Our Journey

Upon our arrival, we faced the daunting task of building a new life from scratch, armed with little more than a house and a crumbling shed. The initial excitement soon gave way to the harsh reality of our surroundings. We quickly realized that relying on the weather forecast was futile; instead, we attuned ourselves to the subtle whispers of nature—the shifting winds and the darkening clouds became our guides.

We learned to strategically place buckets throughout the house to catch the torrents of rain that would pour in during heavy downpours. Each storm taught us a lesson in humility and resilience, as we gradually accepted that Mother Nature was in charge, reshaping our daily rhythm. It was a steep learning curve, but with every challenge, we grew more connected to the land and the elements that surrounded us.

Our first major project was to transform one acre into what we lovingly call "Jurassic Park." This lively enclosure is home to our chickens, ducks, and geese, along with a budding orchard filled with fruit and nut trees. To ensure the safety of our feathered friends and crops, we fortified the area with a 6-foot-high electrified fence, warding off potential predators and investing in the growth of our homestead. After acquiring an old camper, we transformed it into a cozy chicken camper, providing a unique living space for our chicken flock, complete with nesting boxes and roosting perches. Meanwhile, our geese and ducks enjoy secure and spacious accommodations in our repurposed shed, where they can rest peacefully after their busy day of exploring.

After establishing a safe haven for our poultry, we fenced in the first 11 acres, creating a spacious paddock for our horses next to our three East Friesian dairy sheep ladies and Lilly, our dedicated livestock guardian dog. Rick's installation of an automatic waterer and the construction of a shared barn for the sheep and horses transformed our setup, enhancing their comfort and ease of care.

In late 2024, we welcomed Hazel, our Jersey/Brown Swiss milk cow, along with a little Baldy steer. Christina is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Hazel’s calf, as she dreams of enjoying fresh cream for our coffee and embarking on delicious cheese-making adventures.

In 2025, we are excited to implement our ambitious plans for our homestead. Our primary focus will be on fencing in the remaining 22 acres on the north side of our property. This will enable us to create dedicated space for summer grazing, which is essential for the health of our livestock and the regeneration of pastureland. By establishing this grazing area, we aim to improve our homestead's sustainability and biodiversity. Additionally, we are looking forward to welcoming a sow - and hopefully some piglets later in the year - which will bring (even more) joy and productivity to our farm. Rick is eager to start building the "Tropical Forest Greenhouse", raising a variety of fish in an aquaponics system that will feed the plants, and diving into the intricacies of establishing this very unique biosphere.

As we embark on this exciting journey of growing Blue Sky Homestead, we are filled with anticipation and a vision for a sustainable future. Our homestead will be a haven for growth, community, and self-sufficiency. We are committed to cultivating a vibrant ecosystem that embraces organic farming practices, responsible land stewardship, and a deep connection to nature. With every seed we plant and structure we build, we aim to create a welcoming space for families and friends to gather, share, and learn. This venture is not just about growing food; it's about nurturing relationships, fostering resilience, and inspiring others to join us in the pursuit of a more harmonious and sustainable lifestyle. As we take these initial steps, we invite you to be part of our story and the blossoming of Blue Sky Homestead, where dreams take root under the bright, blue sky.