Introduction

Hello, My name is Sandra Clarke.  I am a part-time homesteader. We (my husband Gary and I) bought our homestead (just south of Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada) in 2010 when our two children were 10 and 16 years old.  Our intent was to relax and enjoy the property on weekends while working in the city (Toronto, Ontario). However, we quickly grew to see the homestead had potential to be more than 2.5 acres and two off-the-grid cabins in the woods.  Our plans expanded to create an organic homestead, eco-retreat for artists, writers, and nature lovers.
Gary and I are in our 50’s.  We have a part-time city life and part-time homestead life.  Gary still works full-time and I am a textile artist, both in the city and on the homestead.  
Our 24-year old daughter, Emily, was born with complex heart defects that cannot be repaired.  She’s had three heart operations and is currently in the process of being listed for a heart transplant.  Emily is a brilliant writer (I’ll post some of her short stories on this blog). Emily attends college in Mississauga (near Toronto, Ontario).  
Our 18-year old son, Evan, is also in school.  He has a creative soul like Emily. Evan is a photographer and videographer.  He specializes in nature films.
Our children are our priority.  This is the primary reason why we are part-time homesteaders rather than full-time.  Once Emily receives a new heart and is stable, we will be able to move permanently to the homestead.  Our homestead is about a three hour drive to Emily’s hospital, so it’s best that we keep our little townhouse in the city to be closer to the hospital.
So that’s us!  I wanted to keep my first blog short and sweet.  I hope you come back for more. Thanks for your time!
Sandra xoxo

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