Homestead mailing list

["Robert Walton" <waltonrp AT gmail.com>]

> You have been there long enough to have a feel for the place.

This is true. I've been living here for 3 years. I finally feel like I
have a grasp on things.

> Make an
> inventory of your assets: water, trees, buildings, soil types, etc.,
> and also make a list of all you dream of creating. Get a topo map from
> the USGS.

Good idea, I've seen the USDA soil type maps, but not the topo map.

> Two ways to do the master plan: on the computer and on the
> wall. Computer is better if you have any simple drawing program; scan
> the map and enlarge as needed for detail work, then back to small-
> scale for visual overview. If on the wall, take the map to a place
> that can enlarge to a size you want. Put it up on a piece of sound
> insulation board or something else you can put pins in. Roads and
> water lines and fences are hard to later move so take your time
> getting that layout. Make cutouts for buildings and stick them on with
> pins. Use colored yarn to show wind paths, different color for fences,
> utilities, etc. Once you are happy with the plan, replace the yarn
> with colored pencil or ink.

Good ideas. Good winter project also.

Rob - Va