Change of plans

So today is definitely the dirt-under-the-nails kinds of day. Last night there was an amazing rainstorm. It made the night refreshing and peaceful. I even had Richard leave our bedroom door open as I fell asleep. The smell of the rain, and its peaceful drumming lulled me to sleep wonderfully. The last few days have been gray and droll. And waking up today was glorious with the sun shining brightly. It's like the world got its cry in and this morning it felt much happier.

However, our glass table outside was a casualty of the storm, being knocked over and shattering in the wind. Mom said she would put a new piece of plywood in it, so that it will be usable. I think I will make a mosaic on the top of it, so that it is beautiful and full of intention.

Anyway, today the cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, jalapenos (with the exception of a few) and a few of the bell peppers got transplanted into their Yankee Candle pots. And we sowed a case of peas, and 3 types of lettuce (Romaine, Simpson, and Mesclun), and the Harmony hybrid Spinach. We moved 12 of the tomato and pepper plants down to the windowsill in the family room. And now there are so many plants, that they don't fit in the growing station, or laundry room combined. So now I have taken over the coffee table in the family room as well. I can tell how happy mom is going to be about this... (at least we can plant a lot of stuff out in a month and a half) And this summer she will really appreciate all the effort and sacrifice.

But it is becoming evident that I will need a far more extensive setup for seed starting in the future. Even the large light stands that I see in catalogs probably wouldn't be sufficient even. I think if I built a standalone shelving unit I could make one large enough to work. But where on earth it would go is beyond me. If I got a bunch of heating mats, it could go in the garage. But at this point, that is not financially viable.

On the homestead front, though: Richard and I cam to a very important decision yesterday. We decided that the long-term plan is to move to New York. I think it will be perfectly feasible to make a homestead work there as well. The way that impacts the SC homestead is that I will not put more significant financial resources into the garden here than is necessary to achieve the needs for the short term. For instance, I won't buy the maple tree or nut trees, that won't be expected to bear for 5 years. Because we won't be here. Additionally, we need to be concerned with reselling the property in the future, so large renovations need to be as buyer-neutral as possible.

I will still plan on Maple and nut trees, and wonderful perennial gardens, and everything, but in New York. And there, we have the possibility of chickens, bees, and whatnot. So be prepared, someday, the SC Suburban Farm will be the Carlsen Homestead.

Either way, it is still my intention to live fully in this home while we are here. To grow, learn, and love with everything I've got. And the change of plans will, in no way, damper my enthusiasm for the SC homestead. It will be great, and a wonderful experience. And someday, it will be a wonderful start for someone looking for a homestead of their own.

I think I will also try to do a roadside farm stand if our yields can support it. Get some income, in addition to getting some publicity for the Homestead. Be more active in the revolution, you know...

Anyway, that's about it for now. Otherwise, I'd be rambling. Saturday there is a garden walk scheduled. So expect a large post, with pictures!! Hopefully there is, by some miracle, tons of progress by that point.