Our First Week On The Land, part two

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The first half of our week was a bit more of a challenge than the second half, but we are learning daily what it means to throw off all previous expectations and learn from the process.

Day Five:

We get up early and I crank up the propane stove for what will be our first home-cooked breakfast (or meal, for that matter) since we arrive. After breakfast I wash up the dishes using dishpans and water heated on the stove. Then my six hour rendezvous with the laundry commences, with help from some cutie pies of course.

There are, of course, breaks for helping little ones, making lunch, and other things but by the afternoon I realize that something’s going to have to change for this to be sustainable.

While we plunge away on the laundry, the papa sets up the clothesline, secures the solar panel, and gets the water filtration started.

Day Six:

We sleep in past sun up, which is 7:30 right now, and thank God for the sabbath. We spend the day resting, reading, and staying out of the (October?) heat. You really appreciate this day so much more when you truly need it by the end of the week.

Day Seven:

It looks like the basics – outhouse, water, and cooking ability – are all set up so we move on to other projects. I sort through all of our clothes, pare way down, and vow to keep working clothes and nice clothes separate in an attempt to cut back on wash time. Then I wash some more laundry.

The Papa is making deck preparations, securing the outhouse, and is constantly helping me by carrying water buckets for laundry, lifting all those heavy things I’m not supposed to and generally fixing all of the things that need fixin’.

It has been a busy first week on the land and we breathe a sigh of relief as the absolute bare necessities are in place. There is always work to be done or a project to start, but it feels more like life than work. And we are so thankful to be doing this together.

I may continue to share updates of our progress here on the land so if y’all are interested let me know in the comments.

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116 Comments

  1. yes! please! continue the updates, it is so interesting…and think about writing it into a book! I bet it makes the little house books really come to life!

  3. So, so fascinating! Keep the posts coming! And in my experience, the outhouse just gets more and more normal…though pregnant? That’s a unique outhouse challenge 🙂

  6. Please keep the updates coming… I’m watching your journey from Western Australia and look forward to each installment. All the best!

  7. I really enjoy reading about your journey off the grid. It’s quite inspiring! All the best to you & your family..
    Blessings from Amy in Texas.

  9. It is my family’s dream to live on some acreage in the country while raising our own crops and animals for food – and off-grid at that. Please keep these posts coming. I want to learn as much as I can until that happens. :0)

  10. Yes, please keep the posts coming as you’re able. We’re simplifying, but I don’t know that we’ll ever live off grid — unless forced to. Your experiences are so enlightening. Thanks so much!

  11. Please keep sharing! You experience is inspiring our city family to country-life-self-confidence! Thank you!

  12. We are loving it! So if it works for you, keep the updates coming. Real life doesn’t always find time for blogging, so I think everyone understands that as well. I need to go back and read your story to find out what lead up to this big move!

  13. I have just found your blog, you have some great information here and I think you’re so brave to pack up and move as you have. Thank you for sharing, you are an inspiration to others. Seeing what you’re doing makes me both appreciate the mod cons I still have and consider what I should give up next!

  15. I am truly enjoying reading your experiences in off grid living, so if you are able to do so, please continue to share your journey.

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