If you had an antenna on your house/home up in the air above the roof, you'd probably be able to talk back and fourth to the house (guessing since I don't know your topography). The big killer for the handheld portables is the little rubber duck (negative gain) antennas. An elevated good gain vertical antenna on the house may allow you to go a mile or so, maybe. If you have a friend close by that is a ham, check with him. Just my two bits.