In planning mode now for what to do first on the land. Obviously I’ll need to cut back the plants that have grown up around the old buildings, and get that area cleared, but then what? I found quite a few useful ideas in Mother Earth News’ Guide to Country Skills, not least the article by Steve Maxwell detailing some of the lessons he has learned over the last 20 years of homesteading. But for fun – and because I really think I could make this on my own – I’m tempted to upgrade my firepit early on and build the all-in-one outdoor oven, stove, grill and smoker! It’s probably good to have one or two projects like this lined up, because as I clear some of the old building debris away, I can be looking out for materials I know I can reuse… concrete blocks… I’m sure there are some of those lying around. (Update from Nov. 19 visit: Oh yes, there are certainly concrete blocks!)
new photo!
Check it out! The last few weeks have been so busy, but the land purchase is coming along. The new survey was finished a couple of days ago, so my acres are now subdivided officially from the rest.
I walked around the land with a friend just over a week ago, and took this image. The forest itself has a lovely feel to it, but this spot was particularly gorgeous. The rocks there look very like a dolmen tomb, though the shape and cracks in them are completely natural. So, yes, I hope they turn out to be within the piece I’m buying!!