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SHEEP LICKING AARON'S FINGERS
OOOH THAT TICKLES












JEN WITH SHEEP









CHICKENS










ROOSTER







CHOCOLATE THE RAM


After a full 24 hours at Coweeta Heritage Center, we feel much less overwhelmed. We woke up twice in the middle of the night to feed our wood stove, which acts our only source of heat. We're getting the knack of it--we've got it up to almost 800 degrees--sounds a lot hotter than it really is. Next we read a twenty page manual about safely operating the stove and had to answer over 40 questions about proper working order, and still there is more to learn about heating our cabin.

We spent the majority of our morning playing with the fire, making breakfast of oatmeal, and reading various instruction guides. Our pantry is surprisingly very well stocked. We've got loads of dry beans and grains, mixes to make veggie burgers, and lots of wheat--we can mill it ourselves to make flour. We also have an array of spices and jams, fresh eggs from the chicken coop a short stroll down the hill from the cabin, fresh milk, and a lot of great citrus (which is the only stuff that isn't local). Paul and Lara got us some more veggies today, along with some tofu and tempeh which promise to make delicious meals in the coming days. There is talk that Lara will take us on a wild crafting adventure where we may find edible teas, mushrooms, and other forageable foods. Unfortunately this isn't the time of year to find a plethora of berries and nuts, but we're still hopeful we'll find something.

After a lunch of leftover risotto, grape tomatoes, fresh greens, and a small pb & kiwi j sandwich, Paul gave us the grand tour. First, we learned to properly split wood, which is essential in order to feed the fire. He then showed us the compost piles where we will empty our "toilets". We visited the barn and met the animals we will help clean up after and feed. They have 3 goats, a ram, a few Icelandic sheep, a bunch of chickens and 4 (or possibly) 5 dogs--Paul wasn't sure of the latest dog head-count. We haven't yet learned the names of the animals, but one dog was a humping machine--he humped at least two other dogs at seemingly every opportunity. We then walked around the meandering river and saw the various water storage tanks, the hydro-electric dam, and the main electrical house that the water powers which in turn gives us all the electricity we need. The river also acts as our drinking water, but must be filtered in the cabin as a precautionary measure. Because the water and electricity both come from the river, and our heat comes from the forest, we needn't rely on the national grid for anything. A new experience for us--and a big change from life in the Big Apple.

Tonight we outlined our schedules and plans for the coming three weeks, which include activities such as: creating and organizing a database for their library, making milk from hickory nuts (called pocohicara), weatherproofing all windows, and a solar panel installation project. We also hope to learn the necessary skills to master the art of bread baking and yogurt making.

Last night before bed, we had enough foresight to soak some beans and rice. They made a nice dinner for us this evening, coupled with onions, carrots, scallions, broccoli, and the tiniest taste of a spicy red pepper. Again we ate by candlelight, which will probably be how we enjoy all our evening meals for the duration of our stay. Not quite home yet, but feeling a lot less foreign than it did last night.