So I cannot think of a better “First Post” for this blog than to simply explain why we have decided to depart from a somewhat rural suburb (we have 3AC currently, 45 min from a City of 1.5 Million), to one of the least populated counties in our state, a county without even a hospital. Simply put it is partially common sense and partially a calling from God to live a more simple and worthwhile life.
Oh, and we are not the typical young family, in fact, our youngest is 18 and the wife and I are in our mid-fifties! So this journey will be a little different that what is commonly found on preparedness and homesteading blogs. Common sense tells me there is something wrong in the world. A lot of somethings actually, crime, the threat of a world war, political shenanigans, and the slow but steady loss of freedom. Time spent on a silent retreat at an abbey last summer, getting a glimpse of a simpler way of life, closer to nature and God pushed me over the edge and cemented my plan to escape from as much civilization as possible!
So how can homesteading and practical rural living improve my freedom? Simple, being self-sufficient means I have more control over the two most basic needs of life: Security and health (food)! For us, that means finding a rural place to not only set up our farmstead to provide food and physical security but also to turn any food production surpluses into “retirement” income streams. This includes plans for greenhouses and a Meadery!
During covid, we spent much of the lockdown time driving through seven counties in northern Appalachia looking for a small farm property of 8-40 Acres. We had a desire for enough property for gardens, greenhouses, and livestock (especially bees and chickens). What we finally were able to secure was a bit over 18 acres near the Ohio River. It is a mix of wooded and pasture with about 4 AC tillable. It also has a 1/3Ac pond! Our goal is to be fully moved onto the property by Summer 2024. Currently, we have built a small barn/cabin on the property and have started planting edibles! Stay with us as we continue this journey and with any luck we will motivate you to join us on a farmstead of your own, where you are in control of your security and future all while embracing a back-to-basics lifestyle.