Using sound judgment to be more self-reliant.
Living in the County has its benefits – lower cost per acre, fewer regulations and more freedom. But with those benefits comes a distinct disadvantage – slow or no rural internet options. For the homesteading commuter, farmer or rural entrepreneur, high speed rural internet access can be a necessity. [Read more…]
My mother-in-law brought over a photo collage for my birthday last week featuring old photos from our homestead – before it was a homestead. Bare grass and gently rolling terrain was all there was to see. It was quite a reminder about how much things have changed around here. I thought you all might enjoy a little peek into how things have changed over the years. Our place will never be quite like grandma's homestead, but we've made a pretty nice oasis of growing things here. [Read more…]
Chickens are all the rage these days, and while I'm usually not big fan of “trends,” I happen to think this is a good one! There is a lot of chicken raising information out there and it can definitely be overwhelming at first. While I don't claim to be the final authority of all things chicken, I've kept a flock for several years now and want to share my seven best chicken tips for simplifying your chicken keeping. [Read more…]
After graduation, I job hunted for several months from Madison, but came up empty handed. August suggested that I move in with him at his parent's place (with their blessing – they had a big house). Now I know that some people will be put off by the idea of living together before marriage, but I sincerely believe that if you can live with both your future husband and your future in-laws for an extended time, your marriage is likely to last. You will see the good, the bad and the ugly. My husband's parents are good people, and seeing them still happily married after so many years together was a very positive thing for me, since both my dad and stepdad were pretty rotten.
August took me with on a business trip to California shortly after we moved in together in May 1994, and planned a romantic proposal on the beach. Of course, he forgot to pack the ring, so that didn't go quite as planned. Life is like that. When we got home, he proposed with his grandmother's engagement ring. She blessed us with their wedding bands as well. She and Grandpa Neverman were together so long that the bands were worn thin with age, so I only wear them on special occasions, but will treasure them always.
In case you missed it, you can read part one of this story here.
If we were to believe Hollywood and fairy tales, love is about some woman with long flowing hair being swept off her feet by her Prince Charming. Lately the Hollywood version seems to often skip spiritual love altogether, simply focusing on sex. Our other option is the sitcom version with the hapless, incompetent male being dominated by the wife who does everything. Is it any wonder that half of marriages end in divorce if folks think this is the way “love” is?
I'm lucky enough to be happily married to my best friend, August. We're been together for over 26 years, and been friends for nearly 30, so I believe we're doing something right. In the interest of bringing a little reality to the Valentine hype, I decided to share our story. [Read more…]
