Roadside stands, silly rabits, frugal pond filter and PINK EYE tea!

I'm guessing these 2 rabbits are not bred. They have been inside for a week and the last possible due date was yesterday. Going to rebreed. I know Don Julio is fertile since the doe we gave to Chris and Lisa (1 acre homestead) gave birth to 9 kits on the 22nd. Being a first time mom, she did not tend to them well and when discovered she gave birth, they were all dead. Which is why these 2 came inside for keeping a closer eye on them.They do not like to be separated and become agitated when we do, so I let them run together...Panda's garden is all set and ready to go. She will be tending this patch herself and selling its bounty by our driveway as a "roadside stand" called "Panda's heirloom garden produce". Making the chalkboard sign for her this week.See the small wood circle to the right in a corner? That is where she is growing her Peace symbol greens, just the spiral in my last post.
She has a bean arch for her snap peas and later rattlesnake pole beans. Space for her tomatoes, patty pan (white scallop flying saucer style) squash, lettuce and herbs. The watermelons (orange flesh) will be grown along the sides and one end. Plus she will have a few 5 gallon buckets to grow extra tomatoes like yellow pear and black cherry. Thinking we may let her grow some other things in a plastic sandbox.
The zip line needs tightened.Despite the high ends, it dips in the middle even for the kids. not very happy with the set up. May need to go out and buy longer cable to direct the zip line elsewhere up to 100 feet away. The kids still like playing on it. Made a filter for the indoor pond. Very easy to do and it keeps the water so clean and clear. If only you could have seen how it looked when I just had the fountain pump going... I had to clean it all out every few days. we have well water, so everything gets that "salty stain" look.I used a large index card plastic container with hinged snap lid.Holes were put through it with a flat head screw driver heated on the stove top. Left enough space for the fountain pump to be placed inside with the plastic woven furnace air filter, cut up into squares. The power cord goes out the back where I "hot cut" a flap. Here is a series to show how to do it for your small indoor pond.

And it costs me $4 to make it and have leftover filter for future changes. My fish are just fine with their frugal filter.
There are 2 pond orange fish, 3 wild minnow fish from a stream bed up in Geauga county we brought home last summer, plus an African clawed frog in there. It must work since they are still thriving and doing well. It has been in operaton for about 2 1/2 weeks. Just be sure to rinse that air filter very well BEFORE using it in the filter box. Their may be antibacterial agents on it from the factory.
I have a bad case of pink eye thanks to Lil' man's kindergarten class(got the letter how it is going around the school and I get it the next day), so I need to go apply the chammomile tea compress while its still warm. By the way, I caught his pink eye in it's first day and started the chammomile treatment immediatly. It was gone within 48 hours! Use the tea as warm/hot as you can stand on a washcloth dipped into it. Make sure it is wet well with the chammomile so some will find its way to drip into your eye. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and repeat every 2-3 hours untill it is gone.
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

Put some magic back in the garden!

Try some unusual ways to grow your garden this year. Think about what you have seed for and what you may need for interesting views for the visits in the garden.

How about adding some different colored lettuce in a wide open tub or kiddie pool. Make designs such as a peace symbol (That was Panda's request) or like this "aww" inspiring spiral:
Now think about what climbing veggies or fruits you are going to grow. climbing beans? Cucumbers? Squash? or maybe even some small melons?
I have drooled after the Bean arch I have seen over at Pile o' Melay's for some time now, as many others have. I am using some of the extra fencing we have left from the old animal pen to do just.
Grow some climbing garden food plants over arches. Here is a great pic showing cucumbers at an early stage to give you a better view on how to make one yourself(a pic off the net- not mine):
It does not have to stop there. You could do tepee designs or border a few sides of the large garden with walls of climbing plants.
do not stick to the ordinary straight rows and poles for your garden this year. Get creative and add some interest that wow your friends and family. gardening is an art form in itself. Why not add more interesting forms to it?
My baby brother Army and his Fiance Ms. marine are moving into their first house together down in Texas. So excited to hear she is into gardening and they are interested in my kind of lifestyle. I am putting together some seeds out of my stash to send down to them for their first garden. Along with some printouts of pictures/how to's on some of the things I write about here on my blog such as this one to inspire their creativity. Of course...what is a package from his big sister without some homebaked goodies... I miss that big goober and wish so much he was closer. Maybe Ms. Marine would nudge him north? But of course she has family down there so I would understand if not.
The zipline is up and has enteratined almost every child in our 'hood. The solar pit has still not been dug but I did get all the lumber and such for it's top portion. The tobacco has been seeded. The spanish peanuts and collard seeds are on their way and will be started indoors as soon as they arrive. The 4 lemon and 1 lime dwarf tree will not be shipped out till mid April.
Lil Man's birthday is the 4th so I making him the see saw I posted a few back. Almost done with it. The tiller is acting up and Tractor boy has been so kind trying to figure out what is going on with it.
we are planting more ginger in window box's and i picked up some ale yeast for making ginger ale from scratch.
Rain keeps coming so I guess I best catch up on the indoor chores and activities.
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie

4 poster bed ~ tutorial PART ONE~supplies

How many of you have dreamed of the romantic look a 4 poster bed brings to the bedroom? Thin sheer curtains hanging down the sides, pulled closed giving the feeling you were in a different space. A private space, wrapped up in seclusion?
You may think that dream is just a fantasy after looking at price tags, but you can make one yourself. Yes, you can. Have confidence. It truly is not that hard. After all, it is just you and your mate who see's it. It's not like guests will be in your room like they are in the main part of your home. And if they are? Well, they would be mighty impressed with your drill capabilities! And even then, they are not going see any imperfections you may be aware of unless they start inspecting your work- and that is when I would ask to see their carpentry skill credits. LOL. They do not need to know you had the lumber store cut it to exact for you. YOU made it and that is all that matters.
You can do this. If you have ever worked a drill before or if your partner has, this is calling your name. Not to mention this is a great relationship project. You are working TOGETHER on making something you will use TOGETHER, every night. It may even spark some romance back into the relationship. Those beam tops are a perfect spot for candle lanterns. Sheers closed, a Moroccan candle chandelier hanging from the ceiling over the bed. Some smooth sexy R&B
playing in the air...You know where I am going with this. Try it. You may find something you thought was not possible......I was able to purchase all my supplies (not including the new drill) for under $95. Fabric, wood screws, metal L brackets, 4x4 post flat toppers are included in that.
Mine is made for a queen size bed frame. You will want to measure bed frame sides and ends for exact measurements. Even 1/4 of an inch difference will matter with the cross beams. I had the lumber store cut my wood to ensure exact cuts and ease in the project. Use your imagination if you can not find what I have listed for supplies. Walk around the stoe and turn the brain wheels to see what would work for you. I have included the cost at what I bought the supplies for. Your store prices may differ.
Supplies for bed framing:
4- 4x4 posts $6.97 each(~ I bought the 8ft long & had them cut at 6 ft. (save the cut off's for future project.)
4- $2.49 eachpost decorative flat toppers(used for feet of the posts) :2 -8x4 plywood $10 each -or better quality wood sheeting cut to size needed. (*measure bed foot and head ends for your size of cutting. make head board taller then the floor board and be sure you are measuring after leaving a gap between where the floor and the wood board meet. I used a large coffee can height since i used them to support the boards while i screwed boards in place.* )
9- 2x4 beams 8 ft long $1.96 each- their measurements will depend on the size you cut your head and foot boards. They will be used to do a "picture frame" effect to give it a more finished look. :4- 2x2 beams 8 feet long $1.37~ used for bed top sides and ends. Again, be sure to measure your bed and have them cut at the lumber yard for exact measurements. Save the left over cut offs for the connectors of foot/head boards to the posts!
8- metal "L" angle connectors $.49 cents each. 2 inch wide to fit the 2X2 beams connecting to the top sides of posts. :1 regular size boxof 2 " (deck) wood screws ~$7
1 small box of 1" wood screws (for the cross beams) $2.50
Now for those sheers I found a bargain. I got the fabric for $3 a yard- normal price? $14.99 a yard. I bought 5 yards which was more then enough and had extra for another project. Measure the height from beam top to the length you wish to have them hang. If you want more drape spilling onto the floor, add 4 inches to the height from top to floor.
Now the kicker is how do i hang these so they are smooth to pull shut? I brought an extra piece of the @x@ cut off end and started trying the curtain rings on them at the store. Nothing fit! The holes were too small. Then it hit me... Look in the shower curtain section. So I went with the cheap plastic shiny clear rings. Fit perfect! and are easy to pull the sheers shut without getting up.
Don't forget to get your paint. I used a kilz primer on the plywood boards first. Then a coat of semi gloss Galaxy depth color black. I was in a hurry so instead of painting everything before putting it togther, I just did the cross beams and head/foot boards. And it still sits half painted unfinished. But hey- It is put together and I can finish when time allows...after all those outdoor projects of course. and the garden.. and..well. Maybe before Fall I will get to it.
Keep an eye out for Part Two of making your own 4 Poster bed. I will elp you put all that stuff together and have you sleeping in your very own boudoir bed!
Sweet dreams,
Tammie
So are you ready to get all your supplies together? Do not forget to grab a partner fo rthis project. There are times when I had to have Panda come help me while The Captain was at work.

Updates on Getting the Urban farm ready for Spring...

I made a trip about 1 hour west of here to pick up some Alpaca Manure for the garden. Of course 1 truck load was just enough to spread into 1/4 of the garden... It did not cover the entire quarter but close enough for now.
Wow..I never realized it was so big in comparative to what most have until we unloaded what would have been enough for a small backyard garden. The Captain helped me unload it all into the quarter meant for Tomatoes this year.While there I spoke with the woman who raises the alpaca's and looked over some wonderful fiber she sells. This stuff is amazingly soft!
I should have taken a pic before I packed any up.. The woman was so nice and we chatted a bit about her fiber and who she sells it to. if anyone is looking for some Alpaca fiber, contact me and I can send you her contact information. reasonable pricing and a great product to spin with.
I just had to get some and will be sending it out to Spinning Grandma today. She could use a little pick me up after her surgery. It is white and should be enough for one skein.
We got the new chicken pen put up. Still waiting on the Goat barn to be removed by its buyer. Should be this weekend so I can get the cord wood coop going. i finally have my permission from the health department to start building my Solar pit greenhouse. Now if I can just get the balance due for the shed I can buy my materials and get the windows for the mudroom from the habitat store.
Don Julio enjoyed his time out there with the chicks in there temporary A frame chicken tractor.
I usually bring the doe's out to the garden in a folding fence pen over the carrot patch, but today was Don Julio's time to romp and laze around in the yard. Hard to keep an eye on rabbits in different areas while working. Do you see him lounging by the A frame? That is one friendly rabbit. he may be of a smaller size, but his personality has made him a keeper. He even knows his name already!
The captain helped get the new pond hard shell liner in place. Waiting to order the solar powered fountain pump from Harbor freight.I think we will put some baby bass fish in the outside ponds. Going to contact a local hatchery for a small order. between this 32 gallon and the 125 gallon, we should be fine for their space. I could always add some to our indoor pond if there are too many in the smallest order they have. Thought if anything, I could always put some up for sale on the local craigs list should space become a problem. After they grow out to an edible size, we will harvest most of them for the freezer. Save some for future breeding- gotta read up on how that would work with our system.
We removed all the old animal fencing and enclosed the entire garden.
If weather continues to cooperate, we are putting the Zip Line up, starting by the magic tree. ( We bought one for the kids last winter holiday and became more giddy then they were when it was opened...We are such big kids).
A platform will be built for them to reach the zip line handle. The best part? it will hold up to 225 pounds of weight so we get to play on it too!
Building their tree house "deck" more towards summer. Building this See saw "teeter totter" in the next month between all the other building going on here..I have a few other projects we are working towards for the outdoor enjoyment and will do a mini tutorial on those too. I have found that living in the north, buying something for the enjoyment during the short season of nice weather does not justify the price. Between the see saw and an outdoor enclosed shade canopy, the pricing gets steep. So build what you can and be proud of the skill you have learned. plus the money saved for more important things.
I am finally feeling better after the whole mess which transpired over the holidays. Things are much better with us and despite not following through with counseling, the books we have been reading over have made an improvement. We decided counseling would end up in more anger and the blame game. instead, we are working towards making each more happy and secure in our relationship by being there for each other in ways we overlooked as we began to have children. A partners companionship cannot be just about the children in the house or their wants. We need to be "us" and make that time for "us". We have put so much into being parents, we overlooked our own relationship. Some advice for those of you who may be interested... Before you to fall into the pattern, discuss heart to heart with your partner what you miss th most from before having children. Discuss how you can incorporate some of that Back into your relationship. The children are not small forever, but when they do get old enough to move out of the home or not be cared after, what shape will your relationship be in after all the years of neglect?
Just some food for thought. Your children are of course the most important, but their happiness and healthy future relationship quality will come from what they learn by observing YOU.
Having this different work schedule of his has helped our relationship in making that time. Frog is the only child home during the day and is easily amused while we work together in the garden or in the yard. We started laughing again with each other. Hugging and all those other mushy things that became far and few. I forgot how good he smells when we hug... Too much info? yeah, I think I best get off to dreamland anyway. Frog snuck in bed with us last nigh forcing me to not sleep and be up by 3am..
Sweetest dreams,
~Tammie

Let's grow...Tobacco?

Many people grow or harvest fruits, hops or grains for their homemade brews. We know how the ingredients are grown and what is going into the homemade wines, mead's and beers. it is like an art form. You blend, experiment, ferment and then you get to taste. Not every batch is the same and it becomes a pleasure to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The next batch you may do things different. Some brews are also used as a tonic such as dandelion wine. Those brews contain..dun dun dun..ALCOHOL.
As with most pleasures, it is all about moderation. Anything pleasurable can become an addiction or abused.
I am not here to argue the subject of tobacco. as with all things, everyone has their opinion and view that may differ from many others. I bring this subject up in the height of tobacco taxes rising, to share the knowledge of raising your own tobacco for either topical medicinal use or for the occasional smoke. the rising cost will bring many to either drastically cut back their use or revert to growing their own. growing your own on a small plot of land will not bring the amount of tobacco to supply what most smoke on a daily basis. Rather, it will be more like 1 plant to supply 120 cigarettes or around 40 cigars. (not exact, just a round about number). So as you see, growing your own in a small plot will not supply an amount to abuse. Not to mention raising your own tobacco ensures organic leaves and no other filler/additives.
The only REAL way to ensure you know exactly how the tobacco you are smoking is produced is to grow and harvest it yourself.
I placed our order for seeds last night and look forward to seeing the big flowers blooming, bringing hummingbirds to the garden and more food for the bee's. The Captain looks forward to trying his hand at rolling his own cigars.
Picture an evening around the bonfire, sharing his home made brew with friends and then sharing his hand raised tobacco which he rolled into cigars. An occasional pleasure that can be brought out with pride.
(Victory seeds article on growing tobacco on the homestead)
We ordered:
Monte Calme Yellow~A favorite European variety that features wide, thin leaves that preferred for Cigarettes and Cigar Wrappers. Grows to about 6 ft. tall, producing a large crop. Mild flavor.
Small stalk Black mammoth~This is a deep dark tobacco that gives good weight and supports itself very well. This is a tobacco prized by specialty growers because it provides a great wrapper tobacco or a premium snuff tobacco when ripe. A good tobacco for beginners learning to roll their own cigars or for first time snuff makers.

Havana #608~Said to be the best Havana for home use. Produces a quick crop in about 65 days, and is good for cigars or chewing. This plant gives a high yield and is also recommended for growing in the North. First time growers should definitely try this one!

Tree Tobacco~A graceful tree that grows to 20 ft. with bright trumpet- shaped yellow flowers and striking glaucous-blue foliage. From Argentina. It makes a wonderful tub plant. Can be grown outdoors in warm climates and makes a striking garden specimen. It is highly valued for its chewing, smoking and medicinal uses. It is said to have only trace nicotine. Hardy to 15 degrees. It will flower when very young.

I look forward to growing our own tobacco. Testing, curing, making. and then sharing with friends along with a bottle of brew.
There are many groups out there dedicated to growing your own and how to make your own cigars/cigarettes. I will need to find more information on how to make the cigar rolling trays and curing blocks for The Captain. I hope to either make them or purchase for his Birthday in August. Along with more items to supply his desire for Homemade beer making.
Let's just say, by encouraging this desire of his i have seen him more involved with the garden and my "unusual homestead hobby" as of late.
it has taken many years to get him to this side of my fence. He is even talking about Off grid living with solar panels in our future home.... I am such a bad influence...
Sweet dreams,
~Tammie
a funny quote I found and just had to share...
A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores. ~M*A*S*H, Klinger, "Bug-Out," 1976

Back to the solar pit ~underground garden...

The greenhouse I spoke of in the last post is a no go. There would be too much work involved and the matter of digging close to the house base structure is not something i wish to do at this house. remember, each project we start in this home that involves anything except painting or not removing anything has brought bad effects and more money spent to fix the previous guy's shady work. So I am not going to even think about what would happen if we had to put in a footer for an attached greenhouse- 30 inches below ground level...shiver. No Thank you!
So back to the underground garden idea......
Finally found a picture of the cold frame or "solar pit"or earth berm greenhouse,which ever you would like to call it. i prefer solar pit. It is not really a greenhouse. Being a walk in with cold frame construction on a more larger scale.

This is almost exact to what we are planning to build: Got a wonderful "hook up" for the cement block from a local company- who wishes to remain anonymous at this point of the stage. Normal retail is around $2.50 a block. We are getting them for 50 cents a block. they may not be all the same color and they may be considered seconds due to color irregularities, but who cares when you are putting it underground and the only eyes to spy them will be those invited into the 'sacred plant pit".

I will be making a tutorial as we go through the process and am not sure if i will submit it for another sites article or share it here. Will depend on whether that site would be interested in this as a tutorial or would prefer an actual article on something else.
We still have the cordwood chicken coop to find a place to build. Zoning knows about the solar pit since I called to ask about regulations- which they are very vague and need the Administrator to approve the project first. So I need to be on my toes and not go against any regulations.
I like the Administrator. I just do not play well with some of the others....

So....Anyone wanna help build this thing? This month? over the next week?
I still need to ask Tractor boy to bring his new toy over and dig the pit for me. he has a front loader and it's only going to be about 3 to 3 1/2 feet deep. Just enough below frost line with room for the cement block.
The 4 poster bed is still not painted. The last weekend was way too nice to stay inside for that. Guess i better find some time this week to get it done before the solar pit gives me more excuses to post pone the chore.
Sweet dreams, Tammie

Cloud 9~ Thank you karma!

The rabbits have been moved from the garage to the back yard, in their new hutch built by the Captain. Needs shingled and painted this weekend, but here is a look at it:They hang out in the open most of the time and we have it positioned so we see them by the living room window area. BUT>>>>>
I must tell you about at least one of MANY great moments in my week....
I have a very special trip in store tomorrow.... I am going to a British woman's home to inspect a greenhouse for removal. If I want it, she is willing to let us give it a new home. It belonged to her husband who was passionate about Orchids and belong to many Orchid Societies in the local Area. He passed away about 5 years ago and she is unable to use it.
It comes with never used shade cloths, the heaters, tables, etc.
It is a lean to in the half Gothic shape. Not sure on the exact size but it is in an alcove like the one on the front of our house. This will go (if we want it once inspecting it over), in front of the block basement window wall, under the big picture window. One block window has an opening window so I can put electric cords through there and put a man door on the North end by the step alcove.
Already measured it out there and should be plenty of space.
How did I ever come across this? By a simple conversation in the Home depot with a landscaper. He was called to give a quote on its removal as requested by the womans insurance company. Something happend in another room and they suggested the green house removal.
Anyway, he mentioned it and I asked if he were going to set it up for himself and he replied no. But would you be interested?
Ummm... YEAH! So I got his number and gave him a call later. He gave me her number and the rest...well. I guess we will see tommorow, wont we?
I am so excited. I just cant help it. I do not expect disappointment but know never expect greatness without some potential flaws.
I will post some pictures tomorrow after we get back. Hopefully the expected rain will not be so much that pictures can not be taken and an outside look over is held off.
I know what my dreams will be filled with this evening, as I sleep in my new 4 poster bed....
Sweetest dreams,
~Tammie

Project "4 poster bed" sneek peak...

It's almost finished!I went with a "Galaxy Depth" black instead of a stain. The wood I used for the head and foot boards is not the quality you would want to use a stain on anyway. Keeps the costs down using 1/2 inch plywood and besides that, I like the black. It looks great with the sheers and the accessories I am adding later.
As you can see, I do not have all the wood painted as of yet. I painted the head and foot boards first since they needed a layer of Kilz primer for stain hider. The plywood markings show through the regular black paint, so I had to repaint with the kilz then put 2 more layers of the black. Heres a tip- buy better brand paint so you do not have to put multiple layers on...
This is the incomplete foot board:
I have some filling to put over the deck screw spots before painting and need to put another 2x4 on the head board. Then add the posts toppers before the finishing paint. Then the accessories for the final touch.
I put the Goat cabin up for sale on Craigslist and it sold quickly. I had over 50 interested emails. I got my asking price and the woman put a deposit down untill pick up.
I just could not bear seeing it anymore after losing Chia. May sound silly, but I still burst out in tears while driving home sometimes. It is almost instinct to glance at the Goat cabin to see Chi Chi waiting for me at the gate when she hears the car. After a bad day, I could always go nuzzle into her neck and she let her fur soak up my tears as she let me babble about what was on mind..
I was not this bad after Dawg passed away. My heart still aches for that big goofy goat.
On a lighter note, the seedlings are all going strong. I have lost a few, but made sure to start more then I would need for that very reason. I am also sharing a little of each with Willow for their garden. Her family really liked the orange jubilee last year when I brought some for a salad topping. Hopefully, I have her interest perked enough to save her own seeds for next year. I am sharing lavender, parsley, basil,Rosemary (~from cutting starts since the rosemary seed did not grow) 4 different tomatoes, bush patty pan squash, and I'm sure there is more but my mind is still at 1 cup of joe despite the 3 cups I have had.
Stay tuned for more updates on the "making of a 4 poster bed" project.
Sweet Dreams,
Tammie

Hey farmchick~ What ch'ya doing in the wood shop?

Well, Glad you asked. As many of you who during winter, living in the colder regions well know. Winter can become a bit dreary without the garden tending and outdoor playing.
Some sew. Some bake. Some just Veg out. Me? I do all of the above and then some. I often play in the wood shop. Making things I desire but either can not afford, justify the prices or find to purchase. I find this hobby of playing with wood has not only entertained my over active mind, but comes in handy for around the urban farm. The more you play, the better you get. Amazing to think how intimidated I was the first time I turned a circular saw on....

Trips to the library turn out better then a shopping spree. I load up the back pack to a weight that is heavier then a small child on subjects that grasp me. Mostly how to books. I like to call them my Inspiration books. The subjects occupy my mind and dreams. Especially after a night of herbal tisane, a comfortable leather chair and good reading from the pile of books.
I am working on a few different projects at the moment. One is a garden boot scraper and boot jack. The first one did not turn out as well as I had hoped. Using recycled wood from a pallet was not the best choice... You learn from experience and move on. None the less, playing with the new 10" table saw was a blast! i love that i can now mess with angles and not screw up. One of the best $100 we have spent. (Ryobi brand from home depot- had to buy it since we are putting the wood flooring in Little man's room. i consider it a "training model".)
The next on the list is a few trug baskets I wanted to make last year and could not get my angles right. Very disappointing. But now...I can whip those babies out. I brought home some "culled lumber" from the local hardware store, at 75- 90% off the normal price if there is any form of defect. An end may have a small crack for example. If making small projects like the trug, that small defect can be cut off, leaving the remaining length perfect.
Now the big project may send some people laughing from their chairs or staring in bewilderment.
Something I have desired as far back as childhood. And until a book inspired me to make my own, I thought it would remain just a desire.
I am making a 4 poster bed with top rails. The cost-no culled lumber-around $60 for wood costs, after price checking.. This example which is similar in style, shows you the goal.
I could easily spend an additional $100 on the accessories such as decorative top finials, sultry sheers, and fancy curtain rods. But... It's me who is doing this project... I will buy the fabric for fraction of cost to make those sultry sheers. I will add interest to the woodwork with wainscoting trim, I will use a red mahogany stain to give it the look of expensive factory productions.
And still... This bed will cost me 1/8 of what it would to buy one. I get my dreamy bed and more satisfaction from making it myself.
Oh, and if you too have the desire for a 4 poster bed and wish to play with wood to make winter go by quicker, stay tuned for a complete tutorial in the future. I am very exited to share how easy it really is. Not much to cut an no angles.
I have lumber to pick up and a nice 4X8 window for the greenhouse- which has 2- 18 inch windows on each end that happen to open by winding a handle... Can not get better then that for the project... Freecycle Rocks!
Sweetest dreams,
Tammie