Monday, April 25, 2016

Returning









I am back in this space after not getting the hang of squarespace.  I like the feel here and also it really contains so much of our family's journey.  Looking back at how our dreams have been realized one step at a time, but of course not without occasional interruptions and challenges.

We are mostly settled on our new homestead in the midcoast Maine area.  The house is an antique Cape, although, it has been "cheapified" over the years and I hope to add some rustic charm and character over the coming years.  It is smallish, 3 bedrooms (the girls' bedroom is quite large, though) but it has a nice open living space with a large kitchen.   The land, at 7 1/2 acres, is what is most exciting.  We have lots of maples to tap next spring, plenty of firewood available to cut, gardening space, an overgrown field that can be reclaimed for growing or pasture and much more.  

Being in a new area, however, no matter how beautiful and no matter how much more it has to offer our family in terms of homeschool groups, classes, a bit more of a diversified population (not really diversified but at least in terms of age and vocations, etc..), it has still been harder than I thought it would be.

As spring has returned, though, our eyes are on the long days of work ahead.  Firewood and fencing the garden are our first priorities.  We also plan to plant blueberry bushes, rhubarb, and asparagus.

Thank you for reading and I hope you will find your way here from time to time as I share bits and pieces of our life with five children still at home, 5 goats (at the moment), 12 chickens, 1 duck, 1 dog, 1 kitten, and 2 pet bunnies, as well as what it is like to learn and work together on our home based business which supports our family's simple lifestyle.

27 comments:

  1. Our lives are so similar...love seeing what you're up to on the new homestead and wish you well as you continue settling in to your new community. xo

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    1. Thanks Lisa. I have also enjoyed getting to "know" you through your blog and instagram.

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  2. Welcome back:-) Your place looks and sounds just lovely. We may be moving again. My husband had to take a job in Lexington-all the surrounding towns homes start at over $500,00.00 and for nothing basically:-( What is going on today in our culture? Trying to look into along Rt2 corridor , but likely we will downsize. Changes in life can be so hard;-) Glad your place fits all your needs-its nice to see that!
    Blessings,
    Suzanne

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  3. Can't wait to hear about us new adventures. How exciting. I hope it quickly becomes s home.

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  4. It is so good to see you back again...I have missed your posts. I'm excited to see the new homestead become "home" . Stay well and happy.

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    1. Thanks Carrie. I feel so much more comfortable sharing in this space.

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  5. Such lively views of your homestead. You have such a thoughtful touch in your homekeeping!

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  6. Welcome back! I have missed your wise words

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    1. Thanks Emily. I will probably be sharing more of our everyday life and my thoughts as I feel moved.

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  7. I'm so happy to see you back, you have been missed! I have no idea what squarespace even is! Your new home looks and sounds lovely and I look forward to catching up on your sweet life.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Thanks Betsy. Squarespace is just a platform to make a blog/store/etc... I just never got the hang of using it.

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  8. welcome back...I much prefer to read about your life here.

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  9. Your new homestead looks amazing!!!!We are beginning the same but are very behind you!!!I just bought a beautiful 23.4 acres with an off grid cabin in Woodville,Maine.We have rocky soil so will have to make raised beds!!!Have just begun figuring out the chicken coop etc.I am so impatient,I want t all now!!!Its a learning process!!!So glad your back writing,missed you!!!!!:)

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    1. Oh Holly, I completely understand. there is sooo much we want to do too but only so many hours in the day and only so much energy that we can muster each day. I look forward to following your family's progress and hopefully we can meet each other this summer.

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  10. Hugs, dear Tonya...so glad you decided to return here....and I also have missed your posts here! Your homestead sounds wonderful and busy and lively...so so looking forward to seeing what you share.
    xoxoxo Jules

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  11. Welcome back, looking forward to follow along again. I know what you mean about "diversity". Lovely pictures of your home. Pam in Norway

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  12. I'm glad you've returned here as well! I'll admit this space feels more familiar like visiting an old friend... I've visited here a long time! I have toyed around with the idea of moving too but I think unless you're literally doing a new blog, it's best to stay put. :)

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  13. Welcome back! Moving is a huge challenge & can be quite taxing on a family. I missed your blog & was just thinking the other day "I hope they are all okay & happy"! I greatly admire your faith, morals & principles on religion, relationships & education. It has been a long winter here in NJ. I'm sure your excited that spring has almost really sprung. We've had a great loss, my brother passed away from colon cancer. I share this news only in the hopes everyone will please get routine colonoscopies, it would have saved his life. Life is precious & those we dearly love few. I am praying for good health, great financial success & joy on your new homestead for your family. (Also for a couple mild winters in Maine until you get really established!!) So happy to see you back!

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    1. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. and you know your words, probably will make me think more as I was already telling myself that there is "no way I will have one of those tests when I turn 50", but there is good reason to and I should just humble myself to do the right thing I am sure. Was there any family history?
      On another note, we were soooo blessed with a mild winter here - we were able to build our small barn in December when the weather so much milder than normal.
      Thank you for kind words and I pray that you find peace in your loss.
      Warmly,
      Tonya

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    2. Thank you Tonya, My brother had a polyp when he was 42 - just found this out don't even know why he had test done so young. He had his last colonoscopy 2.5 years ago. He went to ER with belly ache, had to have surgery asap. He died 8 months later. Those were very long, tough, sad 8 months. He was 59 and did not want to die. Colon cancer can be Very Successfully treated and does not need to be terminal. I share this to encourage everyone to be proactive. Eat right, exercise & do the necessary exams. Just spreading this message honors my brother's memory & may save other people. Peace to all. Celia

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  14. Hi Tonya and Mike,

    your new place looks wonderful. Congrats!

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