"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."-- 1 Timothy 5:8
Quote from: 8greenbeans on August 08, 2018, 01:04:12 PMThis is why I became okay with scaling back to the bare minimum - just enough that we could get it going again in a pinch whether that meant there was less on me and could "do it all" or if shtf and then I had hands to help since there wouldn't be a choice but to help.THIS makes a lot of sense to me right now both for what you wrote about your situation and also for mine.I went from 2 pigs, a number of ducks, chickens, and rabbits, down to just chickens and rabbits. And it feels good.
This is why I became okay with scaling back to the bare minimum - just enough that we could get it going again in a pinch whether that meant there was less on me and could "do it all" or if shtf and then I had hands to help since there wouldn't be a choice but to help.
Quote from: ChristianJ on August 10, 2018, 12:56:54 AMQuote from: 8greenbeans on August 08, 2018, 01:04:12 PMThis is why I became okay with scaling back to the bare minimum - just enough that we could get it going again in a pinch whether that meant there was less on me and could "do it all" or if shtf and then I had hands to help since there wouldn't be a choice but to help.THIS makes a lot of sense to me right now both for what you wrote about your situation and also for mine.I went from 2 pigs, a number of ducks, chickens, and rabbits, down to just chickens and rabbits. And it feels good.I was very surprised at how good it felt. I need this wee break. I'm sure you do, too. It also feels good to know that it only takes a short while to build it back up to the numbers we have now.At first though I felt like a failure. Then I realized, what good is it all if I kill myself in the process? I'm doing and providing for 8 people all by myself (homestead wise that is). If shtf - which is what we prepare for - then I'll have the help of them all which means being able to do more in the long run.I'm hoping I can be back at it come next spring but if I can't, I'm not going to beat myself up over it.
Quote from: 8greenbeans on August 12, 2018, 05:25:18 PMQuote from: ChristianJ on August 10, 2018, 12:56:54 AMQuote from: 8greenbeans on August 08, 2018, 01:04:12 PMThis is why I became okay with scaling back to the bare minimum - just enough that we could get it going again in a pinch whether that meant there was less on me and could "do it all" or if shtf and then I had hands to help since there wouldn't be a choice but to help.THIS makes a lot of sense to me right now both for what you wrote about your situation and also for mine.I went from 2 pigs, a number of ducks, chickens, and rabbits, down to just chickens and rabbits. And it feels good.I was very surprised at how good it felt. I need this wee break. I'm sure you do, too. It also feels good to know that it only takes a short while to build it back up to the numbers we have now.At first though I felt like a failure. Then I realized, what good is it all if I kill myself in the process? I'm doing and providing for 8 people all by myself (homestead wise that is). If shtf - which is what we prepare for - then I'll have the help of them all which means being able to do more in the long run.I'm hoping I can be back at it come next spring but if I can't, I'm not going to beat myself up over it.One of my neighbors (family with teenagers so potential helpers) tried to be more self substaining as far as food goes, After a many years they cut back 90% and only keep a small garden with a few birds. They keep their fencing and barn in good repair so some ability to spring back quickly if ever needed. A lot less work and they can focus on enjoying life and getting the kids through school; mostly collage at this point.This is why I made the origional post. I'm trying to expand our ability to be self sufficient without adding much more long term time requirements. Spend a few days fencing, water, ect and just maintain a breeding pair of bunnies for quick expansion if ever needed.