Dreams of Country Living

When I dream of country living, I dream of getting back to basics. I dream of open spaces, of spending time outside, of using my hands to make and do things for my family, and of teaching my kids to use their hands too. 

I have goals and lists of things I want to do and learn. 

I want learn to grow a garden, it doesn't have to be big, but I want to grow some of our food.  I grew a few herbs in pots this summer and it was wonderful.

I want my kids to spend time outside.  I want it to be a part of every day, just a part of what we do.  I want exploring the outdoor world to be a regular part of our life and of their childhood.

I have already started making our own bread.  And adding the no-knead bread, the damper bread and the soda bread to the regular bread has made it quick and easy to do that.

I really, really want to learn how to make homemade soap.  I would love to be able to make some different kinds, even to make some for gifts.

I want to increase the size of my stored food.  I want to fill my freezer, and to learn to use my water bath canner to start canning food for future use.  I recently bought one, but I haven't learned how to use it yet.  I also want to start drying and dehydrating foods to preserve them.

I would LOVE to get a few chickens and rabbits.  I would like to start eating our own fresh eggs.  But I know that may not be possible. 

I want to use my dryer less and hang dry my clothes.  I did this all summer last year and I do love the smell of line-dried clothes.  (although, I need to find a way to make them dry softer.)

I want to sew more.  I would love to make cloth diapers for Little Prince.  I would love to make curtains and things for our home and maybe even branch out to dresses for the girls.

I want to get to know the local farmers.  I would love to buy things from them directly.  I would love for the kids to know where food comes from.  I would love them to see real farms and real farm animals.

I joined in on a Barn Hop this week.