"Legally" I am supposed to state that any medical advice you find here, or online, shouldn't be used without the advice of a "real" doctor. So, if you have one of those, please talk about it with him. Personally, I don't use doctors, unless for something serious, like a missing limb, heart attack or snake bite. 99% of illnesses and injuries I take care of...
Oh, there are lots of books and blogs around, especially on self reliance, self sufficiency, homesteading and the like. I really strive not to imitiate, but to share my perspective of what I learn and find.
I like any of the herbal medical books by Penelope Ody, "Where there are no doctors" and "Where there are no Dentists". So far I have managed not to poison myself. I normally test everything new out on myself, and record results. I tell my family what I have taken "just in case". I don't do things arbitrarily, but really research symptoms, diseases, and treatment. I have also been taking an online herbal medical course that helps provide the necessary information on treating self and family for most illnesses. Other than having my 2 year old at the hospital, we haven't been to the doctor much in that time. The kids not at all, and I have been to the chiropractor, and to the GYN (kind of hard for me to see that part of my body, so I do go to the doctor once a year), but other than this..I doctor the family.
After reading another blog recently, it reminded me that I need to re-stock my herbal medical cabinet.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Cloth Diapers
I have read a lot of blogs that talk about cloth diapering, and all these fancy, schmancy types of cloth diapers. I am just a diehard, old fashioned gal. I cloth diaper due to economic reasons, not environmental. Basically, this Prairie Mama is CHEAP.
With my first child, 22 years ago, my mother in law talked me into using cloth diapers. I really didn't want to, but I was only working part time, and my husband only made minimum wage ($3.35 at that time - yuck)! Anyway, the diapers available at that time were either these long, thin ones you had to fold to the size you wanted, or the rectangular style with a thicker middle. When my son was an infant (he was a 3lb preemie) I used Cabbage Patch diapers, because I wasn't able to fold the cloth diaper small enough. At that time (1989) preemie diapers were not sold in the store, but only to hospitals. My mom and I scoured the Toys R Us stores for the Cabbage Patch ones. They were the size of one of those small pocket Kleenex tissues. Anyway, I didn't have a washer and dryer at first. I had to soak them in the bath tub for a day, then I scrubbed each one, while bending over the tub. Then I rinsed them, wrung them by hand, and hung them on the clothes line. It was a lot of work, but it saved me a lot of money. While I hated it, I am thankful to my mother in law for telling me about cloth diapers.
With each child I have had, I used cloth diapers, even when putting my second child in daycare. There isn't a law against in Texas, so that is good. As long as I provided enough diapers and a large container with a lid, and took them home every day, the daycare was fine with it. I did have to go in for a training session and teach the caregiver how to use them.
With my third child, I stayed home full time, and was able to wash diapers on a regular basis. I had two washers at this time. I used one just for the diapers. I would empty soiled ones into the toilet, and then toss into the washer, when the washer was half full, I ran a load (normally about two days worth). I never used a diaper pail. PH was okay with the cloth diapers, as long as, he didn't smell "diaper" when he walked in the front door. I couldn't use bleach with any of the kids as they broke out in rashes. I washed in cold only, using homemade laundry soap, and hung all my clothes out to dry, except on rainy, winter days.
With the fourth child, I began to notice a trend. My diapers weren't holding up. Previously, I always bought about 5-6 dozen diapers, assorted sizes of rubber pants, and lots of pins. I still have diapers 22 years old, that are in great shape, but the 2 year old diapers I can't even use to polish the furniture. It was quite shocking. I did write the diaper company and complain, but they didn't really care...anyway, I digress (this happens a lot here, so be prepared).
Frankly, I don't know how young couples can afford disposables, especially if on one income, and more than one in diapers. It's shocking the cost of them. I do use them on occasion, but wouldn't have been able to when younger. In addition, I don't consider all these fancy "new" styles of cloth diapers, REAL cloth diapering. I am a purist. I go for cost first, and if you spend $25.00 on 3 diapers with fancy covers and velcro, it isn't cost efficient enough for me.
So, what I have learned is if you are willing to put a little work into it, and get over the yuck factor (which will happen sooner or later), you can save LOTS of money by using cloth diapers. And when the kids are potty trained, you have a bunch of great cleaning cloths!
I have also learned when you run out of diapers, and haven't had a chance to wash that old towels, tshirts, and flannel fabric are great substitues as diapers.
With my first child, 22 years ago, my mother in law talked me into using cloth diapers. I really didn't want to, but I was only working part time, and my husband only made minimum wage ($3.35 at that time - yuck)! Anyway, the diapers available at that time were either these long, thin ones you had to fold to the size you wanted, or the rectangular style with a thicker middle. When my son was an infant (he was a 3lb preemie) I used Cabbage Patch diapers, because I wasn't able to fold the cloth diaper small enough. At that time (1989) preemie diapers were not sold in the store, but only to hospitals. My mom and I scoured the Toys R Us stores for the Cabbage Patch ones. They were the size of one of those small pocket Kleenex tissues. Anyway, I didn't have a washer and dryer at first. I had to soak them in the bath tub for a day, then I scrubbed each one, while bending over the tub. Then I rinsed them, wrung them by hand, and hung them on the clothes line. It was a lot of work, but it saved me a lot of money. While I hated it, I am thankful to my mother in law for telling me about cloth diapers.
With each child I have had, I used cloth diapers, even when putting my second child in daycare. There isn't a law against in Texas, so that is good. As long as I provided enough diapers and a large container with a lid, and took them home every day, the daycare was fine with it. I did have to go in for a training session and teach the caregiver how to use them.
With my third child, I stayed home full time, and was able to wash diapers on a regular basis. I had two washers at this time. I used one just for the diapers. I would empty soiled ones into the toilet, and then toss into the washer, when the washer was half full, I ran a load (normally about two days worth). I never used a diaper pail. PH was okay with the cloth diapers, as long as, he didn't smell "diaper" when he walked in the front door. I couldn't use bleach with any of the kids as they broke out in rashes. I washed in cold only, using homemade laundry soap, and hung all my clothes out to dry, except on rainy, winter days.
With the fourth child, I began to notice a trend. My diapers weren't holding up. Previously, I always bought about 5-6 dozen diapers, assorted sizes of rubber pants, and lots of pins. I still have diapers 22 years old, that are in great shape, but the 2 year old diapers I can't even use to polish the furniture. It was quite shocking. I did write the diaper company and complain, but they didn't really care...anyway, I digress (this happens a lot here, so be prepared).
Frankly, I don't know how young couples can afford disposables, especially if on one income, and more than one in diapers. It's shocking the cost of them. I do use them on occasion, but wouldn't have been able to when younger. In addition, I don't consider all these fancy "new" styles of cloth diapers, REAL cloth diapering. I am a purist. I go for cost first, and if you spend $25.00 on 3 diapers with fancy covers and velcro, it isn't cost efficient enough for me.
So, what I have learned is if you are willing to put a little work into it, and get over the yuck factor (which will happen sooner or later), you can save LOTS of money by using cloth diapers. And when the kids are potty trained, you have a bunch of great cleaning cloths!
I have also learned when you run out of diapers, and haven't had a chance to wash that old towels, tshirts, and flannel fabric are great substitues as diapers.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Neighbors, Goats and being your own vet
Living out on the prairie, it is easy to forget you have neighbors. I know for some people the idea of living out so remotely is scary, for others it is a dream. I love living out here, and I like not having CLOSE neighbors, but neighbors can still be a wonderful thing (mostly). Out in the country most everyone is willing to help if asked, and it's nice. For instance, if a neighbor has cows loose in the road, passers by all stop and block the road with their trucks, and herd the cattle back where they should be. And the local taco hut will let you bring the money back if you discover you have left your wallet at home, after ordering your meal. After all, we all live in this small community, and need to trust each other on some level.
On occasion we have rescued horses, and twice our old donkey Jack got out, and we had to chase him about a mile before someone came by and stopped to help.
What I have learned is that it pays to be helpful, to accept help, and to learn how to care for your animals medical emergencies if there isn't help around.
Recently, we have had a spell of animal deaths. Our beloved dairy goat Dolly was kicked by a horse, resulting in a broken leg. We tried to see if she could recover, but it was a no go. What a sad day. Then Olympia our young Boer goat was kicked too. She had a hurt leg, but it wasn't as bad, and after a couple of days she was out with the herd limping around. Then came the day for her to kid. She struggled from the beginning and ultimately she and her baby buckling died.
What I learned this time is how to turn a kid. When I arrived home that evening, I could see she hadn't progressed. The kid's feet were in the same position. I figured the baby was dead after being stuck for so long. I examined her, and noticed it was only one foot out, I cautiously stuck my hand inside the birth canal and discovered the other foot bent backwards at the "wrist". I fixed that, and still nothing happened. I disinfected my hand, and inserted my hand, to discover the baby's head was bent backward touching the neck. Once I straightened that, I was able to pull him out entirely. My mentor, good friend, and local vet "Doc" talked me through checking for a second kid the next day, when she appeared to still be laboring. The first kid I had to cut the umbilical cord, don't forget to tie it off with string about three inches from the navel before cutting. Then disinfect the stump all the way to the navel.
Olympia (mama goat) never recovered from the birth. She would eat if handed the hay, and would drink water if we held the bucket to her mouth, but she couldn't stand. Doc said she was suffering from pregnancy induced toxemia (http://www.goatworld.com/articles/pregnancy/pregnancytoxemia.shtml) and suggested I give her Karo syrup. The link I have included has some great information that I followed, but I think I did so too late. Next time I will give the mama's something immediately after delivery to make sure they have an extra boost (maybe molasses or just Vitamin B Complex). This being my first experience with this type of event left me feeling very inadequate, but I have now updated my Vet manual with the symptoms, signs, and treatment for what we experienced. I've also made a list to restock my animal first aid kit that I keep in a 5 gallon bucket in the barn. With prayer and God's support I hope we don't experience this again.
I have five goat books, but the best one for information was Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats. Even if you have a meat goat, this book will be helpful, because other than the milking aspect of the book, the rest of the information can apply to all goats.
Recipe for "Magic"
1 part Molasses
2 parts Corn Syrup (Karo)
1 part Corn Oil
Give about 20 ccs followed by the same amount of water. Use a large syringe (these can be found at feed stores) about 2 inches in diameter. Even a turkey baster would work in a pinch. Place in the corner of the goat's mouth, as far back as possible, and slowly give the mixture/water.
Place the goat in a shed or barn, something with shelter from the elements. I recommend lying the goat flat, with the head slightly elevated to aid in the mixture sliding down, if they won't swallow much on their own. We kept a "hay diaper" (PD word) under her. This is just a padding of hay that we removed when it is soiled, and then replaced with fresh hay. Nothing worse than lying there in your own waste, so we tried to make the goat as comfortable as possible. Even covering her with hay in the evening when we went to bed, to keep her warm.
When doing a vaginal exam of the goat. Wash your hands, and if on hand, use iodine to disinfect your hands and the vaginal opening of the goat. Doc told me in an emergency use corn oil as a lubricant, or Dish Soap (Dawn is good). Dish soap works great from my perspective, not sure how the goat felt, but since she was in pain already, it was probably only a minor irritant. Upon examinng the mama goat, if she has already had one kid, and you are checking for another, if once inside if the walls of the birth canal close around your arm, and it doesn't feel like a cave, then there isn't another baby. I had my hand in up to my elbow, and could go no further. All I felt was smoothness and warmth, so no other baby.
Other tips: Living off-grid or with limited electricity can be difficult at times, especially when trying to doctor a goat in the middle of the night. Taking a kerosene lamp/lantern into the barn can be done, but care must of course be taken to prevent fire. We have several large battery operated lanterns, but as any one knows with children, these things tend to find legs. I had a hard time locating my lantern when I needed to doctor the goat. Very frustrating (this inspired another round of lectures to the Prairie Children in our household about respecting property). So, having several of these battery operated lamps in the barn already would be very helpful. I'd love to get one of those small solar panels for RVs, just for the barn. Only thing is I never remember until I actually need light, then I remember, Oh yeah, I was going to get one....
I'd also suggest running hoses to the barn for water, as it gets OLD dragging heavy buckets around, even in a wagon.
On my agenda now is to buy several longer hoses to make it to the barn, and several more extension cords so I can use a light OR get the RV solar panel next time I am at Northern Tool or Harbor Freight.
Well, this is what I learned, and as my Prairie Mama used to say "You learn something new every day, no matter how hard you try not to."
On occasion we have rescued horses, and twice our old donkey Jack got out, and we had to chase him about a mile before someone came by and stopped to help.
What I have learned is that it pays to be helpful, to accept help, and to learn how to care for your animals medical emergencies if there isn't help around.
Recently, we have had a spell of animal deaths. Our beloved dairy goat Dolly was kicked by a horse, resulting in a broken leg. We tried to see if she could recover, but it was a no go. What a sad day. Then Olympia our young Boer goat was kicked too. She had a hurt leg, but it wasn't as bad, and after a couple of days she was out with the herd limping around. Then came the day for her to kid. She struggled from the beginning and ultimately she and her baby buckling died.
What I learned this time is how to turn a kid. When I arrived home that evening, I could see she hadn't progressed. The kid's feet were in the same position. I figured the baby was dead after being stuck for so long. I examined her, and noticed it was only one foot out, I cautiously stuck my hand inside the birth canal and discovered the other foot bent backwards at the "wrist". I fixed that, and still nothing happened. I disinfected my hand, and inserted my hand, to discover the baby's head was bent backward touching the neck. Once I straightened that, I was able to pull him out entirely. My mentor, good friend, and local vet "Doc" talked me through checking for a second kid the next day, when she appeared to still be laboring. The first kid I had to cut the umbilical cord, don't forget to tie it off with string about three inches from the navel before cutting. Then disinfect the stump all the way to the navel.
Olympia (mama goat) never recovered from the birth. She would eat if handed the hay, and would drink water if we held the bucket to her mouth, but she couldn't stand. Doc said she was suffering from pregnancy induced toxemia (http://www.goatworld.com/articles/pregnancy/pregnancytoxemia.shtml) and suggested I give her Karo syrup. The link I have included has some great information that I followed, but I think I did so too late. Next time I will give the mama's something immediately after delivery to make sure they have an extra boost (maybe molasses or just Vitamin B Complex). This being my first experience with this type of event left me feeling very inadequate, but I have now updated my Vet manual with the symptoms, signs, and treatment for what we experienced. I've also made a list to restock my animal first aid kit that I keep in a 5 gallon bucket in the barn. With prayer and God's support I hope we don't experience this again.
I have five goat books, but the best one for information was Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats. Even if you have a meat goat, this book will be helpful, because other than the milking aspect of the book, the rest of the information can apply to all goats.
Recipe for "Magic"
1 part Molasses
2 parts Corn Syrup (Karo)
1 part Corn Oil
Give about 20 ccs followed by the same amount of water. Use a large syringe (these can be found at feed stores) about 2 inches in diameter. Even a turkey baster would work in a pinch. Place in the corner of the goat's mouth, as far back as possible, and slowly give the mixture/water.
Place the goat in a shed or barn, something with shelter from the elements. I recommend lying the goat flat, with the head slightly elevated to aid in the mixture sliding down, if they won't swallow much on their own. We kept a "hay diaper" (PD word) under her. This is just a padding of hay that we removed when it is soiled, and then replaced with fresh hay. Nothing worse than lying there in your own waste, so we tried to make the goat as comfortable as possible. Even covering her with hay in the evening when we went to bed, to keep her warm.
When doing a vaginal exam of the goat. Wash your hands, and if on hand, use iodine to disinfect your hands and the vaginal opening of the goat. Doc told me in an emergency use corn oil as a lubricant, or Dish Soap (Dawn is good). Dish soap works great from my perspective, not sure how the goat felt, but since she was in pain already, it was probably only a minor irritant. Upon examinng the mama goat, if she has already had one kid, and you are checking for another, if once inside if the walls of the birth canal close around your arm, and it doesn't feel like a cave, then there isn't another baby. I had my hand in up to my elbow, and could go no further. All I felt was smoothness and warmth, so no other baby.
Other tips: Living off-grid or with limited electricity can be difficult at times, especially when trying to doctor a goat in the middle of the night. Taking a kerosene lamp/lantern into the barn can be done, but care must of course be taken to prevent fire. We have several large battery operated lanterns, but as any one knows with children, these things tend to find legs. I had a hard time locating my lantern when I needed to doctor the goat. Very frustrating (this inspired another round of lectures to the Prairie Children in our household about respecting property). So, having several of these battery operated lamps in the barn already would be very helpful. I'd love to get one of those small solar panels for RVs, just for the barn. Only thing is I never remember until I actually need light, then I remember, Oh yeah, I was going to get one....
I'd also suggest running hoses to the barn for water, as it gets OLD dragging heavy buckets around, even in a wagon.
On my agenda now is to buy several longer hoses to make it to the barn, and several more extension cords so I can use a light OR get the RV solar panel next time I am at Northern Tool or Harbor Freight.
Well, this is what I learned, and as my Prairie Mama used to say "You learn something new every day, no matter how hard you try not to."
Red Water
Howdy from the Prairie!
When we first retrofitted our 45' shipping container to be our Little Shipping Container Cabin on the Prairie, PH installed a water filter under the kitchen sink. In hindsight, I think we should have had all the water for the house run through it first. We have been experiencing red tinged water, which leaves a red film on everything it touches. Even our 1100 gallon water tank, the walls are lined with a layer of this stuff. You can take your fingers and rub across it, and it comes off.
Originally I thought it was sand, but PH has determined it is rust from the high iron content in the water. The water tastes great, the best I have ever tasted, but I guess as it sits in the tank, the iron leaches out of it onto the tank walls. Eventually, some even settles in the bottom of the tank.
Recently, PH emptied the tank all the way to flush out the rust-dust, scummy water on the bottom. Now, it is filled again with fresh clean water, but I guess this will be a regular thing to do every 2 years or so.
I have been wanting a Berkey Water Filer for 5 years now, but haven't managed to save the money or justify the expenditure. But now, I think it may be important. I have started saving my pennies to go towards one, but then I found out about a contest online at http://www.savingnaturally.com/ and http://www.keeperofthehome.org/ and I entered! If you want to try and win one too, please go to the links above and enter. It was very easy!
I'll let everyone know if I win, and if not, I'll be buying one shortly. It will be a tremendous asset to my prepping supplies, and normal day living needs.
When we first retrofitted our 45' shipping container to be our Little Shipping Container Cabin on the Prairie, PH installed a water filter under the kitchen sink. In hindsight, I think we should have had all the water for the house run through it first. We have been experiencing red tinged water, which leaves a red film on everything it touches. Even our 1100 gallon water tank, the walls are lined with a layer of this stuff. You can take your fingers and rub across it, and it comes off.
Originally I thought it was sand, but PH has determined it is rust from the high iron content in the water. The water tastes great, the best I have ever tasted, but I guess as it sits in the tank, the iron leaches out of it onto the tank walls. Eventually, some even settles in the bottom of the tank.
Recently, PH emptied the tank all the way to flush out the rust-dust, scummy water on the bottom. Now, it is filled again with fresh clean water, but I guess this will be a regular thing to do every 2 years or so.
I have been wanting a Berkey Water Filer for 5 years now, but haven't managed to save the money or justify the expenditure. But now, I think it may be important. I have started saving my pennies to go towards one, but then I found out about a contest online at http://www.savingnaturally.com/ and http://www.keeperofthehome.org/ and I entered! If you want to try and win one too, please go to the links above and enter. It was very easy!
I'll let everyone know if I win, and if not, I'll be buying one shortly. It will be a tremendous asset to my prepping supplies, and normal day living needs.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wood supply
Anyone who heats primarily with wood, knows how important it is to make sure there is an adequate supply of wood for the winter months. This PW is no exception. I constantly watch the level of our wood supply, and notify PH of the necessity for additional wood. We recently received a substantial load of wood recently. I say substantial, because the logs filled up an entire 20 foot utility trailer. But upon splitting and stacking, it really didn't amount to much wood, plus it's GREEN. I have always been told, and read that it is imperative that your wood be seasoned at least 6 months to a year. Our supply of dried wood is at least 3 years old, and some of it is "punky". This means really soft. Oh, it still burns, but it burns so fast, you go through what you have really quick. I am hoping and praying that our dried wood lasts through what is left of the winter. Then we will need to start working on getting next winter's supply in place to dry. I have a resource, but lack a truck and the knowledge of how to use a chain saw. I am starting to get antsy.
We've had a cold spell recently, and this week I made a run to the wood pile using my trusty "Lil Tikes" red, plastic wagon. This wagon is a life saver! It has been used to haul water for the animals, in the early days of our homestead, when we didn't have water available to back of the property. It also hauls hay bales to the barn, laundry to the washhouse, and fire wood to the house.
If you can't afford one of those "fancy, schmancy" garden carts, look for a kid's wagon. They are very versatile, easy to use, and a virtual gift from God.
Life saver
In everything that I have read, I don't think I came across anyone suggesting the purchasing of a little red wagon. I would make this one of my first purchases if I were you. But you could wait awhile, then when you get one, you'll appreciate it all the more.
This PW is always looking for ways to save steps. Oh, some may say I am lazy, I say I am thrifty with my energy. When I go out to the barn, I usually snag up an armful of wood to bring back. I wish the kids would learn this, it might save them time and frustration.
A few hinder dangers in our wood pile are black widows. They are the size of peas, and I don't mean the shriveled up, dried type, but the plump, fresh kind. Pretty scary. We also have to watch out for rattlensakes. Even in the winter. It is a MYTH that snakes don't come out in the winter. We have had rattlesnakes curled up under logs and trees in freezing temps. Oh, sure they move slower, but a slow bite hurts as much as a fast one.
Most of the time, I like to keep a tarp over the wood pile to keep the rain off, but the goats find this a dandy place to climb, and their sharp little hooves soon make short work of a tarp. Therefore, my wood gets wet a lot. This adds another dimension to keeping warm. During rainy days, I try to bring wood in early, so that it can dry out inside, but I don't often make it. So, I have been known to toss wet logs in the stove, where they make this awesome popping and hissing noise. I pretend I am in a sauna and call it good.
I have an addiction
I am addicted to information. I love reading. The Bible, online articles, blogs, self help books, magazines, brochures, textbooks. You name it. I absolutely ABHOR going anywhere without something to read. Just ask my kids, they do not bet my obsession for reading and for "knowing". One of my mottoes are "you can never have too many books". I don't care what anyone says, it just isn't possible. I always aspire to more. It is always possible to squeeze one more book into the house (even if your house is 360 sq feet).
Anytime, I see someone recommending a book that will help with being self sufficient, homesteading, herbal medicine and related topics, I need that book. Sometimes, I am frugal enough to check it out of the library to read first. Then if I like it I will buy it. A few times, I have been lucky enough to find them FREE at the local library. I love our library. They have this area in their foyer that has all kinds of free things. Books, magazines, videos, books on tape, color sheets for the kids. Granted some of these books are free for a reason. While I cringe at the thought of burning a book, a few of these are only bonfire fodder. If I had thought of it, I would have brought it home and thrown it in the wood stove, but I was so weirded out by it, I could only shake my head and move on.
We did manage to get several Veggie Tale VHS tapes for free. Most people nowadays have DVD players. Our van has a VCR and DVD player, and the VCR gets used the most. PS2 LOVES Veggie Tales.
The library also had a Book Sale a year ago. I really wish they would have another one. I managed to get a TON of really great reference books like How to Weave a Rug, How to Raise Livestock on a Small Scale, really useful information...to a would be homesteader type.
I don't have many magazine subscriptions. I view most as a waste of time and money, but I do have one to Backwoods Home Magazine. In my opinion, it is the BEST magazine. I love their companion website too. They are my main source of information these days, and "how tos".
Many of these helpful books also have a list of their own recommended books/magazines that should be read, in order to give you a well rounded view and perspective on homesteading. I'd hate to duplicate that, but I can give you a list of the ones I have found useful.
Storey's Guide to Country Skills
The Encyclopedia of Country Living
Five Acres and Independence
Ten Acres Enough
The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live it
Stocking Up
Any Herbal book by Penelope Ody
Where there is no Doctor, and Where there is no Dentist
Cooking with home storage by Peggy Layton
All the resouce books from Backwoods Home (especially Jackie Clay's book and the Emergency Preparedness Book)
These books have saved me many a time. If I didn't know how to do something, I looked it up. Then I write notes in the margin of what really worked and what didn't.
So get to reading, try all your resources from FREE to Amazon. But stay away from those big bookstores, they often don't have the books you need, and give you "the look" when you ask.
Anytime, I see someone recommending a book that will help with being self sufficient, homesteading, herbal medicine and related topics, I need that book. Sometimes, I am frugal enough to check it out of the library to read first. Then if I like it I will buy it. A few times, I have been lucky enough to find them FREE at the local library. I love our library. They have this area in their foyer that has all kinds of free things. Books, magazines, videos, books on tape, color sheets for the kids. Granted some of these books are free for a reason. While I cringe at the thought of burning a book, a few of these are only bonfire fodder. If I had thought of it, I would have brought it home and thrown it in the wood stove, but I was so weirded out by it, I could only shake my head and move on.
We did manage to get several Veggie Tale VHS tapes for free. Most people nowadays have DVD players. Our van has a VCR and DVD player, and the VCR gets used the most. PS2 LOVES Veggie Tales.
The library also had a Book Sale a year ago. I really wish they would have another one. I managed to get a TON of really great reference books like How to Weave a Rug, How to Raise Livestock on a Small Scale, really useful information...to a would be homesteader type.
I don't have many magazine subscriptions. I view most as a waste of time and money, but I do have one to Backwoods Home Magazine. In my opinion, it is the BEST magazine. I love their companion website too. They are my main source of information these days, and "how tos".
Many of these helpful books also have a list of their own recommended books/magazines that should be read, in order to give you a well rounded view and perspective on homesteading. I'd hate to duplicate that, but I can give you a list of the ones I have found useful.
Storey's Guide to Country Skills
The Encyclopedia of Country Living
Five Acres and Independence
Ten Acres Enough
The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live it
Stocking Up
Any Herbal book by Penelope Ody
Where there is no Doctor, and Where there is no Dentist
Cooking with home storage by Peggy Layton
All the resouce books from Backwoods Home (especially Jackie Clay's book and the Emergency Preparedness Book)
These books have saved me many a time. If I didn't know how to do something, I looked it up. Then I write notes in the margin of what really worked and what didn't.
So get to reading, try all your resources from FREE to Amazon. But stay away from those big bookstores, they often don't have the books you need, and give you "the look" when you ask.
Buying Your Own Piece of Prairie
You might not aspire to be a Prairie Wife, but that's okay. Where ever you want to call home (mountain, ocean, desert) make the most of it, and try to be as self sufficient as possible.
Around here, buying your piece of prairie isn't really hard. After being a loan officer for three years, I definitely urge more people to look towards Owner Finance or Land Agents to purchase. Traditional mortgage companies just aren't conducive to rural properties. They don't "get it".
Now most of my friends, and family do not want to live rurally, or live more simply, they are happy with their modern conveniences, and living in a huge metropolis. That is not for me. Several years ago God opened my eyes to the dangers of materialism, the looming economic problems (this was BEFORE the news reported anything), and in being prepared to take care of my family, with as little help (and interference) from the government as possible. The solution to this was to downsize possessions and housing.
So, I started dreaming about what I wanted in a piece of land. I urge anyone who wants to buy their prairie dream spot to make a list. What is it you really want? Be realistic.
My list looked like this:
At least 40-50 miles away from a major city (I'd prefer 100, but couldn't find it)
Close enough to PH job that he wouldn't be driving for days
Zoning
Existing house or build?
Open pasture land
Some trees (for shade and fuel)
Water feature (river access, pond, creek)
Existing well
Existing electricity (this was optional for me, but PH preferred electricity)
At least 10 acres, ideal would be 40 acres.
I started looking in November 2007, and found it in December 2007. PH and I looked at lots of property and while the prices was right, we soon realized that additional cash outlays for water and electricity would make it impossible for us to live at these places for a LONG time.
I looked online for rural, off grid, remote properties. The ones I really liked were really remote, and PH gave me "the look". He gives me this look a lot, I have no idea why??
I like to travel to all the little towns between the TEXAS Hill Country and the border, just to pick up their little town newspapers. Some of the best stuff is found in these papers, AND on feed store bulletin boards. You learn a lot at feed stores (but that is for another day).
I happened to stumble across an ad for rural property, low down, low monthly payments, best of all it was about an hour from town, but only 15 minutes from PH job. I scored big! I was so excited, I had to take the kids and go look right then. I went by the land agent's office, and talked to him about my requirements, making sure he knew I didn't want a run around. If he didn't have anything to meet my requirements to tell me at that time. He had one, but was very relunctant to show it to me, as it was their hunting property. He also had another with mostly trees.
After looking at both, I really liked the first one. It has a pond, and a dry creek bed, which FLOODS, when it rains. Like bank to bank flooding. It was fenced, it had an existing, WORKING well and pump, electricity, open pastures and some trees! I was so excited! PH and I looked at it together after work, and PH said "Let's get it." It was so simple. We paid more than the required down to get our payments low, which is a smart thing to do. Put as much money towards your land as you can, don't be fooled into the "low down" scenario. Low down, can mean higher monthly payments, and if you get in a bind it will be hard to come up with the monthly amount.
During our current Depression, it is smart to have a place that can be afforded, so if you can pay cash and own it right out, that is best. You can always live humbly (believe me we are) while working on the rest.
So, remember the things to do when looking for land:
small town newspapers
feed stores
make a list of what is necessary and needful
what can you REALLY afford
how far away do you want to be (remember during hard times, you want to be as far from a major city as possible)
how hard do you want to work? (cleared land vs. lots of brush and scrub trees)
off grid vs. grid electricity
well vs. rain water collection vs. hauling water
Luckily, the state and county we live in are very easy. No restrictions, no building code. The only thing we found was that a septic tank MUST be installed, BUT you don't have to use it. So, if you are a composting toilet kind of Prairie Gal, then get the septic tank (you can even do it yourself) and then get a composting toilet.
While all this information can be found online, or in a variety of books, the one I rely on heavily is "The Encyclopedia of Country Living" by Carla Emery. It's a wealth of knowledge.
The information I write on isn't intended to replace or duplicate what has already been done, but to showcase what I have learned, using the resources (like the book above), and what I have learned (good and bad) from following the advice. I encourage any prospective homesteader to get out there and READ! Then talk and solicit advice from other homesteaders and locals. Temper your excitement, especially with the locals, or you'll get the "evil eye" and a reputation for being "one of those".
Around here, buying your piece of prairie isn't really hard. After being a loan officer for three years, I definitely urge more people to look towards Owner Finance or Land Agents to purchase. Traditional mortgage companies just aren't conducive to rural properties. They don't "get it".
Now most of my friends, and family do not want to live rurally, or live more simply, they are happy with their modern conveniences, and living in a huge metropolis. That is not for me. Several years ago God opened my eyes to the dangers of materialism, the looming economic problems (this was BEFORE the news reported anything), and in being prepared to take care of my family, with as little help (and interference) from the government as possible. The solution to this was to downsize possessions and housing.
So, I started dreaming about what I wanted in a piece of land. I urge anyone who wants to buy their prairie dream spot to make a list. What is it you really want? Be realistic.
My list looked like this:
At least 40-50 miles away from a major city (I'd prefer 100, but couldn't find it)
Close enough to PH job that he wouldn't be driving for days
Zoning
Existing house or build?
Open pasture land
Some trees (for shade and fuel)
Water feature (river access, pond, creek)
Existing well
Existing electricity (this was optional for me, but PH preferred electricity)
At least 10 acres, ideal would be 40 acres.
I started looking in November 2007, and found it in December 2007. PH and I looked at lots of property and while the prices was right, we soon realized that additional cash outlays for water and electricity would make it impossible for us to live at these places for a LONG time.
I looked online for rural, off grid, remote properties. The ones I really liked were really remote, and PH gave me "the look". He gives me this look a lot, I have no idea why??
I like to travel to all the little towns between the TEXAS Hill Country and the border, just to pick up their little town newspapers. Some of the best stuff is found in these papers, AND on feed store bulletin boards. You learn a lot at feed stores (but that is for another day).
I happened to stumble across an ad for rural property, low down, low monthly payments, best of all it was about an hour from town, but only 15 minutes from PH job. I scored big! I was so excited, I had to take the kids and go look right then. I went by the land agent's office, and talked to him about my requirements, making sure he knew I didn't want a run around. If he didn't have anything to meet my requirements to tell me at that time. He had one, but was very relunctant to show it to me, as it was their hunting property. He also had another with mostly trees.
After looking at both, I really liked the first one. It has a pond, and a dry creek bed, which FLOODS, when it rains. Like bank to bank flooding. It was fenced, it had an existing, WORKING well and pump, electricity, open pastures and some trees! I was so excited! PH and I looked at it together after work, and PH said "Let's get it." It was so simple. We paid more than the required down to get our payments low, which is a smart thing to do. Put as much money towards your land as you can, don't be fooled into the "low down" scenario. Low down, can mean higher monthly payments, and if you get in a bind it will be hard to come up with the monthly amount.
During our current Depression, it is smart to have a place that can be afforded, so if you can pay cash and own it right out, that is best. You can always live humbly (believe me we are) while working on the rest.
So, remember the things to do when looking for land:
small town newspapers
feed stores
make a list of what is necessary and needful
what can you REALLY afford
how far away do you want to be (remember during hard times, you want to be as far from a major city as possible)
how hard do you want to work? (cleared land vs. lots of brush and scrub trees)
off grid vs. grid electricity
well vs. rain water collection vs. hauling water
Luckily, the state and county we live in are very easy. No restrictions, no building code. The only thing we found was that a septic tank MUST be installed, BUT you don't have to use it. So, if you are a composting toilet kind of Prairie Gal, then get the septic tank (you can even do it yourself) and then get a composting toilet.
While all this information can be found online, or in a variety of books, the one I rely on heavily is "The Encyclopedia of Country Living" by Carla Emery. It's a wealth of knowledge.
The information I write on isn't intended to replace or duplicate what has already been done, but to showcase what I have learned, using the resources (like the book above), and what I have learned (good and bad) from following the advice. I encourage any prospective homesteader to get out there and READ! Then talk and solicit advice from other homesteaders and locals. Temper your excitement, especially with the locals, or you'll get the "evil eye" and a reputation for being "one of those".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)