A very interesting read and I hasten to add my informed view is Joe is very accurate in where he thinks it is going- the minority is growing. We are still in the process of setting up in a similar way in Southern Tasmania, Australia and have many friends who have moved from mainland Australia for the same reasons compounded by climate change. South Australia is turning into a dust bowl and many new arrivals from the mainland come seeking cooler climes and steady rains.

We don't have it so cold as Joe but do have a farm with cattle, orchards, solar powered green houses [partly submerged with underfloor heating] and veggie patches in raised beds.

The house is heated by evacuated tube solar hot water combined with a a wetback wood stove. In summer the excess heat from the solar panels is dumped into the insulated storage tank in the roof to warm the summer evenings, which can still be cool via hydronic [water] radiators around the house. The system uses an experimental control box designed in conjunction with my plumber and his electronic engineer friend to monitor, control and reverse the water pumps as neccesary to optimise heat and reduce fuel use. But plan B involves turning dials ;)

In spring, autumn and winter the wood stove provides heat for the radiators and a boost for the solar hot water in the morning when needed.

So, I agree with Joe the hardest think you have to do to start the transition is to let go of the idea the status quo is going to be here forever, then making do or changing becomes easier.

Richard Heinberg has a nice phrase for it- "the consensus trance", just because everyone else is going along as if it is business as ususal does not mean that is the truth.

As is becoming more common to say, take the red pill and see how far the rabbit hole goes ;)