Our First Week On The Land, part two

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The first half of our week was a bit more of a challenge than the second half, but we are learning daily what it means to throw off all previous expectations and learn from the process.

Day Five:

We get up early and I crank up the propane stove for what will be our first home-cooked breakfast (or meal, for that matter) since we arrive. After breakfast I wash up the dishes using dishpans and water heated on the stove. Then my six hour rendezvous with the laundry commences, with help from some cutie pies of course.

There are, of course, breaks for helping little ones, making lunch, and other things but by the afternoon I realize that something’s going to have to change for this to be sustainable.

While we plunge away on the laundry, the papa sets up the clothesline, secures the solar panel, and gets the water filtration started.

Day Six:

We sleep in past sun up, which is 7:30 right now, and thank God for the sabbath. We spend the day resting, reading, and staying out of the (October?) heat. You really appreciate this day so much more when you truly need it by the end of the week.

Day Seven:

It looks like the basics – outhouse, water, and cooking ability – are all set up so we move on to other projects. I sort through all of our clothes, pare way down, and vow to keep working clothes and nice clothes separate in an attempt to cut back on wash time. Then I wash some more laundry.

The Papa is making deck preparations, securing the outhouse, and is constantly helping me by carrying water buckets for laundry, lifting all those heavy things I’m not supposed to and generally fixing all of the things that need fixin’.

It has been a busy first week on the land and we breathe a sigh of relief as the absolute bare necessities are in place. There is always work to be done or a project to start, but it feels more like life than work. And we are so thankful to be doing this together.

I may continue to share updates of our progress here on the land so if y’all are interested let me know in the comments.

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116 Comments

  2. Please keep sharing. I love to read about this. Just wish I were younger and could do more work.

  6. I love hearing about your progress because it helps me think about what I will need when I am able to start our little homestead! Wishing you the best and rooting for your family! Glad you remembered to rest, too. 🙂

  8. Oh! I want to hear of your progress! It sounds like you guys are on your way to living *really* off your land, what a great thing. Congrats on your new place!

  12. Of course we want more…it’s so unique and inspiring and different. I’m always hoping to read more about it when I see a new post on your blog! Keep them coming.

  13. We all are living this vicariously through you LOL Please continue to share!! Don’t hesitate to share details 😉 My first question is… are you doing this on your own or are you in a “community” doing this together? Are you part of something like Michael Bunker is in? Are there a lot of that sort of thing in the south?

    Love reading about your journey!!

  14. I love reading about your journey – have been lurking for a while. Please keep sharing! I would love to venture out like you have someday!

  17. Please keep sharing – it is such a blessing – wish I was younger – don’t know if I could do all that anymore. 🙂 God bless you in this endeavor.

  18. Yes, please keep sharing! I love the perspective of someone going through this transition. We are planning to do so in the next couple years as well.:)

  21. Glad you’ve arrived safely and are settling in…interesting to hear how things progress. Your area looks a lot like here in SW Oklahoma. The prickly pear make great jelly, BTW.

  22. Please do continue to share! My family would like to make a similar transition in the coming years!

  24. I heard a funny statement the other day about laundry that I thought you might appreciate. “The more laundry I do everyday, the less crazy nudists seem”. LOL Please keep sharing your experiences. I will keep you guys in prayer.

  28. Please keep posting! I’m fascinated by what you are doing, and totally respect this decision…please keep us updated!

  34. Please share as much as you can find the time for! Your story is inspiring, thought-provoking, and informative.

  39. I’ll echo everyone else: Please continue to share! I’m utterly fascinated and cheering for every little victory for you (less laundry time!) and your family. Best of luck and can’t wait for updates.

  40. Haha! Like everyone… More more more!!! You can just see how we are all slaves to modern industrialism. Your new life is a vision of freedom! Inspire us to action. Please. 🙂

  43. I definitely want to continue hearing about your journey! It is so exciting! I have dreams of moving to a piece of land and really giving it a go. Of course, my husband thinks God let us have electricity and indoor plumbing for a reason 🙂 Although, I don’t know if I could handle hand washing the laundry…I can barely keep up with it with a washing machine!

  50. YES! Please keep sharing! It’s like a modern day LHOP, and we are all interested in the journey~

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