Calista
Lovin' The Homestead
I was impressed reading through the wealth of knowledge on your site, which I stumbled on by reading a post on Permies about recycling, so I'd like to join you all!
I feel I can add some wisdom from growing up a farm girl on a big spread near Eugene, Oregon, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. We lived in an old logger's shack, walked the proverbial mile uphill (both ways, heh) to catch the school bus, kept all sorts of livestock and pets, grew a big garden every year, got our water from a spring (never tested -- maybe that's why my immune system is so strong), cooked on a wood stove (got my own chainsaw as a 16th birthday present), and spent many happy hours rambling the acreage.
Retired now on only three acres but my husband of 40 years and I are making it as self-sufficient as we can. Since this is earthquake country, it just seems to be prudent to prepare in all areas.
I feel I can add some wisdom from growing up a farm girl on a big spread near Eugene, Oregon, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. We lived in an old logger's shack, walked the proverbial mile uphill (both ways, heh) to catch the school bus, kept all sorts of livestock and pets, grew a big garden every year, got our water from a spring (never tested -- maybe that's why my immune system is so strong), cooked on a wood stove (got my own chainsaw as a 16th birthday present), and spent many happy hours rambling the acreage.
Retired now on only three acres but my husband of 40 years and I are making it as self-sufficient as we can. Since this is earthquake country, it just seems to be prudent to prepare in all areas.