For years I have been talking about blogging to share our experiences living in an increasingly difficult world. Others who know me have constantly encouraged me to start as they feel that others can and will benefit from what we are doing..
Simply put, we are working to be as self sufficient as possible. Working to build a local community of resources for the things we can not do ourselves.
We are raising fruit (apples, pears, plums, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, rhubarb, gooseberries, currants and strawberries), vegetables, chickens for meat, eggs and a small income and rabbits for meat. All on .6 acres (notice the point) on the edge of a small picturesque Vermont village.
We are no different than the thousands and thousands of others doing the same thing. It is my sincere hope that this site can be a hub for a large network of like minded people. For now we will leave all pages open for comments so that discussions and ideas can be shared. Some of you have vast experience and others are just starting. We value both ends of the spectrum equally and together we can grow and make a difference.
We will be expanding this site and have made sure that there is something on each page as we launch. Hopefully these snippets will give you a little insight into us and our life. Hopefully they will entice you to keep coming back and participating as we grow.
It is exciting to finally do it and not just talk about it! It is also daunting as now there is a responsibility to keep going.
I have some catching up to do on the various pages to bring you to where we are today.. I will work to connect at least weekly as we progress into a new year and growing season. The poultry are displaying and I am anxious to start hatching and to start seeds for the garden.
One final note! I write informally as if I am talking! Lots of dashes, dots and phrases! Thomas Jefferson did it in his personal correspondence so I figure I am in good company. Jefferson also lived a life that I feel meets my definition of “Elegant Simplicity”. One keeps their hands in the earth, their connection and interaction with nature while enjoying a nice table, friends, books, music and art.
Come along with us as we make this journey.
Look forward to reading of your daily adventures! We, too, are trying to raise more veggies for canning etc and have peach trees, cherries, apple trees, blueberries and blackberries. We love our fresh eggs and home grown chickens and turkeys and always enjoy hearing about new ideas from others….. have enjoyed your posts on FB and I’m sure will enjoy your blog, also!
It is a delight to come “home” to a space where I know I will always find helpful information, insight, deep ponderings, passion, and hope. This life you lead has been a constant source of encouragement to me via Facebook. Now we have a place to meet together, share, and be community. I bless this space as it’s authors have blessed me.
Congrats on the blog! Hope you do a story on the butchering, “pooling” and composting of the 100+ chickens you did last fall. It was impressive and I refer everyone to those FB photos.
My garden club has been pressing me to ask you for a tour.
Come visit my flock and herd (just down the street) when you have a chance: http://www.tailgait.blogspot.com
May 2013 be productive for us all.
Wonderful job, Jim. You’ve created a very interesting site that I look forward to visiting again!