About Erin Baker

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Farmhouse Restoration

Maintaining & Renovating Homestead Farmhouses

Renovating a farmhouse offers significant value, especially when it comes to preserving the integrity of its historic features. One of the key challenges with older homes is the difficulty in sourcing replacement parts for original materials and fixtures. Many historic homes were built with unique craftsmanship and custom components that are no longer available in modern markets. This makes repairs and restoration not only more practical but often more valuable than attempting to replace or update features with newer, mass-produced alternatives.

Repair Vs Replace

By repairing rather than replacing elements like windows, doors, and architectural details, homeowners can maintain the home’s original character and craftsmanship, which often carries a higher historical and financial value. Additionally, restoring existing features, such as the woodwork, trim, or stone foundations, can be more cost-effective than searching for exact replacements, particularly when considering the quality and durability of materials from earlier periods. In the long run, preserving the original elements of a farmhouse not only enhances its charm but also ensures its authenticity, making it more attractive to potential buyers or future generations who value the craftsmanship and history embedded in the home.

Renovating a farmhouse comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when dealing with the aging infrastructure and the specific architectural elements typical of these historic homes. Here are some of the most challenging areas to repair:

1. Foundations and Structural Integrity

Farmhouses, particularly older ones, often have foundations that have settled over time or may have experienced shifts due to moisture, soil movement, or aging. This can lead to uneven floors, cracked walls, or even leaning structures. Repairing foundations requires specialized knowledge to assess the extent of damage and to ensure the building is stable. In some cases, lifting or re-leveling the entire structure might be necessary, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.

2. Roof and Roof Structure

The roof is another challenging area, as older farmhouses often have steep pitches, multiple sections, and complex dormers or skylights that are difficult to repair or replace. Older roofing materials like slate or cedar shingles may also be harder to source and more expensive to replace. Additionally, problems like leaks or poor insulation can go unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Restoring a roof to its original state while addressing modern needs for insulation and energy efficiency requires a delicate balance between maintaining authenticity and incorporating modern upgrades.

3. Windows and Doors

Windows in historic farmhouses are often made of wood with intricate detailing, which can be difficult and costly to repair compared to replacing them with modern, energy-efficient alternatives. Wooden window frames and sashes may have rotted, warped, or cracked over the years. Restoring these features involves careful craftsmanship to ensure the windows open and close properly while also addressing energy efficiency concerns, often requiring solutions like Spring Bronze weatherstripping. Sourcing or replicating period-appropriate hardware can also be time-consuming and challenging.

4. Electrical and Plumbing Systems

Upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems in a historic farmhouse can be a delicate balancing act. The original systems may be outdated, with insufficient wiring, old-fashioned plumbing, or even unsafe installations that don’t meet current codes. Replacing these systems can require major reworking of walls and ceilings, particularly if the farmhouse has plaster walls, which can be more fragile to handle than drywall. In some cases, the original layout may not easily accommodate modern standards, requiring creative solutions to preserve the home’s aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality.

5. Flooring and Subflooring

Farmhouses often have original hardwood floors that are beautiful but may be worn, uneven, or damaged over time. Repairing and refinishing old hardwood floors can be an intricate process, especially when trying to match the original finish or restore the natural character of the wood. Additionally, the subflooring in older homes may have experienced damage due to moisture or pests, making it necessary to replace or reinforce sections while maintaining the integrity of the original flooring.

6. Exterior and Siding

The siding of a farmhouse, whether it’s wood clapboard, brick, or stone, can be prone to wear from the elements. Wood siding may have rotted in places, while brick or stone may need repointing to ensure it remains structurally sound. In rural areas, farmhouses may also experience exposure to more extreme weather conditions, leading to accelerated wear. Sourcing materials that match the original siding or replicating old patterns of craftsmanship can make exterior repairs more difficult and time-intensive.

7. Insulation and Drafts

Many historic farmhouses were not originally built with modern insulation standards, leaving them prone to drafts and temperature fluctuations. Insulating old walls, attics, and crawl spaces without disrupting the original design is often one of the most challenging aspects of renovating a farmhouse. Solutions like spray foam insulation or blown-in cellulose can help improve energy efficiency, but care must be taken not to damage the home’s structural elements, such as timber framing or original finishes.

8. Basements and Crawl Spaces

Older farmhouses often have basements or crawl spaces that were not constructed with modern water management in mind. Issues like poor drainage, moisture buildup, or even pest infestations can create significant challenges when repairing these areas. Moisture control systems, proper ventilation, and sometimes structural reinforcement are needed to prevent further damage. In addition, these spaces can often be cramped and difficult to work in, adding complexity to any repairs or upgrades.

9. Chimneys and Fireplaces

Chimneys and fireplaces in historic farmhouses, especially those made of brick or stone, can be prone to wear over time due to exposure to the elements, water damage, or the natural degradation of the materials. Repairing or restoring a chimney is a detailed process that may involve rebuilding parts of it, ensuring proper flue function, or addressing cracks and leaks in the masonry. Ensuring that the fireplace functions safely and efficiently while preserving its historical design can be a delicate and challenging task.

10. Interior Walls and Plaster Work

Interior walls in older farmhouses are often made of plaster, which can crack, chip, or deteriorate over time. Repairing plaster is a time-consuming and skillful process that involves patching holes, smoothing out uneven surfaces, and sometimes completely re-plastering sections of the wall. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace plaster with drywall, but this decision can affect the overall character and historical value of the home.

Farmhouse Windows Are Hard To Replace

When renovating a farmhouse, particularly one with historic windows, preserving both the aesthetic and functionality of the original features is key. One of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency while maintaining the charm of period windows is through the use of Spring Bronze weatherstripping. This material, favored for its durability and traditional appearance, is a perfect solution for refurbishing historic windows. Spring Bronze weatherstripping consists of a thin, flexible metal strip that is attached to the window frame. It creates a tight seal when the window is closed, preventing drafts and improving insulation without compromising the window’s integrity. Its subtle, bronze finish also blends seamlessly with older window styles, enhancing both performance and visual appeal. By incorporating Spring Bronze weatherstripping during your renovation, you can reduce heating and cooling costs while preserving the historic character of your farmhouse for years to come.

Hunting On The Homestead

Hunting on a homestead can be a rewarding and sustainable way to provide food for your family while managing wildlife populations. Incorporating waterfowl hunting into your homestead routine, particularly if you have access to ponds, lakes, or nearby wetlands, can be a productive activity. Setting up waterfowl decoys effectively is a key part of this process, as decoys help attract ducks and geese into shooting range by mimicking the appearance and behavior of real birds. Here’s how you can approach hunting on your homestead and setting up waterfowl decoys for a successful hunt.

1. Preparing the Hunting Area: Before setting up decoys, it’s crucial to assess the environment on your homestead. Waterfowl typically prefer areas with open water, natural cover, and food sources like marshes, ponds, or lakes. If your homestead has a pond or is near a wetland, observe the waterfowl patterns during the early morning or late evening. Identify where birds tend to land, and if possible, choose a shooting spot that provides both concealment and a clear view of their flight path.

2. Setting Up Waterfowl Decoys: Decoys are a powerful tool for bringing waterfowl into your range, as they simulate the presence of ducks or geese, making it appear like a safe spot for feeding or resting. When setting up mallard field decoys, it’s important to mimic the natural behavior and formations of waterfowl to make the spread as realistic as possible. Here’s how you can go about it:

  • Choose the Right Decoys: Invest in high-quality decoys that accurately resemble the species of waterfowl you’re targeting, whether it’s ducks or geese. For ducks, species-specific decoys like mallards, wood ducks, or teal are common. For geese, silhouettes or full-body decoys work well, especially for larger species like Canada geese. Consider having both males and females represented in your spread for added realism.
  • Positioning the Decoys: The placement of your decoys should mimic how ducks and geese naturally behave. Typically, you’ll want to create a “V” or “U” shape with the decoys, which simulates a safe zone where waterfowl can gather. Place the decoys about 10-20 feet apart, and make sure the decoys are facing into the wind (as birds prefer to land into the wind). Leave an open space or “landing zone” in the center of the spread where the birds will feel comfortable landing. For divers, such as scaup or ring-necks, place the decoys further apart to resemble natural feeding flocks. For puddle ducks (mallards, pintails, etc.), position decoys more tightly together to simulate a group resting or feeding.
  • Using Motion Decoys: Consider adding motion decoys like spinning-wing or jerk rigs to enhance your spread. These decoys create ripples or movement on the water, which can attract more birds. Spinning-wing decoys (especially mallard or teal models) work particularly well for ducks, while jerk rigs (which use a string to create movement in the decoys) can be effective for both ducks and geese.
  • Concealing Yourself: Once your decoys are set up, make sure you’re well hidden. Waterfowl are incredibly sensitive to movement, so use natural cover like reeds, cattails, or camouflaged blinds to stay out of sight. For extra concealment, you can use a layout blind or a boat blind if hunting from a boat. In some cases, wearing camouflaged clothing and face paint may help you blend in with your surroundings.

3.Timing and Patience: Waterfowl hunting requires a lot of patience, especially when using decoys. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times when ducks and geese are most active, either foraging for food or migrating. Set up well before sunrise, and remain as still as possible during the hunt to avoid scaring off the birds. Calling, such as using duck calls or goose calls, can also attract birds, but it should be done sparingly and at the right times to avoid overcalling, which can cause the birds to become wary.

4. Safety and Regulations: Be sure to familiarize yourself with local hunting regulations, including licensing, hunting seasons, bag limits, and specific rules for waterfowl hunting in your area. Always practice gun safety, especially if hunting near water where visibility may be limited. Waterfowl hunting can involve long waits in cold, wet conditions, so be prepared for the elements with waterproof gear, insulated clothing, and a reliable hunting setup.

5. Ethical Considerations: Lastly, always practice ethical hunting by respecting wildlife populations and following the “fair chase” principles. This means ensuring that you are only hunting within the legal framework and that you make clean, humane shots to avoid unnecessary suffering. It’s also important to clean up after yourself, leaving the area as undisturbed as possible for future wildlife and hunters.

By setting up waterfowl decoys effectively and being mindful of your hunting environment, you can enjoy a rewarding and sustainable hunting experience on your homestead. Whether you’re hunting for food or managing populations, understanding the behavior of waterfowl and how to simulate their natural movements with decoys will greatly improve your chances of a successful hunt.

Farmhouse Motif Experiences an Increase

If you look back throughout history, there have been many different housing trends. People have adjusted their home style to fit their way of living at that time. The exception is today’s world in which we seem to be taking a look back at “simpler” times. It is shown most in how we are seeing a trend of farmhouse motif increasing straight across the board and in areas all around the United States.

A Journey Throughout Housing History

Just looking at home history since the 60s, we have seen a variety of different trends. The 60s were a time of ranch homes, which are still undeniably popular. These homes can have split levels or multilevel.

In the 70s, we chose homes that would offer multiple levels. The Raised Ranch style home, as well as apartment-style homes, gained popularity.

The 80s were the perfect counter to the large 70-style home. Some people focused more on the idea of “less is more” and chose to own small condos. Others wanted massive homes with family rooms and more than enough space for the people in their family.

This flowed into the 90s when every home had at least two stories and a basement for extra space. Master bedrooms were massive in size as well.

The early 2000s focused on doing more with less area. Open concept homes that were smaller were the preferred style of choice.

In today’s world, we have seen homes continue to get smaller. Think of tiny homes and how many people dream of owning a home that can fit on a small trailer or be towed by a pickup. Then you also have the other side of it. People that enjoy both big and small tend to enjoy farmhouse sinks, wooden cabinetry, and more “rustic appeal.”

Rustic Beauty, Simple Style

One of the biggest things about rustic style furniture is its design. It is designed to be “natural”. If there is paint, it is earth tone colors and often scuffed as though it has been there for years. Beyond that, you have the farmhouse doorways, sinks, and tables. The more wood you have, the more rustic it appears, the happier most people are with the end result.

One of the most popular techniques for working with rustic furniture is the use of liquid glass for table top and bar tops. This allows people to put a protective layer of beautiful, natural wood. It brings out the color in the grain and allows fantastic wood pieces to be used in all areas of the home without worry.

Creating Farmhouse Decor is Fun

Anytime you create something, you will be happier with the final product. By creating with the idea of rustic charm, you can broaden your horizons and take creativity to the next level. This includes creating wooden countertops, tables, coffee tables with photographs or keepsakes encapsulated, river tables, and more. It allows you to bring the charm of a wood cabin to your city home if you choose.

Naturally Deter Insects

Natural Pest Control for Small Farms

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Small farmers have a lot of different things to worry about. A sudden freeze when newly planted seeds and sprouts can be devastating to their crops. The same is true for too much rain or too little of it. They must also worry about a rapid increase in insects. However, most farms, and homesteads, prefer to avoid using chemicals or pesticides on crops, fearing that it will cause more damage than good. Instead of pest control chemicals, many have begun to discover the effectiveness of natural pest control for small farms.

Damage Bugs Cause

PlantersThere is no denying it. Bugs are all around us. For a gardener, not all of them are bad, but many of them are. There are some bugs that may linger around the garden, simply to eat the bugs that are bad for plants. They are a farmer’s best friend. Chemicals and pesticides would get rid of each type, and most farmers don’t want that. The worst bugs for a garden include aphids, corn earworms, tomato hornworms, vine borers, cucumber beetles, and many others. They use your plant as food, often killing it or eating the fruit that it may produce. Then, you must also think about the moisture content of your garden, and the unsavory creatures that are going to be drawn to it. This includes mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Even if they do not directly affect the crops, you may still want them gone in order to avoid being uncomfortable while you pull weeds or collect the fruit of your labor.

Naturally Keep Bad Pests Away

Naturally Deter Insects

Naturally Deter Insects

If aphids are attacking your garden, you can use a dish soap and water solution. Simply spray it on your plants and aphids will move out immediately. If you have a garden that is filled with ants, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper on the ground. Watering will wash it away so you may want to invest in a fair amount, but it will be worth it. It also keeps cats out of the garden where they may go in search of a litter box. A good all-round natural pesticide is diatomaceous earth. Epsom salt sprinkled around plants will run off insects and help the plant’s roots to become healthier.

If you are searching for plants that can help you, you can choose marigolds, chrysanthemums, lavender, mint, basil, and more. Citronella grass is also useful for keeping mosquitoes out and will naturally reduce noseeums. This means it will benefit you as well as your garden.

Watch Your Garden Grow Healthy

Citronella

Citronella

Part of the enjoyment of growing a garden is being able to watch it flourish and provide you with fruit and vegetables. Your enjoyment should not be diminished because of a bug infestation, whether it is insects that bother you or kill your plants. By knowing tricks that you can use to naturally eliminate them, you can avoid the issue of, “to spray or not to spray” and simply enjoy knowing you are providing a healthy place for your garden to grow. Naturally.

Journey Off The Grid

Off-Grid Power Generator Solutions

In today’s world, there are many people choosing to live “off the grid”. They build homes in the middle of nowhere. They travel from place to place in tiny homes. They are unconnected to traditional power lines and happier than ever with their choices to be free. Since they live off the grid, you may think that they have to give up the things we love the most about our modern lives. This is not true. There are many off-grid power generator solutions that can power heat and air units, refrigerators, and more.

An Off-Grid Lifestyle

Journey Off The GridWhen living off the grid, you ditch the traditional way of life. You may grow your own food. You may embrace hunting and fishing. You may harvest rain water for flushing your toilet or watering your garden. There are many options available. It simply depends on how far off the grid you want to be. Most people live off the grid without sacrificing television, smart phones, laptops, or other technology. This is made possible by the power generators that they set up wherever they go.

Powering and Off-Grid Life

The people who embrace living off the traditional power grid have discovered ways to have it all. They ditch expensive power bills by choosing other power solutions. The main three options include:

Wind Power:

This type of power uses a wind to provide power. As the wind blows it spins a propeller blade. These blades capture kinetic energy and send it to a generator inside the rotating housing behind the blades. From this, it generates electricity.

Wind Power

Generator Power:

Generators are used both on the grid and off. Even your power company will use a generator. There are portable generators available to people who want to live off the grid. A quiet generator can power homes in all locations using natural gas, solar power, gasoline, and diesel. Some are designed to work off more than one type of fuel, depending on availability in your area.

Solar Power:

Solar power is the use of our sun to provide power using photovoltaic solar panels. They are often installed on the roof of an off the grid home. On sunny days, your solar panels will harness the sun’s power in a battery, where it will be stored until it is necessary.

Pros and Cons

Solar Power OptionsIf you want the most efficient type of natural power, then many say that solar is your best option. There are fewer moving parts in solar panels than there are in wind power generators. However, if you look at the numbers, at most 20% of the sun’s energy can be converted and about 60% of the wind can be converted into power. Therefore, it has been proven that wind power is available 24/7 and one wind turbine can provide as much as a thousand solar panels. Wind does provide the most power output, but wind turbines require a lot of space. They are also not easily moved from one place to another. A generator can provide ample power for most homes, even larger ones. You only need the fuel to power them.

The cost of solar or wind power is dropping, but so far solar is cheaper to run if you want to use a renewable energy source. It still requires quite an investment to get solar power setup. You could pay up to $29,000 depending on the size of your home. Most generators can be purchased for a few hundred dollars.

When trying to decide which is best for your off the grid lifestyle, you will have to make sure you do your research. What can you afford, how much power do you need, and how permanent do you want it to be? These are all important questions for you to consider before you decide.

Making Money From…. Manure

It is a simple, universal fact that Mother Nature has a sense of humor. There usually isn’t a better way to describe the urges that we all have to go to the bathroom. It is a fact of nature that makes little boys giggle and once it hits, no one can deny its power. Humans and all animals do it. You can be driving along a road and see a dog doing it or visit a zoo where you may see large animals taking care of it. As luck would have it, some farmers also use this natural ability to make money from manure.Manure Drive

Farmers and Manure

Manure For SaleNo one can deny that manure is useful as a fertilizer. When manures absorbed by soil, nutrients release into the soil. These nutrients can increase the moisture content of sandy soils. It also loosens compacted soil. It adds carbon to the soil so that more nutrients can get into the soil. It is also able to reduce runoff, which can deplete nitrates. Manure is also very slow to release its nutrients. This means you can fertilize less often and avoid worry that your soil will have too much nitrogen. Most often, we think of cow dung for fertilizer, but this is not the only situation where fecal matter can be used.

Odd Uses for Animal Dung

Since B.C. times, people have used dung in some very interesting ways. They have used crocodile dung as a birth control method and to give their face a pasty white appearance. Cow dung was once used for building material in Britain. Llama dung has proven effective as a pollution fighting agent. All you have to do is run contaminated water through it. Llama manure tea is also used in gardens and other areas. It is a popular choice because there are fewer seeds and plant matter in their dung.

In 1862, gunpowder was also made using manure and urine mixed together. It created saltpeter. The saltpeter was then harvested and used to create an explosive combination. Confederate states were even encouraged to collect their urine and do their part to aid in the Civil War.

Creative Minds Using Natural Items

In today’s world, we usually only think of dung as potential manure. However, not all people let their creativity end there. Moose droppings are very common souvenirs in Maine, Colorado, Alaska, and Canada. In some countries, flying squirrel dung may end female reproductive issues. This includes pain and menstrual cramps. Elephant dung is useful in creating paper. One elephant can create about 115 pages a day.

It seems that our fascination with all things poop will never end. In the UK, the Isle of Wight Zoo has erected a museum thats dedicated to fecal matter. The poop you will find there comes in all sizes, shapes, and textures. You will find samples from lions, skunks, and even human infants. To ensure that it is not a stinky place to be, poo is dried for up to a year. This ensures we get the thrill of viewing without the nausea of smelling.

bowels

How Does Medical Marijuana Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, then you know that finding relief is a crucial aspect of your life. Depending on the severity and frequency of your symptoms, you may be prescribed all kinds of medicine and treatments to help keep your digestive system under control. However, one method that is proving to be effective is medical cannabis. Although treatment of IBS with this drug is still relatively new, the benefits are quite promising and worth looking into.

What Causes IBS?

One of the reasons that medical marijuana seems to be having such a profound effect has to do with the underlying reason that you get the condition in the first place. A theory posted in 2008 by Dr. Ethan Russo suggested that the syndrome was related to a deficiency in the body’s endocannabinoids. These are naturally occurring in the body and help regulate all kinds of systems, from digestion to sleep to your overall mood.

Although more research needs to be conducted to find conclusive evidence of this theory, it would make perfect sense why cannabis seems to be such an effective treatment of IBS, since it can help increase the amount of endocannabinoids in the system.

Peripheral Side Effects

While indigestion, cramps, and constipation are common physiological effects of IBS, the fact is that it can create other symptoms that are more psychosomatic, such as depression. It’s quite common for IBS sufferers to have panic attacks or anxiety related to the condition as they become nervous about their next encounter.

As such, treatments like medical marijuana and Whoopi and Maya bath salts have been shown to alleviate these symptoms as well as the physical side effects of IBS, making the treatment even more alluring.

Weed Delivery Near Me

If you are interested in seeing what cannabis can do for your condition, then you can search online for companies that will deliver your prescription to you. Not only is it more convenient, but it also allows you to shop around and find the strain that works best.

Don’t continue to suffer from IBS. Talk to your doctor and see if medical marijuana is right for you so you can start feeling better.

Country Home

3 Of The Best Things About Country Life

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He lives in a house in the country…

What do you think of when you think about “Living in the country”?

Some people might say “oh it’s a great life”. Some people will still swear by the city life but these people have probably never been in the countryside much or can’t see the positives of a country life.

There are just some things in the country life that the city life can’t provide. I’ve listed just three of these things below, maybe it will entice you over to the country-side!

  1. There’s more peace and quiet

If you’re someone who has made the switch from the city life over tot he country life, one of the first things that you will notice is the beautiful quietness the country offers. You won’t hear but the odd car passing by, or the refuse collection truck coming to wake you at 5 am either.

You won’t need to worry about noisy neighbors loudly blaring their music too loud or city traffic outside your bedroom window. The serenity of the country life is often about what can be heard in place of the city noise.

Think of the rain beating off your roof during the night, or the little birds singing early in the morning. Or imagine the cows mooing away on the green pastures. These are the priceless sounds of nature, so peaceful to the countryside.

  1. Friendly neighbors

You mightn’t know your neighbors, simply by living in the countryside. Although, country communities do tend to be closely knit. There is a sense that people are more reliant on each other more so than people of the city stock.

Part of this is because shops and amenities might be many miles away so it’s better if people help each other out where possible as the might need the favour returned someday.

You might need a carton of milk or a couple of tea bags for the night. Lending a hand will give you that good karma and builds trust among the country folk.

  1. A slower pace of life

Although it may appear at times that farmers and country folk are always working, out on the pastures, cleaning out animal sheds, or driving machinery around the place, country life is often at a slower pace than you would imagine.

But don’t get me wrong, this is by no means saying that the countryside people are lazy or do less work. It simply means that they don’t allow the fast paced, distracting life of the rat race bog them down.

So ask yourself this

Are you tired of the rat race and all of it’s materialistic trappings?

Do you want to feel part of a great community?

Do you want to enjoy life more and be at one with nature?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then a life in the countryside is for you. Make the move!

watering man

4 Great Reasons For Being A Farmer

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City versus countryside

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city slicker’s life and the constant advancements in technology and the digital world, living on a farm is a very special way to live.

You are one with nature, plants, vegetables, animals, fresh air and less distractions than the city life. Choosing the farming life is not for everybody and there are some cons but the pros far outweigh them.

So I have put together four great reason why I love being a farmer, you can read them below:

  1. There’s no commute!

You don’t have a journey to get to your work place! None. You can simply stroll out the front or indeed back door and you are in work, as simple as that!

Although the farming life is focused outdoors, some of your paperwork and management can be done from the house so you don’t actually really leave the house for some of your farm work.

This has its disadvantages. But on the contrary, you’ll never have grapple with traffic during peak times, sit in your vehicle endlessly in motorway traffic or stand, wedged onto a tube, pressing up against someone.

  1. Bartering

There is a lot more bartering and trading this and that in the farming life than in in your typical town or city. Maybe you want or have a few bales of straw and need to swap something with someone to put food on your table.

Or maybe you agree to offer your tractor or labour in exchange for that new suckler calf that your neighbor has just gotten. Daily deals are done in the farming community more than deals done on Dragons Den!

  1. A great lack of the office politics

Most of your meetings will happen at a local pub, small shop or post office. There is no time nor place for business managerial talk. Clock-in machines don’t exist in the farming life, well not really.

You are the boss and need to be disciplined with your own time, unless you work for your father or work for another farmer but you probably still have more freedom and independence.

The beauty of this is that you can take some time off whenever you need to or want to, such as for family events or to watch sporting events. Work to get the job done. Be productive and effective!

  1. There’s no dress code

One other great thing about the country farming life is the freedom to wear whatever the hell you like! No pin stripe suits or blue colour shirts. No sweaty jumpers and tight trousers.

All you have to think about is if the weather is fine then dress for it, whereas if it’s going to rain then dress for rain! Farming people don’t care if you’re wearing a Tommy Hilfiger jumper to the fields or a pair of Nike trainers.

So in a nutshell

The farming life gives you more freedom, less time wasting exercises that you would find in an office, a commonly understood method of trading things and no rustling and bustling that will stress you out on your way to work!

sufficiency economy

Self Sufficiency Test

We live in a yurt, have chickens and were homesteading but were still a far cry away from being fully self sufficient. We don’t live off grid (although solar is in our dreams),we still buy raw milk from a pastured herd share and we not only haven’t gardened yet, but we haven’t really jumped into full scale preservation methods for stockpiling, like fermenting cabbage, canning and drying.

What I’m trying to say is this homesteading thing is such a series of baby steps. Were so much farther along than we were two and half years ago, and thats something to be celebrated. Even more so since we were tested on our resourcefulness this past week by being snowbound for five days.

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