| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Christine in Clark Fork |
Posted - Mar 14 2006 : 10:40:35 PM
Hello to everyone out there. I have been viewing this website for several weeks but am just getting around to signing on. I am new to the computer so please bear with me.
My name is Christine and in 1995, my husband and I moved to the mountains outside of Clark Fork, Idaho. Population currently stands at myself, my husband, 3 children (8, 5 and 18 months), 1 horse, umpteen chickens, 2 dogs, 4 cats. In the summer, I raise lambs for the freezer. I have also raised goats and rabbits. I garden, quilt, hunt deer for the freezer, live off the grid, collect rain for water and cook on a wood cook stove (which reminds me, I need to get my zuchinni bread out of the oven; be right back).
My mother introduced me to Mary Jane's book last summer and took me down to her farm last July. I was impressed with how Mary Jane markets what she has to offer. It was truly inspiring and gave me lots of ideas.
I have been a stay at home mom for 8 years. As our youngest daughter gets older, I will have to go back to work. This prompted a real soul searching on what did I really want to do. I love my place, being with my kids and homesteading. But how do you make that pay?
After reading Mary Jane's book, visiting her farm, talking to them on the phone and networking with other people. I am planning to open a tent and breakfast. I am currently working with the county on getting a conditional use permit. I will build it this summer and open next year (May 2007). Wish me luck. The amount of red tape for such a small, home based business is mind boggling.
I would appreciate any suggestions, advice or ideas anyone might have. Thanks for being there. You are really a special group of people. |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Christine in Clark Fork |
Posted - Mar 16 2006 : 09:42:17 AM
Thanks for the welcome. What a wonderful group of ladies you are.
Karin--I was born and raised in the East Valley area of Spokane and my husband was born and raised 30 minutes south of Spokane on a farm. Hope you and your daughter can come up. Humble though it is, I am rather proud of all that has been done up here. My husband and I started with a bare piece of ground and with no prior experience, we built our home. If I would have known how much work it would be, I wouldn't have had the nerve to start. Ignorance is bliss I guess. However, I have always wanted to live "Little House on the Prairie" and wouldn't change anything.
Alison--Clark Fork is located at the mouth of Lake Pend O'reille. I live 30 miles east of Sandpoint, Idaho. My house is approximately 6 miles from the Montana border. Highway 200 and the Clark Fork River pass less than 2 miles from my home. Hope you can make it down. |
| ali2583 |
Posted - Mar 15 2006 : 2:31:44 PM
Welcome to the farm, Christine! Your idea for a tent and breakfast sounds so fantastic! Where exactly is Clark Ford, ID? I could probably drive down to your tent and breakfast once it's open; I'm in Lethbridge, AB Canada, which is about 3hrs from Whitefish, Montana. How close are you to the Montana border?
So glad you like MJ's book too. I have it on my nightstand and read a little every night.
Enjoy your time on the farm!
"God's gift to you is life. What you choose to do with that life is your gift to God" |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Mar 15 2006 : 11:16:56 AM
Welcome Christine..what a fun idea for a home business. I sure wish you luck..you sure have a beautiful place to do it!! Your place and life sound just wonderful!! And Idaho...I LOVE Idaho!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Julia |
Posted - Mar 15 2006 : 10:46:59 AM
welcome Christine! HOw fun to be you own town. I love the idea of you tent and breakfast! Julia V.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| blueroses |
Posted - Mar 15 2006 : 09:44:52 AM
Hi Christine,
Welcome from a farmgirl down in Rathdrum. Will look forward to your tent & breakfast. It's really beautiful up where you live. Keep us posted.
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| lonestargal |
Posted - Mar 15 2006 : 08:47:21 AM
Hi Christine and welcome!! Sounds like you have your hands full but it also sounds like you are in heaven where you are. Hope to get to know you better!! |
| YiberryYadeeKarin |
Posted - Mar 15 2006 : 07:54:01 AM
Christine!
Welcome!
I live in Spokane Valley but work in northern Idaho (CdA area) and have been through Clark Fork many times (last time was last August or September). What a beautiful area!
Hope to get to know you better. Maybe we can come up for a visit sometime? My daughter is ten -- not TOO far away from eight!
Karin |
| farmgrlchick |
Posted - Mar 15 2006 : 07:38:43 AM
Wow! Welcome Christine, sounds like you are living a dream. Wishing you the very best and we'll see you around the connection!
Farmgirl Blessings,
Theresa |
|
|
