"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Saturday 6 July 2013

Moving forward...

... or should that be the circle expands?

I don't know how many of you have been waiting to hear the stupendously exciting news I have, but here it is... :)

Whilst talking to our daughter on the phone about 5 weeks ago we were informed that our grandson would be attending the local school near us as of the start of the new school term on the 15th July 2013.

WHAT?

Whhhhhhhhhhy?

Because DD, WGuy and MKid were leaving Johannesburg and moving down to start building their futures on their plot over the sand road from us :)

Yeeeeeeeeeeeha!!!

They have moved because:

They want a better environment for MKid to grow up in - where peer group pressure is not as materially motivated and where he is able to play outside after 5.00 p.m. (can you believe that the complex where they live recently had to impose this curb on all children living there because a number of the other selfish and thoughtless inhabitants, even after installing speed bumps to prevent speeding, were still driving dangerously fast between the bumps).

They were finding that the Johannesburg traffic, and behaviour of certain drivers, had become even more impossible than it was before - with those certain drivers ignoring 99% of the rules of the roads or the purpose of traffic lights - sometimes even right in front of Traffic Officers who are sitting on the road side with the speed camera's, and who just turned their heads the other way.

In addition, the infrastructure is falling to pieces - we all know about the electricity blackouts, but apparently the other services (water & sewerage), and the maintenance thereof, is also falling by the wayside.

They want to achieve more in their lives than an 8 - 5 job.

Both DD and WGuy have found that in recent years that the people living in Gauteng have become increasingly unfriendly and impersonal - self-centered - with everyone seemingly feeling more important that the next, and they feel that there is no common courtesy left. 

They want to slow down time - to ensure that days are more rewarding, and more meaningfully spent.

And they want become more self-sufficient - not only in providing whatever they are able for their table, but also insofar as their electricity is concerned - they already have the basics of their solar system, and they will grow that as they require it.
We were waiting at the gate, and MKid was
so excited that he had to run down
the rest of the sand road to greet us -
welcome exercise after a 18-hour trip,
I'm sure
They arrived at 2.40p.m. last Saturday - carrying what they need for the next three weeks until the rest of their boxes and furniture arrives.  So - we have 3 very welcome house guests - DD, WGuy and our precious MKid - plus Baby who is due in December :D

They will be staying with us whilst they build their house - happily we have the space, and plenty of useful advice / personal experience and contacts to share with them.
"Oh Yes!  Oh, cool!"
MKid made a beeline for the jetty (dock)
Reckon it's going to be his and RMan's
favourite summer spot
We're very, very happy.

Full circle.  We developed our lives on our smallholding to illustrate to our children that one could be more than comfortable and content whilst demanding less of this planet, and with less unnecessary material possessions, and they are now willingly embracing our way.  What more could parents ask?

I don't mean to sound high-and-mighty, or in any way superior, but I reckon that RMan and I are living proof that even only two people can make a difference through the example they set - imagine what could be achieved if everyone did?  Proof to all those naysayers who say that one person cannot create meaningful change on Mother Earth.  Ripples always expand outwards :)

Happy Days :)

Btw, DD (aka Natasha) and MKid (aka Mike) have decided to start their own blog - in order to share with their friends upcountry and also to document their journey towards a gentler way of life and their personal self-sufficiency.  I'll give the link as soon as they have it up and running... :)

26 comments:

  1. I'm so pleased for you. All the best for your family. I'm sure they've made the right decision.
    Love from Mum
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mum - Thanks. I reckon they have too :)

      Delete
  2. Dani,

    This is wonderful news! And yes, you do set a fine example.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DFW - Thanks - you're very kind. Can you see me blushing?

      Delete
  3. How exciting for all of you! Looking forward to many interesting posts in the months ahead :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quinn - Oh, t'is indeed. I'll try not to disappoint... :)

      Delete
  4. Wow, that's such wonderful news! Just goes to show you never know who you will inspire by the way you live your life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynn - Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - lovely to hear from you.

      Yeah, and have you ever thought who YOU might be inspiring...? :)

      Delete
  5. Dani - i was one of the ones holding my breath waiting for this exciting news and it just couldn't be better news!!! the circle IS expanding, and who knows what these grandchildren will go on to do...and who they will affect and what changes will come because of them?

    i am sooooo very happy for you! and for them! your friend,
    kymber

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. kymber - Hope your lungs didn't suffer with the lack of breath... LOL

      Thank you - reckon we (hopefully) have started a ripple which I pray will only expand further and further.

      Delete
  6. Oh Dani, Rae and I are so thrilled to hear your wonderful news!!! and another grandchild on the way... how perfect! There is nothing better than being surrounded by family and living your dreams together. Lots of love, Dino & Rae
    P.S. a couple are coming to look at our farm tomorrow... hold thumbs for us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AB - Thank you both.

      I am holding thumbs, crossing toes and asking the Man Upstairs to help you. Please - let me know if anything transpires...

      Delete
  7. That is both satisfying and encouraging news. Two neighbouring farms gives you economies of scale and one and one is MUCH more than merely two.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana - Thanks. Couldn't have put it better myself :)

      Delete
  8. What fantastic news!! Can I mention how envious I am? Every day I am trying to come up with a plan to get my family out of the city. And how I wish my mom and dad would come with too. I am so happy for you. Looking forward to the new blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal - Thank you :) For some reason your comment landed in my spam box - was driving me crazy 'cos I got your e-mail copy, but couldn't find it LOL

      Yeah, getting the family out of the city is fantastic - Mike l-o-v-e-s it here :)

      Delete
  9. Ripples on a pond going ever outward. I hope that this is the start of a long, family homestead(s) that continues on with future generations. What an inspiration you are for your family (and for us). Congrats!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1st Man - I couldn't agree with you more :) Thank you - you're making me blush now too

      Delete
  10. Hooray!! So excited for you. :) How wonderful for all of you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Staci - Thanks - yeah, we're all pretty excited LOL

      Delete
  11. I am so happy for you! How wonderful to have your family nearby!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda - Thanks - yeah, I have to keep pinching myself LOL

      Delete
  12. WONDERFUL news! You've started a community. I'm sure having that many guests for a while will drain your energy and water supplies for now and suspect you'll be cutting back on web work to save electricity. But post when you can. We will be hungry for news.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris - Thanks :)

      Yeah, power is a bit tight, but we're watching it :)

      Delete
  13. How wonderful for you, that's fantastic news!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tania - They are settling in beautifully, and the peace and quiet has had a marked effect on them - they are so much calmer and less "worked up" all the time :)

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.