Free Range Chickens - and Coyotes...

Hidden Springs sits at the base of the the Boise foothills.  We are surrounded by thousands of acres of private and federal lands that are open and natural.  It's what makes it so beautiful and such a great place to live.  When people come into the Merc and tell me they are looking at homes here, or have just purchased a home, I always seem to say "You'll love it out here.  You'll never hear sirens, but you'll hear the coyotes instead."  I love the fact that we have coyotes, an occasional cougar, and bear that wander through our neighborhood.

When we first moved here, there weren't near as many houses as there are now.  One afternoon I looked out my window and saw two wolves in the open field below.  I loved it.  Adam and his friends would go down to the creek to play.  I knew that there were cougars and bears that had been spotted down there but having the creek so near by was just too awesome and I knew that more than likely, he would come home in one piece.

Today, we have free range chickens down at the barn. 



They're put in the hen house at night, but during the day, they're fair game for the hungry coyotes that lived here long before we took over their space.  Some of the residents are now fearful that these coyotes are dangerous and shouldn't be in the neighborhood.  That makes me sad because I have a feeling that it won't be long until Fish and Game is sent out to kill any brave enough to be around during the day. 

I will never, ever understand why people move outside the city and then have a fit or are fearful when wildlife enters their backyards.  If you have outdoor cats, they won't live long here.  If you let Fifi out of the yard, Fifi might not survive.  Keep your cats inside, your dogs in their fenced yards, and teach your kids what to do if they see wildlife.  If that doesn't do it and you're still afraid, please, move back to town.  There are a lot of us out here that live here because we love the wildlife.  If you are afraid for your children or your pets, please don't move here - we have wild animals nearby.  They live here - they deserve to be here.

I'm glad we'll be up on the property by the end of the summer.  I'm starting to get real cranky with people who don't understand that the wildlife is an important part of this community and if they take the proper precautions, they can live with the wildlife instead of replacing it with a sterile environment. 

Carry on!

On the Market...

We officially listed the house Friday.  We removed even more of our belongings, had all the carpets cleaned, refinished the hardwood floors, and had the counter tops in the kitchen and both upstairs bathrooms measured for granite.  Wow, it's been a busy few weeks.

So the house was listed Friday, we had an open house Saturday, and a realtor called to show the house on Sunday.  There are only 12 houses listed in Hidden Springs right now and I have a feeling we'll probably show the house at least 4 times a week with the inventory so low.  That makes it hard to "live" but it will hopefully be worth it.  It's priced right so - it's time!

I only wish it was spring.  The yard is so beautiful in the spring, summer, and fall...

In other news, my sisters are coming this week!  I can't wait to spend some girl time with some of my favorite people in the world. 

We Got Trouble Folks, Right Here in River City! That's T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

I'm a small-town gal. I've never liked cities. That's the reason that I love Hidden Springs and the lifestyle that goes with living here.  I knew this was the place for me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, just a few months after moving here.  My neighbors, who I didn't really know at the time brought dinner to our house for the next 7 weeks.  Every night.  Everyone in town participated - how could you not love people who were willing to do that?  It was something I'll never forget.  And the people are still like that. 

I love the fact that Boise is just a few short, beautiful miles away, yet I have the small-town atmosphere of Hidden Springs. I hear coyotes instead of sirens at night.  I've always said that it's as close to living back in Garden Valley as I can get and still be close to town so that hubby can work. I love that Hidden Springs is so diverse. We have young people, retired people, Jews, Christians, Mormons, atheists, blacks, whites, Asians, lesbians, and hell, maybe even swingers living here - and we all get along!

Tonight, we have an "informational" meeting to ask questions of those who are running for Town Council. It's never been something I felt like I needed to get involved in because frankly, we have wonderful people who have always run and been elected that live here and want to be involved for the same reasons that make me love it. They love the Merc, knowing their neighbors, keeping the charm of the homes and streets, keeping the clubhouse, pools, common areas, farm, and community barn beautiful and functional, and making sure it stays a peaceful, beautiful place to live.

However, this year, we have "The Slate of 4." They're a scary group. About 2 weeks ago, they went door-to-door with fliers talking about their "platform" and all the changes they want to make to our little town and the Town Council. I've been laughing ever since. They're obviously all from big cities and had no idea the firestorm they were igniting by riling the neighbors - the Hidden Springs Facebook page (and personal email inboxes) have lit up! When they don't like the tone of the FB page they post comments about "slander, libel, and lies." They really should have done their homework on moving to a small community from a big city and how to get along with the folks that live there and love their community!

One thing they want to do (I know this is insignificant but I hate the thought of it) is make sure that our TC meetings are now done using "Roberts Rule of Order." Have you ever been to a meeting that follows Roberts Rule of Order"? ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. One of our Board of Directors insisted we follow that format for the Peace Officers' Memorial meetings a few years ago. There's even a book you're supposed to buy and read so you will know, and can follow, the proper format. I got mine free, but never even opened the cover. I hate it - and I make it obvious at our meetings that I ignore it. I won't call Rich Wills "Mr. Chairman." I won't, I won't, I won't!

So, the neighbors right here in River City have called each other out to attend the meeting tonight. The preschool is even open and has offered free child care so that everyone can go. The "Slate of 4" have no idea what they're in for. But, it's going to be SO MUCH FUN to watch them find out!

Free Flooring?????

My sister used to be married to Bob.  They lived in a cute little "shack" with no power or running water up past Reserve Park.  Bob reminds me of - me.  He loves anything old and is sure that he can find a use for just about anything and everything.

When Linda and Bob moved to Oregon, I went up and helped them move the contents of the shack and several wonderful outbuildings.  I'd love to have one of the outbuildings for a chicken coop.

I drooled the whole time.  Bob had some of the most awesome things stored away.  One thing I remember in particular, was tons of old flooring.  BEAUTIFUL old flooring.  So, when we were in Portland, Bob came to breakfast with us one morning.  I mentioned to him that if he ever decided he wanted to part with it, to let me know as we wanted to possibly buy it for our new barnhouse.

Evidently, Bob is ready to part with some things.  I know that I couldn't have pried it away from him 3 years ago.  But, he said if we would bring a truck over, he'd give it to us.  Oh my God!

Bob thinks the flooring came out of the old gym at the Caldwell High School.  I'm sure it would take some work, but how cool would that be to have that in our barnhouse?  I'm so excited to start this place I can hardly stand it. 

Our count so far:
20 ft. backbar out of the Dry Creek Mercantile - free
old farmhouse sink from the Dubys - free
3 old bar stools from the Homedale Merc - $100 (purchased at a yard sale about 5 years ago)
flooring from the Caldwell High School gym - free

I love that our new barnhouse will have a wonderful history as soon as it's built.  I know there won't be a day that goes by that I won't look at the floor and think about where it came from, or the backbar from the Merc, or the sink from the Dubys.

As soon as we sell our house, we're heading to Portland to pick up our floors...

This, or That?

There's a new house being built in Hidden Springs on one of the few remaining lots.  I'm sure it's a build-job and not a spec home - after all, who else would want to live in a barn - besides us?  I love the outside.  We couldn't go in because the doors were locked, but I wasn't crazy about the floor plan after peeking through the windows.  The master was upstairs and the kitchen wasn't visible from the living room.  But, I love the outside.  But, I love "our" barn too. 

So this...

or that?

Which one do you like?

On To Better Things...

Things didn't work out the way I had hoped yesterday with my phone conversation. I was still left with questions unanswered that I had hoped to put to rest. So, on to better things!

With the weather warming up here (although I know it's temporary), it's been all but impossible not to spend just about every available moment looking for the best option for housing for our property. We want to be prepared so that when our house sells, we can get right on putting power, water, and a home of some sort on it so we can get moved!

My dream will be to take the plans for the little red barn here at Hidden Springs and turning it into a home. Luckily, Ival's brother is a wonderful draftsman and is going to take the plans and give us something I think will be wonderful! I love the look of the outside, I love the wraparound porch, and it just seems as though it would be the perfect fit for our little ranch. Don't you think so!





I had to throw in a picture of the Hidden Springs chickens that live free-range next to the barn. They all came running up to me while I was taking pictures, they thought I was there with food.



However, we looking at other options as well in case this turns out to be more expensive than we can afford. I've been looking at manufactured houses (not my first choice) and steel buildings with a barn in one side and small house in the other.

Ival spends time almost every night on the property. What he does there, I'm not sure, but I think he just spends time looking at where he wants to put pastures, corrals, and the house - dreaming of getting up there permanently.

I still can't believe that (hopefully!) very soon, we'll be living our dreams. Life is so darned good!

Our House...

Well, we're listed! Here's the link to the listing with pictures (except they forgot the bonus room which is one of my favorites!)

RUH RO...

I just got on the Hidden Springs Facebook page and noticed a new post -

"Is there some kind of noise ordicance my neighbors are breaking by having a rooster?"



Damn hillbillies.

Second Annual Hillbilly Games...

YEE HAW!

Last year we held our First Annual Hillbilly Games here at the Hidden Springs Barn. It started out as a small group of friends and family getting together to have some fun and forget about the bad economy but ended up as a much larger party that benefited the Idaho chapter of "Casting for Recovery".

So, I need your help. Last year, the games were held in April and it turned out to be wonderful weather, but I think we were lucky. Should we plan for May or June this year instead? Possibly May 22 or June 19? I need to get the barn reserved by December (oh crap, this IS December!)

Also, do you have a favorite charity you'd like to see the money go to? I prefer to give the money to a small group that really needs help rather than a large national group who has tons of fundraisers. I've found a group that I love called USAtogether.org. It's not local, but it's small and they definitely need help. (Sheri, I know you've helped them out - you're such a good person!) If you could check them out and let me know what you think? I'm a sucker for kids and soldiers. I'd love to hear some suggestions of other worthy groups!

This year, we'll have either live music or at the very least, a DJ. Last year was so spur of the moment. We raised $1,300 but this year I plan to be more organized and make sure we raise tons of money for our charity.


The frozen t-shirt game...






Pin the mustache on sister...









Let's make the 2010 Games bigger and better and really help out a group that needs us! (side note, if you make a suggestion, you WILL be placed on a committee).

Annual Idaho Peace Officers' Memorial Barn Dance

We're getting ready for the 7th Annual Idaho Peace Officers' Memorial Fund Barn Dance which is going to be held on August 23rd. This year, we've had to move it to the barn here at Hidden Springs but it should be the same, fun event it's always been!

As you know, the Memorial is a very important part of our family. It's where we go to remember dad since there is no grave.

As part of our Memorial Service that we hold every year in May, we ring a bell each time one of the names of an Idaho Officer is read, while a member of law enforcement lays a rose to honor that person. We've always had to borrow a bell from the fire department and want to raise the money to build a permanent bell tower as part to the Memorial. This year, we're hoping the barn dance will raise the money for this addition.

If you know someone that owns a business and would like to make a donation for our silent auction at the barn dance, please let me know. We are a 501c3 charity and all donations are tax deductible! You can either leave a comment here, or email me at jpogue56@hotmail.com

The silent auction is what brings in the most money at this event and since we had to move the event, we're on a short time frame at trying to get items for the auction. I'll post more about the event as time gets closer. Hope to see you all there!