The time my husband and I spent building our cabin in the country and living off the grid was physically demanding, educational, emotionally challenging, and truly inspiring. During that time, I developed a deep admiration for our early American pioneers. Inside me, a well of gratitude grew for what these people gave to our country physically and materially … not to mention spiritually. These people were a very hardy breed. You have to go ahead and live on the land and build everything from scratch. The women of this time period deserve the highest praise.
My time without running water and without an indoor bathroom was difficult. Spending that time of the month without access to the proper facilities is no fun at all. I can’t imagine having to be pregnant or have young children on top of all that. It is difficult to stay clean in general. Laundry is a great, great business. Washing dishes is a very important matter. Anything that involves hot water takes at least twice the time it would have taken you. Your day begins and ends with daylight rising or setting. The comfort and warmth of a simple fire can bring the greatest satisfaction and joy. Certainly there are challenges at every turn … but the stars are oh so beautiful!
I was lucky because my husband was a truly hardworking and intelligent man. He immediately installed our solar panels and connected the inverter to the battery bank. He installed an ingenious gravity water system, which he would never have thought of in a hundred years. He was such a talented and meticulous carpenter. Built our front porch after leveling our cabin. Installed all of our doors. He hung up all the plaster. Did all the electricity. He put all the insulation in … well, I helped with that. Most of all, I gave him screws or nails and made sure his batteries were always charged. I did a lot of caulking. Well … and I fed him regularly, but that’s a fact of course.
When my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, we did not have running water or an indoor bathroom. After his death, I was left to complete the rest of the cabin with the new bathroom and kitchen now added, just … or it would rot and be in vain. Obviously, he couldn’t allow all that work to be wasted. So since his death, I’ve been finishing our cabin. I think it will always be a work in progress. Most houses are, but I’ve gotten it in a mostly civilized state. As the wife of a carpenter, I acquired many skills after many years of marriage. I put my own floor. I framed the windows and installed the base molding. I did some of the pipes. Works. I have learned many practical things.
I’ve learned to use a lot of power tools … which I must admit are a lot of fun. I enjoy sanding. I enjoy painting … and to my surprise, I even enjoy working with metal. Who knows? These are certain skills that I would never have accessed without knowing my husband. In any case, I don’t think I’ll be staying much longer in my beloved cabin. My time here is coming to an end. I can feel it inside. I don’t know where, but I’ll be moving soon. This was a dream that my husband and I dreamed of … but now, he is gone. Although this is a beautiful place, I cannot stay here. If I do, I will be stuck emotionally and spiritually. I cannot allow that to happen. Great adventures await me, but this off-the-grid rural cabin dream must come to an end. It’s one I’ll always remember … but in my heart, I know it’s over. Like the pioneers of the past, I must advance into the unknown. I’m not afraid. I am a sturdy stock.