Hi, I am Bob Herrick. I have lurked about this site for a while, and I would like to introduce myself:

I was born April 15, 1940. I am 5 feet, 7 inches tall; weigh 150 pounds; brown eyes and brown/gray/balding hair. I do not smoke, and drink only socially. My health is very good. Both sides of my family have a Mormon heritage. I embrace their moral values fully, but I have never practiced a religion.

I am a divorced, comfortably retired engineer. My four adult children live by themselves. All of my property and possessions are debt free.

I enjoy gardening, building and repairing houses, improving property, maintaining cars, sightseeing, reading, dining, movies and theater, and time on the computer.

I live in the California high desert community of Phelan, about 50 miles northeast of metropolitan Los Angeles. Unlike the densely populated, ultra-liberal areas along the coast, the inland, sparsely populated area of California that I call home is very “Heartland,” values-wise. The climate is very temperate. It is unusual for the overnight temperatures to drop below freezing in the winter, and rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. During the summer, the temperature, combined with the relative humidity, is rarely high enough to be oppressive.

I live on 17.5 acres, with all utilities, dwelling in a two bedroom, one bathroom house trailer until I complete a house. My community is zoned for rural living, with a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres. There are few land use restrictions, and I can keep all sorts of critters. I have always had pets that are family members. I have 7 dogs and 2 cats. Abandoned critters seem to seek me out.

I eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, grains, rice and beans and low in meats and fats. This diet keeps me healthy. However, I love food that tastes good, so I have to restrain myself.

I have never needed or wanted to do the full self-sufficiency thing, but have really enjoyed rural living over the last 20 years. I welcome dialog with like-minded folks.

Bob Herrick

-- Bob Herrick (herrickr@inreach.com), March 03, 2002

Answers

Bob,

Welcome to the 'Tree. Not everyone here is full self sufficiency oriented. We just all enjoy the modern homestead philosophy to whatever degree with which we are comfortable. As you can see from our discussions, its pretty casual here. Look forward to your postings.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), March 03, 2002.

Hi Bob, Always nice to get another person's perspective here. Welcome. - Sheryl

-- Sheryl in NJ (all295@aol.com), March 03, 2002.

Welcome Bob! Feel free to jump in anytime. We tend to have fun with each other.

Susan

-- Susan in MN (nanaboo@paulbunyan.net), March 05, 2002.

Bob, Hi! How are you doing this fine sunshiny day? 7 dogs! How do you find enough time to give them all attention? I have 3 dogs and feel like there is not enough of me to go around for them. I did all the back-to-the-land selsufficiency lifestyle. Take my word for it, it is not as wonderful as it might sound. I love my hot and cold running out of the faucet water and flush toilet. LOL Your weather is much more pleasant than Kansas has been at times. My little town has a population of 350. There are more cattle in Elk County than there are people!! And, futhermore we are proud of it! Hope you enjoy the forum, there are a bunch or very nice and talented people here.

-- Karen in Kansas (kansashobbit@yahoo.com), March 05, 2002.

Hi Bob,,nice to meet you,,and welcome!,,although belated,,I haven't been on computer much lately,,but am starting to get more organized and some time for computer and countryside friends.

Do you do some gardening of your own? Sounds like a wonderful place to garden.

I have several little dogs myself,,I raise Poms and Poodles..they are my pets and friends..Love most all animals..horses are my big love..horseback riding to me is like seventh heaven. Love to be out on the trail and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature... I know you will enjoy this forum,,and the folks here,,Enjoy,,Patsy

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), April 11, 2002.