My blog, that is, MY blog

As I was trying to drift off to sleep last night, I realized that my blog isn't going to be something the whole world will follow, with or without anticipation. And that's ok. It's really just meant for me to record my thoughts, and questions, and doubts. I'm not a professional writer so this is going to sound very rambling.

As for my thoughts, for example, I really, really want a fireplace in my log house, but I know that fireplaces aren't the most efficient heaters. And lately I've been considering a wood burning cook stove (instead of the propane gas one I was planning on getting), but I can't say yes or no on that until I decide where I'm going to retire to. If I say yes, I'd need access to wood for all my cooking. And if I retire where the winters are really cold, I'd need even more wood. It boils down to location, location, location. So that's what I'm going to write about this time.

I have had more than enough of the long hot San Antonio summers. But since my son and grandson are here I don't want to go too far away. The rest of my family are in New Jersey, southern Alabama and the Florida panhandle. I grew up in Alabama and I miss the pine trees so much. I have looked at real estate websites for several areas: in Texas, west of US Hwy 281 from Blanco to Lampasas; the area north of IH10 between Luling and Columbus; East Texas counties from Cherokee, Smith, Wood, and Hopkins east to the Louisiana border, and in Alabama, the area west of IH 65 from Evergreen to Birmingham east to the Mississippi border. Over the past month or two I found 10-12 properties throughout those areas that looked great, but since I'm not in the position to purchase anything right now, all I can do is look. And that's frustrating, especially when I haven't been able to make up my mind which area to focus on. So, in the last couple days I made that decision and have narrowed the search area down to the counties in the piney woods of East Texas. I want the trees, plus if I can get enough acreage I can harvest some of it for my own use and try to replant and/or nourish the new growth. I'm sure I would need at least 8-10 acres of heavy woods to do this, and still have to purchase some cut wood. Oh what a relief it is to have that question settled! Oh wait, fireplace, propane stove or wood burning?????

First Step

As I’ve said before, I can hardly wait to begin my new life. I created a 5-Year Plan in October 2011 and if all goes well, by the end of 2016, I will be living in my log house on a small acreage with a garden that provides most of my food.

I have not, however, gotten very far along with my plan and its original six steps. My plan has been updated and rewritten several times, and another step was added. Being two years away from actually retiring automatically puts most of the steps beyond reach. I cannot yet purchase the land or log house to be restored. And I’m not able to do the other steps yet either.

Here are the now seven steps:

1. Become debt free (except for the house) by February 2014 when I retire
2. Purchase land in the Summer 2014
3. Sell current house in the Spring 2015 and move into travel trailer on land
4. Plant a small Fall Garden in early Summer of 2015
5. Purchase log cabin by Fall 2015 and restore it within 6 months
6. Plant large gardens in the Spring 2016 for Summer/Fall harvest
7. Make decision about (and purchase?) Livestock in Spring 2016

For some, my steps may seem simplistic, even though each step is broken down into many sub-steps. And you may be right. Setting dates or deadlines for getting each job done may be naïve, but just getting them written down is so satisfying. It gives me direction, something to focus on, something to work toward. I have very little experience for what I want to do, but I love a project and this is a big one. With a big reward.

One small but important thing I have done is create a list of homesteading skills that I will tackle this year while I’m still working. These include purchasing a pressure canner and learning to can vegetables, fruits, and meats, begin to bake my own bread and make butter, cheese, and yogurt, and to put in a small garden in my back yard. I will also continue to read everything I can get my hands on about ‘homesteading’. And I can research the area(s) where I might purchase the land and the costs such as installing electrical service and water lines.

All journeys begin with just one step, and I’ve just taken my first one.