Sisterpine, I've lived in the Mountains about 20 miles east of Darby since the April of 93That's at the south end of the Bitterroot Valley. I have a trio of goats one to freshen any minute, a pair of Dexters,two donkeys, two mini mares, a Paso Fino stallion two turkeys and I don't know how many chickens. My son has built a greenhouse for me because the wildlife and cold weather love my gardens.I can't wait to try this out.I live at 6200 feet and have a devil of a time growing outside anyway.Inside I have tropical birds to liven up the long winter days, you never know what they will say to you.I also have my citrus and banana trees for a touch of back home, They are doing well. I do home healthcare but can walk(trudge)to work.I've cut my town trips to once a week unless an emergency and plan to cut them down even more.Plan to can more including meat because electricity can't be counted on, hope to go off grid like my son did. It has taken a while and plenty of trial and error, but right now everything pulls its own weight, I cut way back on the critters. Also keep LGDs, we have mt. lions, bear, coyotes,wolf packs and a lone black wolf up here so it is never dull. Life is hard here but I wouldn't trade it, I feel at home.
Helen
