Homestead Plans

Posted on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 02:06

It is a cool Saturday afternoon here, but it is tolerable, as I relax in this old rocker, feet propped on an old hassock. I have my laptop resting securely on my knees, and a warm fire burning cheerily in the free standing fireplace we have for the front porch.  It is a warm and cozy spot to sit and think about our plans for the coming year.  Hubby and the darlings are doing their own things, and these few moments are mine, to think of the future, and dream of the day when we are a family of true homesteaders.

We have a lovely old home, and we like where we live.  Our neighbors aren't too close, and yet are still near enough that we don't feel totally isolated.  As I muse over plans I have documented in our files, I am grateful for them.  They are good people who love God, and us.  The best part of all, is that they understand our desire for privacy, and respect that.  But, if we have need of them, they come running, with hearts full, and hands ready and willing to help.  We do the same for them.  It is a relationship forged over time, and in the spirit of Christion love, that blesses each of us.

Today, I am spending my quiet time reflecting the hopes that our family have written for becoming more self-sufficient.  In the months of January and February, we plan to start work on a small chicken coop, that will house ten new hens, and two fiesty roosters.  It is our hope that we will have eggs enough in the months that follow to feed our brood, and as time progresses, allow us to bless some of our friends as well.  We want to share our bounty with those who are precious to us, and pray that one day soon, we will be able to do just that. I am also looking into raising a couple of cows, so that we might be able to have a ready source of milk and cheese.  I am very fortunate, because when I was little, my wonderful grandmother took many hours of time to teach me that art of churning butter, and making fresh cheese, so I am one up on those thoughts!

I have plans to attend a weaving class starting in March of 2008.  I will have to drive about thirty miles each way to attend, but Hubby and I both feel it wil be a wonderful experience, and a lovely heirloom craft that I will one day be able to pass on to our two daughters.  I already have some small talent in making dresses and skirts, and simple flannel shirts for the hubby and our son, so learning to weave will give me a chance to expand on that skill.  Unfortunately denims are beyond my level.  The last pair I tried to make, wound up being turned into jean purses, lol!

Hubby has his own thoughts for the new year.  He is already a very skilled carpenter, but his ability is limited, because he has taught hinself everthing he knows, and he hasn't had the time to dedicate to his craft, until now.  He makes beautiful bread bowls and picture frames. He has also made kitchen cabinets that turned out wonderfully.  Yet, he wants to learn more.  So this year, he will be investing in some new carpentry books, and he and our son will be trying their hands at some new projects.  I think I am as exited as he, because I will be the blessed recipient of a new hutch and dresser for our bedroom, if all goes according to plan.

We have plans to expand our garden space as well, to include a new cold frame to raise lettuce and a few other cold weather crops.  And the spring and summer are full of the promise of a new herb garden and a bumper crop of heirloom vegitables grown from seeds our friends in California have sent us.

The most important plan of all, however, has much less to do with our home here, as it does with the one to come.  We are searching for a new church.  Not because we are unsatisfied with the one we now attend.  Far from it!  It is just that we feel that we are being led in a different direction.  And that is fine with us, because we have already been taught that our plans, our dreams, are nothing, if Christ is not at the heart of them.

All in all, I am truly looking forward to 2008.  I believe that the Lord will bless this endeavor, as we seek to serve Him, and pattern our lives after a simpler time. I hope you will also have a lovely afternoon, and muse a little about some hopes and dreams He has given you!

                             Mistypearl

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Posted by Jeannie on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 03:30 - Link

I am in the same dept as you in regards to the Church issue, Ours is a wonderful church but I feel the leading to go some where else. Great post btw.

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Posted by tractorchick72 on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 06:57 - Link

Isn't quiet thinking time nice? It sounds like you have lots of plans for the coming year. I wish you luck with all your endeavors. We (meaning I since my hubby will be gone once again) are hoping to get a good garden started this coming spring. I miss having fresh veggies to eat straight out of the garden (with the salt shaker of course lol). Maybe I'll get good enough with the tractor (yeah right!) and can use it in the garden area without hurting anything LOL.

I enjoyed your post today and hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Tricia

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Posted by smmagers on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 09:39 - Link

Your new year sounds buzzzy, but full of things that you all will enjoy. A bigger garden sounds so nice. All the home growen veggies, yumm. As for you looking for a new church, we go where God leads us. God bless you and yours. mj