Hi friends, hope you are all well. I'm still feeling a bit poorly from the shingles. My biggest complaint would be the backache, and the draggy feeling from the meds. It's tough on me mentally, because I'm a "workhorse", and I know I ought to rest, but it's not my nature. Oh, well, this to shall pass, eh?

Kevin finished 2 walls for the cabin/shed, and our homemade composting toilet is done. It's pretty exciting seeing these things actually taking shape. We'll be going to see our land in MO in 46 days!!

This morning while I was delivering my newspapers (in the rain) I was feeling......I don't know, fearful I guess, wondering how much longer I can keep at this pace. It's been almost a year and a half, getting up at 4am, doing papers 7 days a week, and 5 days a week working 8 hour days at the real job. (I think this is coming out as a result of feeling crappy physically.) I've given notice on one of my routes, so I'm trying to lighten the load, but I'm really counting on the extra money in order to move to MO this spring. I could really use some "cheering" from you all. It's a matter of another 210 days. That's less time than it takes to have a baby. I'm going to get back into juicing, I think that will help. Sorry this is so rambling, thanks for "listening".

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), August 27, 2001

Answers

Considered yourself cheered, and also prayed for. I know how hard it can be to trudge through life and always be discouraged. Look at the bright side, you can mark a day off every 24 hours and you will be ever closer to the goal. Also, the juicing is a great idea. When my DH and I are feeling run down, we crank up the ol' Champion. We also try to do a juice fast once in awhile. We both have sweet tooths, and we are at that point in life where a candy bar usually puts us to sleep rather than giving us a boost. Have a good day Cathy. Just think, at the end of today, you're one day closer!

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), August 27, 2001.

Ahh, Cathy! The last stages!!! You're gonna be there before you know it and it's going to be worth it- the first time you sit down on your property and savor the peace and quiet will be a big ol' blessing. Don't be afraid, with as much determination and focus as you have shown, you will undoubtedly be successful.

I can't wait to meet you when I get up there! It'll be great having folks close by with similar goals and traumas. Amanda will be close by as well, so there will be good neighbors.

Juicing is a great way to help get rid of the drug residues which also bring you down. I have a vita mix, and I should use it much more than I do!

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), August 27, 2001.

Hi Cathy, remember to stop and feel the love of Jesus as you count the days. And as much as you can, enjoy the preparations. God Bless

-- Cindy (S.E.IN) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), August 27, 2001.

Thanks so much, my friends. Today was a bad day, one of those teary- eyed days, I cried over everything and nothing, and yes, I was at work. (Trust me when I say I look awful when I cry; puffy, red blotches, etc.) And I could NOT get my grain mill attachment off my Champion juicer this morning.

The good news--I had a thick letter from "Gail Missouri Ozarks" waiting for me when I got home! You know, some folks might think this is nutty, but I care so much about this man, and we've never met! We've corresponded for over a year, so I feel I know him, and I'm sure we'll be great friends/neighbors. I think I told you this already, but he's recently been OK'ed for disability. He had a pal fix his leaky roof, and shingle the outside of the cabin. He got a couple of Pygmy goats, and is planning on a few hens in the near future. Oh yeah, he had a heart attack on August 14. (Kinda puts my problems in perspective!) He's fine, they put a thing in to keep the vein open. He has a birthday coming up, if anyone wants to send a card, just e-mail me for the address. And Thanks for the warm fuzzies you sent my way today, I appreciate it.

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), August 27, 2001.

Sorry you're feeling so down Cathy. Keep focusing on the future, the work will be worth it. When you're tired, rest! It took me years of Lupus flareups to learn that.

Thinking of you,

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy Rohan (KincoraFarm@aol.com), August 28, 2001.

Hi Cathy! I am sorry to hear of your difficulties. On the other hand I am so excited for you....sooo close to your move!! Please keep us updated!

I would love to have Gail's address and birthdate! The kids & I will make up some birthday cards to send him. I really miss his postings, he seems so genuine and kind. It is wonderful to know things are coming along for him. Wow, you, Doreen, Gail, myself all Missourians??!! Eventually, anyway. We really need to make plans for a get-together! And offer an invite to anyone from neighboring states too! I would love to "host" it, if it seems feasible.....anyone interested? Let's throw this around and see what we come up with.

Anyway, hang in there - you are in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless!

-- Wendy@GraceAcres (wjl7@hotmail.com), August 28, 2001.

Cathy, I haven't been able to get on here for two days so this is the first time I've seen your post. Take my and everyone else's advise girl, take care of yourself! The juicing is an excellent idea and try to get plenty of rest so you can heal. From what I've heard, shingles are terrible and as Doreen said, the medications will leave toxins in your body. Tell Gail I said hello when you see him. Tell him it's Barb from the CS forum and tell him I'm so glad he finally got the disability and things are looking up for him. Did he get his water situation taken care of? We used to correspond by email too but I haven't been in touch with him for 1 1/2 to 2 years. Good luck Cathy, you will be in my prayers.

-- Barb (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), August 29, 2001.

Barb, I'll certainly let Gail know you were asking about him, and I'll give him your warm wishes. He still doesn't have a well, but we are planning on getting his and mine done together in May, as he's sure we'll get a discount that way. Barb, a Missouri get-together sounds like a great idea! I'm feeling better this morning, finally. I missed you guys, I couldn't get on here for a couple of days. Construction, I guess. I work today and Friday, and then have 3 days off, except for my newspapers. I hope to sleep, eat, read, and sleep. Thanks for all your help.

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), August 30, 2001.

Barb, I'll certainly let Gail know you were asking about him, and I'll give him your warm wishes. He still doesn't have a well, but we are planning on getting his and mine done together in May, as he's sure we'll get a discount that way. Wendy, a Missouri get-together sounds like a great idea! I'm feeling better this morning, finally. I missed you guys, I couldn't get on here for a couple of days. Construction, I guess. I work today and Friday, and then have 3 days off, except for my newspapers. I hope to sleep, eat, read, and sleep. Thanks for all your help.

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), August 30, 2001.

Oops, thought I caught that in time, sorry!!

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), August 30, 2001.

hi Cathy, hope you're feeling better today. I had shingles last year and, yes, I well remember the run-down feeling from the shingles AND the meds. It took about a month after finished the meds to feel all better, so hang in there. Also, wow! you are moving soon! How awesome! We are still stuck here, until they sell the place, anyway. And the more I hear, the more I'm liking Missouri. I want so desperately to get some land, we are working towards that but not getting any younger so now is the time! Enjoy your weekend, read, sleep and hit the forum! Remember, this time next year you will be on your own place, right? Remember that at 4 a.m.

-- yancee in texas (rnanning@comwerx.net), August 30, 2001.