| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| sassysquirrel |
Posted - Oct 19 2006 : 8:08:12 PM
Hello girls, Sassy Squirrel here. My husband and I have had "the dream" of a simple life in a rural area for the past decade. We live in Central Florida (very close to Mickey Mouse), and I am ashamed to say that we have gotten caught up in the rat race. We drive an SUV, our two boys are in private school and we are a little spoiled by Starbuck's. Yet, as our boys get older (5 and 6), we would love to experience a different kind of life with them. We have been pouring over the road atlas and rural real estate websites every spare moment this month and I feel like there's no turning back! My question is this: My husband works from home as a IT manager for a major corporation and I have stayed home with the kids since they were born. How do you make a living? Is everyone a farmer that lives on a farm? Do you grow food and animals for your own use and then have another job? My husband works via the computer so we could live anywhere and he could still keep his job, but does farm life require all your time during the day to make sure things are milked and fed? What about vacations? How do you go away and leave your animals? We always board our dogs. Are there people that do that sort of thing - farm-sitters? Anyway, before suburban life ruins us, we are ready to take the plunge. I dream of a life of canning jellies and gathering egss, wearing an apron and teaching my boys that there is more to life than television. We are a tight-knit family and we know that anywhere we are together will be home, it's just scary to leave what you know, even if it's for something better. Can anyone relate? I want to be sure I'm not just building up my romantic notion of what country life is -- pies cooling in the window sill, deer prancing over the fence, blah, blah, blah. Plus, our electric bill this month was $596.00 and I can't take it anymore!!
"Cherish the little things, for they are often the big things." |
| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - Oct 24 2006 : 06:00:47 AM
Hi Kimberly - welcome and I'll add my words of encouragement to the rest. I've been where you are, and after waiting for careers to finish up, DH and I are chucking the suburban life for more rural pastures. We are keeping the SUV though - it comes in handy!
Starbucks "ain't got nothing on" a fresh cup of anything (tea, cocoa,Maxwell House, Folgers or even (ta da) packaged Starbucks coffee that you can brew at home!) while watching and working to make your dreams take shape.
DH and I are transitioning into retirement and slowly moving from hectic Northern Virginia to a slower pace on a large tract of land southeast of Fredericksburg, and we can barely stand to come back to the suburbs on Sunday nights. We already feel the difference in our minds and bodies, the stress falling away and the satisfaction of being in and around a more natural environment. Our kids are grown, but we wish we'd had/taken this opportunity while they were young. I firmly believe that kids raised in a farm environment are much healthier, happier, self-sufficient, and more knowledgeable about all sorts of things that will help them throughout the rest of their life. Caring for animals, seeing where food comes from, learning to repair broken items, understanding weather patterns, appreciating the extras instead of feeling entitled to getting anything and everything they want. I could go on and on. You will still be able to give them access to cultural events with daytrips, weekends and vacations.
One thing we have found (I plan to start telecommuting 2 days a week from the farm in a few more months) is that there is only dial-up internet access in that area. That might be an issue for your DH if he needs high-speed access to work from home. More and more rural areas are getting high-speed but you'll want to check on the service options as part of your decision.
To reiterate other points made in this topic, you will save money (gas, retail price of Starbucks) and you'll find many things to occupy your time, and possibly provide income as a stay-at home mom. There will be neighbors who will barter with you for things you can do that they cannot/will not/ don't wanna do.
Keep up your research, and reading FarmGirl Connection, especially the Entreprenuer forum where people discuss what they do for a living. If you like kids (other than your own!) you may be able to offer daycare to those who have to work outside the home, at their house (if DH can't take the extra noise) or at your house.
As for location, I "think" that Tennessee land is going to be less expensive than Virginia land prices. Things are going crazy here, and a lot of working people are actually living in West Virginia and commuting into Maryland and D.C. as well as Northern Virginia. Both states are similar in their topography (?) so you should probably spend some time looking around both states.
Hope that helps - I say "Go for it!"
Jo
P.S. I am cutting and pasting from Bee Haven's posting about ways to make money at home. Our beloved Tina Michelle and her DH have a wonderful magazine on small town living...here's the comment from Bee Haven:
For ideas about working at home, you might want to check out a new magazine Tina Michelle and her husband are working on. The website is: www.stliving.net. On page 12, there is an article about that very thing. And the rest of the magazine is fantastic, as well. The magazine is titled "Small Town Living". |
| asnedecor |
Posted - Oct 22 2006 : 4:14:24 PM
Kimberly -
Welcome to the sight. I grew up on a small farm here in Oregon where my parents were part time farmers. My dad worked in Portland 5 days a week and worked on the farm on weekends. My mom worked in Salem during the school year and had summers off. We three kids helped on the farm and as we grew older we took on some of the tractor duties to help out my dad. We had animals - all kinds from sheep to cows to pigs. My parents grew blueberries - so picking berries every summer was our job as kids. We had vacations, usually after the harvest and neighbors and my grandmother usually looked out after the animals. It can be done - and it is great that your husband can work anywhere, that makes it a bit easier.
Again, welcome to the group.
Anne in Portland, OR
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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| want2danse |
Posted - Oct 21 2006 : 11:45:35 AM
Hi Kimberly and welcome!
I see that you've received a lot of great advise already. What Jenny, Diane and a couple of the others said about "testing out" some of the situations you might find in farmlife is great advise. That being said.....
I've always been an impulsive person and really did very little research before I left the city life of southern California (ALSO next to Mickey Mouse) and moved to a town in northern Idaho with a population of 676...and I moved here alone (my kids are both in college). For me, the country has always been in my heart and I knew I'd be fine.
I've only been here a year, but thanks to a wonderful (strong male) friend, we have set up a garden, an orchard and a chicken coop/run. I've not yet attempted to do anything with my farmette to make an income - that will take some time and research. Fortunately, I can still work as a registered nurse part-time.
I think that what you will find in the country, is that you don't need to spend so much money on entertainment, or "eating-out" or eating pre-packaged food. You will find so much joy in just watching the trees and the sky and the birds, and the squirrels, AND the deer (although those pesky deer keep eating my peonies), taking walks around the property, feeding the chickens, etc. You will also probably spend less money on clothing.......in Florida, as in southern California, there is so much emphasis on appearance. In the country, people are just happy if you show up CLEAN. :) As far as vacations, I've yet to want one. But I've had neighbors offer to watch the chickens (in exchange for gathering and keeping the eggs) in the event that I go out of town.
I think that you're already a country girl at heart. And like Robin said, "where there's a will, there's a way".
I wish you happiness in whatever decision you make.
XOXO Shelley
If you're going to walk on thin ice, you might as well danse. |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Oct 21 2006 : 11:35:22 AM
[quote]Originally posted by sassysquirrel
We'd like at least 30 acres and I must be near a fabric store or quilt shop.
LOL...you are a true farmgirl my friend.
Best wishes on your new adventure, you will love it!
Di |
| sassysquirrel |
Posted - Oct 21 2006 : 11:32:38 AM
The response that I have gotten from one little post on this site almost brings me to tears. If these are the kind of sweet spirits that live the farm life, then my mind is made up. Everyone has been so gracious to give advice and encouragement. I don't think I could ever be lonely! We have narrowed our search to Virginia or Tennessee. We'd like at least 30 acres and I must be near a fabric store or quilt shop. Other than that, we're keeping an open mind!
Kimberly
"Cherish the little things, for they are often the big things." |
| Kelly43 |
Posted - Oct 21 2006 : 07:33:12 AM
Welcome Kimberly! These farmgals have the best advice don't they? Both my husband and I work off the farm, him full time me part time and we manage. We have two girls, both teenagers now, that are a big help. It is great to raise kids in this environment. Go for it!!
Kelly |
| tsalagi |
Posted - Oct 21 2006 : 07:19:35 AM
Follow your heart, and Life will change for the better!
Welcome to a place where you can ask for help, share ideas and advice, and feel safe.
Jo
!! Imagine !!
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| Mumof3 |
Posted - Oct 21 2006 : 05:52:38 AM
Hi Kimberly, and welcome! If you have dreams of leading a simpler life, then you can do it! Weaning yourself off of Starbucks might be tough though!;)
It is a wonder to me how much we do not need in order to survive. I find myself longing for the days when my husband and I were first married, with an apartment furnished with furniture that my husband and his brother made, simple home-cooked meals and no bills to speak of!! I don't live on a farm, but next spring my friend and I are getting a small flock of chickens (what is it about women and chickens?) and we will sell the eggs we collect to friends and family. My garden is being readied in the front yard after a year off and I can't wait!! I think that strong desire to get back to basics come from deep inside of us. And that longing for simple is a very connective thing. Just look at all of the kindred spirits on this forum!!!! So, if a farm and the life that comes along with it is what you want- Go for it!!! We'll all be right behind you!!
Karin |
| KarenP |
Posted - Oct 21 2006 : 05:23:03 AM
Welcome Kimberly,
There is a wealth of knowledge in this forum.
You will learn lots, as I have, but we want you to share your wisdom with us too!
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
| Norskema |
Posted - Oct 20 2006 : 3:25:54 PM
Hi Kimberly,
I think you have some good questions and concerns about changing your lifestyle. One way you might try and see how you would adjust is to make some changes now. One of the most obvious is not running to the store every day to pick up milk or bread, etc. Living in the country or even in a small town where you might have to go farther away to get extra supplies, you could try to plan out your shopping for a week at a time. When all the kids were home I shopped for two weeks at a time to avoid making extra trips to the store. You make out a menu and a shopping list of ingredients, canvas the house for other low supplies, etc. Things that your husband might hire out to have done, maybe he can try to do some of those things himself. I think that makes more sense than selling everything and making a drastic change only to find out you don't have the heart for it. By the way, your kids will love it!
Every way of a man seems right to himself but the Lord is the tester of hearts. Proverbs 21:2 |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Oct 20 2006 : 12:00:58 PM
Welcome Kimberly
You will soon find that the ladies and gents here are just like yourself. We all did not start on a farm or ranch, some have large scale operations while others live the country life in their apartment. I think more then ever it is that we have all made a internal decission to put what we feel is important above all the hype and starbucks. I know for myself, I do not miss the Bahamas, I find much more joy in helping a ewe give birth or sitting for hours spinning my newest yarn from one of my loving goats. I have two boys now ages 19 and 22 but I started this farm when they were young boys. The three of us have had hard times but the good always sticks in our minds. My boys started in private schools and country clubs but thrived in their little country school house and 4H clubs. The hard work, pride in themselves and what they do for a living has made them exceptional young men and now when they are out in the world they have a true understanding of what is important. I think if you can answer the question "If I died today was it a good day"?
with a true yes, then you are where you need to be. If not, never be scared to change! I will never tell someone to become a farmer/rancher I just say to them "Become your TRUE PASSION"
Welcome again and I look foreword to hearing more from you and thanks to all the ladies for their words of wisdom.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep |
| ThymeForEweFarm |
Posted - Oct 20 2006 : 04:28:39 AM
Welcome! You can do it, Kimberly! You've gotten excellent advice. Here's my situation. I drive an SUV - I need space for my daughter and her friends and all their gear (athletes), and I need four wheel drive in the winter. There aren't any private schools out here but we do send our daughter to a school outside our union. It's a much smaller school and is academically far ahead of our other options. No Starbucks either so having realllllly good coffee is now a treat to look forward to.
My husband is a forester and I'm an editor. He works off the farm and I work from my home office. I'm busier some parts of the year than others. It really doesn't take a lot of time to grow/raise your own food and get it put up once you've learned how. This fall has been stressful because I've had too much to do but it's temporary and we can do just about anything temporarily because we are after all, farmers.
If there's a will there's a way. One sentence describes who I was and now am - I traded heels and suits for jeans and boots. I've never regretted the trade.
We haven't had deer over the fence but we have had moose hanging around. http://www.thymeforewe.com/bullmoose.jpg This big guy and two of his friends have kept me distracted this week.
Welcome to your start at rural life. It's a wild ride!
Robin
www.thymeforewe.com
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| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Oct 19 2006 : 11:23:36 PM
Hi and welcome Kimberly!! I did exactly what Aunt Jenny suggests while we waited 15+ years to be able to afford to move to a small hobby farm and we sure haven't regretted it for even one second.
As far as my girls' transformation: #1 - studio dance teacher and cruise line production performer - now a lab tech, grows and crafts beautiful gourd art; #2 - from living in a dance studio and cruise line performer to volunteer with local fire dept., bakes for the farmer's market and in school furthering her paramedic training; #3 - faced a 9 month long, serious and painful Ilizarov orthopedic procedure two months after we moved...healed mentally & physically by raising rabbits. She loves to help sell at market.
I think Gloria says it best when she says it can be as simple or not as you want it to be. I still consider my new lifestyle as a "romantic notion" as you say...the reality in what I CHOOSE to do is way different!! I have developed a fairly successful market garden and raise and sell organic eggs. I have done meat birds and raised pigs, the former I will do again...don't ask about the pigs!
My days can be gruelling hard labor and oh so extremely satisfying, frustrating and very rewarding. Many nights I fall into bed dead tired, but always with a relaxed, happy smile. I just can't imagine any other lifestyle now.
If you should decide to change your lifestyle I have some words of advice: get and use a journal! My city girl to farm girl transformation has produced some pretty funny (and sometimes embarassing) stories!
Best of luck to you,
Diane
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| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Oct 19 2006 : 10:14:08 PM
Welcome Kimberly!! I am so glad you found us..you are for sure in the right place here! Arn't these gals great???? I live in town (granted it is a TINY town) on a small farmette and still do things as from scratch as I can and love it. I think it is such a great life for kids. If I were you I would start some of the things NOW. Wearing and apron..learning to can jellies, baking pies from scratch and growing what you can where ever you can..you can do it!! And reading and research...I still love to do that..you always learn something new. I say Bloom where you are planted. Then when you get where you want to be you will have a good start.
I trade milking and feeding chores with friends when one of us has to be out of town. I plan our vacation around the two months per year that my milk cow will be dry, and don't get any sleep during lambing and calving time and love every minute of it!!
It will be fun to get to know you here..you have the right idea!!
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 |
| Marybeth |
Posted - Oct 19 2006 : 9:51:04 PM
Hi Kimberly. Welcome to the forum. All advice here is good advice. What you have read so far is excellent. Country/small town or even isolated life is great. Children and animals do wonders for the soul. Even after a day of fixing fences (always) or rassling animals you can sit back in the evening and feel good about yourself and what you are doing.
Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance! |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 19 2006 : 8:47:55 PM
Hi Kimberly- Welcome to the forums!
This is just my humble opinion so please feel free to agree or disagree with me if you want. :)
I think everyone has it in them to live the Rural/Farm life. If your family does decide to make the decision- it could be the best thing that you could ever possibly imagine. But you need to make sure you are really committed to the hard work and the realities of the lifestyle.
You can live on acreage and not do anything with it. Or you could have a farmyard ranch- run just enough cows/sheep/chickens and garden to supply your family with it's food needs. Learning how to grow crops would not only require a significant commitment on your part but a large financial investment in land and machinery.
If you do move to the country there are some other lifestyle changes you might want to consider. You probably would not be able to drive into town as often- especially not with gas prices the way they are. Also your housing might need to be downsized too. But that can actually be a good thing! Also your kids might not be able to go to their same private school (gas and transportation costs) but you could look into local homeschooling co-ops and such which can be just as good if not better.
Growing your own food can be a great thing. Not only does it make you feel wonderful to see things go from seedlings to fruition but you know exactly what chemicals are being used. If you decided to run animals you will need to consider feeding needs and possible vet costs.
Basically I think you and your family is prepared to put in the sometimes long hours that farm life can require, (animals needing to be seen to first etc) and the changes in social aspects then I would strongly encourage you to try it! I don't think there is anything negative from living on a farm. It can be extremely hard work depending on the choices you make, but when working on a farm it is strong honest labor. Also you only reap the rewards of the labor you put forth. It is a great lesson to grow up around and is a great lesson for any adult to learn too!
Good luck with your decision! I hope what you decide brings you peace and happiness. |
| berries |
Posted - Oct 19 2006 : 8:38:04 PM
Kimberly, you can do anything you want to do. It could be as simple or not as you want it. If you don't need to make a living, and your husband can work at home anywhere, then you could keep it manageable. Have some chickens, and collect the eggs for your family, bake and sew when you want and need to. You could home school your children, and have a few animals. Your life is what ever you want it to be. There is one gal on here with a 70 square foot garden. Read over this site and you will see how happy, and content most of us are. You could have a real working farm, from sun up to dark, lot's of animals, or none at all. Just remember, your children are only that age once! Enjoy every moment you can with them, because when they are grown and off, you will miss them so much! I now keep myself busy quilting and do it for a living. But my sons are grown. My husband lost his job, and now works 58 miles from our place, and makes a lot less money, but loves every minute of it. So do what your heart tells you! This is a great place to start! Thanks for joining us! You can do it!!!!!!
farmgirl welcome, hugs, love and strawberries to you, gloria g. Richards, TX
strawberry fields forever and ever! |
| ByHzGrace |
Posted - Oct 19 2006 : 8:33:59 PM
hi Kimberly
welcome to the connection ... I am east of you in Brevard.
Yes, we can have our dream life... and gee isn't polk county country? All my PopPop talked about over in Lake County was how Polk was known to be grand cattle/dairy country and ya got fruit tooo be a strawberry farmer or citrus...there are even vineyards in your county right and I remember on trail rides meeting up with a bunch from your polk....and yes there are buddies that will help with chores ...y'all find with farm folk that kinda turn around and y'all do unto others ya know what y'all would want done for ya But you may find THE vacation is living y'all dream too! |
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