This summer I spent June and July living in a lovely rustic house without electricity or running water. Meeting the basic needs (and I really mean basic needs here–going to the bathroom, bathing, and eating, for example) we tend to take for granted became much more of a task. I walked to the well to gather pots full of my cooking and cleaning water every other day, I hung a shower bag from the eaves of the house outside to shower, and I had the lovely experience of using a 3-sided outhouse daily (when I had to pee, I just went in random spots in the grasses and bushes around the house–a quicker process that yielded fewer bugbites).
Despite the definite challenges of living that way while working regular hours during the day, I met these challenges during the two easiest months of the year to live this rustic life. I did not have to keep the woodstove going for heat (though it was a welcome treat on many raw mornings and evenings) and I had access to a hot shower, good drinking water, and laundry facilities just a 10 minute drive away. I had it easy. Every time I made the couple minute walk to the outhouse and sat pondering that particular spot, however, I could not help but think of the people before me who lived in that place year-round. Surely they kept the toilet seat inside so they could carry it warm to the snow-filled throne when they needed it? I hoped so. The view was lovely from that spot, in any case.
While Labor Day inspires reflection on our working history, I tend to cogitate on the laborious aspects of simply living without running water or electricity year-round as so many people have done (and still do) throughout our history. That reality matched with a harrowing day job? A laborious living indeed.
What an experience. I have a friend who complains about doing laundry, cleaning house, the basics (actually she complains about everything that doesn’t involve a cocktail and the couch). An experience like you’ve had would remind us all how we should express gratitude daily for all we have.
Wow, I hope the power doesn’t go out often where she lives!
Hazel, when we older kids moved with mom and dad to the farm we had no indoor plumbing we had a “slop jar” for indoor use with a cover, which had to emptied daily into the out house. You are right about the random pee spots I have laughed at folks reluctance to pee in the woods some of us just consider that part of the way life should be. It has made some of the rustic facilities when I travel much easier to live with. What are your winter plans? I am so glad your mom and dad are back together geographically, love to you and Joe, Jan
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Yes, I kept a large pot in the mudroom at night so I wouldn’t have to venture outside if I required a midnight pee! This winter I aim to finish my Master’s by mid-December…then my life becomes as ambiguous as ever (eek)!
My sister homesteaded in Maine for ten years and I lived with her a couple of times and visited all seasons. The outhouse in winter I will never forget! 😀 I’d grab the kitty and set her on my bare thighs and rested my hands between me and the seat below. Lugging water was a daily chore and there were farm animals, too. Eventually she got electricity for a stove, fridge and freezer. It was a great experience and believe me, I really appreciate hot and cold running water to this day!
Great story! I love the practical use of the kitty. I have visited one cabin where they kept the toilet seat on a rope inside by the woodstove so you could just take it out and have a pre-warmed seat when you needed it–a welcome treat.
That would have been a great idea. Those experiences make me appreciate my creature comforts all the more!
In my 20s, I lived with no water, electricity or heat. I used to love the trips to the outhouse in summer. Always a treat to see the stars. Winter was different – trudging through the snow. Stars were still good, though. Brrrrr. I broke down and used a chamber pot. Haha.
Hot showers would now be hard to give up. I still heat with wood, but electricity and water are nice luxuries!
Congratulations on your soon to be Masters!
A chamber pot was critical even in the summer, I found! I only used it at night, but what a difference it made!