S9 E5: What if I'm Alone? Homesteading as a Single Person

Today I’m talking to 67-year-old Cheri, who is running a 20-acre homestead, complete with milk cows, goats, sheep, chickens, gardens, and more. And she’s doing it alone.
Cheri breaks down encouraging tips explaining how anyone can do this.
I think you’ll love this episode. And I'm pretty sure I want to be Cheri when I grow up.
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[@losnolt]

I am 54 and single. Have an in ground garden and just made six 5x10 raised beds. I raise meat chickens and have 30 young layers. I also have four cats, two dogs, and 3.5 horses on 8.5 acres and also have a farm 15 minutes from me. Lots to do! Oh, and am a teacher! Never boredom here.

[@miss_mish]

That's awesome I'm 42, teacher have a similar sized garden and about to venture into chickens but I definitely don't have the land you have or the animals lol. I wish I had what you have. That's my goal to have something similar to you. Congratulations and keep going.

[@erinr86]

Your an inspiration! 😊

[@gordonreed248]

What is .5 horses?

[@losnolt]

@@gordonreed248 A foal born on April 4th!

[@catw5294]

Do you do your own butchering? Ive been considering meat birds but am intimidated by the butchering process. Can;t seem to locate a mobile butcherer either.

[@ChristinaMoore79]

This podcast has been very encouraging, and I haven't even listened to it all yet. I just turned 45 three days ago, and homesteading is something I have wanted to do for a while now -- one of those back of the mind dreams you tend not to think about much, but it is always there. There is a good chance I'll be able to get property this year, but if not it will for sure happen next year. I'm also a single gal and my only children are four dogs and a cat, and Cheri's story has given me a boost of confidence that I can actually do this life on my own.

[@bettydavis9519]

Single at 64. Have a green stalk on my patio at condo with HOA. No yard. Very stifled.

[@SusieQ2023]

Single. Never married. 57. In a condo with HOA. I put a tower of pots out for greens. I put a galvanized tub of herbs next to my AC and planted perennial flowers (some edible) around it with dill and asparagus against the building. I am starting two boxes at my church to garden my small survival plot. I made a rocket stove with some bricks on the patio in front of my glider and next to the umbrella. I made cinderblock shelves against my fence that divides me from my neighbor and grow several things in pots. I buy things from farmers, and farmers markets, have a herd share, make my own milk products, can, freeze, dehydrate, ferment, sprout, grind and pickle … it can be done. I just have to think outside the box.

[@peggyevans2691]

What about elderly 66 who has health issues, no children. Lost my only child, no insurance. No help.

[@rosezingleman5007]

Same here. I got myself into the house with a teensy property but I’ve got no one to call in an emergency. Nobody. It’s hard. Cheri is lucky. She owns her place and has an adult son nearby. Lucky.

[@jspyrogram]

67 here, widow, 7 acres, chickens, turkeys, guineas. Made the move to my little homestead 3 years ago and the hardest part for me is repairs. I have 9 raised garden beds (Ozark mountains consist of clay and rocks). I’m constantly thinking about how to keep going through my senior years.

[@Ally-zu5lg]

Lots of us single ladies out here trying to make it!! KEEP YOUR HEADS UP, WE CAN MAKE IT.

[@christineortmann359]

My husband and I have my mom and her older sister. They help cut and peel apples during apple season.

[@rosezingleman5007]

63, husband took off to lay on a beach in Asia. 1/2 acre and in the middle of a remodel. I’m disabled but can get around, but I tire easily. I’m determined to remain independent and active, and well-fed too. Not sure how this will play out….

[@liberty8424]

@@rosezingleman5007 better than he will......

[@doulacoach6801]

@@rosezingleman5007 Thats terrific. Keep on, keepin on Rose!

[@bigskyintx]

My husband passed too. This was very encouraging to know that I’m not the only one wanting to go it alone. And not really alone I have my animals that depend on me. The hardest thing is to convinced my kids why I want to stay here.

[@stephaniebandosik]

Ms. Cheri is the most inspirational person I have met in a long time! If anyone knows a podcast, KZbin channel, etc. featuring her or someone like her, please let me know! We need more single homesteading women as role models!

[@dianneb208]

I agree. Considering this myself.

[@jennahoward2335]

I personally love Off Grid with Doug and Stacy. Check them out!…not a single woman but she’s delightful and so full of info.

[@stephaniebandosik]

@@jennahoward2335 I do love Stacy as well! But Doug does most of the work that I'd also be looking to have done I think. They're super inspirational! I can't believe how dressed up she gets! And I like that he buys his clothing locally. I was just watching her sourdough video in fact.

[@jennahoward2335]

@@stephaniebandosik True he does do a lot of the heavy lifting. I didn’t love his videos at first but then I realized that just watching him do what we’re gonna have to do teaches us. So now when one of Doug’s videos come on I watch it… it’s kind of nice just watching him work without a lot of talk in the beginning. He does like to talk though lol

[@stephaniebandosik]

@@jennahoward2335 it's just different when you have a second set of hands, eyes, and skills than when you are flying solo. I think there are unique challenges presented to being a one-woman show that couples and families don't face. While they all do work together with lots of overlap there is still a basic division of she does most of the cooking and he does most of the building, etc in most homesteading couples I see. I'm most interested to learn how folks creatively navigate these situations when there is no "Doug" to turn to.

[@fleetwood5386]

I am single man doing this. But talked mom and dad to go with me and my oldest son . I am 44 I feel like it's very hard to find someone who wants to live this way. I moved from Florida to Missouri because the world is fixing to change. My respect to you both.

[@jennahoward2335]

You’re living the life! I’m 43 and have a 9 year old son. I’ve been looking for a homestead property in Missouri or Tennessee. It’s scary because I look at these properties online and they look perfect but….are they really? And with gas prices right now taking several trips out there isn’t an option. I need eyes on the ground.

[@fleetwood5386]

@@jennahoward2335 hello to you. I will help with what I can. It's a different life for sure. I don't think there will be a perfect property 😁 but I know real homestead property is hard to find and way over priced. I got hear 3 years ago in September. When this area opened up there was 50 property's they all sold in a few months. Today it has to be much harder.

[@jennahoward2335]

@@fleetwood5386 I’m sure it’s getting harder especially now that homesteading is trendy. I don’t think I could do much more than 2 to 5 acres on my own. I just want somewhere with big trees and water, I’ve lived in the desert way too long. Would love to have a milk cow, some chickens for meat and eggs and a big ole garden.

[@fleetwood5386]

@@jennahoward2335 these are great goals. Water is hard to come by. Like you said you can't keep driving around to look at these properties I lived in Florida and had to buy site unseen. We lucked out. I ended up with 5 across lots of trees. No standing or constant flow of water but small seasonal creek I keep digging in bigger and bigger. 😁 . This area is off grid for the most part. I am not on grid. Know water, power, etc. Dont even have a mailbox lol.... but all things aside we the people I believe are on a short time clock and it's speeding up. O the animals. We did not get animals yet I am working hard to make it happen. Chicken's, turkeys, rabbits are for sure. Can't put a cow on this land. Its just not ideal for the cow's horse's and what not.

[@jennahoward2335]

@@fleetwood5386 yes, We are running out of time. This year I’ve been working on a container garden (portable if I have to bounce quickly) and food storage pantry, I just purchased a 2200w solar generator and panels that I can hook up to my new travel trailer to go off grid when it’s time….and I still just don’t feel like I’m doing enough. Are you able to install a well? I think I’d be OK without flowing water as long as I could install a well and have a nice pond and enough rain to set up a water catchment system.

[@jamesbrown8718]

I so enjoyed this today, I am 54 and disabled and decided last year it was time to start growing a garden so this is my second year and hope it’s better than last year. I have allot more going this year than last. But I have not raised a garden in many years. But I have over came my fears of I can’t do this, to saying I can do this and I am going to do this. I would love to have the land that she has and a place to raise animals and be able to have a milk cow, and chickens and pigs and beef but I don’t have the means of doing this. I asked my dad who is 76 years old if he would be willing for us to buy a small piece of land maybe five acres or so to just have bigger gardens, and a place to raise our own meat birds and chicken and other things and he said it would be great. So we have started the process of looking into leasing to buy, or if we could find a few acres that is reasonable priced to go that route. Food is getting so expensive it takes a extra two hundred dollars a month to feed just three of us. So I don’t see how allot will make it not growing good for their families. Thank you for this today. My parents are not able to help me do any of this, I lost my wife two years ago at a very young age. And now I take care of them. Cause I have no one else.

[@ProudPatriot007]

I’m sorry about you losing your wife. I’m not sure if your very knowledgeable about land or not. You should checkout Doug and Stacy homesteaders. Doug and the Bee 🐝 doctor recently made a video showing what to look out for when buying land. It’s very informative. Even if you know a lot about land, it may still have a good tip or two. It’s a huge warning for all the city people newly looking for land. I noticed you said you were disabled. I’m not sure what you can and can’t do, but something that doesn’t take up a ton of physical strength or lots of daily time is bees. 🐝 I’d also recommend chickens. I ❤️ my chickens. They are so entertaining. Your parents most likely would enjoy sitting and watching them. I know they make me laugh and smile daily. Good luck on your adventure. May you and your parents have a Blessed Weekend!

[@momsnewlife1197]

She reminds my of my grandma when she was alive. I am in my 60's and hope to keep going for a long time. I don't want to sit in a chair all day. How boring. Thank you for this interview.

[@deniseharris9363]

This was extremely encouraging!! I am 62, single with fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease & arthritis but want so desperately to homestead. My health has improved some through prayer & medical intervention this year so I am starting a raised bed garden & 2 vertical ones. My next dream is to build a small moveable chicken tractor that I can move in my yard in city neighborhood. It is allowed as long as I don’t have a rooster. I wish I could have a few goats but no livestock allowed 😞. My big dream is to sell this home and find the perfect piece of property and actually homestead my way. I just need to know my body can handle it. Thank you both Jill and Cheri

[@kathykraus4714]

Happy to hear this..I too homestead alone but very small..can I say at 67 you look healthy and in great shape..another plus of homesteading!

[@grandmatuesday1184]

This was helpful. I am inspired to keep moving and this reinforces my thoughts on how important it is to stay active and eat healthy, and its ok if you ask for help when you truly do need it.

[@BrLambert]

Courage, grit, and determination only to name a few things that I’ve sensed from Cheri. Gardening was never encouraged but I was surrounded by gardeners. Years later I decided after keeping a Christmas cactus alive for over a year to get another plant 🪴 and now I have peppers and 2 tomato 🍅 plants and they’re still alive and I love this. It’s a far cry from a homestead but I’m happy

[@wayner4christ988]

Good job!

[@desireerobinsonco]

You’re already homesteading 💙 it’s just the beginning

[@dottietruthseeker4546]

Thank you for this interview. Never too late to go for it.

[@Redlady1960]

I am glad that you had the helping hand in the beginning when you lost your husband. I am sorry for the loss of your daughter. I pray that you stay strong & healthy! Keep moving forward & stay strong!! 🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻

[@cedarcottagefarm2885]

This was very interesting. I so sorry for the loss of her daughter and husband. It took a lot of courage to take on a bigger house and 20 acres alone. I have been on my homestead for decades. I have never considered staying on it if I was alone.

[@dianehall5345]

Hello from our working farm in New Hampshire! Community support is vital whether you are a family farm like ours or you are single. Our rural community shares in what ever ways are required. We barter work, food, hay, firewood and on and on. I am 72 and the youngest on our farm. If it came down to me being alone, I feel that I could manage what was necessary to keep my down home lifestyle intact. Its a matter of your personal needs and aspirations. Mine are simple 1970s/Mother Earth homesteading, which I can live either on or off-grid. We are currently set up for either, but prepared to light the oil lamps and kitchen wood stove if the grid failed or I was low on funds. I value my privacy and spending time alone in our woodland cottage. Its a serene setting, that provides whatever I decide to invest in at any given time... laying hens, organic gardens, meat rabbits, milk goats, etc. Common sense dictates that I think and work smart for my age and level of fitness. All the best and happy homesteading! ~ Diane

[@desireerobinsonco]

How did you setup bartering in your community? I love in a rural area and there’s actually not that many homesteaders that I’ve met & out of the few I have only a couple have been willing to barter.

[@dianehall5345]

Unprocessed Momma - We are a Central NH town of 2,000 people. We converted the old town hall into a Community Center Hub. That really helps to have a base for information and classes. They offer all sorts of topics, depending on what folks want. Yoga/Art/ canning foods., etc. Since we are a working farm, there are many local customers. One is a bee keeper and I trade honey for other goods and services. Another farm sells organic chicken/pork and eggs. We buy from them, but they are also open to giving us laying hens if we need them, etc. See if you have a County Extension Service. Your State University should be able to tell you. Also contact and join the Farm Bureau. They can be a wealth of information. Put a want ad in the paper to see if there are organizations like YOUNG FARMERS OF AMERICA. The Farm bureau can also list organizations. I hope this helps to get you started. I am a farm wife who was a corporate Senior Buyr, so I know how to network. Its all about networking with your county/ your local neighborhood/ your State University/ Try looking up local CSAs ( COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE) I joined one years ago that taught me so many garden tips in exchange for weeding! Good luck! ~ Diane

[@dianehall5345]

P.S.- Cheri- try PROVIDER bush beans. They do very well every year for us. Ment to share we have a 350 acre farm- Beef cattle/ commercial hay/ Commercial logging.

[@rosezingleman5007]

I have great luck with Provider as well. Yummy and def plentiful grower.

[@denisemorgan8913]

I am so glad you did this video. I would never be bored in retirement but know many who would. My God, dig some dirt! Learn where food comes from!

[@debramurphy7488]

Jill, you mentioned a book(s) about western pioneer women... would you list a couple to check out?

[@theprairiehomestead]

Of course! Here are a few of my favorites: (1) Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart; (2) Staking Her Claim: Women Homesteading the West by Marcia Hensley; and (3) Almost Pioneers: One Couple's Homesteading Adventure in the West by John J. Fry

[@debramurphy7488]

@@theprairiehomestead super! Thanks Jill, I'm going to check these out as I'll be starting my own solo homesteading adventure in TN in about a year-ish :)

[@MichelleTech]

I'm 54 and single (divorced by choice 9 years ago) and I don't have a full blown homestead, but a BACKYARD homestead! I'm growing my own food, a year's worth of produce to eat fresh, store and can in my small city lot. I trade raspberries for eggs with a co-worker (I work full time as an engineer), and other produce with gardening neighbors. I grind my own flours and cornmeal by hand, make sourdough every other Saturday, render tallow and lard from farmer's market supplied fats, and finally just found raw milk (not available retail in my state) to process my own dairy products starting this weekend. My city doesn't allow chickens (ridiculous!) but bees may be in my future next year or later. I live near Jill in South Dakota and local beef is easy to find here from family & friends ranching. I fish in the mountains and prairie dams. Hunting for big game and birds is next on my skills to learn. I forage in the urban areas (crabapples!) and in the woods (herbs, mushrooms, etc). I'm open to finding the right partner but so far none can keep up or want the same lifestyle (wild, but like the wilderness, not the social scene). Someday I hope to live in the woods again, off grid even better. And if it's by myself, I will savor the peace and serenity and activity that keeps me sane and healthy!

[@sbagwellfarms9059]

Outstanding

[@desireerobinsonco]

Wow that’s a lot! What hours do you work ? I’m pretty impressed you have time for all of that

[@gordonreed248]

74 here and I have been retired since I was 63. You are right that the hardest part of being retired is boredom. My retirement income is more than adequate for our needs (wife and I) and the first several years I did not draw Social Security because I really had no need for it. About 6 years ago I started to monitor my IRA investments much closer and that challenged me somewhat but how many times can you read a financial disclosure without sinking into depression? I took up bee keeping a few years ago and last year I took up gardening. Now I actively invest in the options market which gives me some challenge, my bees need more attention than you might think and my garden always seems to go in a direction that I did not expect. It has helped me get rid of being bored although I know I will not be able to do this forever.

[@desireerobinsonco]

The homestead always surprises me, life can in general though. Have you considered a financial advisor ? I hear they can be super helpful and I’d like to save up and invest in one... not sure what the fees are. If you had to limit things, what would you keep on doing?

[@gordonreed248]

@@desireerobinsonco Finacial advisors can be expensive and I do not need them to tell me to diversify and to stay in the market when it is down like it is now. If you are strictly invested in the S&P 500 through an ETF you will average over a 10% return, but not this year. If you pay a financial advisor you will only end up with 5 or 6% return after you pay their fees. Boring financial statements do not mean that I don't read them. If you are "self directed" like I am you need to read them.

[@donnatucker3263]

Does Cheri have a KZbin channel?

[@loucasella5148]

Never retire, Age means nothing anymore. Keep yourself in good shape and you'll live to over 100 along with enjoying your life on the farm.

[@deborahlauro1461]

I'm 57 and single. I'm fortunate in that my adult daughter still lives at home and between her and I, we get a lot of those things done around the house. We have horses, goats, chickens and ducks. and of course, the dogs and cats. I wouldn't trade my little homestead for the world. It does make it difficult to date. I had my first garden last year and working on the one for this year.

[@Autumnswirl71]

I love this interview! I'm getting everything set up now for my hubby and I while he finishes out his Navy career. It can get overwhelming at times, especially sense Im also the caregiver for my Mom (Stroke/Dementia). I agree with you, I want to be her in the future!

[@desireerobinsonco]

Do y’all have kids too?

[@karenbearden6198]

Very inspiring! God bless you both for making this video.

[@luvBrownie22]

Yeeeeessssss. I have been consantly asking this question & wondering if I am dreaming, thinking I could do it alone. Thank you Jill & Cherri.

[@laurieshatney9279]

Awesome video this morning. Thank you. Cheri, I would love to know how and what you cooks for your dogs. I've been doing raw for a while now and my dogs are also seniors and I always want to do the best for them. Thank you for your time.

[@desireerobinsonco]

I’m curious about food for dogs too!

[@catw5294]

Much love and respect to this lady from one widow to another for her determination. Thx to you Jill for presenting this.

[@marjeshrider6513]

You both are inspirational. Keep going & bringing this type of content. People need to hear it. Blessings

[@julieanderson5184]

What a lovely interview! This is not my first rodeo, I'm fond of saying. My grandparents taught me to farm, my grandfather was out there in his 90's working (really expected to find him slumped over his tractor one day). Doubled the size of my garden this year. I've had three guys work on my solar system and they have jacked it up so bad it doesn't even work anymore so I have no electric no Refrigeration and no water pressure into my house. And now no big chunk of change to drop on another good solar system. I wish solar electric didn't just go over my head but as you say it's just not in my wheelhouse! LOL Talk about living off grid on your own in your fifties!

[@desireerobinsonco]

Wow I definitely believe previous generations are harder working. What’s your plan for the messed up solar system & all?

[@suzette2984]

You are a very inspirational lady!. I’m 53 and want to start a homestead. I live in East TN, I’m single and searching for the right piece of land. I’m terrified yet excited at the same time. Sure wish I had wanted this dream when I was younger but, if you can do it alone, I’ll give it a try. 😊

[@Sheepdog1314]

hardest part is the money. As a single income, or fixed income, this is almost impossible. I have no family, and alone, and bought an old house with a few acres. BIG MISTAKE. I have no money backup. No widow money, inheritance or such. Just for the property taxes alone I needed an extra job. And as I get older I wonder how long I can keep this up, since the house and barn is falling apart and I don't have carpentry skills. My dream of a small farm was destroyed by property taxes and having to work two jobs. Now it's just existing.

[@catalhuyuk7]

Have you ever heard of WOOF? Check it out. Also ask around maybe you could rent out a room.

[@donnarodriguez4755]

@@catalhuyuk7 Did you mean WWOOF?

[@catalhuyuk7]

@@donnarodriguez4755 Yes sorry, you’re correct.

[@desireerobinsonco]

I appreciate you sharing the warning based on your experience

[@judydrouhard2651]

Enjoyed your visit with Cheri. She is such an inspiration. Have really been enjoying the series. 🥰

[@horsehugger2000]

Jill you start a matchmaking site for homesteaders😉

[@carolexo7269]

Ha! 😁 love it! 💚

[@1dutchess68]

Would Cheri be interested in selling a couple of acres? almost 53 yo single corporate career looking to do exactly what she is doing- living in SOFL. have to start thinking like this because i think I will be taking care of my Dad and sister. Already started small garden on my lanai and preserving eggs and more to come!!

[@catalhuyuk7]

There are many young people who want to learn the the art of homesteading. They are stronger an sometimes more innovative. You have the brain, they have the brawn. Make sure you write an in depth legal contract to have them on your farm in case it doesn’t work out. Win/win.

[@roxannecarson2814]

What a wonderful testimony to determination! I am so sorry for your loss. But thank you for sharing your life. I pray you can find a strong community that can learn from you and be there for you.

[@mammabearprovidenceacres7151]

This was a needed and deeply good topic!

[@christineortmann359]

God told Adam and Eve to tend the garden- it’s in our DNA

[@belieftransformation]

Very inspirational interview, thanks! Sheri is a great lady, as are you, Jill! I’m almost 70 & have urban gardens & just started a little berry bush permaculture orchard on my lawn (not sure if the neighbours approve), but trying to get extra food growing. So many helpful KZbin channels to learn from! I’m so thankful for the ability to keep learning & doing. My husband helps with heavy stuff but doesn’t like gardening. I hope to get a few laying chickens soon. Blessings to your family 🤗❤️🇨🇦

[@hugelpook]

Great pod cast Jill, great questions too.

[@giancolabird]

Wish I had a dollar for all the elderly people who said " I did the action,( whatever action), because my children talked me into it and now I regret it" Particularly after a spouse passed. I would be wealthy . People please stop making decisions based on others 'feelings' for you. Try things on your own and do not be afraid to barter or ask a neighbor for a hand when something is heavy. One step at a time.

[@desireerobinsonco]

I struggle with asking others for help because everybody seems so busy with their own lives

[@donnarodriguez4755]

What an amazing woman. God bless her! I'm inspired.

[@wendilamphear7667]

I am married but my husband is blind and we purchased 4 acres, moved an old farmhouse on and right now in the process of hooking up utilities, that I am doing a lot of the work for while working full-time, and trying to get a house ready to sell. I am nearly 60 years young and no one should say can't! Don't want to work that hard is another story but I love to garden, I have chickens in the city already and I can't wait to get out and breathe in the country air and leave the city noise behind! Very inspirational talk, thank you.

[@kathyrobbins6668]

I moved to Indiana from Oklahoma in 2012, hoping to make a lifestyle change. I am now 64 and my man past away last August. He had been ill for sometime, so I had a head start on doing things. At this point I know enough to be dangerous when it comes to mechanical items or carpentry. I have had my own health issues, but no desire to ",move into town". God save me from the do-gooders! If I fall out here and can't get up. I'd rather die than be anywhere else.

[@MsLynneJ21]

As a widow you should contact The Social Security office for support if you were married for at least six years

[@sarahmiranda7130]

Couldn't the property be sold instead of going into foreclosure?

[@debyrah]

Enjoyed this interview a lot!

[@shoestringhomestead3323]

Boredom is a state of mind and God is good all the time💛

[@GoodTimesHomestead]

Incredible! Very inspiring and I’m so sorry for your losses. Great story. Thank you.

[@Redlady1960]

You can draw from your husbands VA & his SS.

[@virginiadodgen2787]

Not always. VA yes. SS no. Was not allowed to draw my husbands as as I have a small pension of my own. Married 53 yrs.

[@dink4evr]

Absolutely loved this interview. She is such an inspiration!

[@stephaniedavis7033]

so awesome! we farmed / homesteaded since our girls were young and now are starting over with raw land (over age 50) but would not change a thing - it takes longer now and yes we don't have all the animals like before but have what we want most and love doing things at our own pace! blessings always & keep being kind!

[@bubbaleon]

Dick Proenneke did it, and he started at 51 in Alaska

[@amyalmquist1772]

Thank you this was great!!! 54 single and just starting. Chickens, the gateway livestock!!!💕

[@lepetitpapillon4887]

This was great information. Love the conversation. I was curious if she was collecting 1/2 of her husband's social security? It was not mentioned in the conversation.

[@rachelrodriguez8742]

I am gathering information and reading books to begin homesteading in June 2024. I’m curious of the book you read about the Lone Women of the frontier? This was a wonderful video! Thank you.

[@ProudPatriot007]

I enjoyed this very much. Good for you Cheri! I’m this type of person too. NEVER EVER say I can’t do that. If you never try then, of course you can’t. We can do almost anything we want to do. Have a blessed life y’all! 🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@latishalarimore7156]

Listening to this lady and the other one homesteading in their golden years brings to mind watching documentaries on blue zones and reading on blue zones. They talk a lot about a simpler life and community. I was wondering if you had read or watched anything about blue zones?

[@corithefrugalflower]

I have to admit, as much as I love the idea of doing, well most of that, let's be honest😉 I'm 56, on disability, partially disabled, been a city dweller my whole life, but recently my entire outlook on life has done a 180° and I'm literally itching to leave the city and figure out a way to buy even just an acre, I'd be happy with that! 😉 but for the next little while at least, I'm busting my as$ to be successful with my container garden in my tiny yard! But listening to you and reading comments from others that are successfully doing it on their own, I thankyou because it gives me greater hope that I can get there!! 👏🤞🙏😊

[@kirstinseaver3462]

Widowed many years ago, I am now 62, fit and single. I own nothing but my old ute and trailer. I currently use community garden spaces and my clients gardens to grow vegetables. I am looking for a small block of degraded land to rent and restore for 10 years minimum. I hope to build a small tiny home to live in and park on the land and live in a way aligned with my values. In Australia it is difficult to find this combination as everything is geared toward property ownership and the greedy developer model. Local government authorities are also inflexible on planning issues causing even greater stress on housing availability. I live n hope... always!

[@tamarasself-sufficientlife7539]

I’m single. Great podcast.

[@avermontlife]

I volunteered for a woman in her sixties who owned Percherons with hundreds of acres. Her husband had passed fifteen years before. This tough old Vermon'er still cried when she talked about him. How very challenging to go through all of that on top of losing your life mate and then your daughter! My heart breaks for you. I told her at the time that I couldn't imagine ever losing my husband so young, ever really, and I still feel that way. If this happens to me, I will do as you have done. Grit and determination and fortitude and courage are all wonderful and admirable, I have them too, but I have seen that losing our spouse or children is something we never heal from. The loneliness would be the worst for me. I also could never leave the homesteading life, but we need our people to thrive.

[@lorrainecostanzo9092]

Thankyou, I am disabled and alone but still struggle to grow a garden and keep 3 acres of steep land clean and maintained, I Love it as life is life and picking and eating home grown fruits and vegetables is a delight xoxooxoxox

[@Punacat101]

Thank you both - definitely inspirational!

[@carlenewilliams5388]

What an amazing inspiration you both are ! Thank you for your share prayers for the both of you and your families

[@grdelawter4266]

Jill, your microphone looks like it’s as big as your head!

[@farmstrong5434]

I am 24 years old and having grown up on a farm- in the future I hope to meet a man who also wants to raise children on a farm or small plot of land. It's been such an amazing experiance and has taught me what hard work is and how fulfilling living simply is.

[@celianewman4809]

I love her and I love her attitude! She’s an inspiration.

[@stargirl7646]

This was amazing! Can I ask the name of the book you mentioned about women homesteaders?

[@MarlaGS2k]

This was awesome! Is there a way to contact Cheri to follow her? I love what she's doing and I could learn so much

[@macaroni1139]

Cheri is an inspiration, she's a very courageous woman, cheers!

[@lorikrafft8197]

I also am a single and 64.

[@stephaniemurphy6544]

Can you ask cheri if she accepts e mail

[@believehimornot7195]

LOVED this.

[@lb9031]

thank you, Cheri. I've been a widow for almost 6 months .

[@lucijaurek133]

Great topic! Can't wait to listen. Thank you

[@takeitslowhomestead5218]

Thanks, Jill, for this inspiring interview.

[@fifthavenuegirl]

I am 61 and I have 5 acres, live alone. I have no family help. Have three horses, two dogs and 11 chickens. Looking for rooster and mini dairy jersey. I am trying to grow some container fruit trees. Really ticked - squirrels ate all my apples. I love this lifestyle and I want to get more into mini jersey. Can't wait. Thank you so much for these videos - making butter, yogurt etc. awesome. It is very hard to find people to fix stuff. I have draft horses so I get the fencing thing. want to move to a cooler climate but hard to move with all these guys. Can be dangerous - I recently stepped on nail in flip flops and had two accidents with horses not their fault my dummy fault not wearing arm chaps and gloves. So my advice is wear all the protective gear like all the time really ie boots, doing certain types of work, etc. and mowers are expensive. Bought a cub cadet lasted three mows.

[@desireerobinsonco]

It has been so hard for me to find hired help & I don’t understand because we’re willing to pay but nobody wants to show up

[@ritabaker3113]

Blessings

[@pamelaleitman9200]

Who would i talk to about getting a small not more than 1/2 acre to make my own garden and maybe chickens?

[@stephaniemurphy6544]

Where do u live?

[@stephaniemurphy6544]

Where are you

[@pamelaleitman9200]

I am in flushing,ny.

[@pamelaleitman9200]

I am in flushing,ny.11367

[@pamelaleitman9200]

@@stephaniemurphy6544 flushing,ny.11367

[@FuckALLauthorities]

Late 50's, alone in God's Country...

[@shelliegades8582]

This was great!!