The Ideal Goal; For the Farm
In my last post I talked about the possibility of us moving to a farm, not only for ourselves but for our dogs. When we found that we needed to keep all of them it was a quick realization that the space we had wouldn’t be adequate for a very very long time. So the dream idea was implanted in my mind that it was something I wanted to do.
But why a “farm” the question comes and the honest answer is simple; self reliance and the ability to utilize space in more ways then just a large field for the dogs to play in. I’m not the biggest fan of wasting space, while I am a consumer of goods, space is something I try really had to maximize on, in most cases.
IF we are so luck to get a farm and there are several acres to work with I would not want that to be only a dog run. While I know the dogs would love it, I would not like the idea of wasted space.
So a farm was something I think would help us in the long run. We can start to grow our own food, ensuring that should we do it all right, we’d have food through tough times and would know exactly what was used to grow our product.
Keep in mind, our farm would ONLY be veggies and other fruits etc, no animals other then the dogs. Beef, pork, chicken etc. will all have to be bought like everyone else. Fish on the other hand MIGHT be a factor in the farms operation so it’s not off the table as of yet.
After the pandemic hit the world i realized that it wasn’t just Hawaii that was reliant on the world, it was literally the world. Rice comes from X, while pork comes from x. It causes a ripple affect that sent shockwaves through the global status quo.
I’ve also started to realize that health is much more important then what I have paying in attention to it. Since moving to Japan, i’ve had access to some of the freshest vegetables i’ve ever come across. Some days literally harvesting the potatoes we ate that night, in the afternoon. It gives you a sense of reassurance and overall satisfaction to KNOW exactly where things came from.
But if we are fortunate to go this route then we will have Coffee (small area), Potatoes, Tomatoes, Onions, Garlic, Cucumbers, Soy Beans, Peppers, and possibly some apples. Most of the farm will be aquaponic, using fish waste and water to help grow the produce, at least this is what is currently planned. Our friend may live nearby and he has many chickens so eggs will be provided fresh to us as needed.
I’m also starting to look into the construction of a root cellar. It seems it’s an essential part of harvesting and storage. My goal is to have a place that is an oasis from the real world but close enough to Tokyo to still have fun!.
Right now our current bills come out to about $575.00(usd) a month. That is including, electricity, water, gas and most of our groceries. We lives very thrifty so it’s how things go so far. During the winter though our electricity bill skyrockets bringing our total to about $800.00 (usd). This is one of the main reasons I really want solar. Eliminating the cost of electricity will save us about $300usd approx. Water in the area we are looking at has options, county provided, which is already connected or onsite SPRING water. Our water bill is almost always small so i’m not too worried about that but saving a penny is saving a penny.
As for gas we would be installing a kerosene water heater, which we use now. While it cost a decent amount to fill the tank, it lasts us about 6-7 months.
So for my own reference sake, i’d like to make our monthly reoccuring bills about $275.00usd no more. WHICH I think might be possible.
When we originally lived in Saitama, our monthly grocery bill was $65.00usd and yes that paid for a full meal. Keep in mind, the veggies and some protein was supplemented by our friends. But it gives you an idea of how you can save by growing / producing your own product.
But really that’s why i’d like to pursue this dream. I feel like overall health wise it’ll be a great decision for us, one that we can live happily with for a long time.
In any case I am rambling so….
Until the next one.
