Now, you might think that all we have had are problems since we started doing this. That’s not the case, it just seems like it sometimes. For example, when we finally got a garage door on the garage and a roll-down door on the workshop, the first thing we did was to move stuff from … Continue reading The Trials and Tribulations of Creating a Homestead – Part 3: Workshop, Garage and Gutters
Category: Energy
We want to create energy for our homestead and be more self-sufficient. Unfortunately, Florida requires all homes to be tied to the grid. However, you can still keep that usage low. Solar panels will make electricity. We plan to store the excess in batteries. Manure from our livestock will create methane for cooking outside. We will put energy efficient materials and appliances in our new home. Certainly, we will reduce our power bill from what we use currently. We will also talk about personal energy and how not to waste it.
The Trials and Tribulations of Creating a Homestead – Part 1
Many people move into the country thinking they will live off-grid and be a kind of frontiersman or woman. Although we would like to be completely self-sufficient, it is a long road to get there and there are lots of holes along the way. As we move in that direction, we want to be prepared … Continue reading The Trials and Tribulations of Creating a Homestead – Part 1
Human Waste: To Flush or Not?
I like the idea of doing something good with human waste instead of just flushing it. I got some ideas about this when I studied Permaculture. Humans bodies generate a lot of waste and use good water to get rid of it , but it can be put to better use. Using Urine and Manure … Continue reading Human Waste: To Flush or Not?
Introduction to Permaculture – Book Review
When I took the Permaculture Design Course, this book by Bill Mollison was our textbook. Bill wrote a much bigger volume on Permaculture, but this introduction goes over the basics to get you started. Why Permaculture Design? What I really liked about Permaculture was using its principles to get the most return with the least … Continue reading Introduction to Permaculture – Book Review
Homesteading Considerations
Before jumping in, there are many homesteading considerations you should look at. First, what are your homestead goals, what are you really trying to accomplish by doing it? Personal Goals Your goals will affect everything else you are going to do and the scope of you project. Try to be as specific as possible in … Continue reading Homesteading Considerations
Getting a Portable Generator
Back in 2011, the U.S. economy seemed unstable. Rather than wait for the bottom to fall out, I purchased a portable generator. To prepare for possible emergencies, I also filled some large plastic containers with shelf-stable food. I bought a water filter, a hand-powered clothes washer, and a propane range. Portable Propane Generator Limited Usability … Continue reading Getting a Portable Generator
Big Project Problems
We have been trying to get a house built on our property in Florida for over two years. Surprisingly, the worst problem with this big project hasn’t been finances—it’s been people! Other people and their ideas can create the biggest problems . . . and sometimes the best solutions. First Step for Our Big Project … Continue reading Big Project Problems
Exhausted from Heat and Summer Work
My husband and I spend many weekends on our property; feeding plants and making improvements at our homestead in Florida. At our respective jobs during the week, we sit in front of computers in an air conditioned office. I never expected to get exhausted from heat working outside. We headed out to our property on … Continue reading Exhausted from Heat and Summer Work