For a couple months I have been exploring the blogs out there that have to do with "homesteads" and "agrarianism".
We live on about four acres. I have a decent garden, which I hope to grow in size next spring. A new fruit tree--beside a couple very old ones that need pruned, blueberries and two-year old grape vines. There are shelves full of home canned goodies and the freezer is pretty full. I mow most of our property (which I hope changes sometime). So, what are we? Farmers? We don't have any animals...except a cat that allows us to live in his house and get the food out of the bag for him. We have my dad's old Ford 8N, but the plow needs new points and I need to find out what kind of shape the other implements are in. Homesteaders? It was my understanding that homesteaders were those hardy folk that were breaking new sod out on the Plains. But, the folks I read about seemed to be from all over the USA and Canada. Some are "off-grid" and others not so much. There are lots of oil lamps in our house, but we use them when the electric goes off (Which has happened and I am so grateful to have them.) , or when I'm alone and think it's wasteful to have on a big light. If I'm Agrarian, should I cover my head and live "off-grid"? (Not that I am against that at all. I hope that one day we can be more independant of the grid) If one is a Biblical Agrarian, what theology is one to follow?
Obviously, the "homestead", "agrarian" and "farm" terms confused me greatly, then add the whole "biblical agrarian" into the mix. I've been reluctant to parade my ignorance even on my own blog. So, I swallowed my pride and went looking for help. Enter the Midland Agrarian and Granny Miller.
The Midland Agrarian and Granny Miller are also in Western PA. So, I thought, well - neighbors. The owner of the Midland Agrarian site was very kind in answering my questions, which he graciously posted on his site. His lovely wife, Granny Miller, has added her wisdom as well. I invite you to read and enjoy. Both were very helpful in explaining all these terms and bringing an end to my confusion. Please check out their delightful blogs.
It is good to know that Keith and I are Bible-believing Christians who are agrarians that live on a homestead. Yeah! Mystery solved. It may seem silly, but I feel better. (More about those musings another time)
Those of you interested in canning, Granny Miller's site is amazing. She has video on canning! I don't even have a camera yet to post pictures. There is so much to learn on her site that I am sure I will be visiting often. (I need to repent of blog envy.)
I guess my elementary teachers were right. There really are no stupid question. Thanks, neighbors!
3 comments:
I found a link to your blog from Granny Miller's blog.
You are not alone in worrying about the economy and what will happen.
My DH and I retire early and bought 4 acres out in the woods of central Virginia and have been living in a camper while we clear areas for ort house and garden etc. We have been in the camper for 13 months and hopefully will get into the house in the next 2 or 3 months. This experience is teaching me patience to no end. LOL
But I have been gathering recipes for canning and drying and growing and making and sewing etc.etc. and cannot wait to get into my house and be able to finally get started. The main reason we did this is to get back to the land and growing a lot of our own foods. And to build a small house that we could heat mainly with wood and to cut our living expenses so we can live off our retirement income. Looks pretty good so far. But like I said I am soooooo anxious to get started. Hopefully this summer we will finally have a big garden and get some chickens for eggs. And, well, all the rest that goes along with the lifestyle. we don't move quite as fast as we did 25 years ago but we have more hours in the day that we can use to get the jobs done now. ;o) I am glad I found your blog. Keep up the good work. Thanks!
Jennlala,
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I applaud you and your DH for your efforts. It can't be easy. A camper can get smaller by the day. No doubt, soon, you will enjoy the fruits of your labors.
What a beautiful area you have chosen, too!
Keep in touch, I'm anxious to hear how you are doing in your exciting journey.
Blessings,
Linda
thanks for the kind words neighbor.
May the grace and peace of our Lord be with you and yours.
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