Don't know if this is old news to everybody here- Dervaes family?

[tamlynn]

http://www.pathtofreedom.com/

Their website. They are in the local news alot -they live in Pasadena, CA. Just wondering if they are well known nationally? I enjoy reading about what they do to be self sufficient with such a small lot like mine.

 

[reinbeau]

I've read about them in Mother Earth News.

 

[Beekissed]

I think I did too and it gave me a little chuckle!

ETA: Nah, wasn't them......it was another article about homesteading lessons learned.....

 

[FarmerChick]

yes I've seen the site before


small lot, yes tons can be done with it!!!!!!

 

[TanksHill]

Dace actually sent me a link to them last year. They are pretty amazing if you ask me. Goes to show what even the smallest space can do. I forward the info on them to as many people as I can.

gina

 

[okiegirl1]

actually, it discouraged me. I have 2 1/2 acres and have no idea what to do with it. I have no idea where to even begin.

I know they've been doing this for 20+ years, but how do you even start? I tried going thru the pictures to see if I could understand how to start small and build on it, but my interenet is being a butt this morning and running so slow I can't load the pictures.

I made a great plan to build the chicken coop, got all the wood on the trailer, ready to get started with that. Told hubby I'd like it done and ready for chicks by spring.

Seems I'm looking and learning and wanting, but not really doing. I guess I just gotta take the plunge and jump into the deep end.

 

[freemotion]

I tend to have a bit of "ss block" when starting something new. Like writer's block or artist's block....that blank page or blank canvas makes your mind go blank. The trick that works for me is to type anything that comes into my head.....Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.....or just paint a wash over the canvas that can then be painted over....do the same with the ss project. Take a shovel and remove one shovelful of dirt. Take a pencil and mark one piece of wood, or take the wood and lay some of it out on the ground in a general shape to get a picture of what is to come. You get the idea. This method unblocks me. Might work for you, too.

I also used to....and still do, somewhat....have a fear about cutting materials and ruining them, so I wouldn't start. I have to remind myself that if I make a mistake, the price is worth the learning experience. How will I gain skills if I never even try?

You can do it! How do you eat an elephant?


One bite at a time!

 

[okiegirl1]

ok, that's it!!

You're my new best friend!

 

[TanksHill]

Okie girl don't get discouraged. It really takes small steps. I started with a bucket of worms in my garage and by planting a few fruit trees. Those trees died. So the next year I planted a couple more. It's a learning process.

What types of things do you want. Obviously the chicken coop. What else? Have you made a master plan? A realistic one?

I have somewhat big projects my dh helps with. But most of the little stuff I have to get done on my own. For my orchard I used to ask for his help. He used a back hoe for bare root trees. Kinda over kill. I have learned now just to grab a shove and plant them on my own. After TEN years I have a small orchard. 20 trees.

I tried a couple of the Dervaes Family projects as well. They did not work for me. My property is to hot and dry. I think just reading what they do will give you ideas. Like the daughter has a hand crank blender. Very simple.

Anyways. I hope you keep trying. Good luck.

gina

 

[freemotion]

Aww, shucks!