Homesteading ALONE~

[@redtankgirl5]

Great video Patara. I am a woman doing a homestead on her own and have found that I have to keep within my limits and not expand too quickly so I can know exactly what they are. I was a boilermaker welder for many years and strength was a plus for me, when it came to lifting and the such. However, I will say this to those reading, a body can only do so much in a day when working alone and doing everything. Being Chief cook and bottle washer is a mammoth task to say the least but still doable with a schedule and an understanding that you need to work smarter not harder. Learning to maintain equipment so it won't let you down is also a key to making it work, I find. I will be thinking and hoping on your husband for a good result and a fine recovery. All the best to you girl. Thanks for all you do, which is a lot.

[@sajmt1414]

Praying for your husband and family. Hugs.

[@maggiereese1053]

I am 56 and my husband is 64. He has COPD and is on oxygen so, if it gets done homesteading wise, then it is all on me. That is the reason I have not gone to any animals other than chickens here. I have set things up here as if I were alone because I cannot depend on Dh to be able to help me. For instance, not able to lift 50 pound bags of chicken feed anymore like I could as a younger woman so, I have set the metal cans I use to store it in up so that I can back my pickup up to the cans with the tail gate down, open the bag and tilt them over to pour them into the cans. My Daddy, a country farm boy from Tennessee used to always say, "work smarter, not harder".

[@PriscillaSwaney]

Maggie I use an old roll around walker to get my heavy things into the house and the storage building, easier than a wheel barrel. I don't have animals, barter sewing for things I don't raise. This old woman had a grandpa that was from Tennessee. Taught me the right way too. You're in my prayers.

[@jojo9912]

Maggie Reese - I like your Daddy! He raised a smart girl. ; )

[@bdoyle9881]

Two wheeler carts, work great too! And sliding bags close til you can drop, pull, and wheel away.. having a back back, makes you relearn, everything. . But I still can't lift. I want to have chickens, but not sure I could even do it. Just dreaming anyway

[@rebeccaiya8731]

Maggie Reese i use a wagon.it does all my heavy lifting.i just drag it around.its especially useful to move firewood.hope that helps

[@ouvickie]

We sold off our cows several years back and I told my husband I don't want a herd anymore. Same issue here, my husband is no longer physically able to take care of livestock and I can't do it by myself. I'm 59 and we no longer have children at home or family around to help. I totally agree, "work smarter, not harder"!

[@cavavillven508]

A million thanks for sharing this. Believing God for your hubby's healing. You are right on point with all you said. Much to chew on.

[@LilMsPIA]

Praying for you and yours. Thanks for being so transparent and showing us REAL LIFE!

[@bohemiangypsy99]

Patara that was an honest well thought out list of things to take on board if you happen to become a lone homesteader for however long that would be for. Thankyou so much for such an insightful video. Michelle

[@cliffordcomparato9283]

Sending Prayers from Florida

[@deborahcarrington5530]

I love my back to Eden garden. I will be 60 this year and it makes my life easier with working. We are limited with just half acre. So we have 6 chickens. No land for big animals.

[@dragonflygrandma]

Another great video. Hugs and blessings

[@yvette6160]

Just wanted you to know how much I respect and commend you for the advice and openness of your videos. I have and will always keep you and your entire family in my prayers. May God bless and keep your husband safe from any and all health issues he is facing. Prayers going up. Also again a huge Thank You 😊 for all you do. 🐓🐐🐄 be safe from your big 🐻 alerts. 🙏🏻 🤗 from 🤠Texas

[@jennybetten3483]

Wonderful, honest and informative video. Thank you for sharing. xoxo

[@topiaryterror2773]

lol this intro! Love the berry pick! Hope things work out.

[@rebeccaiya8731]

well your plate is full,but im confident you will handle it.i will say prayers foru sis

[@GDixon-ch3yl]

As a lifetime single person, Thank you. Just because a woman is married doesn't mean she should lack skills. Homesteading means knowing how to do it all. 😁 Much love Patara!

[@o.o1163]

I realize this is old , n yet I sincerely hope all's well🤗😊

[@FrugalFarmerChannel]

Homesteading = working regular job + morning chores + evening chores + cooking, canning, & freezing = 1 worn out old frugal farmer

[@peachykeen7634]

Preach.... I hear ya....!!

[@donmartin9813]

dear sister in Christ Jesus do not be afraid me and my wife will pray for you and your husband my wife had brain cancer and could have passed away but the Lord Jesus took that cancer out of her the doctors were shocked it's been 6 year's ago He The Lord is your healer God Bless you

[@humblewarrior6585]

Hallelujah Amen !!!

[@CarolReidCA]

Amen

[@debbytomlinson9970]

Its such a Blessing for those women who have good husbands. We will be praying for your James.

[@Titus212b]

Said it before.. This is one smart, level-headed lady. Pay attention to her.

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

I agree and I do! :)

[@mikeseay8509]

I just discovered your channel yesterday; I am a homesteader at heart but not reality yet. Prayers for your husband and family. Karen Seay

[@KayNolte]

Being a single homesteader is hard.

[@KayNolte]

I miss the camaraderie. I miss the discussion of dreams. I miss having someone to share the workload. I miss having someone to keep me going when the set backs happen.

[@classicrocklover5615]

@@KayNolte Hugs. Lost my husband 18 months ago. I hear you. Time to make new dreams and goals.

[@CarolReidCA]

But easy in other ways

[@loucilehall7560]

Yes it’s hard for a woman to homestead alone.

[@GDixon-ch3yl]

Either that or not at all...not an option...

[@woodyydoow3645]

MA'AM, ..."LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED...". LIFE THROWS CURVES BALLS; ALWAYS TRYING TO KEEP YOU CONFUSED. STOP, BREATHE,,,THINK !...ASK GOD ; THEN, LET COMMON SENSE RULE.Y'ALL BE SURPRISED AT WHAT YOU CAN DO. BELIEVE IT,WORK IT,LIVE IT.

[@JanetWilham]

aweeee hon hugsss---this old granny has been through cancer and more and my husband has many problems due to the war he was in but as I go each day tending my farm and talking to the Lord, I rest in Him and He said He would never leave us nor forsake us and that he would direct us in ALL our ways--be it farming, helping a hubby or whatever life throws at us, HE WILL strengthen us IF we LET Him......soooo as you are going through troubled time I pray Jesus will heal your husband and give you more strength for you are a warrior girl!!!! and keep on keeping on and do NOT panic whatever is going on rest and do what needs to be done that hour, that day.....God bless you and your family!! hugsss!

[@dianemurray1272]

Patara, first all best wishes and prayers for your whole family at this time. Thank you for speaking about this subject. I would encourage all women, not just those living on a homestead, to learn how to use tools, lawn equipment, basic car maintenance, basic carpentry as well as how to manage your household's financial situation. I lost my husband very quickly at the age of 53 over 16 years ago. Thankfully, we were a team in all things and together we learned all those skills I mentioned. Iam constantly surprised that their are still women in this day who leave all responsibilities of running their homes to their husbands. I know a few women who have no idea how to write a check or what their bills are never mind what shape their finances are in. You never know what will happen in the future. Again, thanks for addressing this subject.

[@saddleridge4364]

Diane, I also lost my husband when he was 52, in Dec 03. I am fortunate in that I previously spent 10 yrs in the Adirondacks and learned many ways of doing without, or doing things in a non-standard way, especially the first year with no electricity, and the following 9 years with no plumbing. The skills you learn will hold you in good stead when the times comes that you need them. Women need to be strong in many ways, not just physically. It takes guts and much help from the Lord to keep going. Bless you .

[@intentionallyinpired]

I agree so much. I run our farm 80 percent alone. My baby who is 15 left in Jan. And my sweet daughter leaves for college in the fall. My husband is gone 45-70 hours a week and spends 30-50 hours in bed recovering from long work hours I sometimes get very tired. I deal with autoimmune diabetes and thyroid. I love my farm but I really needed a practical video on how to do this primarily alone.. Thank you Patera. I love my little farm. Xoxo

[@unlimitedcreations5928]

A 15 year old left ? How?

[@MsKalamity]

Well done. Love your generous heart. Admire your practical wisdom. Appreciate your encouraging approach. Good woman you ♥

[@ArianaM1975]

Sending you much love this week! On the flip side (of women knowing any of husbands farm/other regular use equipment), men should know everything the wife operates (dishwasher! Oven! For real! Yes im sure they can use them in a pinch but everybody should be comfortable!)

[@preachersdtr1]

Ariana M AMEN!! It just makes sense. And, if you are an adult and you eat - Hello! - no matter who you are, you need to know how to prepare some simple basic meals that are actually edible (one a breakfast, one a lunch, and one an evening meal, whether you call it supper or dinner). When you gain a little confidence, you can add to your "repertoire."😊😅 Meanwhile, you won't starve or even be malnourished!

[@preplikeagypsy10]

Thank you Patara, you're always in my prayers. I'm 53, my husband has been gone 10 years now, I actually had to start over, I am fortunate that I am blessed in many ways, I have a little land, chickens for the first time, but slowly moving forward by the grace of God. This video is very encouraging and inspiring thank you so much!

[@happyfeetacres3397]

I like your KZbin channel, very informative for me... Am homesteading alone after my husband passed away, but I don't do it full force unlike yours... I turn it into a backyard homesteading .. I have chickens and vegetables.. more manageable as I work full time... but am selling my place to move to a slightly much bigger land, non restrictive...

[@onedazinn998]

Strength...wisdom...calm assurance & the usual bubbles of joy...coming from you like a strong tree planted by the winding, but refreshing brook. Thank you for the reminders...sometimes the heart wants what the body cannot deal with...I needed that reminder on cattle >.>... & I will be praying for you guys.

[@e.cahill9594]

Thank you for all your wisdom you share with us. I don't have a homestead, but this video pertains to all of us. I will continue to pray for your husband and your entire family. Know how much you help people in so many ways. Thank you for this...

[@DeeMoback]

E.Cahill yes

[@NaturesCadenceFarm]

Patara I so appreciate that you share even the most personal stuff about your life and never give us fluff. These are very important considerations you have mentioned. Hugs and prayers for your family. 🙏

[@ggarden8432]

My Grandmother worked till the day she passed she was 89, now i did a good bit for her on her farm but she was a strong woman. my grandfather passed 20 years before she did. My mom is 70 and is also a very strong woman who gets mad at me when i tell her to" take it easy, I'll do it". Women are a lot stronger than most people think. Prayers for your family, I hope everything comes out okay.

[@vernahelvik8678]

This is so true. In five years I lost four brothers and my mother, broke my arm at work which damaged the nerve in my arm, which caused it to be partial paralysis. I was hit with arthritis and now have to adjust my garden and can not do my nursing job which I loved doing the last thirty years. But I still have a garden and can. I also have a very loving and helpful husband. Life is an adjustment. Love your videos. Will pray for your hubby.

[@Michigansnowpony]

Good topic. I actually think it's fairly common to find a *primary* homesteader on many homesteads simply because the other spouse / partner isn't into the homesteading "thing", or has an off-site job, or has physical limitations, or other reason(s). With the exception of retirement or near-retirement age folks, it's a rare and wonderful situation to find both parties equally involved on a farmstead. Unrelated question: Do you sell milk shares from your cows and goats?

[@tiki_t]

Patara thank you so much for your videos. I want to give you another perspective on what you are doing/experiencing from the perspective of being the spouse that hit a life threatening situation and was down for the count. Having family, plants and animals is what helped with my recovery. They were my physical therapy, they were my thing to look forward to, they kept my spirits high, kept me optimistic and well balanced. And trust me, believing you can get through a health crisis is a powerful tool! Keep doing what you are doing. But with that said, make sure you have a person that you can talk to for moral support. Life threatening situations don't just happen to the person experiencing them but to their care providers too. Be proactive about keeping yourself in check, even if it means just inviting someone over for a cup of coffee or to work in the garden with you while you talk. Hugs, love and prayers. You are on the right track making contingency plans. Keep up the great work and thank you again for your youtube channel. You are a blessing.

[@bihbgm5858]

You are so positive! Your family is lucky to have you to care for them. We will pray for you all during this time of trial. Thank you for all the informative videos.

[@4godliv]

Thank goodness we live in this modern age. We have electricity, running water, machinery, that can make homesteading easier. Not everyone needs to homestead off grid, which is much harder. Not everyone needs to be like the Amish. This is still a healthier lifestyle than urban living. Blessings.

[@debbienurse6104]

Sending Mega prayers to you and your family. In 1999, when our twins were 6 mos old, my hubby was diagnosed with Myleofibrosis and given less than 5yrs (not long enough to see our babies go through kindergarten). In March 2001 he had less than 6mos. He had a Bone Marrow transplant in July 2001 at MD Anderson in Houston. We have gone through ups and downs (that in sickness and health part of vows is so true), so I know what you are going through. My hubby is still with us and last year attended our Twins HS graduation. He is doing really well. Prayers are soooo powerful. So is positive thinking and never giving up. You are strong and so is your family. You have a strong support group out here for you. Sending healing prayers, hugs and Love to all of you.

[@tinagoodman7256]

Prayers for you and your family as well as Patera.

[@debbiedeal5937]

Patara, you are an amazing woman. My husband died at 32. I was 29. We never know what life will hold for us. I raised my 2 children (4 & 10) alone. Yes! Herbs, an orchard, berries, the back to eden garden are all great ideas. My heart goes out to you. I know illness is a scary thing to deal with. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I admire you so much. You are a little bitty, but my goodness you are a strong woman!

[@PriscillaSwaney]

You are so wise for your age. Your hubby, you and the kids are in my prayers. Your advice is the real steps we need to take throughout our life. I was working a great job, been married for 36 years, taking care of my mom. Everything hit at once. Found out I was being divorced, 4 months later cancer hit, so on my 60th birthday, I lost a kidney. Praises I was able to return to work and still take care of my elderly mom but had no family nearby. Then mom's health began to fail, with my recurring health problems, I had to take my retirement at 62. Six months before I retired I began prepping for hard times (thank goodness), but I had been so busy keeping my house up and taking care of mom I hadn't planted even a tomato plant for 10 years. It has been hard years, one person doing everything that two had shared for so many years, but with the Lord's help, prayers and my having been raised on a farm, I have a garden that supplies most my food, I have the skills to sew/do alterations/any type of office skills, I can live on my SS retirement. I had followed my husband's employment or worked from home all those years, so I had no other retirement. I got no support because I was working and he was retired, things are fair. So folks listen to Miss Patara she is a full-time homesteader and knows the ins & outs. If you are getting toward retirement age, start preparing before your health retires on you. Wanda and Danny are preparing, however, health emergencies have crept in on them, so now they must put their preparation into high gear. Same thing happened to me. We have so many others that have experienced unforeseen life changing emergencies. Savings might sustain you for about 10 years, then you start looking for things to sell but if the roof needs repairs or your vehicle dies on you, you could be still in the flood waters with no paddle as the old saying goes. Plans & everyday skills will sustain you as does food and your faith in Prayers to your higher being. I am praying that we all continue to be a supporting group and will help each of us survive so we can live this homesteading life. Priscilla

[@JamesCouch777]

Bless you for sharing. There are very few people that have the fortitude you have.

[@cristyrhodes4898]

Thank you for being real and your wisdom. We currently have 5 goats (and 2 babies that we will be selling once they are ready) and 18 chickens. I manage mostly by myself during the week and hubby helps on the weekends when he is home with bigger projects. Our 8 year old has his little chores like collecting the eggs, feed & water the dogs, help with gardening. But he is spoiled. lol

[@bromarkfarms]

Miss. Patara, I understand. My wife and I have been trying our hand of the sustainable life style merging modern facilities with the old ways, to build life skills on the farm. Since July my health had declined. I have been diagnosed with stenosis of the spine.My work abilities are very limited now, I am so taken back, with what I can not and and not able to do the work I have done in the past years. My wife is wonderful she has stepped up and filled in the gap. I hurts me so that we have worked so hard, to get where we are in our journey. what a wonderful video, you have encouraged me. my wife and i have been praying for James, we will upgrade our prayer list. God bless you. BROMARK FARMS Crossville, Tn.

[@julieb7068]

Thank you so so much for this video. My dh and I just moved to our first homestead and we are in our late 40s. Your words are right on and a great resources for us just starting to set up our systems with aging coming down the road. Prayers for your husband and all the family.

[@elaine4415]

Thanks for all the help and keeping it real😊

[@HilltopFarmHomestead]

Oh My Goodness! Your family are certainly being tested aren't they? You hang in there Sweetheart. Sending all the positive energy in the world to James right now and big hugs for the rest of your family too.

[@yvonnejohnson2109]

Great video. I like how you are honest but having to do things on your owe and that you can do things

[@alex31p]

Homesteading alone for years. Never did the large animals. Chicken-eggs-rabbits sufficient. Mature vineyard, apple-pear trees, mature heavy producing chestnut trees, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other fruits, dehydrate extensively, as near Gulf Coast lucky enough to have winter greens garden. Due to risk life changing events now joining up with like minded folk. Sizing to ones physical abilities works and can be expanded if needs arise and co-workers come. Praying for James, your sons and you.

[@bettyjanefelts]

Prayers and special blessings going up for your husband and for you. We pray he will receive a good report. But we also pray the will of the Lord be done for you and your children and the homestead. May the LORD bless you and keep you. May the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace today and forever more. Amen!

[@wandadoty]

Reality check! It comes to visit each of us. Faith and strength by FAITH. Praying the lords wisdom Patara.

[@morganwoodsfarm-kim1060]

My 5 acre farm has been my lifelong dream. But currently I have an air boot on for 4 weeks to hopefully heal a tear and swelling in my foot. And if that doesn't work I could be facing surgery and a cast. And I'll tell ya, it's only been a week and I'm going insane. It's difficult mucking out a stall each day and caring for 36 chickens, plus a hen with seven new peeps, dragging around something that feels like a cinderblock, with a plastic bag over it. Add to that being asthmatic and it will give you pause to think over what and how much homesteading you can handle.

[@maryholder7032]

Praying for a good outcome for your husband, you & your family. May God bless you with strength & peace. I know He is there to support you all.

[@johnrenterprises2604]

Good points for both women and men to consider during the seasons of their life. I had some health issues come up unexpectedly last year. The surgery was a complete success and my recovery has been truly blessed by the Lord. Stronger and more stamina than I have had in years. Not much I can't do now. But I worry my wife would have a difficult time here if something happened to me. It is something we are preparing for. If you live in the country you have to be armed and be capable to use them. Your stock and place looks well cared for. I will add you both to my prayer list, thank you for the videos Patara!

[@3505khpruitt]

So sorry your having more stuff thrown at your family. I will be praying for all of yall. We have went through a few medical situations through the years some big some not. This is one thing we have to stay prepared for..it's alot!! Praying for the best results for James.

[@kyfarm]

I am old, have health issues, and even in my prime, I wasn't the biggest gal on the planet either. One thing that is Very helpful to me is finding a feed store that has free delivery (when you buy over a certain $ amount). I buy everything for everyone once a month, then boy power drives it in and unloads it for me. This works for me because I stay a month or two ahead on feed, that way, even with unforseen problems ... no problem. : )

[@StormPhoenixRising]

I'm so sorry to hear that your husband has health issues. If his heart is affected, you may want to research Hawthorne. It has certainly helped me, and I'm finally weaning off my medications that I consider more harmful than helpful. Blessings to you and yours.

[@janinejohnson1898]

Sending positive thoughts and gentle hugs to get you thru the next weeks. It's true, living the dream is not always living life but the dreams keep us inspired. Love your channel and although I live near the beach in San Diego I still have picked up inspiration and ideas and recipes from you!

[@tammyhall999]

Thank you for making this video. You brought up some great points, which made me look at some things differently. Im going to start making some changes to where I can run things by myself if needed.

[@marchetaalbert7050]

I do homestead alone and reality is tough. Some tasks will suffer and some tasks will require hired help. As a nurse of 34 yrs and still working. Contact me anytime, your sister in Christ.

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

Great reflection of a look at "what if". You are wise for your age and you share your strengths wonderfully. That's why we love you so. God bless you and your family. Keep on keeping on!

[@jennyhackenberg3790]

you are a smart lady. I live in a trailer court but it is my homestead. I have chickens and I expanded my garden this year. added 2 raised garden beds. and this year for the first time I strained my back to the point where I went to the emergency room. so I learned I have limitations. not something I wanted to learn lol. I now have 19 chickens but will be going down to 17 this week. I took a week off work so I can get caught on some things around here. but you are right you have to learn how to depend on you. expand your knowledge. know your limitations.

[@unitedstatesdale]

Bear tip: If you are forced to shoot a bear, Aim for its ear. I have harvested hundreds of bear and 95% of my shots go into their ear and drops them instantly. Never ever gut shoot a bear. If you do start running

[@barbarakelly1916]

Patera, it's inspiring that you have taken your family's challenge and turned it into an opportunity. The opportunity you chose is to make practical plans going forward, and then to share your wisdom with others . You are living the teachings and courage of your Irish and Cherokee ancestors you've described in other videos. Wishing you blessings and support as you and your family navigate this passage in life. You are in the thoughts, prayers and hearts of many. Sending you hugs and sunshine from the Canadian prairie!

[@janespal2729]

Prayers for your and your family, Patara. You are such an inspiration to me~

[@MissAdventures]

You can barter. A couple who wants to learn homesteading, live rent free in trade for some help. Yes, it's 2 more mouths to feed, but also 4 more hands to help. You do have to make sure to do a criminal background check, you want to make sure your family is safe and those people are mentally stable and drug free, so you want to meet them in the city first. Not on their schedule, but on your schedule.

[@janie2shoes537]

We are going through the same thing. Prayers !!!

[@RiverBirchFarm]

Praying for your family and thank you, I do most of the taking care of our animals but my boys are grown with their families and we all live in a big house together on our 11 acres. I am very fortunes and sometimes we don't think about these kind of things so thank you for opening my eyes to the what if's that some day we all may face.

[@missmix48]

I was always a city gal but started homesteading alone. I was in my early 40's. If you so that you need to learn to be a Pseudo-Vet too. At one time I had 40 meat goats not milk goats.. I had and trained 3 Horses. Hay was always a problem. I had 30-50 Chickens at a time that I also used for food. I also had rabbits for sale and food. Speaking of bears I have honey bee's. I also raised dogs and needed my chain saw because I burned wood. Now that I am 69 with health issues I have pulled back on everything, I planted Blueberries this year.

[@lindamoses3697]

Wow how impressive!

[@melanieobasi3316]

To add to "know how to use the equipment" also know where everything is. When my husband had a stroke a few years ago I had a general direction of where to find our spring house (up the mountain on another person's property) but wasn't sure where to look when we had a problem. Thankfully we had a back up water source and neighbors who helped me get that going but I never could find the original.

[@suemcfarlane4199]

At 48 I had a stroke and it is very much a matter of finding a new normal you have to learn to ask for help sometimes

[@LifeOnBeagleRoad]

Thanks for the video. Ive gotten pretty sick and my wife had to take care of everything. I'll say this, my son stepped up big time for a 9 year old.

[@cherylharless281]

Talk about turning a difficult time into a lesson. Patara, you are one tough cookie! Huge Hugz, and lots of prayers for your husband and the rest of your family during this stressful time. I'm really not interested in goats or goat milk, but I have been thinking about getting miniature Jersey cows. I also am thinking about Mini-Black Angus to raise for beef, for my family and also for sale. Thoughts?

[@rickyblythe4951]

Sweet lady please take time for yourself. You can't take care of others if you wear yourself out. We have to take life one day at a time.

[@klmeyer9907]

hey Ms Patara. i hope Mr James is going to be okay. i will keep you both in my prayers.

[@lisarichards1956]

Good advice! I just wish we had been out of debt before my husband died of cancer. I might have been able to afford to stay on our farm. Being debt-free is always a high priority. (I'm thankful and content where I am, but I miss my little farm.) Praying for your husband and family! Thanks for sharing your journey so transparently. :)

[@LivingMiracleHomestead]

Sending prayers your way. God bless.

[@CNH320TD]

You are all in my prayers. Your wisdom is inspiring. May God bless you.

[@goatgirl61]

Excellent advice... my homesteading has been put on hold due to raising up a whole new family , my 3 grandbabies ranging in age 7 , 4 , and 4 months ... while loving every minute ( most of the time ) I have had to make huge compromises in the field. I've let all my does raise out their brood this season and no garden at all this spring or summer ( I'm hoping for a fall one though , fingers crossed ) The biggest obstacle for me has been to take it easy on the self negative talk , I got down on myself for not being super woman . Your advice is spot on when it's only you to start with and you have think outside the box . One thing is for sure children grow and these are great kids I am blessed to serve them to the best of my ability , my goats can wait , the garden will return and one day I'll have huge help ... God bless you and keep you and yours . Praying for you and your husband for good news on his health in Jesus name I pray , Amen ♡

[@jackiegoodnight4377]

Great tips! We chose to buy a smaller chain saw so I could be comfortable using it. Funny thing, the new lighter/ smaller one gets used by me and my hubby found he likes to use it much more than his larger heavy ones.

[@susieawalt7416]

God is the ultimate physician. Praying

[@andyduke6847]

There is deep truth in the words of wisdom you share here ma'am. For someone who has been running it alone for close to 10 years now, the seasons of change you speak of most certainly come without fail. Thank you for enlightening everyone here and touching on a conversation everyone should sit and engage in... Peace and Love my friend...

[@workinonit9562]

So many good points, we have been selling unused stuff and cleaning out barns this summer, trying to make life more simple. We do not expand our efforts b/c of our age, it would be nice to pair up with a younger family, we have equipment and they would have youth but noone is interested in hard work like this. Praying for you, your husband and family.

[@Karenswalk1207]

praying for your husband!

[@appalachiashomesteadwithpatara]

Thank you! xo

[@barbiekyzar5192]

@@appalachiashomesteadwithpatara praying for you sista girl. I love you ! Gods got this !

[@Sithean]

Patara, thank you for all you do, ma'am. Sending you and yours a boatload of love, hugs, prayers and strength. Your honesty is so much appreciated and you are inspiring. ❤️

[@patriotpermaculture1205]

Very good advice. We're facing very similar issues and we will hold you up in prayer. Everything that we do moving forward with our sustainability projects is with the forethought that it may well become a one woman show. Again, very timely advice. Thank you for keeping it real. Blessings~

[@debbiegallett1125]

I am praying for you. I lost my husband last year and am now alone running a campground, storage business, 3 horses, 10 head of beef cattle (with 9 calves currently), chickens, garden, etc. No family close but a few friends I absolutely rely on to fix electrical problems, castrate bull calves, etc. I can run the skid loader and most of the tools but I never learned to run the tractor, so that is my next goal. I also need to sell most of the cattle, but it is a hard decision. The hardest part is not having someone who knows the place like you do to discuss stuff and share with. Making all the big decisions on your own can be daunting.

[@julieb7068]

Debbie Gallett I'm sorry for you loss

[@mobjackcalling8568]

Ty We have had similar challenges and fortunately one of us always able to do chores , Efforts to streamline all ongoing . You Guys are in our prayers

[@sandramcintyre1104]

praying your husband will be fine.

[@kathycox8275]

I thank you for being brave enough to talk about this. My husband has been dealing with cardiomyopathy for the past 5 years. Just got a pacemaker but it hasn't made his heart stronger And I am going in next week to see what the surgeon says about the hernia. Our 2.5 acres has never looked like this - like a bomb went off. I've almost guven up - now I'll have to rethink things.

[@estherpowell2372]

Very timely whether you are a homesteading woman or not. My thoughts are with you as I travel a similar path with a Mister who is battling health issues. Homesteading is very therapeutic in some ways, nothing like getting sweaty and dirty to keep you grounded ! Hang in there.

[@laurieflores1107]

sometimes you have to stop assess the situation....always have options A thru Z and even more...simplify as much as possible but still be sustainable....praying for your family....

[@bennystropicalswimmigwolf8691]

i wish you and your family good health happiness and prosperity very true Things can change!!!!!!!!! Best of luck!!!!!!!!!

[@virginia7191]

Keeping you in my prayers.

[@albanymountainhomestead]

Send prayers to you and your family...I call it plan B... Life can change in an instant...my cervical spine took a crap almost 7 yrs ago at the age of 32...I didn't plan on needing the help of my family as much as I have especially the last 3 yrs because things got worse...but I'm still doing as much as I can daily, but not nearly what I could do before all this mess...thankfully my husband has been my superman...praying nothing happens to him...he's been amazing through all of this...

[@albanymountainhomestead]

While trying to start a small homestead...

[@Aonexia]

Great information... Cheers! :))

[@taniaeitel7623]

Thank you for keeping it real as usual. Will keep you and James, as well as the boys, in prayer.

[@poodleoodle7689]

Thanks for the reality check.

[@youghal40clashmore]

Thoughts & prayers with you.

[@rpaugh21]

I'll be praying for your family 💛

[@jessfamilyaccttx7066]

Great advice. Thanks!

[@pagemoyer1467]

Thank you Patara for your insite. Homesteads or not your words fit all styles of like and folks.