We work hard, around the farm and at our part time jobs. But living is not just work. We like to play hard too. This time of year that usually is the last thing on our minds. With literally hundreds of pounds of produce coming from the yard, we don't have time to really enjoy ourselves. Our schedules between now and late October are filled with lots of canning, creating, cleaning the yard, etc. We take our vacation starting on Halloween, and the girls are always so excited when that comes around. This year is especially busy with our invitation to the Heritage Days here in Rogersville. We have several game plans on really showing our town who we are and what we do, and maybe deepen their understanding on what they are really eating when they buy from the grocery store. I think we are misunderstood at times for trying to scare or frighten, but the truth can be that way. We are not here to make big money or turn into a giant establishment (Although I'd never turn down anything free). Our main purpose of this farm, this business, is to be more self-sufficient. To research our goals, make everything with as little ingredients as possible, or- as my great grandmother would say:" Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without."
Independence is sacrifice in a way. To be independent, you must be willing to give up something. Free time, for example. In our world, it's usually money. We cannot have three of the big things that would make us more independent. Here they are:
Greywater: the use of recycled water, i.e. from the dishwasher, shower drains, washing machine is used in an irrigation system to water the plants. Rainwater can also be used when collected by barrels for our use after filtration, however- one system we researched would cost us about 5,000 dollars, and the rain barrels are cheap, but the filtration system and the plumbing changes we would need would be about the same.
Solar Panels: our home is quite large, and the sun shines on our roof 80% of the day. That would result in completely paying our electric bill and then having extra to sell back to the electric company. It would also mean no power outages, which happen frequently here. One company we looked into out of California said that we qualified for a financing option on their solar system, but did not service our area. Another we met at last year's Mother Earth News Fair in Asheville, NC did service our area but quoted us 65,000 dollars without even coming to our property.
Fencing: this is in progress with us. We have several pens around the yard, but would love to encase our land in a sturdy fence. We love having animals and want them to love their life here too, by roaming as much as practically and safely possible. But, we do have stray dogs around as well as foxes and coyotes. Our goal is to get a larger animal that is also dual purpose- such as sheep, donkey, cow or goats. Most of our land is fenced in with exception to two large pieces. We have contacted our local agriculture department and have an appointment for a possible grant towards our efforts.
Because our dreams have and probably always will be bigger then our budget, we have to have part time jobs outside the home. What we have learned though that by working outside the business we can offer our products and more importantly our education, for barely more then what we put into them.
**********I have to make an inter-junction here though. At Heritage Days (October 11-13, 2014) My goods will be very extended beyond my normal wares. My personal rule of 5 ingredients or less still applies, but my prices will have to reflect the venue. I do not plan on bringing any meats or eggs, but will bring my scheduler to plan visits for guests.
