If the power goes out. From what I've read about the systems, if you are connected to them, then when they go down, they also require you to be down so there isn't any live wire issues while repairing lines. No thank you. I want nothing to do with the power company.

I will have rain barrels to use for the garden as well as the chickens. I've done some research and will be getting Brahma chickens and Plymouth rock chickens. They are good layers, and cold weather hardy. I will also get a couple beehives as well as plant some apple trees. Again, my research shows to have trees from all three harvest seasons of apples. I want northern spys for sure so to compliment their growing, I will also plant chieftans and golden delicious. Bees will be very beneficial to my apple trees. I also have a whole list of other berry bushes and garden foods I will be planting. My hope is to be able to harvest eggs, honey, vegetables and make some jams to sell at the local farmers market and maybe some other outlets. Plus have enough to can for our own use.

I am stoked! So looking forward to having a small homestead!

And no.... I want a septic and regular toilets.... The only thing composting will be the compost heap we'll make.