Making the best of a very cold, rainy day last week, Brian traveled with truck and trailer across the state line to Illinois to a large building supply warehouse. He went with lists, measurements, and a vision, and came back with ten windows and two doors for our small cottage.
In the building process, as in all areas of life, nothing seems to go as expected. In our case, the building we had originally planned to be a non-insulated “Summer Shanty,” is now shaping up to be an 18 x 20 foot insulated house. This decision was born of our desire to avoid moving out of a non-insulated structure next winter to find a warm place to live. As we fell more in love with the land, we realized we just did not want to have to leave! So all four of us will live VERY cozily in this tiny house for the next few years as we build our dream timber-framed strawbale home.
As a result of this change in direction, this summer we will be camping on our land. Brian has been busy as ever creating systems that will facilitate our comfort as we live in a tent. A water catchment system is in place, and three 50 gallon barrels await the next heavy rain.
A tent platform is in progress…
…and our neighbors have generously loaned us their enormous nine person tent, which we will erect tomorrow.
And so we prepare for the not-so-faraway day that we will leave this cozy, well appointed home in the “city,” and move to our rustic tent in the country. And while I’m so excited to finally live on our land, a part of me is slightly terrified, wondering how in the world I will live with no electricity, no washing machine, no running water, no refrigerator, no internet service, and only a sporadically working cell phone. I guess this is what chasing our dreams will look like for a few months.
* This post was shared on The Backyard Farming Connection
and The Homestead Barn Hop.
Wow, I can not wait to hear about this adventure. You are brave and have such a thoughtful husband to think of the provisions y’all will need. The kids are going to think this is great, they will probaly resist moving into a “structure” in the future. So excited for you.
That’s so true – they will probably LOVE the camping experience! Already they gravitate to the tent platform and like to hang out under there. I have a big attachment to my shower and my internet. They will love it.
WOW! Great pix and text, Teri! Amazing plans you guys are doing! Wonderful time at Canyon Lake….more tomorrow! XXXOOO
Ann
Glad to hear it! When will you come see it in person?
You are so brave to be willing to walk out with your dreams rather than wait until the pathway turns easy. What a blessing to live on the beautiful land that you can call your own, to immerse yourself in the earth that will shelter you, provide for your family, and surround you with wild love! Can’t wait to hear of your adventures. Keep us updated!
Thanks Alyssa. It really is an amazing experience to be creating this homestead. Keeps me grounded, even when the reality is a bit crazy!
Where did you get the barrels for your rainwater catchment? Cheap? Rugged and sturdy enough?
Tom, we got these barrels from the Pepsi distributor near us. They use them to ship the sweet syrup – ours all smell like Mountain Dew when we get them!! But they are food grade, only $10, and as long as we don’t accidentally freeze them, they are very sturdy.