After nearly four full weeks of living off-grid, we’re starting to recognize the daily rhythm and truly appreciate our beautifully rustic surroundings. We’re challenging ourselves to stay home for as many days we can, and so far have made it five before needing to go to town for one reason or another. Going thirty days will be a true feat we’re looking forward to accomplishing!!
Ben has his ‘workshop’ open for business now, which really helps to make the project work easier around here. We still need to build a table/workbench, but just having an organized place to fetch tools and supplies is a huge improvement.
The outdoor ‘kitchen’ is coming together little by little. Having no cabinets to store pots and pans, canned goods, plates and glasses is a bit of a challenge, but we’re finding our way around so far. SO happy we decided to bring the metal shelving units with us!!
We’re still working on the water tanks and wood stove, so we’ll share some more pics when they are up and running in a few days (we hope). In the meantime, here are a few more shots from the yard…
The Prickly Pear cactus and Indian Paintbrush are in bloom. Not sure what the little purple snapdragon-like blossoms are called.
Sometimes we make the nice little hike down the road to see the southern view towards ABQ.
The truck is running pretty good these days, and we stop to watch the sunset at the overlook if we’re out in the evening.
If you’ve been reading previous posts, you’ll be happy to know Radar shook off her funk, and the blood-sucking gnats moved on (apparently, they only wreak havoc for three weeks in June).
This year’s Independence Day holiday takes on new meaning for us since we’ve come to live on our land quite independently from First World conventions. We take care to honor and pay tribute to the many souls who came before us to make our all-American homestead possible, and we relish in the celebration of our freedom.
Thank you so much for following, CTFS!! Feel free to ask any questions as you read on. Cheers! 🙂
Looking forward to read more about your lifestyle!
Radar is doing great, thank you. 😉 We’ve been having our own ups and downs as we continue to adjust, but it’s just wonderful, overall. Yes, good riddance to the gnats!!! I thought Florida was the only place with the relentless no-see-ems (I even called the management at a Key West resort one time because I thought they had bed bugs when it was really the little biting flyers on the patio), but they’re here in full force during the month of June. We think that will be a good time to head south! ;P Really appreciate the follow, Justin!!
Glad radar is doing better, and glad those Knats are gone. Being a Merritt Islander, I can totally appreciate how bad they suck!
You are so kind, Janet, thank you!! 😉 We all have challenges in our lives to overcome. Ben and I just feel so grateful that we can solve these problems together to eventually build a safe and happy home in this beautiful place. We’re looking forward to sharing some more wins real soon!! 😉 xoxox
Hi Carey & Ben,
I’m enjoying your new life adventure blog, so keep on. You are paving the way for others by sharing your ups & downs. Challenges aren’t so bad when you are happy!
;D So happy you are following, Theresa!!
Good question about how bad weather affects comfortable outdoor living areas… The short answer is that we don’t see nearly the same amount of rain as folks in Florida. In fact, our annual avg. for rain is only 12 inches in the high mountain desert area! (Snow averages 30+ inches.) The long answer is that we cover up these areas with tarps when we see the clouds building, and we’re still working construction plans for more substantial outbuildings to house things through the winter. Once we have the stove and water tanks operational in the coming days, we’ll definitely be moving some of the kitchen activity indoors. 😉
Lots of love!!
Love the updates and find it all quite fascinating. Living vicariously though you both! One question that keeps coming to mind, as I watch your process of setting up outdoor living spaces. What in the world do you do about rain? The workshop and outdoor kitchen, etc.??
All the best!
Theresa
Can’t wait to visit!!!! Xoxoxo –ruff–
So happy you are finding your new home the paradise you dreamed it would be. Can’t wait to visit. Happy Radar is finding his hiking legs and settling in. Miss you both so much
;D Thanks, Melissa!! We’re having a blast, and surprising ourselves about what we can do! Climbing mountains will make buns of steel pretty quickly!! ;P <3
Thank you so much for reading, Andrea!! <3 It's hard work, but very rewarding. We are solving problems and can see our progress every day. Xoxoxo
😉 Yah, the little pup still prefers to curl up on the bed when we’re home, but she comes with us on hikes. Otherwise, she’s itching to go for rides and socialize! <3 Love you lots!! Xoxoxo
Have fun!
I’m so proud of you two. Love the stories. So inspirational. Love you guys.
Glad Radar is feeling better and you guys are up an running pretty well. Pics are beautiful! Love you guys xoxo
;D Thanks for reading!! We’ll be missing the holiday beach cruise this year!
Looking good!