I’m Greg. I am a 58 year old man who is trying to simplify my life by turning my home in to a homestead. I’m not sure all the initial work is simplifying my life, but I am hopeful it will all pay off in the end. Pay no attention to the man impersonating a farmer in the picture. One of my sons thought it would be funny to capture his dad in his gardening getup.
I have had a love of nature and the outdoors from a very young age. Growing up, we had neighbors who had a greenhouse attached to the side of a shed. I was fascinated by the smells, the warm temperature, the humidity, and the plants most of all. I was allowed to come and visit the greenhouse anytime I wanted and I took advantage of it. My parents had a garden in the backyard of that house and I remember growing corn, tomatoes, onions, green beans, peas, and pumpkins, as well as a plethora of other plants and flowers. Even after we moved away from that house, my folks still had a garden. The garden provided our family with fresh produce year round. Mom never needed to but produce at the grocery store. I was almost a teenager when Crocket’s Victory Garden appeared on PBS. That show became part of my Saturday morning routine, usurping cartoons. Other PBS programs like, The French Chef with Julia Childs, The Cooking Cajun— Justin Willson, and Yan can Cook filled the times I wasn’t outside, and sparked my love of food and cooking. It’s a shame programs like that don’t exist anymore. Or sure we have The DIY Channel, HGTV, and FoodNetwork, but it isn’t the same. Most of the programs on these “new” channels are flash, fast, and competitive. They are entertaining for a awhile, but leaving you wanting something more substantial.
Flash forward 50 years and I am tired of the race and want to slow down. I want to enjoy my life, my family and friends, and make lasting changes. Homesteading has taken off and is the “new” thing in DIY. Or so that is what some people think. Homesteading has been around for a long time. In fact, it is how the majority of Americans lived before the industrialization of processed food took hold sometime in the 1950’s. Gardening used to be encouraged by our government, especially during WWII. As the mass production of food became normal, gardens and self-sufficiency, quietly were all but forgotten.
As I approach retirement age, I am looking to slow down. I also want to save money. Have you looked at the price of food at the grocery store? I don’t walk out of the store without spending $85.00 or more. I want a space to relax and de-stress. I want a space to hang out and entertain friends and family. I want to be healthier and make healthier choices. I want an oasis in the middle of town. I want to encourage people and show people them that they can do this too. If this sounds like fun, why don’t you come with me as I embark on this adventure and learn from my mistakes as well as my successes.
— Greg
My Hoosier Homestead 