[GTX63]

O I have about 8 years left of my current external income with which to prepare for our retirement. We have electricity, heat with a wood stove, a standard water well/pump. Should we consider small livestock, or grow lavender, or buy a van to be an Amish-driver? Ideas, Ideas, Ideas! ...or even pitfalls…

No frills advice here- Start adapting to living on retirement income now. You can evolve from the learning/informational stage just as an urban dweller would as they prepare a move into the country.
If you earn 60k and you'll be retiring on half that, start socking that half away now. 8 years x 30k is still 240k above and beyond.
When you finally drop your time card in the slot for the last time, you won't have to transition, you'll already be there and the additional revenue streams won't be so life or death in importance.

 

[GTX63]

Vancouver Island has a huge lavender industry particular in culinary lavender. They hold a lavender fair every year andseveral farms have introduced Lavender Labyrinths. People love a maze and then you can sell your products.

We do a lavender field. My wife always wanted one and yes, there is money in lavender, you just have to dig a little.

 

[GTX63]

My wife started out growing just a small batch because she loved the aroma. Then is began to take over, lol.
Yes, it can be dried and sold at markets and online. Places like Etsy can be a good place to start and build up like kind products.
There are different varieties depending on what you planning on doing with them. English lavender is the most common; I believe spike lavender is what she started last summer and it is better for essential oils. Like most rural homesteading money making ventures, it is supplemental and does take time and effort when first starting.