Mystang's Homesteading Circus

[mystang89]

Since you do not have a gun, you should have a big barky dog. Thieves think twice before challenging a big growling, barking dog.

Lol. We're half way there. We have a great Pyrenees that is supposed to weigh100lbs. At 3 years old she weighs 55lbs no matter what I feed her. She's happy though and runs all over the place and loves to bark. She did come out there with me, unfortunately she just wanted to lick him. Kinda takes the fright outta the big dog lol.

My wife posted something on FB and one of the LT on the police department responded and said we should have called the Clark county sheriff's dispatch when it's not an emergency. It's weird, I could have sworn when I dialed 911 I made a conscience decision that it WAS am emergency. Perhaps the legal term of emergency is if someone is in eminent danger? If something happens like this again I think I will call both numbers just to be on the safe side.

 

[mystang89]

We have a gate offset from the road,

That is actually something that we have thrown around since we moved in. Only thing really stopping us is the inconveniences of having to open and close during rain and snow storm and other inclement weather. I think I'll mention it to the wife again though. If anything save up some money and buy a solar gate opener.

 

[Mike CHS]

Have you given any thought to a security system. We have a self installed system that can be monitored but doesn't have to be for a fairly low dollar amount. Even though you didn't need it this time if you were ever to feel in a truly frightening situation they have a panic button.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

You don't have to have a gun to post a "no trespassing" sign.

 

[mystang89]

Have you given any thought to a security system. We have a self installed system that can be monitored but doesn't have to be for a fairly low dollar amount. Even though you didn't need it this time if you were ever to feel in a truly frightening situation they have a panic button.

I'm embarrassed to say this never even crossed my mind. Thanks for bringing it up!

 

[greybeard]

My wife posted something on FB and one of the LT on the police department responded and said we should have called the Clark county sheriff's dispatch when it's not an emergency. It's weird, I could have sworn when I dialed 911 I made a conscience decision that it WAS am emergency.

After the perceived imminent threat is already gone, and no crime has been committed, it is not an emergency in the view of most police depts.
In the countryside, odd or suspicious behaviour or activity gets reported to the regular hrs phone number of the constable or sheriff's dept. After hours, you can call 911, but that kind of odd/suspicious activity will probably get pushed down to the bottom of any list that exists for the Police to work. Even a fender bender accident will probably take precedence.

Thieves, especially those trying to finance a drug problem don't care one bit how much kindness is shown to them. A kind person's possessions will sell just as easily as a gruff person's will.

I never let a stranger walk around my place and sure don't let one in my front door.

 

[mystang89]

Thieves, especially those trying to finance a drug problem don't care one bit how much kindness is shown to them. A kind person's possessions will sell just as easily as a gruff person's will.

I'm sure you are correct but I need to look at it from a more strategic point of view. I'm unarmed. I have a gentleman on my doorstep who is acting suspiciously. My wife and children are around. I see myself as having 2 courses of action.

1. Tell the person who already seems to have an hostile intention to get off my property.
2. Show kindness to him.

Experience would tell me that showing aggression to a person who is already hostile leads to greater hostility. Since I'm unarmed, have loved ones near and he looks like hes more experienced in combat then CoA 1 doesn't seem to have the greatest chance of a positive outcome.

Showing him kindness might not make him not want to come back but it doesn't aggravate a situation which is already tense. At the very least he would leave the rest unharmed and give us time to prepare a bit and not be so lax. Plus as many others here have stated, there are other things besides a gun which can help to deter people who would bring harm to my family.

Trust me when I say, not having a weapon is a sore in my side which I am very unhappy about, but if I rely on only one means of defense then I may as well stop even trying.

My sister also mentioned a taser. I'm not a big fan of them because I've seen people shot by police with them and it took 3 hits to bring them down. Not the outcome I'd be looking for but perhaps better than nothing. I have a bow and arrow....better than nothing again. The gate at the front is nice along with the security alarm. My wife sent a link to a system which lets you know when someone is pulling in the driveway but the best that does is give you an early warning. Still many things to consider

Today however, went well. The weather is a very pleasant mid 80s with low humidity. My children and I were able to pick up two trailer loads of wood from the tobacco barn tore down and get it stored. Hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to get some more.

The milk production in my ewe seemed to be tanking and it seemed a bit early.
i found out why. It's because the lamb from the other mom ewe is eating off my milker too. :/

 

[Mike CHS]

You have to do what makes you feel best and I'm glad you had a productive day.

Not to beat a dead horse but we have a system through Simplisafe. It's affordable, has no contracts and is easily installed by a DIY'r. You can also add components at a later time that integrate very easy. We actually have two complete systems because we had two homes for several years and we use the old system in my shop. It isn't monitored but does send a text message whenever a sensor is tripped.

 

[mystang89]

Thanks @Mike CHS . That's a nice system.i like that, even if it's not monitored that it'll still send a text to you're phone which let's you be the one to call.

 

[mystang89]

Today was a fairly relaxing day after the morning was done. I loaded up the children and checked the gas app to see where the cheapest gas since I was going out to the city for some grocery shopping. The app said it was $2.89 and about 8miles away. Awesome! The app did NOT say that the 8 miles was crossing the Ohio River by boat from my house!!!! Stupid app. So after 40 min travel time, (Yeah, I stuck with it) I made it to the gas station only to find they had raised the price to $3.09. Put $40 in the 15 passenger van and it brought it up to a quarter tank. You know, for America being one of the largest oil producers now because of fracing you'd think gas might be a reasonable price. No, lets export all our oil and keep our prices rising. Thanks.

After we purchased the groceries, came home, make some good ol' PB&J sandwiches the rest of the day was just playing games with the children. Can't really complain especially with the 80f weather. Sorry Texans Hopefully it'll come your way soon.