Our time at MacDill FamCamp was coming to a close. We were able to accomplish a few important tasks while enjoying our escape from winter. Our 2022 Homestead garden got a head-start. Tomato, pepper and sugar snaps are just some of the seedlings that germinated then travelled from Florida back to North Carolina with us.…
While Snowbirding at MacDill AFB FamCamp this past winter, we were able to revisit a few places we love in the Tampa area. The TECO Manatee Viewing Center was a favorite place from our time workamping in Florida 2 years ago. We knew from past experience that first thing in the morning is the best…
While staying at MacDill FamCamp in Tampa, Florida this winter, we were able to explore some of the local area. A very interesting and popular part of Tampa is Ybor City, named after the cigar manufacturer, Vincente Martinez Ybor. Most of the Ybor City Cigar factories are closed now except for the J.C. Newman factory…
We spent 2 beautiful months in Tampa, Florida this past winter. Our escape was perfectly timed as we missed a snow and ice storm at the Homestead back in North Carolina. Back in December of 2020 we put our names on the MacDill FamCamp waiting list for January/February 2022. Yes, they had a waiting list…
Day one of our Snow Bird adventure was a quick trip to Shaw Air Force Base near Sumter, South Carolina. Shaw is only 170 miles from our Homestead and it was a perfect place to land. We like to keep our travel days short so we have time to set up in daylight hours. Driving…
2022 started with a push to get Old Glory (O.G.) ready for a Road Trip to warmer weather! The bike rack was re-installed and propane tanks were filled. After multiple trips between the Homestead and the storage lot with supplies, beach gear, and tools, we felt ready to head south for a lengthy stay in…
The sun has set on 2021. It’s been a great year at the Ballard Homestead…a year marked by growth, grace, lots of learning and LOVE. God has continually provided for our EVERY need. Mark harvested a buck and a doe at the Homestead this deer season, providing quite a bit of delicious venison. We are…
Happy Birthday Mark! I love you and love doing this crazy, something new every day, never boring, life with you! May you have many more blessed, amazing trips around the sun 🥰 This past year has been full of new experiences! It’s hard to believe that just over 1 year ago North Carolina became our…
Once upon a time, a little baby girl named Leilalynn brought her parents and puppies to North Carolina all the way from Maryland. She let her daddy drive while she rode all snug in her car seat. Her mommy sat beside her and her puppies rode in back. They were going to visit her Grandpa…
It has been 6 months since we officially transitioned from Nomads and Full-time RVers to North Carolina Homesteaders, and life on the Ballard Homestead continues to thrill and amaze us. So, “What is a Homesteader?” you may ask. You will find multiple definitions on-line but our definition of choice is: “a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. It…
Happy Valentine’s Day! “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.” This Charles Dickens quote has been one of my favorites lately. Love and wisdom, two big goals. According to the Bible, God is Love and also the fear (respect and reverence) of God is the beginning of wisdom. Need wisdom? Love. Love God, acknowledge God,…
EXCITING times! There have been many celebrations since our last blog post. We enjoyed Thanksgiving with the Wachter’s then there was a little holiday gathering at our house with our North Carolina Family. Our septic system is upgraded and we can flush with confidence! Babe and Old Glory have their North Carolina License plates and…
Thankfulness is in the air! We always have so much to be thankful for but lately our transition from full-time RVing to part-time RVing is taking up all our time, $$ AND thankfulness. Yes, we are finding so many reasons to be thankful for this place we now call home! We closed on our North…
Helloooo Oklahoma! We made our 900 mile journey to see Mom Johnson and other Oklahoma relatives and friends the first part of October. Old Glory was stored at Buck Creek Campground in Marion, North Carolina, to save a little bit on gas. We also didn’t want to risk another break down considering the way our…