Born in Auckland, New Zealand, 1963. Dad was a make it, fix it, get in and get dirty, dress sharp, work hard sort of bloke. Mum had many skills, sewing, gardening, budgeting, cooking... Both were creative, clever, capable, systematic, problem solvers, and hard workers. I worked in horticulture. I was part of the first horticultural cadetship run by the Tauranga Polytechnic. I worked in Horticulture. Throughout this time, struggling to save for my own place, I made a big effort to grow lots of veggies and preserve fruit. There was a lot of 'make do and mend' going on. At thirty years old, I lived in a remote area in an old caravan for two years while building an off-grid home. I had a wonderful journey of discovery of how to live differently, no electricity or local shop, just a big garden. I lived there for nine years and still miss this home in the hills. At forty, I moved to the Far North, New Zealand. I had two children, Holly May and Robert, with my husband Bob. I met amazing people who lived in what others might consider an extreme self sufficient way and learnt so much. I have cooked on wood stoves for thirty years, mostly in the winter. I've milked cows and goats, kept a range of poultry, and learnt many methods of food preservation. I am now sixty and slowing down a bit, so I wish to pass on any helpful things and ways of getting through the years we are coming to. Faith in God is surely our greatest comfort, and His guidance, love, and promises are our greatest needs
