I read a group of articles that was really good about how to be a “homesteader” … no matter what your current circumstances are.
Do you live in a semi-rural environment but don’t have a lot of land? Live in the suburbs? or do you live in an apartment with no land at all? I loved these articles because they pointed out that no matter what your circumstances are, you can always do something to be more self-reliant!
I’m beginning to realize that although our ultimate goal and dream is to own a small farm, we are slowly building up the skills that we can use once we move to the country so we aren’t trying to start from scratch at doing everything at once.
Take preserving for instance. We’re getting better at canning produce when it’s fresh to build up a store for the winter. Simple things like peaches, pears, applesauce, and tomatoes. Papa has even done some pressure canning of meats – and plans to do most of the venison we get this year that way.
The food may not always be grown on our property, even if you have to buy from outside sources, it can be well worth it. Take for example this grape jam. We purchased the grapes from a local farmer. They weren’t cheap when you calculate the costs, but they were locally grown, and oh my … this grape jam is far superior to anything you’d buy in the store! We also know everything that is included!
So … today I’m thankful for the little baby steps we are able to make in our homesteading efforts – and for the preserved food that will help feed us over this winter.