Finally got settled in an apartment. The rottwieler was placed with one of my sisters. Haven't been able to do any improvements on property yet, but have been writing down ideas and researching.

I am living car less now. Expect to start using Flex Cars. I am riding my bike now. I have a Burley cargo trailer to make grocery runs. Rode to the store today, it's a 3-1/2 mile ride one way. Going to the store was riding against the wind, very slow. The cold wasn't so bad, the wind was hard to ride against. On the bright side, the ride home was with the wind so much easier. The time I really miss the car is when we are ill. That is tough. Took a spill on my bike in December when I wiped out on the streetcar track. Good to know that at 51 I can take a fall.

This is a great resource for community organization. I haven't read it all but am impressed and wanted to share the site. Even though it talks about "measuring", it includes actions and planning.

http://www.ncrcrd.iastate.edu/Community_Success/about.html

I am interested in teaching handspinning, beginning with the drop spindle.
I could do this at one of the meetings, or over a course of meetings.
Would there be interest in this?
I would do this on a volunteer basis, and provide spindles etc. A small fee for the wool.

10/30/06
Well, finding an apartment that will accept a rottwieler has proved difficult. So am still looking for an apartment
In the meantime I commute, would like to end that because the intent was to use less gas.
My parents bought an old camper for me so sleep there. I have to take water up until I am able
to get the well put in. But this has given me the time to watch the land. As the grass dies back, I have very tall bunch grass I am seeing more of the actual land.
Have made measurements to get a feel of where the house and septic area should go. I have to plan around the creek. Have been watching the creek. During the summer it dwindles down to a couple of springs that continue on through the summer. At this point it is starting to fill up more. It gets cold, but is bearable.
Water, hauling water is hard work. It's heavy. I knew this. I have hauled water before. But it's something I have to plan for which is a new experience. I have to water two dogs, myself, and a rabbit. Most of the water is for drinking. I use a small amount for washing up. This really is a new experience to plan for water.

I sold my house. I thought this over and came to the conclusion that if I lose my job I would not be able to keep makeing payments.
It seemed like a good idea to sell and make a small profit.

I am looking for property to build a small (very small) strawbale house on.
Since I have dogs, this seems like the best way to proceed.
I would also like to raise sheep, goats, and chickens.
My reading consist of researching modern techniques for farming.
I am also going to go forward with a side business of weaving.
I expect if things really go downhill, that people would come live with me to form a small village. However I would ask them to have developed their years supply of food etc.
THis is a big leap, but after all the reading and research I think the best move for me.
I expect to live in an apartment until I find the land and get house built.
So if anyone knows of some available land, or a rental that accepts two larghish dogs, please let me know.
My dogs know that they are not allowed to bother chickens and rabbits.