make all of us smile when we saw the train. And we had met a new friend who was more than happy to join in the madness. She added so much to it, including documenting this entire experience so much better than we could have!</div>
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<i>So moral of the story? </i> <i>(AKA...TLDR...)</i></div>
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<b>Sometimes you have to take the teapot by the handle and do a little something fun and silly to have a great experience that you will think back on and make you smile. </b>And why not ask a friend to join in? As long as whatever you do does not hurt another, why not go for it? </div>
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Cuz life is hard, and if you don't inject a little fun in sometimes, it is crazy easy to only see the piles of poo and not the flowers growing out of them.</div>
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Ash</div>
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PS - If you want to do some train waving, tag yo' shit with #trainwaving so we can see, or share in the comments!!</div>
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PPS - Check out my first <a href="http://blog.fibertonacres.com/2018/02/confessions-of-impatient-anxiety-ridden.html" target="_blank">Confessions of an Impatient, Anxiety Ridden Farm Girl here.</a></div>
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<br />Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-30704622496649474182018-03-31T09:36:00.000-07:002018-03-31T09:36:06.588-07:00It All Comes Back to Chickens...Podcast Episode 28<div>
It is time for the 2nd episode in our series on chickens!</div>
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As we continue to talk chickens, we realize that everything comes back to chickens, including our 10 minute foray into a cult in southern Cali led by a 90's heart throb. You know...just the norm.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YfiSKfYPJXeBz83hfrW80cnLaZ_z1F_BG88z4SpZoIQV6_O8FRzeFSiwPCtylpKrpvjpe7JV-1G5Ql2Y8v_i2whAKBT-tsYIVCFKj5ty4miw66gZ73WFO5Z_CA5LgR8HTf2j_ElBRz8b/s1600/Epi+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YfiSKfYPJXeBz83hfrW80cnLaZ_z1F_BG88z4SpZoIQV6_O8FRzeFSiwPCtylpKrpvjpe7JV-1G5Ql2Y8v_i2whAKBT-tsYIVCFKj5ty4miw66gZ73WFO5Z_CA5LgR8HTf2j_ElBRz8b/s400/Epi+28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />So come have a little listen about the genetics of the modern day chickens and how they gained popularity through history. </div>
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-28-everything-comes-back-to-chickensaka-chicken-part-2" target="_blank">Click here to listen directly on SoundCloud,</a> or listen on your favorite podcast listen-y thing-y like iTunes, Stitcher, etc!</div>
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<b><i>This week we learned a ton from these great sources/articles...</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-chicken-conquered-the-world-87583657/" target="_blank">Smithsonian Mag</a> (also you have got to check out the epic picture they have of a chicken in royal clothes. I am def framing that sh*t.)</div>
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<a href="https://extension.psu.edu/history-of-the-chicken" target="_blank">Penn State Extension</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/the-domestication-history-of-chickens-170653" target="_blank">ThoughtCo</a></div>
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<b><i>Thanks....</i></b></div>
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Of course we always wanna give a shout out and thank you to All the Apparatus for letting us use their song 'The Aeronaut' for our Intro and Outro! Show you love by checking out their <u><a href="https://alltheapparatus.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">BandCamp here!</a></u></div>
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And if you love what we do and would like to support us, please like and share with your friends! </div>
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(And if you are so inclined, you can even c<a href="https://www.patreon.com/Fibertonacres" target="_blank">heck out our Patreon page to support the podcast</a> even more!)</div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-13411601212787151932018-02-23T13:49:00.000-08:002018-02-23T13:49:06.404-08:00Modern Dinosaurs this week on the Fiberton Podcast!In this episode we begin a series on what many call the gateway drug to farming/homesteading...the chicken! These modern dinos have quite the history, and in this first part we discuss where they come from and their religious significance through time.<br />
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-27-modern-dinosaurs-part-1-aka-chickens-in-history/s-y67ya" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHsacC-7qkDDHMEt5Rrfi9KS8LEJHir3jXDdbNdsg6i3a2_4Oepk7_xoifjrfiPpGL4yBO-8SvAXyzHADU8u_gBue2ODsFxx42Co_u0c9ABiw3aYnOw64nhCpFdR46zAW-5cESwfavdAc/s400/Epi+27+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-27-modern-dinosaurs-part-1-aka-chickens-in-history/s-y67ya" target="_blank">Check out this episode here on Soundcloud</a> or on your favorite podcast player like iTunes, Stitcher and more!</div>
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<b><i>This week we learned a ton from these great sources/articles...</i></b></div>
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<div>
<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-chicken-conquered-the-world-87583657/" target="_blank">Smithsonian Mag</a> (also you have got to check out the epic picture they have of a chicken in royal clothes. I am def framing that sh*t.)</div>
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<a href="https://extension.psu.edu/history-of-the-chicken" target="_blank">Penn State Extension</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/the-domestication-history-of-chickens-170653" target="_blank">ThoughtCo</a></div>
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<b><i>Thanks....</i></b></div>
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Of course we always wanna give a shout out and thank you to All the Apparatus for letting us use their song 'The Aeronaut' for our Intro and Outro! Show you love by checking out their <u><a href="https://alltheapparatus.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">BandCamp here!</a></u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Support...</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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And if you love what we do and would like to support us, please like and share with your friends! </div>
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(And if you are so inclined, you can even c<a href="https://www.patreon.com/Fibertonacres" target="_blank">heck out our Patreon page to support the podcast</a> even more!)</div>
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<b><i>You can also follow us at...</i></b></div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-43750454618769740982018-02-20T12:06:00.000-08:002018-02-20T12:06:46.603-08:00Another part of the Jolene the Franken-Chicken Saga...We had to do one more addition to the saga that is little Jolene, our Franken-Chicken (aka Fiberton's Monster.)<br />
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If you missed the previous posts, you'll find <a href="http://blog.fibertonacres.com/2017/11/jolene-our-frankenchicken.html" target="_blank">why she received that name here</a> and her <a href="http://blog.fibertonacres.com/2017/12/update-on-jolene-franken-chicken.html" target="_blank">health updates here.</a><br />
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In our latest installment, we must reveal a new name for Jolene.... Joe! Now that Joe has grown up, we now know that Joe is a rooster! And as for Dolly, who we thought was his sister, well, we are now calling him Donny. (As you can see by Joe crowing below...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-mMgFueL-58KyqBex8RdpXI0Vzq-qGREvdKR8RwRCGft73a2vwhunn_Rd6d7IuXeH3e_egoK5IfOl6GDNv1qbcJDVOR4-EtgIdoEs_LQmkaWv1VTKp8sxNdaD9GGlxa85WTeKD7OXXN9/s1600/Jolene+the+FrankenChicken+-+last+update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-mMgFueL-58KyqBex8RdpXI0Vzq-qGREvdKR8RwRCGft73a2vwhunn_Rd6d7IuXeH3e_egoK5IfOl6GDNv1qbcJDVOR4-EtgIdoEs_LQmkaWv1VTKp8sxNdaD9GGlxa85WTeKD7OXXN9/s400/Jolene+the+FrankenChicken+-+last+update.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ric was not having it....</i><br />
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"Ric, I think the combs and wattles on Jo and Dolly are really big. They might be roosters." I tell him one morning.<br />
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"Nope. That is just their breed. They are fine.", he says defiantly.<br />
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Later that week...<br />
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"Ric, I need you to watch this video of Jo." Here I produce video of Jo crowing...<br />
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Here's the thing, and probably why Ric was trying to pretend otherwise, but last month we had to do the not fun task of culling 4 roosters , as at that time we had 6 that we knew of. They were fighting, and would not give the girls any peace, so they were not able to free range.<br />
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That being said, Joe and Donny are very domesticated and let us pick them up no problem. And so far, it seems that the roosters have taken on their own family units. Our hope is that it stays like this, and we can keep all 4 roosters.<br />
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Our family units include:<br />
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<li>The two Kevins (the sorta wild roosters) and their hens: Girl Kevin, Falcor, Artax, Donkey and Giraffe</li>
<li>Donny and his 2 girls: Barbara and Dixie</li>
<li>And finally Joe and his gal, Atreyu</li>
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So far so good! We hope to add some more chicks to the mix very soon! Today my job is the get a special space set up for the new additions that is outside and not in our bathroom this time.<br />
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<i>- Ash</i><br />
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PS - And speaking of chickens, keep an eye out for our new podcast episode coming out very soon on....Chickens!</div>
Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-61989420932235332672018-02-12T09:45:00.000-08:002018-02-12T09:46:43.177-08:00Confessions of an Impatient, Anxiety Ridden Farm GirlI have been encouraged (mostly by Ric) to start my own Farm Girl Confessions. But in my promise of keeping it real, I will put an honest title on this series...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MWhyphenhyphen3VsFteiKXcMf7gQD32RtpjTL1PEzS9SiPCJsZJl_6frKVjMuDMNfYOSnXtb8hbbtiz0ZQ3pb9coEeL_YBrAjmY3cy_14U1XCvwQcJGY5hMDkjmQsSy5Ozne-QokRRBUQeokTzCns/s1600/Confessions+of+an+Impatient%252C+Anxiety+Ridden+Farm+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MWhyphenhyphen3VsFteiKXcMf7gQD32RtpjTL1PEzS9SiPCJsZJl_6frKVjMuDMNfYOSnXtb8hbbtiz0ZQ3pb9coEeL_YBrAjmY3cy_14U1XCvwQcJGY5hMDkjmQsSy5Ozne-QokRRBUQeokTzCns/s400/Confessions+of+an+Impatient%252C+Anxiety+Ridden+Farm+Girl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>To be clear, this series will give a little insight into my personal brand of crazy, but I am sure (or maybe should say, I hope that) others will find it interesting or useful or comical or maybe just a diversion while bored at work. I will be totally content with any of the above.</i></div>
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I think the title may have clued you in to two of the first confessions, and the prologue for this Confessions series. (I like to think that I cover these things up well, but those of you that really know me, this likely will come as no surprise.) </div>
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<b>Who has two thumbs and pretty hardcore anxiety? This girl! </b></div>
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<b>And who can't wait to do pretty much everything? This girl!</b></div>
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I have lived with anxiety my whole life but will admit that only recently did I really realize I had it to a pretty good extent after reading and learning more about others that share in the fun. I have never gone in to chat with someone about it, (mostly because that makes me anxious) but luckily I have a very understanding husband and family, who deals with my litany of 'worries' quite well. I am pretty sure if they played a drinking game where you had to drink whenever I said "I am worried about..." or "I'm anxious about..." or "Everything is ok, right?", they would be pretty smashed most of the time. </div>
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And I am also impatient. I have been jonesing so bad to quit the day job and go full time on the farm. Part of it is that I know we are on the cusp of being able to do it, that point of "you need the time to make it over that hump but don't have quite enough resources (i.e. money) to quit the day job and make it happen yet", which is making me crazy. </div>
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These two things combined make for an at-least-weekly meltdown about "wanting to spend more time on the farm and with the animals and making stuff!" and "why can't it just work?!" and "how do we get more resources right now?!", which Ric patiently listens to and mostly understands.</div>
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<b>However, I work hard to combat my crazy with little things. Little things are both calming and under appreciated, and are how I stay sane in this complex and crazy world. </b></div>
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So I will end this first week's Farm Girl Confessions with some of the little things that make me smile and keep me from ripping someone's arms off...</div>
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<b><i>... Did you know that I have a cup holder on my hay cart? </i></b> I mean, how cool is this. This makes taking my coffee on my morning chores a breeze! Personally, I don't know many who have such a luxury. You should add a cup holder to whatever you are able to. That is just sound advice.</div>
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<b><i>... And speaking of my hay cart...it is great for making me a giant at night. </i></b> Well, not a real giant of course, but I can use it to cast some sweet shadows. When I have to feed at night, I sometimes wrap my headlamp around the same spot my cup holder is. (Which typing head lamp made me just think about old school head lamps. People are pretty ingenuitive, someone was like, "You know Bob, it would be way easier to see if the light was sorta near our eyes." and Bob was like "You know what, Jim, we should totes create the first hands-free device." and then Bob shoved a candle on Jim's helmet and they were probably seen as hero's in their town. Good on you, Bob and Jim.)</div>
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Anyway, when I wrap the headlamp, it makes a little head light for the cart. But it sits back behind where I pull it around from, so it casts this great shadow that makes me look like an absolute giant. So while I go feed I lumber around the yard, doing my best Gamera. (Sorry, Gamera is way better than Godzilla). It is kind of the best. </div>
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<b><i>... And that is one of the reasons that I love tarantula's. </i></b>They are a giant of the spider world. I know there are other giant spiders, and I might love them, too, but I have only ever met tarantulas and I imagine them tipping their little hat hello when I seen them. I always sort of imagine that the other spiders are sorta mean to them for being so big, but in the end the tarantula has the upper hand when that little spider needs to reach for something on the top shelf or something. Theeen they need tarantula's help... </div>
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Also, I really want to start a comic strip that is "Champ and Rancho" all about Champ, our silly little ram lamb solving mysteries with Rancho, the tarantula. Of course, Rancho would be the brains of the team. (You should totally let me know if this needs to be a thing.)</div>
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Here I am working on my contortionist act with a tarantula...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q34XdqI2f-Ln-6hn0fPh2oZtbPGguHB8RZeRLRBv3D6MglpYQFHFAW8dlp230N-7dNpv5C0RdMn5XLPxrKRtLwVPSXJtYDLBh5AiAqbN1xERJZcU_yLyIv6xMDeMd421Zn9PBmNtuuIw/s1600/IMG_0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1065" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q34XdqI2f-Ln-6hn0fPh2oZtbPGguHB8RZeRLRBv3D6MglpYQFHFAW8dlp230N-7dNpv5C0RdMn5XLPxrKRtLwVPSXJtYDLBh5AiAqbN1xERJZcU_yLyIv6xMDeMd421Zn9PBmNtuuIw/s400/IMG_0597.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, that seems like a good glimpse into my brain for the day, but stay tuned for more soon, kids, in next week's "Confessions of an Impatient, Anxiety Ridden Farm Girl!" </div>
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- Ash</div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-70874605866012591682017-12-18T15:44:00.004-08:002017-12-18T15:44:47.386-08:00Update on Jolene, the Franken Chicken<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieemIuhP59AgbloAOsZXpq4RAtYhbxhn0vk_ZBCSGgKrrUM4euLePai6ByUNXNWPBfieesoD8X6-FVKFGo6W7Qv2RwXMYzwqctZNmWZ8Hk6tj_Wa4f6fsdqK0m841uFhXpcOcLSZj2Iqrk/s1600/Jolene+the+FrankenChicken+%25281%2529.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieemIuhP59AgbloAOsZXpq4RAtYhbxhn0vk_ZBCSGgKrrUM4euLePai6ByUNXNWPBfieesoD8X6-FVKFGo6W7Qv2RwXMYzwqctZNmWZ8Hk6tj_Wa4f6fsdqK0m841uFhXpcOcLSZj2Iqrk/s400/Jolene+the+FrankenChicken+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><br />For those of you curious, little Jolene is doing great! She has been enjoying living out with the rabbits, as she gets the little leftovers they drop, and she keeps little mice and such at bay. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdV-_acpFwi1EpnJA7tmB-RZc-pdqLLEof7nufgnL8Qn6LQjc52f-Von_Z4BgSCoR-1r9crONIdKnClnduuj0gwfFLgzo16tX9oGDbC67VGk3aGO_tY-2saQ_D9VdU6CRhJ4CwVDoWLQV/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdV-_acpFwi1EpnJA7tmB-RZc-pdqLLEof7nufgnL8Qn6LQjc52f-Von_Z4BgSCoR-1r9crONIdKnClnduuj0gwfFLgzo16tX9oGDbC67VGk3aGO_tY-2saQ_D9VdU6CRhJ4CwVDoWLQV/s400/IMG_0227.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizt8mT9j5_VrjhuJBt_tGxjy2wsVBLEsgcuuinMwiMxc7fGpxRx0vSW6_7ZiGX66OR2DMA4LkppuDSU5H88WaAWNr50VIrF_E7QnjKigDXXOhgW5-RgJXnp7ycrfSwQ6JEAOrG0ZYsvG_q/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizt8mT9j5_VrjhuJBt_tGxjy2wsVBLEsgcuuinMwiMxc7fGpxRx0vSW6_7ZiGX66OR2DMA4LkppuDSU5H88WaAWNr50VIrF_E7QnjKigDXXOhgW5-RgJXnp7ycrfSwQ6JEAOrG0ZYsvG_q/s400/IMG_0232.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /><br />As you can see, some of her feathers are even growing back! Soon she will be able to roam free with the other chickens (even though we enjoy having her with the rabbits!)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCyR2S8xTGd-2wdGxU8-IIMYh6WjIPp47VSSUvKV_K_mvyYSZau_vjpUj39Cb7Vevt1Q3iJ_tiNTUNgZbvIFXTBmWKvzV8BmjUwI5AtVEPVBCQZzaVeKWKs82Xe3e1B5LZxh7g0x0GsNp/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCyR2S8xTGd-2wdGxU8-IIMYh6WjIPp47VSSUvKV_K_mvyYSZau_vjpUj39Cb7Vevt1Q3iJ_tiNTUNgZbvIFXTBmWKvzV8BmjUwI5AtVEPVBCQZzaVeKWKs82Xe3e1B5LZxh7g0x0GsNp/s400/IMG_0234.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /><br />So glad this silly little girl is doing so well! Thanks for the concern from all of our readers! <br /><br /><br />- Ash<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-42844598730551012962017-12-05T09:31:00.000-08:002017-12-05T09:44:55.643-08:0010 Ideas for Chicken Nesting BoxesToday's to do list...<br />
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1) Bake some cookies to warm up the house (and because they are delicious)<br />
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2) Make more dryer balls (we sell them! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/558208322/wool-dryer-balls-100-shetland-sheep?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">Check them out here if you are curious</a>...)<br />
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3) Build some nesting boxes for the chickens.<br />
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That, of course, led me to start looking up some ideas for different nesting boxes, and we thought we ought to share our faves with you!<br />
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So without further ado, here are....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQN9-ovi4T0dlNkyv21XCl5BDoRy5L0nONmyOA9fOGzkg3ZYn2AUh65MNPFdHtTZ7pryJvox1baRweal8QmgR6EKiyYKKE77fNQSWL64L55WS_NxeJEBznadkCQ25BX3n2-OGQY_ldQSSl/s1600/Nesting+boxes+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQN9-ovi4T0dlNkyv21XCl5BDoRy5L0nONmyOA9fOGzkg3ZYn2AUh65MNPFdHtTZ7pryJvox1baRweal8QmgR6EKiyYKKE77fNQSWL64L55WS_NxeJEBznadkCQ25BX3n2-OGQY_ldQSSl/s400/Nesting+boxes+post.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1) Pretty in Pine...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKRCEf_9haDeflX_zXGgGwvji-16s8mqeM-ciUtt-b_uEsuYNOE8jqK5kiJL7npexR6wK0_Pw1uhtx8Hs1Up97-KrFp3Ri6KyZ-3Jes6dygGNFp-Tw2bzyUmWRDJQ40GMjZHv8v0P9g/s1600/IMG_6925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1141" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKRCEf_9haDeflX_zXGgGwvji-16s8mqeM-ciUtt-b_uEsuYNOE8jqK5kiJL7npexR6wK0_Pw1uhtx8Hs1Up97-KrFp3Ri6KyZ-3Jes6dygGNFp-Tw2bzyUmWRDJQ40GMjZHv8v0P9g/s1600/IMG_6925.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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I just love the look of these ones. The pine seems like a good choice and the 2nd story boxes are a neat addition.... Head over to the folks at <a href="http://keepingitcozy.blogspot.com/2013/07/cozy-coop-update-interior.html?m=1" target="_blank">Keeping it Cozy</a> to check out their blog post on their coop.<br />
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2) One piece of plywood...<br />
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<a href="http://www.greenwillowhomestead.com/uploads/2/9/8/5/29854265/5211211_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.greenwillowhomestead.com/uploads/2/9/8/5/29854265/5211211_orig.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The folks over at <a href="http://www.greenwillowhomestead.com/blog/planning-and-building-a-chicken-coop" target="_blank">Green Willow Homestead</a> did some serious calculations (and graciously shared them with the internet) to create a very nice set of laying boxes from just one piece of plywood!<br />
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3) Simple and Spacious DIY Boxes....<br />
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<a href="https://i0.wp.com/removeandreplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/diy-chicken-nesting-box_09.jpg?ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="725" height="276" src="https://i0.wp.com/removeandreplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/diy-chicken-nesting-box_09.jpg?ssl=1" width="400" /></a></div>
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This post by <a href="https://removeandreplace.com/2013/05/18/how-to-build-a-3-in-1-chicken-hen-nesting-box-diy-step-by-step/" target="_blank">Remove and Replace</a> shows us the step by step to make this simple set of nesting boxes (much of it could be with salvaged wood, too!) I personally would add a coat of paint. (Also, I'd make sure this was not the only roosting bar, as I want their roost to be away from the eggs to discourage pooing on the eggs.)<br />
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4) Astroturf?...<br />
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<a href="http://www.hawk-hill.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/5.5/IMG_6180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hawk-hill.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/5.5/IMG_6180.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The folks over at <a href="http://www.hawk-hill.com/2014/06/astroturf-nesting-box/" target="_blank">Hawk Hill</a> have come up with Astroturf for their set up! But this post is about nesting boxes, right? Well, I honestly am interested in this concept, but I also love the set up of these boxes, opening out to the outside. Our chickens are freerange and I have been thinking I want something accessible from the outside....<br />
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5) Upcycled boxes...<br />
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<a href="http://thehomesteadingboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pkepf-41a83d7523e43e4931e8c1086a703b73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thehomesteadingboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pkepf-41a83d7523e43e4931e8c1086a703b73.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am always up for re-purposing old things into new ones. Give some new life to a dresser for the chickens? Not sure of the original post, but found this bad boy over at <a href="http://thehomesteadingboards.com/forums/animals-1/some-repurposing-ideas-for-chickens/" target="_blank">The Homesteading Boards.</a><br />
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6) Unconventional but easy to clean...<br />
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<a href="https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/54003_nestingboxes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/54003_nestingboxes1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Found this over at a forum on <a href="https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hen-boxes.374518/" target="_blank">Backyard Chickens.</a> I love the ingenuity and I bet these are crazy easy to clean!<br />
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7) Too cute....<br />
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<a href="https://farmhouse38.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/dsc_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="530" height="400" src="https://farmhouse38.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/dsc_0017.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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Ok, this whole set up is an inspiration! I love granny chic and this looks just like a coop of my dreams. And her ideas on cleaning and everything...yes! Head over to <a href="https://farmhouse38.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/dsc_0017.jpg" target="_blank">Farmhouse38</a> to check out this transformation and the neat little set up.<br />
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8) Ana White to the rescue...<br />
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<a href="http://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/3154814834_1346880855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/3154814834_1346880855.jpg" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="800" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you don't know of Ana White's plans, you are missing out. She is prolific in creating building plans for some the cutest furniture. And that includes <a href="http://www.ana-white.com/2012/09/plans/nesting-box-single" target="_blank">this adorable nesting box</a>. This baby will stand the tests of time, that is for sure!<br />
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9) Ok...it's silly but great!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nm0-ctLLA9GV4PGoQWADvzenA701TYTL5SJasrOcd8OUgMZv4iCUfB0UOQ-_Pb30J4VuiV5sO2uININ0G1AARc-85IDgxjgBN2Ryn12F15jW3HYqBN5u56DMitTBpB6-JgokZxA3MmF_/s1600/tv+laying+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="478" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nm0-ctLLA9GV4PGoQWADvzenA701TYTL5SJasrOcd8OUgMZv4iCUfB0UOQ-_Pb30J4VuiV5sO2uININ0G1AARc-85IDgxjgBN2Ryn12F15jW3HYqBN5u56DMitTBpB6-JgokZxA3MmF_/s400/tv+laying+box.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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I just love this. I can't find the original post, so this is a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/352477108328837830/" target="_blank">Pinterest link</a>, but how funny and cute is this? Talk about re-purposing!<br />
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10) Now to decorate...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQdxq-wbIMeMGraTmDYi2KwjuH-zt1j5RgU4tg61SeiQ2ie9aXbpywXRdaXDD8YVTeW8IAboxIjpWMX6jPX6aTVfClHVU_1Rvg_XpjZkmA2_hne6aj5E-PEHSvDc8FlXsH3mSQCElDQPh/s1600/IMG_20131120_142021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQdxq-wbIMeMGraTmDYi2KwjuH-zt1j5RgU4tg61SeiQ2ie9aXbpywXRdaXDD8YVTeW8IAboxIjpWMX6jPX6aTVfClHVU_1Rvg_XpjZkmA2_hne6aj5E-PEHSvDc8FlXsH3mSQCElDQPh/s1600/IMG_20131120_142021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ok, I am definitely doing this. No matter what kind of boxes we build this is a must! How cute is this? The folks over at <a href="http://cluckwildhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/11/nesting-box-curtains.html" target="_blank">Cluck Wild Homestead</a> certainly came up with an adorable idea on this one!<br />
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Hope you liked these ideas, and once our boxes are done we will share them with you! In the meantime, you can also find all these ideas and more at <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/fibertonacres/pins/" target="_blank">our Pinterest page</a>!<br />
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-AshFiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-76963607112611711632017-11-20T07:47:00.000-08:002017-11-20T07:47:55.256-08:00Jolene, our FrankenChicken.Literally just after I post about keeping it real, we have some new mishaps on the farm. I am going to start a new series each week with one interesting or funny happening (or mishap) on the farm. So, without further ado, we present....<br />
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<i>(Oh, also, squeemish alert for below, I am gonna show a chicken head wound.)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9l87sSiypFYxRJ1iA2eFdbC4bMSUoFvVuZbCsHWIbyq8-oh5Q-1MSr1DDMO9UzdzFdwRiXYWQJL3d_WK1JoiFqF0aKxk93iikbBWIn83KsV34rFiM1N6osjhGN0kC5o1c9N3VVI6O661/s1600/Jolene+the+FrankenChicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9l87sSiypFYxRJ1iA2eFdbC4bMSUoFvVuZbCsHWIbyq8-oh5Q-1MSr1DDMO9UzdzFdwRiXYWQJL3d_WK1JoiFqF0aKxk93iikbBWIn83KsV34rFiM1N6osjhGN0kC5o1c9N3VVI6O661/s400/Jolene+the+FrankenChicken.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Friday, after getting home from work, I went to close up the chicken coop doors and just happened upon one of the girls with quite an alarming head wound. (I usually just close the doors and say goodnight...luckily one of the chickens was being a little shit and I had to look into the coop more inventively.)<br />
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Heads up, its not a very pretty sight below. Not sure if she got her head stuck in something or what quite happened, but needless to say, she had to come inside for some medical attention.<br />
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First, I took a quick photo to send to Ric while at work. When I told him Jolene was hurt, he (I think), thought I was going to show a little pecking form the roosters. (Let's just say that sometimes my alarm levels are very similar for minor things as it is for major things...oops!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Sorry, it is gross. But boy oh boy, that has got to smart!</td></tr>
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She was in surprisingly high spirits and, after cleaning the wound a bit and spraying on some good ol' Blu Kote (which anyone should keep on hand. It is indispensable!), she ate and drank and seemed to enjoy getting to hang out in the bathroom.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Post Blu Kote and cozy home for the night.</td></tr>
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Saturday she continued to relax in the makeshift home in the bathroom, eating and drinking like it was no big deal. After work I came home and cleaned the wound again.<br />
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She was a good little patient and after a little more Blu Kote she settled in for the night.</div>
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We doubt that she will grow feathers there again, but if we can keep it clean and free from infection, she can join the others soon. In the meantime, she has taken up residence in the area where the rabbits are housed, happily cleaning up food they have dropped and doing quite well.</div>
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We will keep you updated on her condition. For the time being, little Jolene has a new nickname of our FrankenChicken. (Or I guess technically it should be Fiberton's Monster?)</div>
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Ash</div>
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PS - Ric and I are arguing over this... should she get a hat or a wig? Thoughts?</div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-41461526637913257922017-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:002017-11-17T21:38:50.322-08:00Look, I think we need to get real.You have probably noticed a distinct lack of blogging as of late. In fact, this past year has been beyond crazy, and I will be the first to say it has been kind of a lot to deal with. When talking with Ric about everything we do and want to do, and my disappointment in getting behind with blogging, and all our business activities, I brought up the fact that I may have been behind because it has been a hard year (or maybe a little more than a year...) and I haven't wanted to bring people down. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfDdar5S1BnVicJJujaEV4T7Pf8Nhqo-Miv6Lpjqaqr6OFzJaYd9-HH-FE7o6C08Ff0OIjYz7NeHTwfjG4QKCQrjYjy7SyUs9p5lUetYTPcG8o-GT9-qCVYIi1wEJq0711emIK0nFgPFZ/s1600/Getting+real+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfDdar5S1BnVicJJujaEV4T7Pf8Nhqo-Miv6Lpjqaqr6OFzJaYd9-HH-FE7o6C08Ff0OIjYz7NeHTwfjG4QKCQrjYjy7SyUs9p5lUetYTPcG8o-GT9-qCVYIi1wEJq0711emIK0nFgPFZ/s320/Getting+real+pic.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But then Ric hit me with some truth. It's hard. </span></b><br />
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It's not easy, but we are still extremely lucky and we won't give up on our goals.<br />
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And that is when I realized that it is important to put our real voice out into the world. (AKA - It's time to get real.) Life can be hard and farming and making the life we want is hard. It is scary from time to time, disappointing, and sometimes the fact that I am not where I want to be in being totally invested in the farm can be utterly depressing. And why not tell it like it is? Because sometimes it sucks, and the lemons make shitty lemonade. BUT, I know what I am working towards and how extremely rewarding working on the slow food movement (hey <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_Food" target="_blank">Wikipedia, what's that?</a>) and the slow fashion movement (and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_fashion" target="_blank">Wikipedia, explain that one</a>, too) and becoming more self sustainable in every way truly is.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">So here is my new vow to you. </span></u><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I PROMISE to tell it like it is. No rose colored glasses (even Ric's literal rose colored glasses) when things are actually kinda crappy. This is tough for me, but I also think it is very important to because of 3 simple reasons:</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1) You should know who we are. </span></b> I mean, this is me, and why not put it out there? I cuss (but I will try and refrain from too bad of language, and our podcast and YouTube channels will remain family friendly, even if that means a bleep from time to time...) I am fascinated by the macabre. I am happiest when I am creating something or playing with my animals. And I want, with every part of me, to make my farm a success so I can do it full time.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2) You should know the rewarding and romantic side of farming, as well as the shitty sides. </span></b>For example, my little lambs are growing up and doing great right now. However, this year we had to have the vet out more times than ever. Over $1k later, I have sheep that are still snot nosed, as you can see in the pic at the top. (Did you know sheep get allergies, too? But it is also how they present for all kinds of other diseases, so that thermometer has seen the insides of rectums more than daylight this year...) and we lost Adrian, our breeding ewe, due to her accidentally eating something she then choked on. It sucked, and I almost threw in the towel. Luckily Ric knows how much this whole crazy endeavor means to me, and he gave me that little figurative slap-on-the-face to snap me out of it. (I mean, we did take them across the country and back...who does that except for someone who has gone all-in...like crazy-person-all-in.)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3) And finally, sometimes I need to vent. And I bet you do, too. </span></b> So I want this to be that place where you can see what might be happening, as well as feel safe to ask questions or vent about life (whether farm related or not), cuz look. We are all in this crazy world together. Life is nuts. If we share our lives with each other, I think there would be much more understanding in this world. At least I'd like to hope so. Or maybe not, but we will feel a little better. So no harm, no fowl, right?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TLDR version: Hey, I am a crazy person who wants more than anything to share my REAL life on the farm and REAL goals and dreams, and I want you to, too. </span></b><br />
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So...watch out...we are going to keep it real peeps.<br />
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AshFiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-68801510858973301382017-08-30T21:42:00.003-07:002017-08-30T21:47:33.406-07:00Knitting, Explosions and a Special Guest! AKA - New Podcast Episode!Hey lovely peeps!<br />
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It has been a busy couple of weeks, but we are excited to share a new podcast episode...this week with explosions AND a special guest!<br />
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-21-knitting-aka-hitting-sticks-together-with-a-special-guest" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXuKn52bWoMasmW7198Bw0zFfjW8YyhKmZV6BaQ4hdxs-sV9leuqi-MGs9-NfL8KzkV_opbcJVFwO96Iqho4wErMp_TGHLdHOIIK2ZoI4CEz-vUXbBZsgWM4CMcySufa0z6B3sPTbjOVe/s320/Epi+21+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-21-knitting-aka-hitting-sticks-together-with-a-special-guest" target="_blank">Click here</a> to go directly to Soundcloud to listen, or head over to your favorite podcast player like iTunes or Stitcher! (And don't forget to rate and review if you do so others can find us!)</div>
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<u>We talk a bunch about knitting, and I refer a ton to these articles by Sheep and Stitch:</u></div>
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<a href="http://sheepandstitch.com/the-history-of-knitting-part-1-mysterious-origins/">http://sheepandstitch.com/the-history-of-knitting-part-1-mysterious-origins/</a></div>
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<a href="http://sheepandstitch.com/the-history-of-knitting-pt-2-madonnas-stockings-and-guilds-oh-my/">http://sheepandstitch.com/the-history-of-knitting-pt-2-madonnas-stockings-and-guilds-oh-my/</a></div>
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Thanks to Sheep and Stitch for the great articles! Head over to see some of the photos and paintings we refer to in the episode!</div>
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We also mention our sister podcast, <a href="http://www.keepingupwiththeclampetts.com/" target="_blank">Keeping Up with the Clampetts, who you can check out here.</a></div>
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And local chicken farm, Dare 2 Dream! <a href="https://www.dare2dreamfarms.com/" target="_blank">Check them out more here!</a></div>
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And of course, thanks to <a href="https://alltheapparatus.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">All the Apparatus</a> for the intro and outro music!</div>
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Thanks so much to everyone who listens! We <3 you!</div>
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- Ric and Ash</div>
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<br />Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-7718621671079169442017-08-18T09:12:00.000-07:002017-08-18T09:12:04.241-07:00We are back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbPq4YCbQYStoy-46VruSu627I0SGgLqVwsPLTU7iHRUOIu4rvv6qzkG3jiZ_nll19l3hS9N7dqTPiF_txUdyD5d_7Z5ws125CiLEO2TD2zGpJGYMzf1lQIyhJ1FILaYumaSnhr4LFNVT/s1600/We+Are+Back%2521+Img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="384" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbPq4YCbQYStoy-46VruSu627I0SGgLqVwsPLTU7iHRUOIu4rvv6qzkG3jiZ_nll19l3hS9N7dqTPiF_txUdyD5d_7Z5ws125CiLEO2TD2zGpJGYMzf1lQIyhJ1FILaYumaSnhr4LFNVT/s400/We+Are+Back%2521+Img.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ok...ok...we know we have been completely MIA for too long. And there is much to tell. But the short story is that we have landed back in our old home of San Miguel, CA in the Central Coast region of Cali!! And we are finally getting all settled in. We came back to a whirlwind of activity, some wonderful, some sad, all of which has been a lot of hard work. <br />
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We were welcomed home with arms wide open, tons of wonderful support. We put the sheep out in their old pasture, this time with the addition of little Champ and Mickey. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfNYWu47N8IGWW2z3rplJqHAEcNjzbDwpwK89_tKqpDU-hdt5WiECf64T9TRaPim3s9x7HC84F235Fut1sEEeR3JDpnbXiDk7uUquIu6zogcxInKj2bwqbuysh_tc94qYBxeuguBjpVdh/s1600/IMG_2266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfNYWu47N8IGWW2z3rplJqHAEcNjzbDwpwK89_tKqpDU-hdt5WiECf64T9TRaPim3s9x7HC84F235Fut1sEEeR3JDpnbXiDk7uUquIu6zogcxInKj2bwqbuysh_tc94qYBxeuguBjpVdh/s320/IMG_2266.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhunxUr07QSBxooQoYusl5X0SSER2myCGkUZC9z9fO8iEgckce0G5Bve2cvXhvEGebs5arxmOwMZGXJZtQwbdKbYmEPV7rNYxqQAYgAI8_FEZKRdf9VX5e-ypB9SCYVIm2cRpmtx2Vab7N/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhunxUr07QSBxooQoYusl5X0SSER2myCGkUZC9z9fO8iEgckce0G5Bve2cvXhvEGebs5arxmOwMZGXJZtQwbdKbYmEPV7rNYxqQAYgAI8_FEZKRdf9VX5e-ypB9SCYVIm2cRpmtx2Vab7N/s320/IMG_2385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We said a very sad goodbye to JB the Wonderdog, whom Ric and I had for almost 16 years. He lived a long and happy life, traveled more than many people get to (making it across the country twice) and was laid to rest with some old friend's here at the ranch. Rest in peace, buddy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysKFJRk5IPvLZ2EEHSdUhJ3GAUoAXvlM3LM8R5fIpyLmPgbEuG0zEsPp-ygWpDLIaHnc1xAaSR9lFkEy55s-h9DLWvS875BLJhZl6a9wZiyhGlpsfY8c-6aRoTaQsVDx8xoqAqDMoBesR/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="960" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysKFJRk5IPvLZ2EEHSdUhJ3GAUoAXvlM3LM8R5fIpyLmPgbEuG0zEsPp-ygWpDLIaHnc1xAaSR9lFkEy55s-h9DLWvS875BLJhZl6a9wZiyhGlpsfY8c-6aRoTaQsVDx8xoqAqDMoBesR/s320/IMG_2336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have been reconnecting with old friends, working hard at our jobs and, of course, keeping Fiberton Acres going. I am quite pleased with the progress we have made in the short 3 months we have been home.<br />
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We won't continue to regale you of it all now, but know that we shared some through our podcasts (find those <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/tracks" target="_blank">here on Soundcloud</a> or on your fav podcast player!) and we have begun work on our Fiberton Acres book! It will be a mix of stories, homesteading advice, recipes, patterns and more!<br />
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-20-compost-aka-fiberton-acres-talks-poo" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK6xRB0uoZmSZ6f9ChxQYvTYfQLmoUc6_81-Zdx3b4pcftk-5eC9pCGw8ZRP6iF7ZUPxcH5Uh-1eVgC6tLbGlDThcLJB4vpbTiuh1_KUiEFjHYLdEHwHT_ts5zl_AvbDnvost4J-SZSvK/s320/Epi+20+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And just a reminder to follow us on social media, like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and to check out new additions to the online store!<br />
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Thanks so much to everyone for the support! We are so excited for the things the future brings!<br />
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- Ash and Ric<br />
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<br />Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-61069636451664447602017-04-23T09:21:00.000-07:002017-04-23T09:25:55.865-07:00Podcast Episode 15 - Big News on the Farm!Hey folks! Sorry it has been so long since we have shared a podcast episode with you all! A LOT has been happening with Fiberton Acres. We thought what better way to let you know what is happening than to tell you in a new podcast episode!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwqK4RW_kjeQ7UeRRzvwEtPCpQlw1opQNlT-u2JZZyOTHrFhOmUaz85R4Pku3zWHz2omK-ZUnMHJnFjr7fPoQ3_5w0MKLI3FfwtUUJhA3uWcdfMUPIWLqVwVocX7SqrBMRl0RpxW2zh6R/s1600/Podcast+Epi+15+-+Minisode+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwqK4RW_kjeQ7UeRRzvwEtPCpQlw1opQNlT-u2JZZyOTHrFhOmUaz85R4Pku3zWHz2omK-ZUnMHJnFjr7fPoQ3_5w0MKLI3FfwtUUJhA3uWcdfMUPIWLqVwVocX7SqrBMRl0RpxW2zh6R/s320/Podcast+Epi+15+-+Minisode+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The spoiler...we are moving! To learn all the details, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-15-big-news-for-fiberton-acres" target="_blank">click here to listen on Soundcloud</a> or listen on your podcast play of choice!</span></div>
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<b><u>A few of the other things we reference in this week's podcast:</u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.fibertonacres.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fiberton Acres and New Products</a></div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-21633851850087367182017-03-22T08:40:00.000-07:002017-03-22T08:40:42.940-07:00Life is All About Trial and Error...And it's all about perspective.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have to say trial and error is, for me, the best way to learn anything. When I started Kung Fu class I sucked. I fell every time I tried a high kick, I missed every take-down, and I couldn’t land a joint lock to save my life…literally. One night after class I was sitting in my car thinking about quitting to save myself the embarrassment of constant failure, when my instructor, Brian, knocked on the window and I opened the door while trying to not look depressed. <br /><br />“Dude, you have great perseverance. Kung Fu is hard and the only way to know a technique is to find every way that it doesn’t work.” he said. “When you succeed the first time at a technique you only understand how you did it that time, in that situation. If you find every way that it doesn’t work, you are left with only the good.”<div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>That night is when I changed my perspective on failure. </i></span><br /><br />I no longer fail at anything. I successfully find ways that a technique does not work. When my RV wouldn’t start after parking at a gas station in Wyoming, I checked the batteries, they worked. I checked the wires leading to the ignition, they seemed funny and something looked loose, so I attached it to an open spot on the ignition and it almost instantly melted. I honestly thought about giving up…. We’d already replaced the radiator and the sending unit for the temp gauge. But then I thought about how I had eliminated a possible problem. It wasn’t that loose wire… you know, because of the fire and all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_r8yAViIXavryRNci8UroK83bS2EHm5RKYc5QbdbDdxwnoWVr7H-QkWH_BripxcujOZKoud7ebtJh9TBA-QiDgbSHfFfi-oUfa_WfBDnx76Ros2zL9S44GUsQjLSdffUqZTA2BMWrWJH/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_r8yAViIXavryRNci8UroK83bS2EHm5RKYc5QbdbDdxwnoWVr7H-QkWH_BripxcujOZKoud7ebtJh9TBA-QiDgbSHfFfi-oUfa_WfBDnx76Ros2zL9S44GUsQjLSdffUqZTA2BMWrWJH/s320/IMG_1972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />I called my dad and we walked through the entire ignition situation over the phone, tracing wires and even replacing and MacGyvering a few connections until we got it working. Ashley and I drove off the next morning, not having failed to leave the gas station in under 24 hours but having learned how to rewire the ignition system of a 1986 Winnie.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Every time you lose and fail remember that you learned. If you give up you don’t learn.</span></b><br /><br />Brian encouraged me to take Tai Chi, hip hop dance, and even take up parkour to improve my Kung Fu, and it all helped. I also met some of my great friends because of these side projects. If I had given up that night in my car I wouldn’t have met some of the greatest people in my life. People who see not roadblocks but parkour obstacles to be vaulted over and mastered. </div>
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I want you to remember that you become a master of life only after finding every way that your life doesn't work for you, because all that’s left is the good life. </i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u>If you are moving to becoming the you that you want to be, you are a blackbelt at life. </u></span><div>
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-Ric</div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-74505815444630134532017-03-16T20:30:00.000-07:002017-03-16T20:30:36.578-07:00Podcast 13- Cast Iron! Third try was a success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After multiple failures we have a success!<br />
Computer crashes, memory issues, and some other things I don't remember made us a bit late on this wonderful episode all about cast iron!<br />
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Cast iron is great and wonderful but FYI those wrought iron fences attracts ghosts.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the episode on your fav podcast player, or<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-12-a-little-episodeabout-shetland-animals" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/fa-epi-13-cast-iron-1" target="_blank">click right here to listen directly on SoundCloud.</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hobbyfarms.com/a-brief-history-of-cast-iron-cookware-3/" target="_blank">Hobby Farms Cast Iron Article (and other useful links)</a></div>
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<br />Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-37759789215622033722017-03-03T11:23:00.002-08:002017-03-03T11:27:31.316-08:00Podcast Episode 12 - A LITTLE Episode...about Shetland Animals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8brMW-omVhSDXyERR-ODCgeTF0k-lx2RZhuBm0ENRVM8pSJ2PQFmimiav6AVOTXeoTUfFc4FYyTsqrCZGbX_lc2WRUfA8pTRMjZUSB_95q4VDF2csaPnEgjqCqXdKR3-hcUYMrV9h8Vou/s1600/Podcast+Epi+12+Pic+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8brMW-omVhSDXyERR-ODCgeTF0k-lx2RZhuBm0ENRVM8pSJ2PQFmimiav6AVOTXeoTUfFc4FYyTsqrCZGbX_lc2WRUfA8pTRMjZUSB_95q4VDF2csaPnEgjqCqXdKR3-hcUYMrV9h8Vou/s400/Podcast+Epi+12+Pic+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week we dive into not just one animal, but all of the little animals from the Shetland Islands. We learn more about these sturdy little animals and why we want to collect them all!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7uLhvEVk_B8FXA3hyphenhyphenEzNIQeZayStzddIRTeIUJOnStj6UapAhpX9oBcsweFCUXjrvtBNAEcee_3ysveYs7FLlJ8qHQtkELXxUlvm8QcppqRRdsWEPpt5EwQIOuDxsvKgGIioVzivIWRS/s1600/shetland+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7uLhvEVk_B8FXA3hyphenhyphenEzNIQeZayStzddIRTeIUJOnStj6UapAhpX9oBcsweFCUXjrvtBNAEcee_3ysveYs7FLlJ8qHQtkELXxUlvm8QcppqRRdsWEPpt5EwQIOuDxsvKgGIioVzivIWRS/s400/shetland+book.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went a little crazy on the page markers....</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the episode on your fav podcast player, or<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-12-a-little-episodeabout-shetland-animals" target="_blank"> click right here to listen directly on SoundCloud.</a></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the things we reference this week...</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shetland-Breeds-Little-Animals-Spirit/dp/1889274100" target="_blank">Shetland Breeds (the book)</a></div>
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Fiberton Acreshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12468560345854995082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045695704590980674.post-5059891907047243172017-02-21T07:59:00.000-08:002017-02-21T07:59:14.303-08:00Podcast Episode 11 - A Brief History of the Farmer's Almanac!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week we wanted to talk a little about how farmer's might get ready for the planting season, which morphed into a show about the Farmer's Almanac. Check out some of the history and our ramblings about the Jackyl song, The Lumberjack at <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-551973679/episode-11-whats-your-sign-aka-the-farmers-almanac" target="_blank">SoundCloud here</a> (or on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you find your pods!)<div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the things we reference this week...</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.fibertonacres.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fiberton Acres and New Products</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.instagram.com/fibertonacres/" target="_blank">Our Instagram</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.patreon.com/Fibertonacres" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Our Patreon Page!</a></div>
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<a href="http://fibertonacres.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=82c2d29fe8d743c5914d0dc70&id=cf63fc377b" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Our Email List!</a></div>
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<span style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://alltheapparatus.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">All the Apparatus, our intro and outro music!</a></span></div>
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