Athol Road Agrarian: That's a Wrap...

Wow... My weakest blogging year ever! I knew I was behind my recent averages, but I have to admit that this has been a record year of non-blogging. But honestly, it doesn't matter too much. I have been busy with real life. Check out the last 6 months...

1. Laid off after 12 years at the same college.
2. Sold our little homestead within a few weeks.
3. Moved just up the road to a "farm" rental (how traumatic...moving, I mean!)
4. Taught at a local community college 3 nights a week.
5. Attended a 4-day agricultural training series in West Virginia.
6. Drove and camped in my FEV for 2 weeks (over 2000 miles) over Thanksgiving.
7. Got hired on a short-term contract at a local private college.
8. Started up our family band! (violin, mandolin, banjo, and guitar)

I have to say that 2011 was a difficult year in that we spent a lot of it with some serious cashflow issues (buy silver!). There have also been a lot of changes for us. However, we have recovered, and 2012 is looking to be a whole new deal. As the Chinese character shows, change means danger AND opportunity... I can't wait!

In 2012 I need to get back to where this blog originally began a few years back, which is "reach out, not hide out" country living and getting back to the land - the simple agrarian life. I am getting my first market garden going this year to sell at the local farmer's market, by the way.

What I can say today is that we are free... and headed in the right direction for the future, looking to God to lead us forward, as did Abraham. I am happy, and so is my family.

One of my favorite texts that I leave you with is this...

"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:4,5

May you experience a newness in God's love and care in 2012, and may you follow the desires of your heart. Make it count! Jesus is coming again soon!

EAR

p.s. Some photos of the new place...