D Cali

Hmmm it seems like just yesterday I was the youngest within most groups I associated with. Not sure how or when it happened but somehow I began being the oldest. I look at the ages of this thread and to my surprise it appears to have happened again I just turned 62, most days I don't feel 62 and in my mind I'm not 62, the body disagrees often the bales of hay do seem to be getting heavier is it bad in this case to hope for some shrinkflation? Lol . Anyway I have a bit more than 13 acres in central Arkansas and am totally off grid. Often it would be great to have just a second pair of hands.  When I step back I have accomplished allot on my little homestead but often those successes feel a bit hollow having someone to share those accomplishments with would be nice.

I have goats, got them to help me keep the brush down and they do a good job! Hey is basically a treat and to supplement during the winter. During 9-10 months of the year I don't keep hay around since there is more than enough for them to graze on. That's why it is such a surprise that the bales seem much heavier than the previous year. One of these days I need my mind and body to be on the same page.

Ra Kenworth wrote:D Cali :
Lol I hope your bales aren't getting lighter! It was meant as a joke but true:

My farmer quit oat bales after they quit pigs when a pig hit $27 at the slaughterhouse. They don't give you a price until they put one through and fortunately he kept his others in the trailer and waited. He thought they means 127 which would have been low, and I'm talking cdn now, so no more piggies and no more good bales for $5 cdn.

I have found a new supplier nearby, ligjter bales, but seems $5 cdn is a darn good price!

... which is an accomplishment because most of the land is zoned forest and no agriculture allowed.

Meat pigeons aren't classified or regulated, which is what I have I large quantity! They prefer hay or straw but the boys will scavenge leaves, twigs, and steal fliers from each other!

I did without for 2 years I can tell ya: I got myself a round bale of road hay delivered and offered the going price for a good round bale but got it delivered for free mind you! I was smart enough to get it dropped where I was
starting a new compost windrow lol

We had a discussion earlier this winter on hay bale prices and I couldn't resist posting a pic demonstrating that in Iqaluit a 40 lb box of hay costs $100 cdn (so I think I won the prize for finding the most expensive hay lol) I am overwintering here in Iqaluit and there really are people with indoor rabbits and chickens here !

I hope I brightened up your day with my little story

Ra Kenworth wrote:D Cali I can still toss regular hay bales but I think they're getting lighter for the same price

I can't toss round ones though!

Oh my if they are getting lighter then my strength is going faster than I thought lol.  I purchased one of those rounds once thought it was a great deal. Live and learn lol

Jason R Wakefield wrote:My name is Jason I looking for a place to live and work I am 52 are you a man or woman

Hi Jason

I am 61 women. What kind of work are you looking for. What are your skills?

I'm 62 living in central Arkansas, I have 13 acres totally off grid. I have been working on this for about 6 years. In my mind I'm still 25 but my body thinks my mind is an idiot! Sometimes just an extra pair of hands would make things sooooo much easier.

At this age I'm not sure a "relationship" is in the cards, but it sure would be nice to find companionship.  Or even someone willing to be that extra set of hands.

I have tried to find others in my area where every once in a while we could do like work parties.  A small group that gets together to help each other with projects.

It is nice to know that I am not the only one who now struggles with tossing hay bales lol. Funny I could do it last year!

I was wondering if you were still looking? I am older with 13 acres in central Arkansas.

Hi everyone

I am a 56 year young female. I purchased 7 acers of land about a year ago. I'm  afraid my ambition and my abilities aren't  in synce. I am finding many project require another set of hands and those seem to be nearly impossible  to find.  So I am posting here in hopes of creating a win win solution.   If you would like a place to camp/live In exchange for offering a helping hand drop me a line.  I do have electric, internet and a small rain water capture system.  

Projects I need help with:
Putting gutters on a small cabin as part of a bigger rainwater capture system
Turning a shipping create into a shower/bathroom
Building raised self watering garden beds and a small green house.

Thanks for looking

Hi Chris

First welcome home!  I am not sure what part of the country you are looking at, but I am in central Arkansas. Being raised a GI brat I have a soft spot for Vets 😃. I have 7 acers of land, love to travel and do so often.

Have an awesome  day

Hi Jim

Thanks so much for reaching out.  It's so nice to have someone in close proximity.  Now I would love to shoot you a PM but I will be honest I have no idea how  So if you PM me I will respond.

Jim Mickiby wrote:Hi D,
I live in Little Rock and am in the education phase of permaculture as well. I'm a 36 year old, recently divorced fellow. I'd love to chat or visit about what you have going on. Shoot me a PM or moosage or whatever they call it here.

PS - congrats on your recent land purchase!!

Hi Daniel

I am currently residing at the site, it does have a cabin, and I do have a very old class C RV.  I do understand the heavy lifting part so far I have done a fair amount but it is a very BIG job for one, having someone who has already lived off grid would be a BIG help.  
The location is about 60 miles from Little Rock, the climate here is good most of the year August is hot and humid and sometimes we will have a day or two of ice or snow usually in February spring and fall are beautiful and full of color .  There are tons of lakes and rivers in the area, Hot Springs, crystal mines etc.  The cost of living here in AR is very low, I was raised a GI Brat and have lived all over if you would have told me 7 years ago I would live in AR I would have said you were crazy.  But here I am The actual site is about 30 foot pines The area was clear cut about 7 years ago.  This are is a BIG logging area, The main area has been cleared of trees, although I am still cutting up downed trees, (the chainsaw and I don't always get along, some days it starts just fine other days I can't start it to save my life  I do have power on site, although hope to convert to solar before then end of the year.  I have a very basic rainwater collection system, but it needs to be improved.  I have cleared paths through most of the rest of the land and envision either tiny/container homes and have 6ish spots cleared for the 1st few homes/buildings .  I don't plan on this being a huge community maybe 6-10.  

Feel Free to ask any questions

Daniel Parkman wrote:Read your post. I am living off grid 5 years on sailboat in S FL and grew up on 10 acre IN farm. Considering Eco village lifestyle. Are you in transition to or reside on site ? I am 57 and easily found on google and social media.  Weighing heave lifting of start up vs joining ongoing community, climate & states options. Have no agenda, itinerary or schedule since 2007....