Old 'homesteader' here to meet those doin' | New Member Introduction | Forums

Hello to all that are active as well as lurkers at this board. I have been a member of other forums, moderated a few and love to share chatting on topics of interest.

My background is a bit of a longer list of doings. I grew up at the edge of a tract of homes that backed up to fields and orchards. As a kid I loved exploring near by creeks, orchards and building 'forts'. It seems I never lost that interest in 'structures' though it didn't turn out to be my occupation (well maybe sorta ;-).

I married what some would consider young (19) but to a more mature guy (late 20s) and we have build a strong partnership over 40+ years. One of the things that really tested and strengthened our relationship was when we cashed in our suburbia house and moved to a remote 40 acres. There we lived 'camping' for the first few years - out house, hauling water, cooking with wood etc. We fenced the property, designed and built a passive solar adobe home, slowly built up a solar electrical system and lived frugally enough to not have to return to commuting and working a job for income. Fast forward 30 years and while we have moved from that homestead, we retain a love for the practice of DIY and being as independent as we can manage (now in our golden years). 

I am here to find if there are others who share such independent desires which we are NOT seeing in the any younger people that we have had contact with. I know I was inspired by the original The Mother Earth News as it featured the likes of Helen & Scott Nearing, and The Shuttleworth's (then) excellent publication which I still have issues 1 - 120. We never did everything that I read in those pages, but I always felt comforted that I could do whatever I wanted if I was willing to take the time to read, understand and apply myself to what I wanted to do. I also feel very strongly about how quite possible it remains for a couple of people to have a GOOD life like we have had as long as they are willing to roll up their sleeves, dig into WORK and apply themselves in as efficient (mind and body) manner as they are able. 

I do hope that my introduction provides some interest to the group here as well as sparks discussion and sharing too.

Suncerely, Jain