@nc_reb
WOW!! You are making me feel really really really lazy!!
I aint done squat yet and don't do a drop in the bucket to what all you've got goin on. Good luck with all that.
Funny! I grew up on a small farm and hated it. Couldn't wait to get away. I went to college. Go married. Was renting a little house and got sooooooo bored.
Something was missing. I asked the landlord if I could plant some tomatoes near the patio. He said yes.
The next year I asked if I could put in a little garden in another place on the property. He said yes.
The next year I asked if I could clear a bit larger area, and remove some brush and a small tree or two. He said yes.
15 years later and my wife and own 17 acres, but have access to another 5 that we have an agreement to buy.
I have a 1963 Farmall 140 with a ton of attachments and accessories that I got by swapping an antique car for.
Sometimes I feel like it has gotten out of control, but I enjoy it so much. I can't stand sitting on the couch.
I have three children ages 5,9, & 11. They are big helps. Sometimes reluctant, but they do help.
I keep telling them, "just think, when you are my age, and bringing your children here to pick grapes, apples, etc; you'll be able to tell them that you helped your daddy plant these when you were their age."
If you like doing something, it's not so much work. I am a high school teacher and come home exhausted some days and can't figure out why. When I am tired after spending the day working on our land, I know why I'm tired. I can sleep better being able to see how productive we were.
It's a labor of love. All of our stuff is young. 3 years or less, but the future potential is exciting for me.