Over the past few years, I have had a greater appreciation for the homesteading lifestyle. One of my favorite things about homesteading is sharing our crops and pasture-raised eggs with others. Some years we struggle to have enough for ourselves, but in our years of abundance, we are more than happy to share.
Peppers, squash and beans tend to be the biggest producers for us and those are what we share most often. Sometimes our friends have things to offer too and that is always nice. One of my favorite things to get is fresh jam. My jam making sessions have not gone well.
Over the past year, I started taking Tai Chi lessons and on occasion, it has worked out to pay in crops and eggs instead of money. Eggs are a staple in my instructor’s diet and she appreciates knowing where the eggs come from and how the chickens are raised. I am thankful to have another way to pay for classes other than cash.
I like the idea of bartering. It reminds me of simpler times. I don’t look forward to a society where all purchases are electronic. I don’t want smart cars and smart refrigerators. The older I get, the more I long for simplicity and quiet.
I never thought of myself as a homesteader, but my husband introduced me to the lifestyle. I don’t know as many people in person who are living the lifestyle, but I have met many people on-line. It is a nice and diverse community.
I think it is a wonderful thing to be able to share with others what we are growing. It certainly helps us out having homegrown food and helping others is a good thing. Some people seem to appreciate the idea of garden fresh food more than others do. I like sharing with them the most.
