Would Like To Hear From Michigan Homesteaders

I've lived in Southern Michigan my whole life and still here planting garden, raising meat goats and a few chickens. Can't forget the dog (Aussie) and three cats.

I love visiting the UP and have spent alot of time up there, but a couple visits in the winter did away with any thought of living up there (lol, snowmobiles were the only mode of transportation), Actually I don't mind the snow, but DH would not go for it.

Hello Shar,

There are a few comments about the UP in my thread so check that out. We're now looking in Houghton or Keweenaw county as I have all my family there and am most familiar with that area.

I'd really like to see all UP homesteaders get together sometime next year and communicate via email at other times. Nothing beats networking with like-minded folk.

I can tell you that heavy snowfall in areas like Houghton, Marquette and Ironwood have dimmed the starry eyes of many trans[lants. We just returned Dec 26th from the UP and had clear roads all the way to Calumet! Bad for snow related businesses but it sure eased the winter driving nerves. I'd check out local newspapers and bulletin boards of any area you're considering. Also, consider renting short term before you buy. This will give you time to better assess the area you're in. You'll discover little nuances; who's related to whom; long-standing fueds, cliques and traditions - and whether or not you really want to remain in that area. Expect to make less money and pay more for groceries. I had just stocked up on $1.39# ground beef here and paid $2.69# for it in Calumet! On the flip side, gas at the Reservation in Baraga is 10-15 cents a gallon cheaper all the time. In the Copper Country (Houghton, Baraga, Keweenaw area), if you do good work, SHOW UP when you say you will, clean up after yourself, and charge a fair price you should have lots of work. Start your seedlings inside in April or May, move them to hothouses or a greenhouse and then outside to your raised beds in late June or early July! Don't nake yourself dependent on a single paycheck or job. Diversify! We will be selling used furniture, quilts, paintings, and other small gifts in addition to veggies. My man will also do small engine repair, firewood, car repairs and other odd jobs to supplement his social security.

Good luck, Suzann

A little more than hello

Currently living in small town USA, have 6 acres not far away.

So far I cleared the driveways and have two actually. One goes into the polebarn and the other steers around to where the house will go. I have a link that has some pictures but it need to be updated.

We have electricity to a H panel and it goes underground from there. The driveways are still quite rough with no gravel topping yet. First built was a very small trapper cabin, then the drives, then a 26 x 28 garage with a loft, it still needs siding and windows. Next in was a nice Morton 36 x 60 stell polebarn with 14' sides so I could house the camper trailer if needed. I have 7 chickens and a coop with fenced in run. I have Isa Reds and Delawares. We built two deerblinds, my son's is elevated and he shot a doe from there opening day. I planted a small food plot after having it dozed.

Because I have many large limestone rocks I have to have dozer work done.
I have been burning the wood from the harvest in the insert here in town.

Plans are to have a one bedroom house with loft and walkout basement. We are planning on using ICF walls. Still debating on the heating. To be 28 x 44 with 12 x 20 sunroom attached on southern exposure.

I have been gardening with raised beds the last two years and have a high interest in open-pollinated seeds and farming. I am a special education teacher. I like to hunt and fish. Grew up on 40 acres and am ready to live in woods again.

My page
links lead to more pics

MY new open pollinated site

BetsyK, are you the same one from the old forum that we both knew some Mennonite farmers in the Battle Creek area?? Maybe you and I should put our heads together and plan something for next summer and invite everyone??

Diane, I don't remember if we talked on the old forum but probably did since I've been coming here for YEARS!! I'd be glad to help put something together, if just a chance to have lunch somewhere, I think it would be fun to meet fellow Michigan Homesteaders. The other posting was talking about getting together mid state. Anybody else from MI interested?

Sorry , late getting on the computer. I live 60 miles from Detroit and 2 miles from the Canada bridge. Haven't been to either one in 18 years. Hate traffic. My grandmother built a deer cabin in Gladwin, 18 miles from Houghton lake. Best place ever, 3 small lakes, woods and fire trails everywhere. The cabin had no running water, phones, did have a outhouse and lots of wildlife. I would be there now, but when my Grandmother died, my daughter got it, and wouldn't pay the taxes on it, because she tried for years to get it her name, but the court sucked, and she lost the place for 208.00 for back taxes. I was thinking about checking on some land around there. My son-in-law just bought 5 acreas in Claire for hunting. Maybe in the spring , I will go look at it. Sorry, if off topic. Sue

sue. we live just north of the new bridge plaza that's going in
thats why we want to bug out and head north
too much noize here

M - Go Blue !

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