Hey there, Rural Sprout Readers, 

As this weekend marks the official start of my boys’ summer vacation, we had big plans to go camping. Unfortunately, the fickle Pennsylvania weather had other ideas.

 

We opted for camping in the living room, and it’s a good thing too. It rained cats and dogs, maybe even a couple of sheep. 
 

 

With our weekend camping trip canceled, and this dreary weather, it got me into a contemplative mood. It’s Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember the many who fought and died for this country.

 

We honor the men and women who left their homes, fought bravely and ultimately gave up their lives to protect the freedoms that are the bedrock of this nation. 

 

 

We grow our own food; some live off-the-grid, others provide meat for their families through hunting or raising livestock.

 

All of these acts of self-reliance, big or small, are a conscious choice to live in a manner that’s important to us. Some even feel like acts of rebellion against modern living.

 

 

There are no rules. We each get to choose our path. We each decide what’s important to us. And then it’s up to us to make it happen. 

Last week, my sweetie and I went to pick up a pressure canner he had purchased from a couple on Facebook Marketplace.

 

As we pulled into their driveway, it became obvious that we were on someone’s homestead. It was a carefully planned and constructed haven for this couple. 
 

 

An experimental greenhouse, an outdoor clay pizza oven, a workshop, an espalier orchard – I was amazed. I found it interesting to see another person’s “homesteading dreams” come to life.

 

It certainly was different from what I’m currently doing right now, and it’s even different from what I have planned down the road. 

But as someone with that innate desire to “do for one’s self,” I appreciated all the care, planning and hard work that it took to bring their dreams to life, especially since it ended in a new friendship and an invitation back for wine and pizza from the outdoor oven.
 

 

We’re all about self-sufficiency for everyone. No matter your goals, no matter where you’re starting out, we want to help you get there. 

As you’re out digging in your garden this Monday, I hope you take a moment to pause in gratitude for the freedom we enjoy to pursue self-sufficiency as we each see fit and the lives given to protect our freedom. 
 

We had quite a busy week at Rural Sprout. There are lots of great new pieces to read. And as always, here are a few of my favorites that I think you’ll enjoy. And, of course, don’t forget to submit your gardening and homesteading photos for a chance to be featured in our newsletter.