We are not experts or influencers, we are a family simply doing our best to care for one another and sharing with you how we coexist (or not) and the tools we use to do so.
The House (Compound) – The 14 acres we reside on is lovingly called the Compound and is referred to often in my stories. The Compound consists of a 4,500 square foot single family home, a 2,000 square foot workshop, a barn, a chicken coop, a garden, a canal and sits on a lake.
Emily (me! Your author!) – Urban planner and nonprofit consultant, professor, author, equestrian and CEO of the Compound.
Matt (My Husband) – Veteran (disabled), Air Force. Expert in driving heavy machinery, anything farm related, parenting. Stay at home dad, farm manager and Director of Operations at the Compound
The Children (my kids) – My children, Sam and Emma are the glue that truly brought this family together. They are bright, fun, chatty and demanding little ones that we absolutely adore.
Dillon (my autistic brother) – Nonverbal autistic adult who loves to swing on his swing set, eats copious amounts of meat, have coffee with his dad, call out loudly and randomly, and hide anything that gets left in the living room in his room.
Beth / Mimi (My mother) – Recently retired, also an equestrian. Loves, Laughs and lays around. Fired CFO at the Compound. Champion for Dillon and his care.
David / Granddaddy (My father) – Dillon’s primary caregiver. Lover of golf and fishing. Played semi-pro football and is an accomplished artist. He is the Capital Projects Director at the Compound
Eugene / Gpa (My grandfather) – 94-year-old man who laughs at everything and everyone because he cannot hear and genuinely has no idea what you said. That is his only ailment, he is hard of hearing and doesn’t wear his hearing aids because Dillon yells so much (true). Very easy going, lighthearted, sharp, able bodied and always has snacks in his pockets for my kids.
Judy / Nana (My grandmother) – The women I take after the most, whom I love and despise all at the same time. She is opinionated, selfless (at times), a food hoarder, laundry fanatic, Swedish death cleaning pro. She is also an excellent nana to my children.