Some of my favorite memories of raising my sons in a cabin with no running water, or electricity; are reading to them buy the light of an oil lamp next to a hot wood stove, while the snow and wind blows outside. Also sitting outside with a cup of hot coffee, and watching the world awaken, while filled with a sense of peaceful accomplishment and wonder at the beauty of a new day dawning.
Yes it is hard work, but sharing a fall day cutting the winters supply of fire wood, and having children who understand the importance of caring for livestock, and being able to solve problems when the nearest hardware store is 30 miles away, is worth it.
They are in their late 30s now and I am confident that they can handle any challenges they may encounter.
Then you did it right. One of my oldest cousins (long gone) decided to go off grid decades ago, basically on a whim. No running water or electric for him either. Took his kids with him. Don't know exactly what he did since he never came back but they are now in their late forties and want nothing to do with that lifestyle or him either, once they were grown. You cannot pry them out of their city walls.
I appreciate from your post that it can go well, despite my family's experiences. I will only add that my mother grew up during the depression and for many years had no running water or electric out in the country where her family owned a few acres. By the time I came along (no siblings), she was a glued to her city house with its nice things (certainly electric and water!) and was always happy to be from the country with no desire to go back. So, here I am, trying to learn from other's experiences, lol. Thanks again for your post.
Some of my favorite memories of raising my sons in a cabin with no running water, or electricity; are reading to them buy the light of an oil lamp next to a hot wood stove, while the snow and wind blows outside. Also sitting outside with a cup of hot coffee, and watching the world awaken, while filled with a sense of peaceful accomplishment and wonder at the beauty of a new day dawning.
Yes it is hard work, but sharing a fall day cutting the winters supply of fire wood, and having children who understand the importance of caring for livestock, and being able to solve problems when the nearest hardware store is 30 miles away, is worth it.
They are in their late 30s now and I am confident that they can handle any challenges they may encounter.
Enjoy the quiet times living provides.
I think you nailed it! Thanks for sharing - I agree it's absolutely going to be worth it.
Then you did it right. One of my oldest cousins (long gone) decided to go off grid decades ago, basically on a whim. No running water or electric for him either. Took his kids with him. Don't know exactly what he did since he never came back but they are now in their late forties and want nothing to do with that lifestyle or him either, once they were grown. You cannot pry them out of their city walls.
I appreciate from your post that it can go well, despite my family's experiences. I will only add that my mother grew up during the depression and for many years had no running water or electric out in the country where her family owned a few acres. By the time I came along (no siblings), she was a glued to her city house with its nice things (certainly electric and water!) and was always happy to be from the country with no desire to go back. So, here I am, trying to learn from other's experiences, lol. Thanks again for your post.