This is part 1 of our story.
Late in 2003, Jeff and I were returning home to Sydney after yet another 'escape' weekend to the bush. "Let's not wait" we 
said. "Let's move to the country". These words began a whole new chapter in our lives. They say that once you have an intent the Universe conspires to make it happen. The next year was a whirlwind of fortuitous events. Although we had a five year plan, in a little less than twelve months we found ourselves on 32 acres in a reasonably isolated and very small village, 42k from the nearest town of just 8,000.
We were 'tree-changers'. Landed gentry no less! Jeff had completed an excellent Farming Small areas course and we'd done quite a bit of research. We chose Wiltshire Horn sheep, a heritage breed of wool shedding sheep, for meat production and easy care. Smack in the middle of fine Merino wool breeding territory (dating back more than 150 years!) In another very real juxtaposition, we teamed this with a graphic design and web building business run from our home on the farm.
Over time Jeff changed the property from three paddocks opened for set stocking to 16 paddocks, cell grazed (including some house areas mowed by our trusty four legged friends).
We were fortunate to acquire a wonderful piece of land, 25 years in the making by a previous owner. More than 20 fruit trees, and a carefully designed water collection and irrigation system. A wood fuel stove that heated the hot water (backed by electricity when needed) and a lovely, cosy cyyprus pine house. We hit the ground running! We built a chicken coop, fenced in a vegie garden the size of the land our house sat on in Sydney, and began a whole new life.
Over the next few years we produced some wonderful food from our garden. We ate, 
froze, bottled, preserved, jammed and gave away our bounty. We sold our spare eggs and ate our first home grown lamb and chicken.
During this time, weather changes became apparent and we invested in a bore. This can be like tossing hundred dollar bills into a hole one after the other! However, we were lucky to locate good, clean, reliable water. We experienced several lambing seasons. Wonderful, warm, fulfilling, exhausting seasons. Yet another story here. There is a reason for the saying 'innocent as a lamb'. Spending time with these gentle animals young and old, is worthwhile, enlightening and restful.
Here comes the 'but'. During this time we also grew our business. No more commuting, no wearing stockings or ties, not even an alarm in the morning. We became focussed, energetic, passionate. The business thrived, became two businesses. Off we went to deliver seminars and worshops. Time became even shorter and the large, high maintenance vegie garden began to suffer. As did the lawns and garden around the house.
The next epiphany happened. The information and inspirtation came to us. The new stage has begun.
Stay tuned to this blog as we fill out our story and include more tales from our farm.
Next...
