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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
people are confused about quality of life.fresh air,sunshine,fresh grown food from ur own garden,isnt this high quality.?not just fancy car or bathroom in the house with jacuzzi!
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.
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.
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.
Totally INSPIRATIONAL,....gets me to yearning for my grandparents way of life,....well, as soon as i'm free(almost)of debt i will be concentrating on a more sustainable and earth friendly way of living,...thumbs up to ya kirstendirksen!! = )
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
I see people like these, and I love them.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
LOL They're an adorable couple. I love how they talk over one another and compete for the camera men's attention. 😆😅😂Friggin' awesome 👏🏽 👍🏼
I think you're right about that! How could anyone not like this old couple unless they viewed them as competition.
What an amazing couple...and what an inspirational video...thank you!
Kirsten,I deeply appreciate your videos.Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring people.
the same. Amazing work!
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.
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!
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 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
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.
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.
This story should be broadcast on all over the world in all media formats. So inspirational, thank you for sharing.
now this guy has my respect.
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!
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.
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 could sit and talk to this guy all day!
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.
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.
She said, "People can really take care of themselves if they're willing to do the work."
That should be this country's motto!
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.
What a GREAT,GREAT video! God bless Mr. and Mrs. Fincher.
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!
Respect , this is Happiness . thanks to these kind people for sharing . best wishes to them .
My homesteading dream will take 10+ more years to even start but this was inspirational. Thank you.
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!
Great job! Love the cork board and the ingenuity! Work hard, be honest, kind and live debt free! You two are American heroes!
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.
This guy's a freakin' genius!!!
He's a real inspiration. We should learn from what he has to say.
They have inspired me to work the land
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.
The guy's so exited to talk about his life's work this is brilliant
Thanks- glad you liked it and are sharing it with others.
Thank you so much for posting this video! These are wonderful people!
I love what they have done! I sent this video to several friends for inspiration
What wonderful and very smart people. Thank you for sharing.
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
What a wonderful life. Salt of the earth people.
I like these folks. I love your videos Kirsten thank you.
So many lessons about life in this video. We can all learn a thing or two from these kind folks.
This lifestyle is calling my name 😊 I love all your videos Kirsten 👍
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!
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.
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.
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.
This is amazing and the bigger dream I have! 😍 🙌 What a gift 🎁 to share and thank you 😊
I love this family ! Your both such an inspiration !
Brilliant couple, goodness bless them!
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!
Had to post this on our Facebook page. Thanks for sharing a great video!
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.
Uplifting, an amazing farmer & his wife, thanks for sharing
It looks like a fun, healthy, outdoor way of life.
I love the Finchers although I've never met them nor visited them! Wish they were my next door neighbors. Great people!
Watched this several times. Love it. One day oh yes. One day
So many great ideas! Thanks, lovely folks. Great video!
This is so inspiring video. Reminded me of my late parents who loves farming & self-sufficient. Thank you so much for great ideas ❤️❤️❤️
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!!!
He has the time worn hands of my Grandpa💗
wow that was ingenious with the cork planter thing... love it
Wise people here, bless them!❤️
These folks are awesome. I love this kind of living.
they are so great
They are so great.Love they,re life style.
people are confused about quality of life.fresh air,sunshine,fresh grown food from ur own garden,isnt this high quality.?not just fancy car or bathroom in the house with jacuzzi!
awesome. thanks for posting this Kirsten Dirksen
I start my journey soon, hopefully i will get as far as those two. Thanks for sharing this video, very inspirational
Lovely couple
I love these people. Godspeed.
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.
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.
Sir, I salute you. You probably won't read this, but never the less, I salute you!
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.
Totally INSPIRATIONAL,....gets me to yearning for my grandparents way of life,....well, as soon as i'm free(almost)of debt i will be concentrating on a more sustainable and earth friendly way of living,...thumbs up to ya kirstendirksen!! = )
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.
One of the best things i've seen on TH-cam.
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.
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!
Smart hard working people.
I want to be like him, wise and self sufficient.
Wonderful people.
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!
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.