Modern Homesteader

Not that I need to say it out loud, but 2020 brought on more challenges than one could possibly expect to face in a single lifetime. On top of a global pandemic, it seemed as if one’s problems accumulated up all at once, and were let loose to wreak havoc on what was left of one’s soul.

Even in the aftershock of what was 2020, I still find myself recollecting on the year that just passed. The last 366 days (let us not forget, 2020 was a leap year) did not come without its trials and tribulations for this modern homesteader.

From the difficult year for the honey bees, to the loss of animals on the homestead, to the loss of seedling and dahlias that were ravaged by one of the worst locust infestations that I have seen in a while; I’m having a hard time finding the excitement that usually comes this time of year as seed catalogs start to show up in my mailbox.

But alas, winter will come and go, if this rain ever stops, and spring will grace us with her presence, bringing new life to a once cold and frozen land.

And once again, the time will come where I will require adult supervision when venturing into the feed stores and the plant nurseries, for fear of me bringing home a car full of plants and chicks would be too much for my significant other to bear.

Am I expecting last year’s woes to suddenly go away because it’s a brand-new year? No. Not at all. I feel as though much of 2021 will still be a struggle. But I am still going to try and find joy in all the little things. Such as those seed catalogs, planning the layout of this season’s gardens, and sneaking new plants and chicks into the house. There have even been conversations about adopting a tortoise into the family. Of course, that conversation has only been with myself, but so far, it looks promising.

Miriah Kardelis is a modern homesteader who is always looking for new ideas. Reach her at [email protected].