We have been homesteading pretty much our entire married lives – more than thirty years! Some of that time has been in a small northern village. Lately, however, we are on just under four acres in the country but still in the northern part of Michigan.
Gardening is a major source of exercise and fun for us, as well as the way we provide food for the table. This year we invested in a greenhouse that will withstand the freezing temperatures and excessive snow totals that we receive up here in the snow belt. We also plan to put in some raised beds and reduce our need to till such a large in-ground garden. Our hope is to increase the amount of food we can put up in the fall but minimize the amount of physical labor involved. We’ll share some of that in the days and months to come.
We raise wild, ornamental ducks and pheasants that are native to this country as well as all around the world. We also have quail, chickens, goats, and a rabbit. And then, we are suckers for our two dogs and two house cats. This spring we plan to get a couple of feeder pigs as well as a couple of lambs. It should be quite an adventure for two “older” homesteaders.
Our five children (whom we homeschooled) are grown and it’s time for us to start a new chapter of our lives. With life so uncertain for future retirees, it only makes sense to make the most of our lives and our future doing what we love while “making a living.”
What People Say
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
Dr. Seuss
Life-Springs-Farm and Aviary 