Self-Sufficiency in Style
solo self-sufficiency
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Self-Sufficiency in Style solo self-sufficiency
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Solo self-sufficiency is a subject that often crops up it is not surprising really that a relationship ending, for whatever reason, sparks a desire for change. A new lifestyle looks appealing. Is it practical? |
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Self-sufficiency is often the response to a crisis. Indeed, it is tempting
to say that it is almost always a reaction to dramatic events.
The thought may have long been there, in the back of the mind, but it takes a catastrophe, or a godsend, to make it happen. Some people choose to live on their own; some have it thrust upon them. Either way, there is nobody else to consider and that makes the adventure much more possible. |
Not always a physical event. |
Wagons roll - to a new life. |
Solo self-sufficiency is certainly a very real opportunity for anyone on their own. Easier to start? Certainly. Easier to make a success? Probably not. |
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The main reasons why duo self-sufficiency is easier can be summarised... Specialisation "Can you give me a hand?" Back-up Companionship Let's take a look, for all those "singles" that think self-sufficiency might be just the thing. |
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There is a huge range of skills that need to be mastered for a full range
of self-sufficiency to be mastered and implemented.
With two people, it is usual for one to take one group, the other the remainder. The usual big division is between animal husbandry and gardening. Cooking and repairs/construction are usually similarly divided. In the writer's case the combination of gardening, plumbing, fencing, repairs and similar falls to him. Mrs P looks after the animals, cooks and attends to the usual domestic chores. Some jobs are shared - for example looking after the wood-burner. Although the writer will normally see that the house is supplied with logs. Most of the time, we take little detailed interest in what the other is doing. We are busy with our own tasks. One person probably could master all these activities, but it is unlikely that they would be happy or that proficient doing all. |
Some jobs can be done single-handed. |
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Whilst a duo may be preoccupied, each with their own, the request for help
is frequent...
Can you give me a hand? Sometimes the request is for assistance when we are exceptionally busy on a seasonal task. Can you help me lift potatoes today? Sometimes it is a two "man" job. Hang on to this ewe will you, whilst I look at her feet? Sometimes it is merely trivial. If you are going into town can you call at the ironmongers? pick up a
bag of feed? post the seed order? |
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If you are going to have animals, you have to have reliable back-up.
Even if you are ill, they have to be watered, fed, checked, milked and moved. All being well, the back-up will not be needed, but when they are are, you need them on the premises and not on holiday a continent away. Even plants need attention. Glasshouses must be checked and watered at least once every day, almost always twice each day. So, if one is incapacitated or unavailable, the other must be there to step into the breach. |
Relief milker equals upset cow. |
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You also get criticism - "those parsnips were mouldy." |
Companionship is the tricky subject.
Whilst it is undoubtedly true that many personally self-sufficient people are perfectly capable of making their own way without companionship, most are probably alone by force of circumstances. It is this last group that will miss the encouragement: "That beef was excellent. Well done." "The parsnips are good this year." Small things, perhaps, but essential for most of us. |
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It may well be that, in the back of their minds, the solo self-sufficiency
pioneer will often see the chance of a new social life, new companionship
in a rural setting.
This may be greater motivation than the dream of being less reliant on the produce of the corporations. And why not indeed? Life is for living - and favours the red-blooded. Diverse ambitions can be brought together in a fresh start. Perhaps, though, just a little care is needed. It is probably worse to be disillusioned in the solitude of a winter-struck smallholding than in the hustle and bustle of a city. |
A little care is needed. |
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The solo self-sufficient should start with modest ambitions whatever their
motivation - and if they are likely to seek company, allow enough spare
time to enjoy the rural social possibilities.
Start at the beginning, in the kitchen; work backwards into the vegetable garden, and only finally tackle the heavy responsibility of livestock. |
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The first job of self-sufficiency is to provide a table of produce, excellently prepared and cooked. Given this, you may well arrive at your destination another way. A hospitable house and a lively social scene may well bring the partner to share your new life. |
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slightly romantic at the perversely named Hangman's Cottage, just to the south of Misery Corner. |
