A year ago last week, we decided together it may be time to move on from the small town we raised our kids and find some land while downsizing a bit on the house. The main driver was knowing our house would sell very quickly in the red hot sellers market and also knowing we would get top dollar out of it. We also knew we'd be PAYING top dollar for a house...
We looked at 3 houses and all were not even close to what we wanted. And all SO
expensive!! We broadened our radius some and a house on 6 acres came available. It was beautiful in the pictures, but the other 3 houses had looked promising, too. So my guard was up. On a Friday evening in mid-March after work, we head on over while it was lightly snowing. We drove up the 300 ft driveway, walked in the front door from the wrap around porch, looked at each other, and just KNEW. We walked through the house with the realtor and were still just knowing--this was it.
After touring the house, we sat in the living room looking out of the large windows in the back of the house as it peacefully snowed onto the trees that make up much of the property. It was total peace and quiet. Exactly the prescription for our upcoming new phase of life....
While sitting there taking in the beautiful sights, we made an offer. Oh yes, right there. That was how the market was operating, and we jumped in with both feet! By 7:30am the next morning, we got an email we were in contract! And the rest of the story went just as quickly! Listed our house, and was in contract in a day. Mid-February we decided to sell. By April 30, houses were bought, sold, and things moved. So. So. Fast.
But that seemingly impromptu decision has been the best decision. No more
suburban life. Space to move. Space to explore. Space to learn. And space to homestead.
That word "homestead" wasn't in my vocabulary even 6 months ago. But now, having lived here 9 months learning the ways of country living, and dreaming of what could be, I am all in. The gardening bug has bitten me. And I want egg laying hens. And a greenhouse because it's Zone 6. And natural food and herbal remedies. And canning/preserving food that we grew. And a more self-sustaining way of life. Homesteading is now my new favorite word. And I am taking in ALL the knowledge--books, pinterest, podcasts--are in all my spare time right now.
So join me on this path up our hill for the learning experience of a lifetime. I plan to document all of it as a scrapbook of memories for us, and hopefully some knowledge for you if you decide this path is for you.
Peace and muck boots,
Crendal Jane
