Mac and Carol Brown

Thanks Samantha

> Read Nicki and David Colfaxes book about their
> homesteading experience. They couldn't have done it if
> the kids didn't help in some way. So depending on how
> old your kids are (mine are still quite young) find
> out what they would like to do to help. Some things
> that come to mind for me is: read about
> permaculture/natural gardening as a family, ask the
> kids for help, make a list of the things to do in a
> garden then everyone helps do what they would most
> enjoy.

Has anyone any experience of coming to this sort of lifestyle when the kids
are already older (17, 13, 10) and have already developed interests in
indoor, city things? The 13yo is kind of interested, the 17yo helps with
building the house, the 10 isn't interested at all - and is the most needy.
Is it too late to inspire them? I guess that's a silly question, as I have
come to it older than they are. But it's frustrating <sigh>

> Look for permaculture groups in your area or start
> one and let them come over to your place and get lots
> of hands on experience.

We are gradually getting a small support network going with a handful of
people, mostly just starting out like us. There is another group of
permaculturists around here, but they all got into it at the same time, did
a PDC together, and although they are friendly enough on a casual basis,
they have their support network up and running among themselves and don't
seem particularly interested in expanding to include new comers :-(

But as I say, we do have a small group going - and better still, all
homeschoolers as well! Thought the others are younger than me and have much
younger children - their oldest children are the same age as my youngest.
Still, that support is good.

I guess I was just feeling extra frustrated yesterday, as there was only a
very small 'window of opportunity between rainfalls, which is due to
continue for several more days.

But most of the time I am blissfully happy on our land. :-)

Carol

Carol