I was born and raised on a homestead back in the 60's, 70's through the mid 80's. Both my dad and grandpa (mom's dad) were also born and raised in the same lifestyle. Grandpa at the turn of the 20th century in Kentucky,
Dad during WWII in central Illinois. They taught me a great deal about how to live sustainably and self-sufficiently before it became popular. It was simply part of our lifestyle.
Dad was a Master Organic Gardener and taught me everything he knew at the time. He was a disciple of Rodale, he had all his books. He was also a Master Vintner, receiving multiple blue ribbons for his wines at the California State Fair every year. Dad was also one of the original 'Lifetime subscribers' of Mother Earth News! We had all of the publications, before 1986, before they sold out to Corporate America.
I remember when I was 10, I saw him out in the garden all by himself. I looked right and left, only to discover I had his full attention. So, I went over to help. That was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. What 10-year-old boy doesn't want to hang out with his dad, doing what he loves, right?
Our garden was about a quarter acre, he did amazing things on our property! He installed one of the first solar hot water heaters in the county! We also had an assortment of fruit trees, and animals —chickens, goats, ponies, dogs, as well as beehives. Of course, composting, vermiculture, nitrogen-fixing cover crops, portable chicken coups, organic pest control, and beneficial insects, were common subjects I learned in my youth.
After Dad and Grandpa passed, I continued my education in sustainable living to include multiple subjects like permaculture, aquaponics, earthbag housing, alternative energy, building top-bar beehives, and much, much more.
Over the past 20 years, I've been traveling the US and northern Mexico helping folks in various ways. My favorite assignments were the times I helped to grow food to give away. This was especially true when I would find new Homesteaders (mostly city folks) who had purchased old farms and didn't know what to do. I would stay with them for weeks, months, or even years assisting them in providing for the immediate needs of the community. Eventually, we grew enough to start selling at the local farmers market or create a roadside stand, thus creating a cash flow for the community.
Now, I'm a grandpa, a dad, an uncle, a brother, and a son. I would love to find a family or community that values what I do and will appreciate the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding I've spent a lifetime acquiring. However, there is one thing that is most important to me that I need to share. I am a disciple of the Hebrew Messiah, most call Him 'Jesus'. I study the Scriptures, and apply this information to my life, not as a religious person, but rather as a lifestyle. I don't require others to believe the same, but it might be best to find a group that appreciates my 50 years of Scriptural studies.
If you would like to start a dialog here's how to contact me:
NealRaye@proton.me
442-444-2288 (Text or Voicemail)
