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A Farm of My Own:  Doing it on your own  |
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 05:59:22 AM
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Farmgirls don't need a man around! It's nice if you have one for all the heavy stuff, but sometimes they just get in the way! I think there are quite a few farmgirls only homesteads on here. I have a DH, but I do most of the growing and fencing and building myself. He is the information expert and I am the hands on expert, so it works out pretty well.
Why not go out on a limb, that's where all the fruit is! "Mark Twain"
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922 |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 06:47:31 AM
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I think that you are gonna be just fine. Get some help with building, moving heavy stuff and that kind of thing when you need it, but by all means get those chickens! grow a garden and put up some canned goods...it feels really good to be self-sufficient. You will likely meet some Michigan farmgirls and may want to form a chapter or see if there is one nearby that you can join. Farmgirls love to help other farmgirls =) What ever you do have a big bunch of fun and joy doing it!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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vegetarian farmer
True Blue Farmgirl
249 Posts
Jane
Freedom
pa
USA
249 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 07:24:41 AM
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Think of the mighty elephant. They live in female only families. They help raise each others young, help if one is sick, travel hundreds of miles a day, and deal with all kinds of obstacles. They live very long, fruitful lives. Where as male headed packs involve fighting, killing, and sometimes poop throwing. So Michele, a few female friends and you can do anything.
jane
http://hardworkhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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chaddsgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
843 Posts
Sarah
Farmgirl Sisterhood #639
MO
USA
843 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 08:01:37 AM
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My very best friend and I divorced about the same time and both of us had farms. We hauled hay together, built/fixed fence together, wintered our animals together, everything. As it turned out, working together there was absolutely nothing we couldn't do together. Sometimes we did need each other, but we definitely didn't need a man. In fact, just like Diane said, we found men mostly cramped our style. :) Of course, we both got remarried about the same time too. Nothing has been the same since.
Michele, you and your sister would absolutely be able to make it without a man! Plus you can always barter for services or hire help if you absolutely need it.
A person is a success if they get up in the morning and get to bed at night and in between does what they want to do. Bob Dylan
Deeperrootsfarm.etsy.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 08:12:50 AM
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Hi Michele-
I am not doing it alone yet, but I will be. I mean, my husband will be there but he has already stated quite clearly that he wants nothing to do with anything farmish and I will be the sole feeder of animals and tender of plants.
I worked at a horse ranch one summer when all the guys were gone. There were days I went home so bone tired but in a good way, ya know? There is a certain satisfaction in knowing that you can trust your own body to do the work needing to be done. Occasionally when we had a busy week and needed some extra help we would hire some high school farm boy from my boss's church to do things like hauling the big bales of hay (130 + lbs) and such.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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Lessie Louise
True Blue Farmgirl
1406 Posts
Carol
PECULIAR
MO
USA
1406 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 12:02:24 PM
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Michele, find a copy of Country Women by s.Thomas and it is a great book, about a woman who winds up having a farm and going it alone. It's full of great advice, from hoow to plant a garden to rasing chickens to building a fence. Carol
Forget buns of steel, I'd rather have buns of cinnamon!
Farmgirl #680! |
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solilly
True Blue Farmgirl
726 Posts
Lillian
Williamsburg
Virginia
USA
726 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 1:23:23 PM
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I'M with a lot of the other girls. I have a hubby but a lot of the things I want and need he can not understand so it is just better to do it myself. He does the tractor and wood cutting work I do the hole digging, some planting, pole tying, picking, cleaning, freezing, yard work in general. So we don't always need a man and any way most people will help for a free meal. Lilly 
learning the life I always wanted. |
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SuzieQ
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Suzie
Texas
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 2:24:01 PM
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| Michele, you can go to youtube and search homesteading and learn multiple how to's from canning to making a potato hoe to raised beds. I have learned how to knit and can from those sites. Research reasearch and then some more. I have seen sites on the computer about farms that do internships for a year and you learn lots of homesteading, gardening, and animal care. good luck |
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 3:29:27 PM
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My sister and I want to go it along too. I have a husband that works away from home most of the time so he isn't there to help out. We have replaced the hot water heater in the attic etc by ourselves, he was in Russia. My husbands family is not long lived, most of the men have died in their early 60's. (not that I am wanting him to die mind you) but we have to think ahead. I will have my own land and farm house at some point and if he is there great, if not well we will handle it. I have three daughters that feel much the same. My middle one has even repaired her boyfriends car for him. We girls can do anything. I learned working with horses, that if you think smart not strong there is nothing you can't do.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer". |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 6:31:19 PM
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Here's my 2 cents: If your dream is to be in the country, own alittle land, have a garden and some chickens, well I say go for! Aslong as you are willing to give up some blood, sweat and tears, ask for help when you really need it, start small and easy and build up to what you can handle, and remember, farm life is 365 days a year, no matter the weather, or if your are sick, this life waits for no one, you become apart of the earth when farming, no matter how small your farm is. I am a widow, for going on 3 years now, my youngest son, his wife and their son, my grandson live here and work the place with me, but that wasn't always the way, my son did 2 tours in Iraq, and was not here for awhile after his Daddy died, and when my hubby was alive, before he got sick, he worked off our place 5-6days aweek as a diesel mechanic. So I did alot on my own, cause alot of time, it had to be done RIGHT NOW. I hope what you truely want, happens the way you want, and sooner, rather than later.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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gr8tfulmom
True Blue Farmgirl
143 Posts
Sarah
South Haven
MI
143 Posts |
Posted - Mar 04 2010 : 11:04:05 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by solilly
I'M with a lot of the other girls. I have a hubby but a lot of the things I want and need he can not understand so it is just better to do it myself. He does the tractor and wood cutting work I do the hole digging, some planting, pole tying, picking, cleaning, freezing, yard work in general. So we don't always need a man and any way most people will help for a free meal. Lilly
learning the life I always wanted.
Very well-put and similar to our place 
adding to the choir of 'you can do it'
Farmgirl sister #779
http://symbioticstitches.blogspot.com/ |
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
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lindyfran
Farmgirl in Training
44 Posts
LINDY
shelton
WA
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2010 : 2:52:23 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by vintagediva1
Are any of you gals doing the farm/country life on your own?
I mean without a hubby or man around.
I am widowed and my single sister lives with me. We are in our late 50s and want to move to the country. What do ya think. I NEED some chickens. And some self sufficiency.
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.artfire.com
Love that good ole vintage junk
Lady who owns a farm that wants it to be nurtured,cared for & a real working farm |
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JoAtHarstine
Farmgirl at Heart
4 Posts
Jo
Shelton
Wa
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 5:20:27 PM
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Hello, everyone!
LindyFran and I are the Harstine Island Farm Girls chapter, located at the south end of Puget Sound just north of Olympia. We're trying to take an old 8-acre dairy farm and turn it back into a productive farm. We're both experienced gardeners but we've never undertaken a project of this size before. So, yes, we'd LOVE to have some help. There's room for two or three more farmgirl types -- experience not required. We're all learning here. Just bring your enthusiasm!
We'll be starting with herbs and veggies and flowers in raised beds, selling at the local farmers market. Maybe we'll get some goats and chickens later. This is a lovely area, with a marina nearby, and a lot of wildlife, too. The weather is mild year-round and I'm sorry to say we haven't seen a snowflake all winter!
Now that the rainy season is over and the planting season is nearly here, I can't wait to get my fingers in some dirt! If you're a wanna-be farm girl, you'd be welcome to join us. I'd be happy to send pictures. We live in one big modern farmhouse with private rooms and all the amenities, including a piano and a big-screen TV. Am so happy I found this wonderful site, and all the fascinating farmgirls on it. Thanks to MaryJane for making it all possible, and showing us how to go country with style! |
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Chives
True Blue Farmgirl
232 Posts
Victoria
Shelton
Washington
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2010 : 5:50:53 PM
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| What is the harstine farmgirl chapter. Is that part of mary jane or something else? Vicki |
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Rea231
True Blue Farmgirl
139 Posts
139 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2010 : 06:49:15 AM
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I am 45 and divorced last year. I have 10.5 acres and am doing it on my own. I always did the garden and that stuff on my own but I have had to shovel the roof and clean the chimmney and many other things I took for granted.It is a major adjustment and I have had to ask others for help at times but this website has been some of the best encouragement I have found. Welcome!
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. |
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debtea2
True Blue Farmgirl
1853 Posts
deborah
nutley
nj
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2010 : 7:11:32 PM
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jo
lots of luck and enjoy the journey
sounds like you will do just fine
inch by inch we find our way
jersey farmgirl |
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gwennym
Farmgirl in Training
26 Posts
Gwen
Edwardsville
IL
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2010 : 10:39:09 AM
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Michele--
I moved to Southern Illinois from Northern Illinois about 4 yrs ago and bought a home and 6 acres with my, then, sig. other. We've since had a relationship collapse, but still live together (me for expenses, him, well, who knows...). I do IT ALL ... housework, cook 6 days/week (he does Thursday), mowing, gutter cleaning, fixing the mower, feeding/watering/caring for the animals, mending fences, building chicken coops, planting, weeding ... jeez, pretty much EVERYTHING here, although he does the pool maintainence. Otherwise, he's inside watching politics and/or sports on tv with an ever-filled glass of straight vodka. Suffice it to say that I've done it in middle age (late 40's) and will continue to have a country life either with the bum or without. Preferably without, but finances keep me from finding my own homestead.
Good luck and JUST DO IT!
Gwen |
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Rea231
True Blue Farmgirl
139 Posts
139 Posts |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 01:56:00 AM
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Some of the best advice I can give anyone on their own is to find something you do well and enjoy and barter this service for the things you find difficult... for example I cook. I have had a small catering business for years, I just catered a wedding and bartered partial payment for next winters supply of firewood.(my primary heat source)
I also enjoy canning and preserving, I do this on shares for many things with neighbors.
I work with a butcher about 60 miles away...I spend a few days working with them in exchange for meat also!
As for the slug with Vodka in hand...Financial insecurity is scary for sure but I am sure you can make it work. When I first left my ex I was forced to work several jobs to pay the bills because he chose to leave the farm but I did it and so can you.There is no better feeling than independence when you have been in a bad relationship.
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. |
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katalind
True Blue Farmgirl
177 Posts
Kathy
Chapin
SC
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2010 : 12:59:02 PM
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| I think you should go for it. Nothings better than a farm girl life - man or no man. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2010 : 6:57:37 PM
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I purchased this place 14 years ago after my husband passed and I had two young sons. I grew up in town but always loved animals, land and like doing things my way. We had two llamas and a few chickens when we got here. By the end of the year I had 75 animals and was learning the fiber breeding and fiber arts business. Now I am not saying that it was a breeze but if you have a desire you find a way. When we started my boys could bearly carry a gallon bucket of water so for many years I was the muscle, when they grew we had 6 hard working hands but for the past four years it is only my two hands. It can be done if the desire is there. I went to college to learn the LAW and became an Exotic Fiber Breeder and Artist - go figure.
Life is hard work but tons of Love here at the Funny Farm...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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homsteddinmom
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Brandee
bullard
tx
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2010 : 04:32:43 AM
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My dh works full time and works alot of hrs. So i do alot myself but there are somethings that i cannot do. I am partialy handicapped so have a hard time walking sometimes so some of the hard physical stuff i just cant do anymore :(. I was born and raised on a farm and we all had to do our share so this sint anything new to me.
Homesteading Mom in East Texas. Raising chickens, Rabbits and goats here on my farm! |
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Rxgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
216 Posts
Dana
Id
USA
216 Posts |
Posted - May 29 2010 : 11:07:46 AM
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I say go for it...you can do anything you put your mind to!
Dana
"He who throws mud only loses ground"-Fat Albert |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - Jun 08 2010 : 05:06:10 AM
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You can do it!
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
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Lorraine Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
158 Posts
lorraine
salt point
ny
USA
158 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2011 : 07:21:50 AM
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I have a small hobby farm with 20 so chickens, 20 or so ducks, 2 goats.
LorraineMichelle
Chickens are like potato chips...
You can't have just one! |
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A Farm of My Own: Doing it on your own |
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Doing it on your own
