I have been close friends with their daughter for over 20years. These people are EXACTLY as they appear on this video. Sadly, Earl has now gone to his heavenly home. Myrna is being so brave and is going on, but misses him terribly. They just do not make people like this any more. Such wonderful, hard-working, creative and loving folks!
This man's attitude towards retirement is a key to longevity. If you study places in the world where people live the longest, they have no concept of retirement. They just love the life they live.
Kristen Dirksen- I want to thank you for doing this video of mom and dad- now we have a way to see and hear dad's voice when ever we want/need to. THANK YOU.
Absolutely awesome video. "happiness is found along the way...not at the end of the road". He said that changed his whole way of thinking. I have to agree.
Love reading all of the comments- I was blessed to grow up with them- they are my parents. I am so proud of what they have done. I have learned so much from them. Please continue to post your comments. Post questions if you want too. My dad loves teaching others what he has learned.
This gentleman's last statement was simple & key to feeling secure & happy; " We don't owe anybody anything, everything is paid for." ***Living small & debt-free is the way to go!
This is how people need to live. My aunt and uncle always had a garden and chickens. This was the normal way to live until somewhere around the 1960's here in North Texas. The contentment that comes with living in harmony with the earth just radiates from these two lovebirds. It's a beautiful thing.
So inspiring, it brings fond memories of my grandparent´s little homestead, they took care of everything, from vegetables, fruit trees and grapevines, even made their own wine! all in a suburban house lot, it was impressive. Now I´m starting one of my own at my place, I figure it´s the most liberating thing in the world, and it´s kind of my duty to show my kids through example, honoring my grandad´s life. Thanks Kirsten for your work.
This is a masterpiece! Just seeing what this once very young couple, with a child on the way, had to do to get by. It's good to see them still together in their old age. And that now, all those years later, to still be living the same way lets you know how valid this way of life is. This really is the Good Life!
Having a farm is my dream before retirement. Being self sufficient with no debts is very rewarding. You will feel the contentment because God provides your everyday needs by gardening, poultry or pasturing animals. Thank you in sharing.
The way I would LOVE to live.......but this is what the Grandparents did reason why they lived so long. Todays generations are lucky to see 50. and everyone is on meds. Many long healthy years sent to you folks. Great lessons for all to learn from.
These are my parents. I am so proud of what they have done. They raised the three of us girls there. We not only grew all of the veggies/fruit(and also all of our own meat) for our immediate family but also for my grandparents and the rest of the relatives. It was hard work but now I look back and really miss it- I look forward to the day when I can move back there. as for the Raid can- that is not used in the garden . It is used in the shop and the sheds to get rid of the black widows.
My wife and I are on our way to living your life-style. We started 4 years ago when we bought 3 acres just out of town a few miles. I cultivate about a 1/2 acre of produce at this point. Just planted 30 different fruit trees last week. Next, we'd like to get into the chickens, rabbits, and small goats for eggs and manure. I really admire your story and the saying "Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road" is very profound and true to life. You both are great examples to the younger generation. Times are eventually going to get tough once again, and people are going to need to be prepared to fend for themselves out of necessity.
My wife and I really want to do this as well. We are working hard to make it happen. I love the way you're showing people that you don't have to be a hippie or a survival nut to be self reliant.
Wow! How humble and powerful. Such unbelievable appreciation for the basics of life. We continue allowing centralized companies to produce deleterious foods which are producing so many health problems in America. This is a wonderful lesson. Thank you for posting.
Such a clever family! When I was a kid, we liked to see if we could make a dinner with just food we had grown/raised. Now my husband and children are trying to see how much food we can grow on our tiny suburban lot. The Finchers are a terrific inspiration. I keep reminding myself that they are where they are today because they made a bunch of mistakes. We need to not worry about doing it right-- just do it and learn. Thanks for this video!
This is how my parents lived & survived, all the children helped until they married & moved away. After I got hurt, I would get up early & gol help out my parents until they both grew to old to work in any way. Today we share the work, I have the land & let others work it. This year I am not seeing honey bees at all, a first in W TN where I live, it may because of the cold weather still is here, I hope they come back. This a great film, I know a master at gardening that lives 10 minutes from me, she has moved all her growing in side due to Fukushima fall out. She still get the same out put as of last year, we will see how this fairs & there is no GMO's in her green houses.
I LOVE THIS COUPLE - awesome to see people still "doing it" like most people did 70yrs ago. the planting and caning along with the chickens - AWESOME!!!
I love it. I hope you get this feedback. You show how intelligence is not just found in an academic environment. Need creates, is what I tell my friends and you both prove it. Thank you for taking the time to share your story Mr and Mrs Fincher. It's a total inspiration to all who have the dream of living self sufficient.
That old guy is a genius, I love his ideas and creativity, what a nice little farm. *sigh* And they are so proud to show you around. I am all smiles here.
There is so much wisdom in such a wonderful couple. So sad the new generations are not interested, they are more insterested on a stupid screen. God Bless them both!
Love this beautiful couple...reminds me of my amazing grandparents. Living off the land and teaching survival skills, not social/technologic skills. Hoping future generations return to this way of living.
I wish this video could have been longer - I would have listened to this gentleman for hours just to soak up his wisdom. People have been foolish - chasing huge homes and luxury items instead of taking care of themselves financially. Look what happened after the US economic collapse. So many poor and so many not knowing how to grow food or take care of themselves. Love this couple! One of my fav videos of yours.
You could learn so much about life just being able to talk to an older, been there, done that, kind of guy such as this amazing fellow. The younger generation especially could learn so many things from him. I would love to be able to sit down in the shade and have a cold lemonade with this fine gentleman. A true inspiration. Hope you live a long healthy life Sir.
My grandfather said the smartest person in the world is a successful farmer, you must be a fabricator, carpenter, mechanic, have Veterinarian skills,knowledge to preserve foods among a whole list of other things. After loosing my leg in 1998 out of neccessity I along with my wife have also worked toward being self sufficiant. We raise our own pork, chickens, meat chickens,can vegetables from our garden. I have a passion for building and she loves to garden your video is a great inspiration.
Mr Fincher is an inspiration, using his mind to solve problems not money or other people. This is what we need to get back to in the USA. Necessity is the mother of invention.
First thank you for the video, I am now 53 years old and I lived in different part of the work at the moment in Mexico but my home is New Zealand and this year we are heading back and this way of life is what i want I have been thinking about this for many years and you are never too old. As the world and money is hard to come by for a lot of families they should do this even in a little way as every dollar is a saving how ever small thank you and well done
Just bought over 17 acres and have been planting species that we can eat and feed the wildlife. I never feel more peaceful than out in nature, especially my own!!!
What a great video. It reminds me of my childhood days. I was brought up by my grandparents in the 40's and 50's and there was always a garden.My grandmother canned and preserved, her cellar was always full for the winter. It sure would be nice to have those days so long ago back again in this crazy world.
I enjoyed watching these folks build their dream... at first out of necessity, then it became enjoyable. My husband and I bought land last year, built a geodesic dome home and are starting a farm this year... all debt free too! I was wondering where these people live - we have bears where we live and bird houses in the summer attract the bears!
That was just wonderful..I love the ideal of growing you own food. I do grow my own vegs, like tomatoes,beans,cukes. I love to see things grow from my own hands.
Thanks for giving us a small window into your life's work. I'm glad you didn't listen to your father (boy was he wrong). What a success story. I really appreciate your saying about happiness is found alone to road, not at the end. Thanks for the inspiration!
I just began this with my family. We bought 8 baby chicks, Unfortunately we wont have eggs for 6 mths. Building talapia pond and lots or raised beds for vegetable garden. Our first try left us with lots of baby carrots and 10 beans. Only been at it 4 months. WE hope to be completely self sufficient like you in 1 year. Til then we have just been stocking up on cans and frozen meat. You give young folks like me hope that all this effort will keep us going for life leave to the kids. thanks.
Thanks for the inspiration. Love your story. Clearly you have what it takes to "make it" and you're encouraging others to do the same. Proud of you! Thanks for the lesson.
I've just started a self-sufficient garden and video diary for it. So many of these two's tips are going to be helpful. The heated seeding box is a great idea.
When the seed falls off the plant it is usually in late summer or fall. Then it gets cold. When it starts to warm up again the seeds know it is time to germinate. All he is doing is artifically heating up the seeds early from their cold spell so that they begin to grow sooner. What he did here is build a box like he explained. On top of the box is a little bed lined with plastic like a planter box ect. Plant the seeds like normal in damp dirt and use the lights to keep it warm.
This is awesome! They remind me of my grandparents. I grew up on their farm till my folks decided to move to NYC. I've always admired their lifestyle..self sufficient, debt free AND happy! They're both in their 90s and still work. I have my urban farm in the city but now, I'm looking to buy my own land and live the same 😄. Can't wait!
This is wonderful. I just made some planter spacers like his (thanks for the inspiration!) and used them for my winter garden. It works with direct seeding as well as seedling trays. Thank you!
That's great! More people are changing their lifestyle everyday. Fresh food, animal husbandry, preserving your own food is coming back. It's the only way to know what you really eat.
Hey Earl. I use to go to Healdsburg back in the 70 when my Mom was living in Santa Rosa. What a beautiful part of California. What your doing isn't feasible now with prices being what they are. Glad your living the dream...I left California yrs ago but mis the land not the other stuff.......
i live in one of the boroughs of nyc & have 10 hens for eggs (up to 70 eggs a wk) & chicken manure , grow all our veggies in the summer on our small plot. i have grown potatoes in garbage bags, laundry baskets. the "girls" live in a spacious purple coop with a protected roomy outdoor run. i plan on doing more end of season cooking/freezing. & trying dehydrating this yr. also thinking about beekeeping. cant wait till spring! wish i could quit my job a do this full time. ah freedom.....
Hope you still see this. You are living my dream. I live in the city and grow what I can. Older couple and refuse to be in debt so trying to save for land . Land cost so much now. I grow in buckets and have a small earth garden also
I have been close friends with their daughter for over 20years. These people are EXACTLY as they appear on this video. Sadly, Earl has now gone to his heavenly home. Myrna is being so brave and is going on, but misses him terribly. They just do not make people like this any more. Such wonderful, hard-working, creative and loving folks!
Thank you for all of the wonderful comments. I had the privilege of growing up there. They are my wonderful parents!!
"Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road." So true 😊
tomaitoe
yeah that's a real good way to say it right
wish I realised it on time
This man's attitude towards retirement is a key to longevity. If you study places in the world where people live the longest, they have no concept of retirement. They just love the life they live.
Yup!
The longest concentration of long living people are in Blue Zones. They never retire.
Kristen Dirksen- I want to thank you for doing this video of mom and dad- now we have a way to see and hear dad's voice when ever we want/need to. THANK YOU.
Absolutely awesome video. "happiness is found along the way...not at the end of the road". He said that changed his whole way of thinking. I have to agree.
instablaster.
Love reading all of the comments- I was blessed to grow up with them- they are my parents. I am so proud of what they have done. I have learned so much from them. Please continue to post your comments. Post questions if you want too. My dad loves teaching others what he has learned.
This gentleman's last statement was simple & key to feeling secure & happy; " We don't owe anybody anything, everything is paid for." ***Living small & debt-free is the way to go!
Dad would be more than happy to share all his knowledge with anyone who took the time to listen.
I see people like these, and I love them.
This is how people need to live. My aunt and uncle always had a garden and chickens. This was the normal way to live until somewhere around the 1960's here in North Texas. The contentment that comes with living in harmony with the earth just radiates from these two lovebirds. It's a beautiful thing.
So inspiring, it brings fond memories of my grandparent´s little homestead, they took care of everything, from vegetables, fruit trees and grapevines, even made their own wine! all in a suburban house lot, it was impressive. Now I´m starting one of my own at my place, I figure it´s the most liberating thing in the world, and it´s kind of my duty to show my kids through example, honoring my grandad´s life. Thanks Kirsten for your work.
much respect for this man and his family.
I wish this generation could learn the wisdom from these folks. God bless them!!
This is a masterpiece! Just seeing what this once very young couple, with a child on the way, had to do to get by. It's good to see them still together in their old age. And that now, all those years later, to still be living the same way lets you know how valid this way of life is. This really is the Good Life!
Having a farm is my dream before retirement. Being self sufficient with no debts is very rewarding. You will feel the contentment because God provides your everyday needs by gardening, poultry or pasturing animals. Thank you in sharing.
I think you're right about that! How could anyone not like this old couple unless they viewed them as competition.
The way I would LOVE to live.......but this is what the Grandparents did reason why they lived so long. Todays generations are lucky to see 50. and everyone is on meds. Many long healthy years sent to you folks. Great lessons for all to learn from.
These are my parents. I am so proud of what they have done. They raised the three of us girls there. We not only grew all of the veggies/fruit(and also all of our own meat) for our immediate family but also for my grandparents and the rest of the relatives. It was hard work but now I look back and really miss it- I look forward to the day when I can move back there.
as for the Raid can- that is not used in the garden . It is used in the shop and the sheds to get rid of the black widows.
What an amazing couple...and what an inspirational video...thank you!
She said, "People can really take care of themselves if they're willing to do the work."
That should be this country's motto!
My wife and I are on our way to living your life-style. We started 4 years ago when we bought 3 acres just out of town a few miles. I cultivate about a 1/2 acre of produce at this point. Just planted 30 different fruit trees last week. Next, we'd like to get into the chickens, rabbits, and small goats for eggs and manure. I really admire your story and the saying "Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road" is very profound and true to life. You both are great examples to the younger generation. Times are eventually going to get tough once again, and people are going to need to be prepared to fend for themselves out of necessity.
marksthisandthat I hope your homestead worked nicely for you. Is it going to plan may I ask you. Take care.
My wife and I really want to do this as well. We are working hard to make it happen. I love the way you're showing people that you don't have to be a hippie or a survival nut to be self reliant.
LOL They're an adorable couple. I love how they talk over one another and compete for the camera men's attention. 😆😅😂Friggin' awesome 👏🏽 👍🏼
Wow! How humble and powerful. Such unbelievable appreciation for the basics of life. We continue allowing centralized companies to produce deleterious foods which are producing so many health problems in America. This is a wonderful lesson. Thank you for posting.
Such a clever family! When I was a kid, we liked to see if we could make a dinner with just food we had grown/raised. Now my husband and children are trying to see how much food we can grow on our tiny suburban lot. The Finchers are a terrific inspiration. I keep reminding myself that they are where they are today because they made a bunch of mistakes. We need to not worry about doing it right-- just do it and learn.
Thanks for this video!
Kirsten,I deeply appreciate your videos.Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring people.
the same. Amazing work!
This is how my parents lived & survived, all the children helped until they married & moved away. After I got hurt, I would get up early & gol help out my parents until they both grew to old to work in any way.
Today we share the work, I have the land & let others work it. This year I am not seeing honey bees at all, a first in W TN where I live, it may because of the cold weather still is here, I hope they come back.
This a great film, I know a master at gardening that lives 10 minutes from me, she has moved all her growing in side due to Fukushima fall out. She still get the same out put as of last year, we will see how this fairs & there is no GMO's in her green houses.
This story should be broadcast on all over the world in all media formats. So inspirational, thank you for sharing.
I LOVE THIS COUPLE - awesome to see people still "doing it" like most people did 70yrs ago. the planting and caning along with the chickens - AWESOME!!!
now this guy has my respect.
I would just like to thank you for your insights. I am 71 and almost to the point you are. Thanks again
I love it. I hope you get this feedback. You show how intelligence is not just found in an academic environment. Need creates, is what I tell my friends and you both prove it. Thank you for taking the time to share your story Mr and Mrs Fincher. It's a total inspiration to all who have the dream of living self sufficient.
This makes me very very nostalgic, I see beauty and nature, and the smell of nature.
That old guy is a genius, I love his ideas and creativity, what a nice little farm. *sigh*
And they are so proud to show you around. I am all smiles here.
There is so much wisdom in such a wonderful couple. So sad the new generations are not interested, they are more insterested on a stupid screen. God Bless them both!
I just purchased 5 acres and I also going to do the same thing. Thanks for great video 😊
+Marie Many Best of luck to you! You are living the dream. :)
Well, I had to give back that 5 acres..so I will be looking else where...thanks
+Marie Many I'm also interested in buying land. May I ask, how much did you pay for the 5 acres? And is it just farm land, or can you build on it too?
Marie Many jus
Marie Many I'm looking land is pricey
They should have their own Tv show/ youtube channel so people could learn from them. Their wisdom & simplicity is very inspiring :)
I agree....wish there were more videos like this
Agreed! I was just looking for more about them! Could sit on their porch and listen for days!
Love this beautiful couple...reminds me of my amazing grandparents. Living off the land and teaching survival skills, not social/technologic skills. Hoping future generations return to this way of living.
My homesteading dream will take 10+ more years to even start but this was inspirational. Thank you.
I wish this video could have been longer - I would have listened to this gentleman for hours just to soak up his wisdom.
People have been foolish - chasing huge homes and luxury items instead of taking care of themselves financially. Look what happened after the US economic collapse. So many poor and so many not knowing how to grow food or take care of themselves.
Love this couple! One of my fav videos of yours.
You could learn so much about life just being able to talk to an older, been there, done that, kind of guy such as this amazing fellow. The younger generation especially could learn so many things from him. I would love to be able to sit down in the shade and have a cold lemonade with this fine gentleman. A true inspiration. Hope you live a long healthy life Sir.
My grandfather said the smartest person in the world is a successful farmer, you must be a fabricator, carpenter, mechanic, have Veterinarian skills,knowledge to preserve foods among a whole list of other things. After loosing my leg in 1998 out of neccessity I along with my wife have also worked toward being self sufficiant. We raise our own pork, chickens, meat chickens,can vegetables from our garden. I have a passion for building and she loves to garden your video is a great inspiration.
Respect , this is Happiness . thanks to these kind people for sharing . best wishes to them .
I could sit and talk to this guy all day!
The guy's so exited to talk about his life's work this is brilliant
Mr Fincher is an inspiration, using his mind to solve problems not money or other people. This is what we need to get back to in the USA. Necessity is the mother of invention.
He's a real inspiration. We should learn from what he has to say.
First thank you for the video, I am now 53 years old and I lived in different part of the work at the moment in Mexico but my home is New Zealand and this year we are heading back and this way of life is what i want I have been thinking about this for many years and you are never too old.
As the world and money is hard to come by for a lot of families they should do this even in a little way as every dollar is a saving how ever small
thank you and well done
Great job! Love the cork board and the ingenuity! Work hard, be honest, kind and live debt free! You two are American heroes!
So many lessons about life in this video. We can all learn a thing or two from these kind folks.
Thanks- glad you liked it and are sharing it with others.
Just bought over 17 acres and have been planting species that we can eat and feed the wildlife. I never feel more peaceful than out in nature, especially my own!!!
What a great video. It reminds me of my childhood days.
I was brought up by my grandparents in the 40's and 50's and there was always a garden.My grandmother canned and preserved, her cellar was always full for the winter.
It sure would be nice to have those days so long ago back again in this crazy world.
Support your local farmer. You'll know where your food comes from and how they grew it.
Great video. Thank you for sharing it with us, uploader!
What a GREAT,GREAT video! God bless Mr. and Mrs. Fincher.
I enjoyed watching these folks build their dream... at first out of necessity, then it became enjoyable. My husband and I bought land last year, built a geodesic dome home and are starting a farm this year... all debt free too!
I was wondering where these people live - we have bears where we live and bird houses in the summer attract the bears!
That was just wonderful..I love the ideal of growing you own food. I do grow my own vegs, like tomatoes,beans,cukes. I love to see things grow from my own hands.
I like these folks. I love your videos Kirsten thank you.
Thanks for giving us a small window into your life's work. I'm glad you didn't listen to your father (boy was he wrong). What a success story. I really appreciate your saying about happiness is found alone to road, not at the end. Thanks for the inspiration!
They have inspired me to work the land
Brilliant couple, goodness bless them!
What wonderful and very smart people. Thank you for sharing.
I just began this with my family. We bought 8 baby chicks, Unfortunately we wont have eggs for 6 mths. Building talapia pond and lots or raised beds for vegetable garden. Our first try left us with lots of baby carrots and 10 beans. Only been at it 4 months. WE hope to be completely self sufficient like you in 1 year. Til then we have just been stocking up on cans and frozen meat. You give young folks like me hope that all this effort will keep us going for life leave to the kids. thanks.
I love this family ! Your both such an inspiration !
I love the Finchers although I've never met them nor visited them! Wish they were my next door neighbors. Great people!
Thanks for the inspiration. Love your story. Clearly you have what it takes to "make it" and you're encouraging others to do the same. Proud of you! Thanks for the lesson.
What a wonderful life. Salt of the earth people.
This guy's a freakin' genius!!!
This lifestyle is calling my name 😊 I love all your videos Kirsten 👍
I've just started a self-sufficient garden and video diary for it. So many of these two's tips are going to be helpful. The heated seeding box is a great idea.
Thank you so much for posting this video! These are wonderful people!
Watched this several times. Love it. One day oh yes. One day
Uplifting, an amazing farmer & his wife, thanks for sharing
When the seed falls off the plant it is usually in late summer or fall. Then it gets cold. When it starts to warm up again the seeds know it is time to germinate. All he is doing is artifically heating up the seeds early from their cold spell so that they begin to grow sooner. What he did here is build a box like he explained. On top of the box is a little bed lined with plastic like a planter box ect. Plant the seeds like normal in damp dirt and use the lights to keep it warm.
So many great ideas! Thanks, lovely folks. Great video!
This is awesome! They remind me of my grandparents. I grew up on their farm till my folks decided to move to NYC. I've always admired their lifestyle..self sufficient, debt free AND happy! They're both in their 90s and still work. I have my urban farm in the city but now, I'm looking to buy my own land and live the same 😄. Can't wait!
This is wonderful. I just made some planter spacers like his (thanks for the inspiration!) and used them for my winter garden. It works with direct seeding as well as seedling trays. Thank you!
I love what they have done! I sent this video to several friends for inspiration
Sure wish I lived near this couple. They are a wealth of information that I would love to learn from!! Keep up the great work!
That's great! More people are changing their lifestyle everyday. Fresh food, animal husbandry, preserving your own food is coming back. It's the only way to know what you really eat.
im working my way to this life style! saving up to one day buy some land and the rest is resourcefulness and an idea to follow!
Hey Earl. I use to go to Healdsburg back in the 70 when my Mom was living in Santa Rosa. What a beautiful part of California. What your doing isn't feasible now with prices being what they are. Glad your living the dream...I left California yrs ago but mis the land not the other stuff.......
It looks like a fun, healthy, outdoor way of life.
This is so inspiring video. Reminded me of my late parents who loves farming & self-sufficient. Thank you so much for great ideas ❤️❤️❤️
wow that was ingenious with the cork planter thing... love it
i live in one of the boroughs of nyc & have 10 hens for eggs (up to 70 eggs a wk) & chicken manure , grow all our veggies in the summer on our small plot. i have grown potatoes in garbage bags, laundry baskets. the "girls" live in a spacious purple coop with a protected roomy outdoor run. i plan on doing more end of season cooking/freezing. & trying dehydrating this yr. also thinking about beekeeping. cant wait till spring! wish i could quit my job a do this full time. ah freedom.....
for better or worse people take note cause this is what real life looks like.. no hand outs they paved there own way
He has the time worn hands of my Grandpa💗
god bless this happy farmers, so much of a good joyment
when you love what you do.
and a big reward when you are willing to work hard.
Lovely couple
These folks are awesome. I love this kind of living.
I love ur video. and you are a very smart man and quite the inventor. they say it takes teamwork,,you guys make one awesome team.
This is amazing and the bigger dream I have! 😍 🙌 What a gift 🎁 to share and thank you 😊
I am so happy I get to grow a garden this year. It has been a long time due to the economy crash and being of and on homeless for 4 years .
One of the best things i've seen on UA-cam.
love this video, and I watch hundreds but this was soul touching... good for you guys and thanks for sharing
Hope you still see this. You are living my dream. I live in the city and grow what I can. Older couple and refuse to be in debt so trying to save for land . Land cost so much now. I grow in buckets and have a small earth garden also
all i can say is this LOVE IT... thank you so much for sharing your ideas. your wonderful
I start my journey soon, hopefully i will get as far as those two. Thanks for sharing this video, very inspirational