The Goal

I am starting this blog to track and publish my progress in my overall goal to become self-sufficient.  I have had this goal for many years, but have been discouraged because it usually requires much more land than I had at my disposal.  I have, however, decided to go forward with the plan and just become "as self-sufficient as possible."  My modified goals are as follows:
1) To buy no more than 20% of all consumed food from outside sources.  This will accomplish several smaller goals.  One being that if I am cutting my grocery bill by that much, the money I do spend can go toward higher quality food.  This includes buying local (farmers market and meat processors), less processed and more organic.  I expect an overall improvement in health of my entire family. In the event of a disaster, my family should be able to survive on food produced on the property.
2) To use as little electricity from the grid as possible.  This goal is expensive, therefore will be accomplished in small, gradual steps over time.  Options include solar and wind and will require much less usage of power than we have now.  Overall goal is 100% energy independence, which may take 7-10 years.
3) To be prepared to any emergency situation that may arise.  Those of you who lived here during the blizzard of 1993 know why.  We had no power for many days and that meant no heat for us.  Food was very limited because most of the food we had depended on electricity.  I will be stockpiling food to use in emergency situations, have auxiliary heat (hopefully two forms), and many other forms of preparation.  Emergencies to be prepared for include anything from natural disasters to national economic collapse.

The main overall goal here is that when something happens and I can't afford to, or otherwise don't have the ability to acquire/buy food and supplies needed to keep my family going, we will be able to survive relatively comfortably under most any condition.  This blog is here for others to keep track of my progress and to encourage others to do the same.  I am not a professional writer, so you'll have to look over my mistakes.  I just hope to show people that preparation to this extent is easier than you may think and the chances of you needing it are more likely than you may think.

I hope you enjoy the updates and it gives you motivation and ideas to help your own family.  If you have any ideas or suggestions that may help in my situation, please feel free to let me know.