Ruthie Lanigan: My Journey off the Grid

My journey starts with dear friends needing a farm sitter. "Would we be interested ?" ABSOLUTELY! (My heart instantly jumped.....Is this really happening? Do I really get to go stay on a farm and work with the animals?) We work out the details and the plan is in place.

Two weeks before, I head out to the farm to get lessons on what to do. I take notes and try to think of as many questions as possible so I am fully prepared. It doesn't take long before I feel very comfortable with everything on the farm, so now it's just a waiting game.

Finally, the day arrives. I've packed the night before so I can leave straight from work and head out of the city. As I head out of town I am reminded of one of the many reasons I want to be out of the city......

STUCK IN TRAFFIC!

Luckily, not for long. The drive to the farm is peaceful and uneventful with the exception of my anxiousness. I just want to be there. About 45 minutes later I arrive. I've turned the radio off about 15 minutes prior just to start disconnecting from everything. As I turn into the drive I am filled with a sense of calm.

Since it's my first evening, I want to try to get everything done by dark. Just to make sure I don't have any problems. I unpack the car as quickly as possible. The dogs are happy to see me and follow me back and forth. The chickens are still out so they are talking and following me around also (of course I am talking back).

Now it's time to head to the barn. I'm in a dress and white sweater and dress boots. I decide a white sweater was not the greatest choice so I throw a red vest over my dress, put on muck boots and head for the barn! Woo Hoo!

The pigs are first. 8 scoops of feed into the troughs. This becomes hilarious. The chickens are following me through a narrow path to get to the troughs every time. So when I put the feed into the trough and turn around to go back and get more feed, the chickens all have to turn around and go back also. We had a game of follow the leader going on. And then the dog began going back and forth also. It was like a family affair. Everyone had to help feed the pigs.

Next came the new momma with her babies. She seemed very happy to have dinner. I'm sure the babies are wearing her out. As for the babies, ADORABLE! Baby pigs are the sweetest looking little creatures. Momma moved out of the way once so I was able to take a couple photos, but most of the time her large body was blocking my view.

By this time it is getting to be dusk and the chickens have already put themselves to bed. Well, most of them. I didn't realize that some of the roosters actually lived in with the pigs. So many things to learn!

At this point all is done with the exception of feeding the dogs and myself.

I spent a very relaxing evening reading blogs of other farmers. I've found these through friend recommendations or searches on either "farming" or "homesteading". I learn so much from these and truly enjoy the stories.

The evening is over and it's time for bed. I wonder if the rooster will actually wake me up in the morning by crowing? :-)

A few photos from the evening: