Oh Look, Snow

So, it has snowed and we have a taste of the cold stuff this week. It will get warmer and it will do so in a day or two.

By “warmer” I mean less cold, but then again hovering between 0 and -7C in November is a good thing.

I know what to do, I know how to survive; I know how to handle the cold . . . despite how much I hate it.

But I do it so as to get ahead.

You do not get ahead by doing the same old same old or doing what most people do. That is how you just get along and sure you can live a comfy life.

But true success is not found in that. 

True success is found in doing what others are not willing to do and see it through until you get what you want . . . what you deserve . . . success.

However you define that.

So a little cold or snow won’t stop me.

As always: Keep your head up, your attitude positive, and keep moving forward!

The Homestead Fund Update

Okay, so it is that time again, when I update how my progress is going on my “Grand Savings Plan!” (to build my "Homestead Fund") 

Okay, so let’s see how I did . . . 

For review, here is how things looked from last payday . . .

That is 47.8% (of my Savings Target).

And this is how things look like, after the dust settled on this payday’s budget . . . 

That’s right things jumped up to 48.8% of my savings target. 

That means I put away 1% of my total Savings Target this payday.

That is big and it was helped by both of my investments going up slightly, that and a bit of dividends are mixed in there as well.

The main thing is that my investments went up and I am inching closer to 50% of my goal.

It is always a big deal when I complete a row as it were, as in when I get to any percentage point ending in a “zero.” (10%, 20%, 30%, etc.) but getting to 50% is extra special.

I am just thankful to be able to put cash into my savings rather than have to pull cash out of it. So, any part of a percentage gain on that goal is a win in my books.

As always: Keep your head up, your attitude positive, and keep moving forward! 

Winter-Mode Hath Come

So, it is almost fitting that a snow storm is about to descend upon me and my Wanda that I have declared that “Winter-Mode” has begun.

This is when I no longer use the: Taps (fresh water), Grey Water Tank (Sink/bathtub drains) or Black Water Tank (Toilet).

So, yeah, I am kinda camping out but not really using my trailer and most likely will be in this mode until April.

This is just my way of adapting to the weather as I always ask, “What can I get away with in this weather/temperature?”

I dumped my tanks last Friday, as I thought that the cold was going to hit us last night. It didn’t but I didn’t want to take the chance of having a block of “ice” in my Black Water Tank.

I have been here before and I do know how to handle things. I will adapt so that I can not only survive but thrive in all kinds of weather and temperatures.

I have the long-term goal of land and home ownership to keep me going.

As always: Keep your head up, your attitude positive, and keep moving forward!

The Proposal, Part 4 (Final Part)

As mentioned in The Proposal, Part 1, we are trying to be prepared just in case we need to purchase land and start the homestead community sooner rather than later. This means that we are going to be doing some of our preparations sooner than we originally anticipated.

So, we are putting together a proposal for those are interested in joining us to consider.

We are actively seeking feedback! Please, let us know what you think! If you disagree with something, let us know, and give us some constructive criticism! 

Here goes the fourth (and final) part:

How Much Will It Cost?

While we are still determining costs and initial lease amounts, here are some ideas that we are considering:

1. We are not going to be sticking to a single size plot of land. We will be offering plenty of smaller plots, as we will be encouraging tiny homes and mobile homes, however, we acknowledge that the tiny lifestyle doesn't necessarily suit everyone, especially very large families or those who have family members with disabilities. So, we will be also offering a smaller selection of larger plots (exact sizes to be determined).

   Part of the value is that you not only own your own plot of land, but, you also get access to the community greenhouse, and other community facilities and supports.

2. Looking at the smaller plots, for the sake of argument, we are considering each plot (roughly 66' x 33') to be worth $10,000, after development.

3. Lease for that initial year, we are looking at around $100/mth for that same size plot. It is intended to be enough to only attract those who are serious about the lifestyle, however, not so much that someone who is leaving the city lifestyle could not reasonably afford it. This money would go directly into costs associated with developing the land for use of the community, including building materials, equipment, seeds and gardening supplies, initial set-up of off-grid utilities, etc.

   After that first year, we will re-evaluate the monthly cost to lease, however, the same principles apply – keeping it very affordable to live an off-grid, eco-friendly lifestyle, and we don't anticipate a huge change.

4. We would like to point out that, while the community at large will assist with building your house, ultimately, you are responsible for it, including plans, materials and other costs (it's your house, you build it, but, you also get to take it away with you if you move, or sell it).

5. Once utilities are in place (electricity, water directly to your house, sewer system, wifi), there will be a monthly cost for these, if you choose to hook up to it. As this is an off-grid community, it will be an off-grid system, privately owned and operated by the community.

The Proposal, Part 3

As mentioned in The Proposal, Part 1, we are trying to be prepared just in case we need to purchase land and start the homestead community sooner rather than later. This means that we are going to be doing some of our preparations sooner than we originally anticipated.

So, we are putting together a proposal for those are interested in joining us to consider.

We are actively seeking feedback! Please, let us know what you think! If you disagree with something, let us know, and give us some constructive criticism! 

Here goes the third part:

What We Expect:

1. Because we have a very strong community focus, we do require anyone over the age of 13 to provide the community with 20 hours per month of work in supporting food production in the community, as well as 20 hours in support of the community itself. These hours will be coordinated by the community, and will be geared towards the interests and abilities of the individual, also keeping in mind the needs of the community. An example of what this might entail could be: feeding chickens, hunting, communal cooking, minding younger members of the community, or helping in a “barn/house raising”. Those younger than 13 are not required to participate, however, are encouraged, based on maturity, desire, abilities, and geared towards what is appropriate for their age.

2. We are also going to be a diversity-encouraging community. Racism and other forms of bigotry will not be tolerated. We will be accepting of alternative family arrangements, as well. The details of this will be discussed and agreed upon by the community, however, it will be based on the concepts of consent and “live and let live”.

The Proposal, Part 2

As mentioned in The Proposal, Part 1, we are trying to be prepared just in case we need to purchase land and start the homestead community sooner rather than later. This means that we are going to be doing some of our preparations sooner than we originally anticipated.

So, we are putting together a proposal for those are interested in joining us to consider.

We are actively seeking feedback! Please, let us know what you think! If you disagree with something, let us know, and give us some constructive criticism! 

Here goes the second part:

What We Offer:

1. The initial year, we offer the lease of a portion of the land, where you can either build, or bring your own home. We encourage the concept of “less is more”, fiscal responsibility, and community living when you plan your home, and will be assisting with eco-friendly energy and heating options such as solar and wind power, as well as energy-efficient wood heating.

2. That year of leasing is to ensure that you are suited to both the community and the lifestyle. Once this year is completed, then you can apply to purchase your portion, with community approval, or to continue leasing, or a rent-to-own option might be available.

3. We also commit to helping to ensure that you have winter-safe housing before the cold weather comes, and will assist you with building your home.

4. We also commit to providing community support for all members in all stages of life. This includes Mom Care, Elder Care, and general support.

5. Part of the community will be communal food production. This will include a garden/greenhouse and basic animals such as chickens, goats and pigs. The community will be providing a communal kitchen and free access to produce and other food.

6. Another important building that will need to be developed sooner rather than later is a communal workshop, as there will be many, many projects to be worked on!

The Proposal, Part 1

No, Geoff has not proposed to me (yet! 😉).  We are actually developing a proposal for you!

While we are still actively working towards being ready to go out and buy the land, and being prepared to start the homestead in 5 years time, we also take a look at the state of the world, and...  well...  we are trying to be prepared just in case this needs to happen sooner rather than later!

This means that we are going to be doing some of our preparations sooner than we originally anticipated.

We also recognize that, while we *can* do this on our own, we would much rather do this with other people. Not only to make it easier for us, but also because we are believers in the phrase "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts". 

So, we are putting together a proposal for those are interested in joining us to consider.

We have divided this up into a few different sections, and we are actively seeking feedback! Please, let us know what you think! If you disagree with something, let us know, and give us some constructive criticism! 

Here goes the first part:

What We Propose:

We are looking to create a new community. We believe in the principles of being ecologically-friendly, in permaculture, in being fiscally responsible, and, above all else, in Community! We recognize that it is much more efficient to work together, pooling resources to produce food, to help build, and to support each other. As they say, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.

In order to accomplish this, we are purchasing land with the intent of building an eco-friendly community. Keeping this goal in mind, we also acknowledge and support the use and implementation of science, knowledge, and technology.

We also have a commitment that the town will be founded debt-free, and remain debt-free, so as to lower the financial burden on the community members. We (mostly Geoff!) have endured extreme personal sacrifice in order to do this, in our own lives, and while we wish to extend and expand this to include others, we also will be retaining ownership of our own portion, once the community has been created and is self-regulating. The overwhelming majority of the land will be owned and developed for the use of the community.