Work Hard, Live Simply
Welcome to Blue Pumpkin Ranch
Work Hard, Live Simply
Blue Pumpkin Ranch
Developing a Sustainable, Off-Grid Homestead in the High Desert Mountains of NE Arizona
When my 23-year marriage ended unexpectedly in 2018, I was devasted. However, as the dust settled, I realized this was my chance to radically change my life. In 2019, after much research, I purchased 40 acres in the high desert mountains of NE Arizona to develop a sustainable, off-grid homestead. After saving my pennies, researching endlessly, and taking care of loose ends, I finally moved to NE Arizona in January 2023. The road here was long, literally and figuratively, but the real adventure has just begun. With an RV, a shed, a few solar panels, and water tanks, Blue Pumpkin Ranch was born. Stay tuned, it is likely to be a bumpy ride!
Join us on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram
The Blue Pumpkin Ranch is on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Why? When I began this journey, I was inspired by others ---- John @Frugal Offgrid, Jonathan & Ashley @Tiny Shiny Home, and Don @Affordable Desert Living, to name a few. Each of the homesteads differ in terms of family versus single person, age, male/female, etc. Being an older, single female, I am hopeful my persepective will help inspire others who are considering a similar leap of faith. When I first showed up on my land, there were many who looked at me skeptically warning how hard the off-grid life in the desert can be. I am fairly sure there were a few that bet I would not make it through the first year --- I am not just surviving, I am thriving as I enter year 2 offgrid. Join me on this journey.
Thank You
In Loving Memory of my Dad
Blue Pumpkin Ranch would never have been possible without the support of my friends and family, especially my father, Dean Mielke, who passed away in January 2024, a little over a year after I started this journey. My dreams scared him, but he loved me enough to support me and cheer me on through every set back and triumph. He taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and unconditional love.
He was an amazing man, and I miss him every day,