Tuesday, July 5, 2011

1/3 Living - Going Off Grid

It's been brewing for a while.  A change...a desire.

Something needed to be altered.  We needed LESS...

Truth is, God has graced us with so much abundance...
and we are eternally grateful for that fact.
However, for us, less is more.

I knew things would change the day I retired...er, retreated from working a "normal", leave-home type job.

But the change was put off, as we were so busy with dog sled rides...



And then, just surviving winter...



In addition, as the dog sled rides waned, and maple syrup season began, we were busy with other projects, including a nice long stay from a 12-year old boy, who stole the hearts of many, including ours, while here at our place.


 Jordan, peeking into the Trail Cam, upon a nightly visit. 


Simply stated, we put it off.

Then, it was time for Jordan to return home.

And a mere 4 days later, Russ was injured in a fall, where his horse, Raz, rolled on his leg, landing him on crutches.



Now, having lost June, and sliding into July, a change is due.

Truth is, we want to see what it would be like to live without electricity or running water.

At the Bear's Den cabin.  On our "back 10"...




We spent the 4th there all day.  Working, then taking a nice afternoon nap in the heat of the day.  It felt so right.  As Russ dozed off, and Zip sighed by my feet, I laid there in the cool of the cabin, listening to the Hermit Thrush sing his soulful tune just outside the homemade screen door.  I felt a million miles from any one, any place.  Far from the world, but closer than ever to God. 

Yes, it is time for our Independence Day.  We are moving in tomorrow.

We won't be taking much, as we want to truly have what we only need.

It's 8 x 10.  Quiet and secluded.



We're adding a small chicken coop, for breakfast eggs.   We will be utilizing 3 Buff Orphingtons, one of whom just hatched 5 chicks, who are growing like weeds.  We will move the 3 adults and the 5 chicks.  No rooster at this time, even though we have several to choose from.  We'll see what morphs into being with the chicks.  I'm sure there's a rooster or two in the bunch.

We decided to use a dog house, which has never been used as such, for our new coop.  Here it is ... 



Of course fencing to be added to protect the chickens, and this unique house will be put up on stumps.

Now, around back, to the new dog yard area. (Outhouse is to the right.)



This will be the new (dog yard) home of our "Fab Four".  Broccoli, Skunk, Knik, and Malakai.

More on that later.  


NOTE:  We are not downsizing or getting rid of any animals.  Just trying something new.




So, stay tuned, as we take this step and move "out back" for the next year.  We'll be using the dogs and horses more and more for power as we try to get back to an even simpler way of life.

Until tomorrow, God willing.





















 


11 comments:

Mumsie said...

May the Lord bless you mightily as you and Russ embark on this wonderful plan!

Michelle said...

Best of luck to you in this new adventure.

Sherri B. said...

What a very fun experience but I think I would have a problem going without my computer. It will be great hearing all about this adventure! So glad to see that Russ is so much better!

Walk In Truth said...

This is so awesome, and the most awesome thing about it is how you stated " Far from the world, but closer than ever to God.

I look forward to hearing about this new adventure you both are embarking on, and how the Lord uses it to bless you and others through it.

God bless you and your family, OH, and all the farm animals too :o)
~Michele

Anonymous said...

I would love to do the same! Those beautiful trees should keep you cool over the summer. What a blessing that you both have the same desire to live off-grid. I hope that you will at least use your computer to give us updates ~smile~.

mountain mama said...

sweet! can't wait to hear all about it! i agree, less is more! i do love a hot shower and potty though. and my laptop :D

God bless~

Sue said...

Best to you on your new adventure. Sounds like fun. And a bit scary too!
:)

Sherry Sutherby http://russ-stickacres.blogspot.com/ said...

Thank you everyone~! We move in tonight! Now, if you have been following us for a while, you'll know we already have been using outhouses for the last ten years (I wouldn't have it any other way...) but we have had electricity and we do have a small shower in our main cabin. The Wee House will remain where I go to do my work, and keep in contact with you, so it's like going to an office each day. A special office where I can view our horses, etc. :) I'll fill you in more, so you get a clear picture of what we are trying to accomplish. Later~!

Jim from Clarkston said...

I was so looking forward to renting the den for a long weekend this winter. Will you still have rentals?

Sherry Sutherby http://russ-stickacres.blogspot.com/ said...

Jim from Clarkston ~ Please check back with us in the Fall. We are working on having our Bunk House more suitable for winter camping. Hope to see you~! http://russ-stickacres.com/

goatldi said...

How much fun! Interesting the more you don't have the more you don't want! But then you know that. May God bless the two of you and keep you in His care on your new adventure.

I love a good adventure don't you?