I had planned to blog about our lamb and pork, but we have had many questions lately about living offsite. I thought I would address those today.
When we purchased our land, we had planned to continue living offsite, our home in town was paid off and it would allow us extra money to put into the farm. Since then, our farm has grown so much and continues to grow! The time we need to spend with the animals and working on the farm is growing as well. We also made the decision to open a restaurant and market in our historic building downtown, therefore using our “house” money to refurbish and redesign the building. So….. we will continue to live offsite for a bit longer. Yuck.
During the winter months, I really dislike living away from the animals. The shorter days, mud and cold cause many restless nights for our family. I think I’m wearing out Hwy 51 running back and forth between the house and the farm. The summer months are much better!
Lately, I have had to explain to everyone who comes to the farm to pickup an animal or eggs that I don’t live there. I am then forced to explain why (there is a house at the end of the driveway). Even though there is a house on the property, it belongs to someone else and they are not interested in selling (we’ve offered). The house sits empty with holes in the roof and busted windows. The couch in the yard is their’s too ;) The last storm blew their front door open and I had to go inside to get our cat, I believe the house to be irreparable now so even if they were to sell, it is too late to remodel and be livable.
We will continue to live offsite and build later in the next year or two. I had originally wanted to build an American square styled house. I’ve always been drawn to the design of the four square, even before I knew what they were called. I now just want to build and live onsite, I don’t care if it is a one room cabin. No, that’s wrong. I don't want a one room cabin. I would be miserable.
I say all of this to say to people who are just starting to purchase land and want to farm, build a small house and live there first! You can always add on and improve your home later, but once you start farming it gets so busy that you won't have to time or money to build your house. The time you will spend running back and forth would be better used on your farm. Laundry can be switched over, dinner started and projects finished. Fortunately, I have help and my boys either work at the farm or start dinner most days. But when I’m at home, I’m thinking about what needs to be done at the farm and vise versa. Poor David is still working hard out of town and I’m sure his feelings are far worse than mine.
Anyway, someday I hope to be blogging from my porch swing, on the porch of my little farm house. For now, I am thankful for this life I am blessed to be able to live everyday, wherever I that might be.