Homesteader?? Farmer?? Agrarian?? What am I?

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!