Good morning/afternoon/evening all! After "listening" and sifting through the good advice and pleasant conversations for several months it's probably time I introduced myself. I'm CindyRose and hail from Wisconsin. We have 8 acres in the southwest corner of the state that is primarily woodland with about 1 acre open. We've been clearing the land slowly and plan to build a small 2 bedroom home and relocate as soon as my husband retires. Hopefully that will be by the spring of 2004. We currently live in a burb near Milwaukee in Wisconsin. We have 3 sons, all grown and on their own - no grandchildren - what a pity. But I can hope. I've seen so many questions about prospective land purchases and am reminded of our search about 4 years ago. It seemed we never would find something. We were sure where we wanted to be, but were constantly discouraged by high prices, parcels that we thought might overwhelm 2 semi-city slickers, or realtors that really didn't follow up (understandable I suppose, since any commission would be minimal). I remember reading "Country Property Dirt Cheap: How I Found My Piece of Inexpensive Rural Land...Plus My Adventures with a $300 Junk Antique Tractor" by Ralph Turner. The title was quite a mouthful but it was fun reading and gave us some good ideas. Long story short - we found our little parcel and have been happily clearing brambles, cutting and stacking wood, and planting native understory in the areas we'd like to keep natural. I can't wait for the day we can plant our vegetable garden. This year I'll try to start ginseng in several areas that hold promise as they seem the ideal growing location (small s.e. slope under oak cover). I think our dream will come true with a little effort. I hope the same for all of you. CindyRose

-- cindy dries (crdries@software.rockwell.com), March 20, 2002

Answers

Welcome Cindy, glad you decided to join us.

-- Dave in Ohio (dr43147@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002.

Hi Cindy! We live in Northwestern Wisconsin, in Waushara County. My husband works for a company that's main office is in Baraboo. Welcome to the forum!

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Welcome to the forum Cindy! Sounds like you'll fit right in! Best wishes.

-- cowgirlone in OK (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Hi Cindy,

Welcome, This is a great place with lots of great people, I have learned sooooo much here, and I intend to never leave it, at least till the move, but like a stray dog, Ill tag along under the wagon..LOL

-- Kristean Thompson (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002.

Welcome to the forum Cindy. I'm glad to hear that you are beginning to realize your dream. Hope the property is everything you want it to be.

-- Murray in ME (lkdmfarm@megalink.net), March 20, 2002.

Welcome Cindy!

-- Sharon (cheesyemailaddy@notreal.com), March 20, 2002.

Cindy, welcome to the forum

-- george nh (rcoopwalpole@aol.com), March 20, 2002.

Cindy: Welcome and save back a log or two of oak for mushrooms! Will you have critters?

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Wow, hardly any time goes by and so many welcome responses. Thank you all. And yes, I am gonna like it here. CindyRose

-- cindy dries (crdries@software.rockwell.com), March 20, 2002.

Hey CindyRose, a warm welcome from Kentucky!

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@msn.com), March 20, 2002.

Hello from Zion,IL..My name is Lisa and have been married for 12 yrs come june 16th.No kids by Choice.. We have 1 dog named Cole.We don't live in the country but Our hearts and Souls are there! tell us more about yourself. Lisa Also,check out reimanpub.com for their great magazines..

-- Lisa/Zion,IL (magpie210lk@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002.

Hi Cindy, Welcome. Also, I think I read on here at one time that deer will munch up your ginseng plants, so you might want to consider protecting your starts in some way. Just a little unsolicited info.

-- Laura Jensen (lrjensen@nwlink.com), March 21, 2002.

Welcome, Cindy,from far western WA. Hope your land will be all that you wanted. I've just added a 2 l/2 acre parcel to mine that I have been coveting for 10 years. I saw ginseng growing in Canada 3 years ago and it certainly looked interesting. Getting your land in shape will probably be the hardest work you've ever done, but also the most satisfying! Good luck!

-- Duffy (hazelm@tenforward.com), March 21, 2002.

Hi Cindy Rose and welcome! It can be done, I lived in 'Tosa and worked downtown Milwaukee for 8 years before moving to our 22 acres in Central Wisc. Good luck with the ginseng, we've got it growing wild here.

-- rose marie wild (wintersongfarm@yahoo.com), March 21, 2002.