In 2016, leaving the hustle and bustle of Hampton Roads, Virginia, we purchased a one-bedroom one-bath cottage on 11.5 beautiful acres and a lake in the rolling heartland of central Virginia near the thriving country town of Farmville, Virginia. If someone had told us in 1985 when we were married if we thought our journey would bring us to a small farm in the middle of Virginia, we probably would have thought you had lost your mind. Now here we are, empty nesters 37 years later with five grown children on their own, seven grandchildren, a dog named Callie, 2 cats and 3 kittens, our sheep (Lucy, Ethel, and Ricky), chickens, and turkeys. Who would have thought?
Like many couples our age we began to think about our retirement years and just what those years might look like in the midst of a changing world. It was then that we began to look at our peaceful retreat and dream of a future here, living as off grid as possible, growing our own food and living a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. In the summer of 2021, when the pandemic really took hold, our dream and vision for our property suddenly took on new meaning and a newfound sense of urgency. We are not doomsday preppers by any measure, but we do embrace the mindset of being prepared as possible for whatever lies ahead.
The purpose of our website is to share our journey and provide helpful resources to others that have decided to make the journey. Here you will have informational links to our preferred products and helpful tips and links to help your journey be as successful as possible. My weekly blog, “Seasons of Change” that started in 2022 is meant to inspire, encourage and inform. Check it out when you get a chance.
So whether you are a full-time homesteader or dabble in homesteading, we hope you find the information and products here helpful.
Peace and Blessings!
Greg & Darlene Ashley
