15 years ago we homesteaded in North Carolina. Family circumstances (my mother's terminal cancer) forced us back to the city. I can't tell you how hard that was. We hated the city before but to have to go back is even worst. Oh well, you have to do what is the right thing to do. After the death of my mother, we had intended to go back but some how life just took us over. We had good jobs, had a late-in-life baby, my 90 yr. old grandma moved in with us, and so on...and so on... and so here we were in our 50's and hopes of going back to the land was growing dimmer since both of us face health issues. On the other had we have a 5 year old son that we will have until we are on social security and do not want him to become materialistic and besides, the city is full of crime and he needs a place to run and be a boy!

So....what happened next..... My step father remarried and his new wife just happened to have a farm in Virginia she needed to get rid of. It is a 10 room farmhouse (restored) on 7 acres with pond, stream, 2 gardens, apple tress, grape arbor, plum trees, and 3 black walnuts, 3 heat sources, basement, attic, 5 outbuildings, chicken coop, barn, and back-up water source to the house from a spring. It is beautiful land! Right where TN, NC and Virginia come together. Priced at under $100,000 for us. When we went to see the farm our son cried when it was time to go...he said "oh Mommy, there are lots of places for a boy to play here"!!

We said ok, but houses around us are not selling very quickly...but what the heck...lets put the house on the market and see what happens. If we sell it, we get the farm...if not and she needs to sell it to someone elso, ok...we either stay here or look for something else..."whatever". Our house sold in 2 weeks! Closing is the end of July!!!! WOOOOHOOOO...I'M GOING BACK TO COUNTRY!!!

It has been a hard decision. Since being here our daughter has married and her husband's family and job is here. I know they can visit but it will still be hard. Grandma hates the idea of country living. Homesteading will be harder this time around being middle aged but I think is the best thing for all of us. We are having so much fun stocking up on all the old "homestead supplies". I have been buying milking buckets, chicken feeders, etc. on Ebay! Everyone here thinks we have flipped a lid and need to see Doctor Phil!!!! But we are moving on and...as Emeril would say....we are going to KICK IT UP A KNOTCH...BAMMMMMM!

Say a prayer for us for a smooth transition. Hubby still has to find a job...the last obsticle! Love this forum and all you great folks. Reading all the posts has encouraged us and made us realize....just do it!

-- Karen (db0421@yahoo.com), June 30, 2001

Answers

Hi Karen, it sounds to me as if it were meant to be for you. I'll be saying special prayers for you that things will all work out. As I'm sure you know, the folks here are wonderful and so very helpful. Good luck and God bless.

-- Grannytoo (jacres40@hotmail.com), June 30, 2001.

See, sometimes God says YES!!!Congratulations, and good luck. My place is smaller and closer to the city, but my 5-year-old son and 8- year-old daughter have room to run and I wouldn't trade that for anything!!!

-- sheryl in Me (radams@sacoriver.net), June 30, 2001.

That is wonderful! I too had to sell the farm and take care of my mom years ago, and I wouldn't have traded that time with her for anything. It's a good thing you did. Now it is your time, as it is mine, and who cares if they think we are nuts! Every day I think I am the luckiest girl in the world to be living the way we do. The place sounds wonderful.

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@msn.com), June 30, 2001.

Wow! It sounds like a dream come true. I hope everything works out for you. Wishing you a happy tranisation, Trish

-- Trish (inspiringwords@excite.com), June 30, 2001.

Shoot Karen you got me so excited reading your thread it made me want to move too!! Course then I remembered I already live in the country! Darn! Ha! Congradulation.....Kirk

-- Kirk Davis (kirkay@yahoo.com), July 01, 2001.

I believe what is meant to be will .Everything fell into place sooo easy , this is where you belong .Enjoy it , you are doing the right thing .And 50 isnt old !

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), July 01, 2001.

You give me hope. All the best. It sounds like you deserve it! Laura Lee

-- lee daisy (leedaisyw@cs.com), July 06, 2001.