Crossroads with Chickens: A "What If it Works?" Adventure in off-Grid Living & Quest for Home

McCagg and her husband built an off-grid, solar-powered house in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, in 2012. They named it "Darwins View" for a reason, as it was born of heartbreak and yearning for the great beauty of the world as it used to be. McCagg interlaces her tale with her mother's battle with Parkinsons, braiding both Mother and Mother Nature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2021
Publisher: Bauhan (William L.),U.S.

In 2012, McCagg and her husband, Carl, embarked on a remarkable journey by constructing an off-grid, solar-powered house in the picturesque town of Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Their vision was to create a weekend retreat for the writer, known for her whimsical musings, and the trombonist, with a dream of becoming a farmer. With two cats and six newly adopted chicks in tow, they made the trip from their home in Providence, Rhode Island, in December, intending to spend the winter in Jaffrey to protect their newly installed pipes from freezing. However, their plans took an unexpected turn when their hen, "Rhoda Red," turned out to be a rather large rooster. Unfortunately, roosters were outlawed by Providence city regulations, preventing Big Red from returning home. Consequently, McCagg and her family found themselves stranded in Jaffrey, unable to return to their previous life.

This unforeseen predicament led them to embrace the concept of survival of the fittest, natural selection, and soul evolution. They named their 193-acre home "Darwins View" in tribute to the pioneering naturalist, Charles Darwin, and his profound understanding of the interconnectedness of life. While the chicken kerfuffles brought moments of laughter and levity, the story beneath the surface is one of heartbreak and a longing for the great beauty of the world as it used to be. As McCagg transitioned from a full-time weekender to an organic gardener, she interweaved her tale with her mother's battle with Parkinsons, creating a tapestry of resilience and interconnectedness.

In this enchanting setting, the sun, wind, and the melodious cock-a-doodle-do combined to create a perfect storm of personal growth. McCagg's journey of self-discovery and transformation rippled out, affecting a larger transformation in the surrounding community. Her passion for organic gardening and sustainable living inspired others to adopt similar practices, promoting a greener and more sustainable way of life.

Through their experiences in Jaffrey, McCagg and her family learned the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. They discovered that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for growth and positive change. The story of their off-grid, solar-powered house serves as a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the boundless spirit of human nature.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780872333178