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We could use some more granny-type threads, IMO, with less emphasis on guns and storing food, although those are important issues, and more ideas on being self-sufficient.

I agree. Some of those kids of threads really are stressful! Of course food storage and self defense are a natural part of homesteading, but I prefer to focus on the lifestyle change of it all, rather than MRE's and bullets, gold and razor wire. :)

And really, you can do it even if you haven't crossed that bridge to reach to SS. I wanted to establish our place sooner rather than later, because it relieves so much stress about having to pay attention to all the bad news, wondering if we would be safe, or prepared enough, if the masses went wild. I think we definitely have less disposable income now, but man how are lives have changed for the better. Change is always scary, but I figured if I failed, I could always go back. Now, I know I never will.

We aren't wealthy, we aren't in our twenties, and we had no farming experience. Of course we have made mistakes (buying a property that did not have fencing was the biggest one that I would do differently!), but I really started the website to show people that it really can be done, by anyone who simply wants to do it. Steep learning curve, and sometimes money is super tight until the beasts start reproducing so that we have a little income from them, but it is worth it. I really wanted to get started while I was still relatively young enough to enjoy it. I think we as Americans are so entrenched in the idea that we can't do anything enjoyable until we retire, or until we have enough money, or whatever the idea is that we dealt with and finally discarded. Do what you want to do, it is possible!

True and I know if the SHTF before we make our move, we'll regret not having moved sooner. On the other hand, if we move just because we fear doom and gloom - and it never happens, we'll regret not having waited. Problem is - we are just a few years away from being financially self-sufficient, assuming hyperinflation doesn't rear its ugly head. And hubby is in his peak earning years. Just 3-5 years and we are free to move anywhere. And we are old enough to not be able to make the move back to working - discrimination for older workers that have been out of the workforce for a while is there, when younger ones can be had for cheaper. And we're old enough to know we can't be physically capable of running a farm on our own for very long either.

So we'll just hope it doesn't happen any time soon and keep investigating farms in KY (our target state).

I'll keep looking at your site for ideas too and get started on what I can in the mean time. Your goats are just precious! I"m thinking of dairy goats instead of a cow. I don't know if I can deal with all that milk from one cow - plus don't they get lonely, being herd animals? I'd have to have 2 - so even more milk to deal with!