Di Martin

Such an exciting time! We just had our area for our aquaponics greenhouse cleared leveled and the pit dug for the fish! Woohoo! It has been several months planning and work to get to that stage.

The Mister worked for a day to smooth and round out the pit after the bucket loader finished the original dig. About midway down on one side, he ran into a large buried log and root mix. No big deal, we figured, as it was going to be covered with a styro-crete layer and then the liner.

Two days later, we had a huge storm system come into the area. It was the same system that caused all the tornado devastation in Granbury Texas. Luckily for us, we didn't have any tornadic activity here but we did have two days of almost non-stop rain. He had covered the pit and built a berm around it that was reinforced with railroad ties. We assumed we would get some water in there but weren't particularly worried

Now don't get me wrong, we were glad of the rain! However, that area in the fish pit that had the large log and root cluster turned into a conduit for water and silt seepage. So now, our pit is almost full of silt that washed out around the log.

But, we still feel lucky that it could have been much worse. Today is supposed to be sunny so we are looking forward to our sludge bucket brigade to clear it out!

Our various sprouts and hugel beds benefited greatly from the water and we were able to catch quite a bit as well. As I said, we were very lucky.

Have a great week guys!

This is a great thread. We have just recently...like last month pulled up stakes and moved to our land. We quit our jobs and just did it. It had taken us several months of looking to find a piece of land and to make enough preparations to allow us to live out there.

Our eventual goal is to get to the place where we can invite others to join us as you are doing, Paul. We don't have near as much room as you have but we do have room for a couple other couples. We aren't at that point now, but we do hope to have a place eventually where others can live and work. We look at it as a team effort out here. Everyone who comes to live here must give their time and effort to the best of their abilities and skillset to help ensure the success of the team.

We have several projects in place. Currently, we have several RVs out here and are in the process of building our composting toilet/wash house combo. Our next project is an aquaponics greenhouse. We have already started some plantings in accidental hugel berms that were formed when some of the land was cleared.

Our place still looks rough but each day we get a bit more done. Someday, we will use the natural red clay from our land for raku ceramics projects.

Deciding to just take the plunge and DO IT was the best decision we have ever made, in my opinion. Each day brings new opportunities to feel successful and useful. Each morning brings beauty and wonder listening to the birds rather than the jangling of my alarm clock.

I say if you want to find a new place and get out of the rat race...don't be scared. Take the plunge.

If you are interested in visiting us, please let us know...but beware, we may put you to work.