Homesteading Thread #1, In Honor of Granny

billyjoesfoodfarm ^ | 12/30/2012 | me

[teenyelliott]

So, I'm sure at least one person here on FR has wondered what happened to me, maybe two of you. Before I really really stopped posting, many of us had discussed the possibility, and or the desire, to get out of the city to our own little homesteads and try to grow some food, for security, for peace of mind, for whatever reason.

Well, my family did it.

Two years ago we made the jump. We bought a place in the country, and have spent the past couple of years setting up our little homestead. We have a big garden, many chickens, some ducks, some guineas, some sheep, some goats, and a barn for all of them. A woodstove, a hand pump well, even a solar chicken coop.

Any of my old pals, and any new ones, come check us out! Would be pleased to hear from you, and share what we are learning.

Please ping any of my old buddies that you know of; I seem to have misplaced my old ping list!

[definitelynotaliberal]

Favorite gift: The realization that in the midst of all my strife and uncertainty, God is steady and has plans to prosper me and not to harm me. It’s quite calming, let me tell you, and traquility is a great thing.

[JDoutrider]

I’ll check back here next year (later tonight!) as Judy and I are off to her casino to welcome in the New Year... Ya’ll stay safe out there tonight...

[teenyelliott]

Well I like to think we didn't move out of fear, we moved out of desire to not be so dependent on the very precarious wheel of city life. At our old neighborhood, it was pretty secluded and we had three acres, so we could have done something there, and our neighbors were all like us as far as defense against zombies when the welfare checks stop coming, but everyone I knew WANTED to get out of town, but no one ever made the move. I had read so much, so many things written by other people who had done it, I finally just said to heck with it! We are going!

We're lucky in that hubby is self-employed and works from home, and we homeschool, so where we lived really didn't matter, as long as it was within a reasonable driving distance to town, for when hubby had to go for work. So we aren't dependent on the farm making a living for us, and we don't have to live on savings, because hubby still works. I'm still kind of bummed out that we aren't in the COUNTRYcountry, and I daydream about having a big farm that is really isolated, and I wonder if I am doing the right thing, building this place up into what I want when I know I'd really rather have a bigger place, but like I said, we're just doing what we can, for the time being. Who knows what the future holds.

True and I know if the SHTF before we make our move, we'll regret not having moved sooner. On the other hand, if we move just because we fear doom and gloom - and it never happens, we'll regret not having waited.

Is it possible for you to have the best of both worlds? Is there any country kind of land where you are that would be close enough for him to still work? We really tried to get out of Kansas and start our place in th Ozarks, but because of work we just couldn't make it happen. So, we compromised and moved just out of the city. I wish we were further out, in the middle of nowhere, but it was the best we could do, and it has worked out just fine.

And yeah, definitely there are things you can do now! Even if you live in an apartment building there are garden plans and such that you can start. Most towns even allow laying hens now.

As to the cow/goat thing, the mama cow has her baby to keep her company, and yes we do have multiple goats because the one was lonely (the sheep just didn't cut it for her, of course!) I was worried about so much milk with the cow, but you can always let the calf have as much as it can, or you can feed it to the cats/dogs, it's good for the garden, etc. Or you can get even worse and buy a pig to eat everything you have left over. It is a never ending circle for me.

Right now, though, I think I have enough to keep me busy. I still have to build big permanent hutches for our new rabbits. And I got an automatic egg turner for my incubator, so in February I get to hatch some chicks!! I'm super excited about that.

Have you ever been over to Homesteading Today? There are so many great people over there, some who have been real farmers their whole lives, some who are still in the city but dreaming and wanting to learn. It is a really great resource, full of knowledgeable people about everything from cattle to tree identification, survivalists to grandmas posting pics of their new grandbabies. It is a great place.

[teenyelliott]

Amen, sister. Very nice.

[teenyelliott]

Have a good time! It got all snowy and icy around here today, so we changed our plans and are staying home with the family. Be careful!

Hey, maybe we could all just start putting things here, and turn this into a new homesteading thread?

[metmom]

Thanks and thanks.

[CottonBall]

I didn't mean to imply you moved out of fear, if that's what you think I meant - you made it clear you wanted a simple lifestyle and that homesteading fit that bill. That's exactly what I want too. (And to be self-sufficient if TSHTF, but I'd do it even if the economy was roaring with happy capitalism.) Anyway, sorry if that's the impression I've made!

Is it possible for you to have the best of both worlds? Is there any country kind of land where you are that would be close enough for him to still work? We really tried to get out of Kansas and start our place in th Ozarks, but because of work we just couldn't make it happen. So, we compromised and moved just out of the city. I wish we were further out, in the middle of nowhere, but it was the best we could do, and it has worked out just fine.

Well, that is my plan A ;) I look for jobs weekly for hubby in rural areas. The chances of getting one might be slim, but I am still trying and he applies if I find one he likes in an area that isn't urban. We'll have to settle for a less than optimum place if he does get a new job, because there is only one natural gas plant that I can see in SE Kentucky and there are NEVER openings there! And that plant is still a little to close to civilization. Plan B is to move when we accumulate enough cash if Plan A doesn't work. I took an 8500 miles driving trip this summer to check out relocation areas - there are a lot of beautiful places in the US. I missed the Ozarks since I went north along SD, but want to go there if I do the trip again. I actually plannd to go to Clinton, MO and the lake Truman area but after looking at the map, it was far out of my way since I wanted to see Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

As to the cow/goat thing, the mama cow has her baby to keep her company, and yes we do have multiple goats because the one was lonely (the sheep just didn't cut it for her, of course!) I was worried about so much milk with the cow, but you can always let the calf have as much as it can, or you can feed it to the cats/dogs, it's good for the garden, etc. Or you can get even worse and buy a pig to eat everything you have left over. It is a never ending circle for me.

I do want a pig - that would be a good solution. I never heard of giving plants milk-is it good for them? I think I'll start with my one gallon of milk and see how I do with cheese before committing to getting a cow ;) If I can make some decent cheese and butter eventually, a coew might be a good idea actually. I'd really like to see some of it at a farmer's market - if Obama's Food Police doesn't prohit it completely by then.

How precious to see chicks hatching! Does the automatic turner pick them up (ie., Jurassic Park) or roll them over like a hot-dog machine at a mini-mart? Post some pics of the babies when the time comes!

I'll check out Homesteading Today - thanks for the idea. I usually just get depressed when I see all the things I SHOULD be doing and WANT to be doing on the net. But I do need ot start learning and preparing, cuz the move could come in 6 months (I'm being overly optimistic here, but why not?)

[CottonBall]

Whoa! DelaWhere’s ears must be loudly ringing! We bothed pinged him within one minute of each other! GMTA!

He's a popular dude!

Have fun - and luck - gambling.

I think I know why I never remember you are in MN - it just seems like such an inhospitable place in the winter that I can't believe you went there! How would you deal with snow if/when there isn't fuel for snow removal? (I'm asking because we have a Sierra cabin with the same issue. I figure winters will be very safe from marauding bands - but difficult to get out if we need a doctor or supplies).

[teenyelliott]

No, no, I didn't mean that YOU thought that. I was generalizing the thoughts of why many people think they need to get out of town.

My hubby still has the same job that he had when we lived in town. We only moved about 20-30 minutes out, still close enough to go back and forth. Not far enough as far as I am concerned, but again, you do what you can.

And yes, absolutely there are so many beautiful places that we could be, so many that I don't know how I would choose if I could live anywhere. If I could, I would live somewhere with cooler temperatures, probably Idaho or NE Washington. Our past two summers have made me realize that without consistent rain, you can never be truly self sufficient. Everything we do is water, water, water, whether for us to cook and clean, or for the animals, or to grow crops, it's all about water, and we haven't had nearly enough of it the past two years. And I can deal with cold, and so can the animals, way better than the heat.

Yeah, the egg turner is kind of like those hot dog things. We did hand raise one chick and one duckling last year, from a mama hen that wouldn't raise them. She raised one on her own, though. It is something else to watch them hatch. Cute as can be.

And don't get depressed, get inspired! None of us will ever have the perfect set up, and there will alwys be those who do it better, or have more experience, or prettier homesteads, etc. etc. Good luck, and keep me posted!

[JDoutrider]

"I think I know why I never remember you are in MN - it just seems like such an inhospitable place in the winter that I can't believe you went there! How would you deal with snow if/when there isn't fuel for snow removal? (I'm asking because we have a Sierra cabin with the same issue. I figure winters will be very safe from marauding bands - but difficult to get out if we need a doctor or supplies)."

I was raised in the Sierras where the average annual snowfall was 300-500 inches (and more some seasons), so snow has never seemed a problem to me! It don't snow anywhere near that amount out here! But, it does get real cold! It's below zero as this is being written...

We have snowmobiles if the snow was a problem, to get into civilization... Let me tell ya CB, they are more of a hoot than our Harleys too! It's a long ride to "town", about seventeen miles, but what a thrill cutting through the hardwood forests to get there. You sure have to dress for it, even with modern day warming technology!

Fuel is no problem (yet). I keep a 750 gallon gravity fed fuel tank filled with farm gas (non ethanol! with stabilizing preservative runs me $2.75 per) for our tractors and other non-diesel using farm equipment.

That, with the diesel fuel tower tank, and three 500 gallon propane tanks, fuel is not a problemo... It will be when the shtf! But we always have firewood from the 5-6 sections of land we oversee for the tribe to keep our tootsies warm!

[CottonBall]

I had to recalculate your inches snowfall to feet, which is what we measure it by. About 25 feet is our average, so we’d be snowed in without snowplows. We have snowmobiles - that’s the reason for having a cabin with such ridiculous snowfall ;) But without fuel, we’d be stuck.

Sounds like you’d have it better, with less snow. Although that cold would do be in - even with lots of wood available. Although our wood stove drives us out of the cabin sometimes, it works so well.

[CottonBall]

Water - yes, that will be a big deal when we figure out where to go to. Being in CA now and having no rain, one is completely dependent on the city utilities (whether it’s water directly or electricity).

I ‘think’ KY gets enough rain for farming, but I’m not entirely sure.

Kansas doesn’t?

Sure, I’ll keep in touch. Will you be able to check back here or is this a temporary interlude?

[teenyelliott]

I'll be around here, but keeping up with the farm and both websites takes a bunch of time. I would certainly contribute to a new homesteading thread in honor of granny, if anyone decides to do that. If you hear anything, let me know! And you can always send me a message at the farm website.

And no, for the past two years our temps here in Kansas have been higher than normal in the summer, and rainfall has been lower than normal. I'd rather be in Washington or Oregon, but the politics and homeschooling laws are pretty sucky. Maybe northern Idaho would be my choice. I really don't want to be on a coast, but at least further north the summer temps wouldn't be so bad, so everything wouldn't need as much water. If the summers continue on they way they have here, I just don't see how I can stay long term. We'll see.

Kentucky is so, so beautiful. What made you choose that state?

I've lived in Tennessee and hubby is from South Carolina, and while I love to visit, the southern culture is just too different for me.

[CottonBall]

Kentucky is so, so beautiful. What made you choose that state?

I've lived in Tennessee and hubby is from South Carolina, and while I love to visit, the southern culture is just too different for me.

Then maybe there's something I need to know before deciding ;) What's the southern culture?

We are looking at a variety of issues and trying to come up with the best compromise. Weather is a biggie, as well as farm/house/acreage prices. Taxes and state politics another, esp gun laws. I've always been from dry areas, Texas and California, and would love to see some green for a change. I mean trees, lots of trees, not just grassland. Pretty terrain, trees and hills, is on the want list. And I'm sick of hot summers also, and especially don't want hot and humid. So, looking at the weather all over the US, esp with my 8500 mile driving trip in August - Texas and Arkansas and Tennesse were out! The weather was miserable, near 100 with 80+% humidity. The highs dropped 10 degrees in KY and VA, making it bearable. VA was by far prettier than KY, along the Blue Ridge Parkway especially, but I don't like how they voted in November! And another concern is the big cities on the coast voting the rest of the state tax increases - we get that all the time here in CA, where the red counties are outvoted by the liberals. I don't want to get in that situation in VA. Idaho was gorgeous - but the winters look pretty bad. Two months of summer will make growing anything difficult as well. I like the independent spirit on WY, MT, and ID - but it seemed too rural, even for me. Long stretches of empty road. Anyway, that's my thinking for now. I want to see Missouri on my next trip out. Oh, and I LOVED Iowa - the farms were so beautiful, like patchwork quilts all over the hills, and the smell in the air was so clean and fresh. Hubby looked up house/farm prices at my insistence. But then - alas, the winter weather there is as bad as Idaho! Who would've thought? But at least, we know things can grow there. But they are wishy-washy as far as their politics go. There is no one perfect place, but anything will be better than CA, so I"m sure we'll be happy enough anywhere else.

[CottonBall]

Oh, another criteria. I won’t live in any state within 2 or 3 states of the border. All the border states are ruined. The states next to them are close to it. I’d like less diversity and more English spoken!

[CottonBall]

Oh, another criteria. I won’t live in any state within 2 or 3 states of the border. All the border states are ruined. The states next to them are close to it. I’d like less diversity and more English spoken!

Oh and rainfall looks good in KY as well. For farming, ya know? And it’s in the center of the country, so it appears the weather is moderated some. Not as bad as more southern states in the summer, not as bad as more northern states in the winter. The counties we’re looking at voted about 70% Republican in the last 2 elections too, with the state going that way as well. The governor and legislature appears to be primarily Republican most of the time. Gun laws are pretty good too. Oh, and people were SO friendly. The nicest of any state that I stopped and spent time in enough to get a feel for it.

[teenyelliott]

Oh, another criteria. I won’t live in any state within 2 or 3 states of the border. All the border states are ruined. The states next to them are close to it. I’d like less diversity and more English spoken!

Agree 100%. # of welfare recipients is important, too.

[Delta Dawn]

‘I asked my wife if the chickens needed a flat screen TV and a microwave, too.’

I am sure that the little woman replied with something sweet like, ‘Oh, aren’t you precious?’

[CottonBall]

# of welfare recipients is important, too.

Very true. We discarded WV cuz of that, plus the personal property tax they have and how very rural a lot of the places are. Even too rural for us! Most towns other than the big ones seemed really run down and old.

KY isn't very good as far as people being self-supporting either. Not legally. Oh well, can't have it all....

[Lancey Howard]

Actually, she just gave me a look. Like this one: