In my last post, I announced that in spite of previous ambitions, I would never write my memoir.

One of the reasons I abandoned that project (for now) is that I prefer looking ahead these days, instead of backwards.

We just bought a property that will force me to look ahead daily into the dark recesses of the unknowable future. A 14 acre farm, no less.

A farm? Seriously? What I know about farming would fit into a thimble and still leave room for a book on domestic husbandry.

I am trying to temper my excitement with grave fears about my own sanity and the too-smiley reaction of friends in reaction to this new “project…..”

It is astonishing how clearly people can say “Are you out of your frickin’ mind?” without saying a single word out loud.

I am, however, starting to appreciate and nurture my burgeoning streak of insanity. I played along with society’s expectations for far too long and with less than middling results. Now it’s my turn to live and play by my own rules to build my own dream.

Now we have those 14 (not 40) acres in Central Florida near a sprawling 55+ retirement community and I’m looking for a mule. And chickens. And goats. A retired horse, perhaps.

The place comes with a macaw named Mariah who rules her aviary by pulling rank on a buncha tiny other domestic birdies. Budgies mostly.

I am at the “research” stage in learning how to live on and run a farm. Modest start. I have picked up a Mother Earth magazine on hobby farming. Another magazine title has articles on “living off grid.”

It all does seem a little crazy looking ahead but also has potential for a lot of fun and learning – two of my most favorite things.

I have always wanted to try solar power. The farm has two wells and a windmill so we can cut ourselves free of the municipal water supply. I may finally get my own onsite horse and start riding again.

There is a salt water swimming pool, a hot tub and a sauna. Of course, a sauna in central Florida (especially in a record breaking heat wave) is about as useful as taking coals to Newcastle.

Many outbuildings for various uses, including a houseboat floating on its own pond. Another pond teeming with colorful orange and black koi.

A beach volleyball court and a rundown but habitable fifth wheel RV. Unique decor based on the Seller’s fantasy of living by the seaside.

The potential is enormous and we have just started to scratch the surface of what we can do with the place. So I plan to post what I learn as I go along.

It is astonishing what can come out of certain people’s mouths when you announce you are in the market for goats. Or rabbits.

And in spite of my dear friends’ raised eyebrows and eye rolls, they plan to visit. Sheer curiosity driving them here, no doubt.

Looking forward to their visit this winter and to that of others who happen along to share our little piece of heaven.

At the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.

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