When living in snow country, snow removal becomes a real issue. If snow is left to sit, it eventually becomes impassable even with the best 4 x 4 vehicle. Over the past 4 years, I invested in a "good" deal plow truck that has been nothing but repairs and headaches. This "good" deal has cost … Continue reading Whether to buy a Snow Plow or Not. (Saving Money when it doesn’t feel like it.)
living a sustainable dream
Merry Christmas Eve
This year my wife and I have been searching for peace. We have been trying to slow things down this season. We have spent a couple evenings listening to the Christmas carols on our iPod, lighting the candles and lanterns around the Nativity scene, enjoying the quiet serene, discussing little of the day's troubles, and … Continue reading Merry Christmas Eve
Website Changes and Subscriber Update
This website will be going through changes as we organize the content to be more user friendly. The topics will be streamlined to fit our mission to provide content that will help you to save money on or off the grid, so you can increase your disposable income at the end of each paycheck. We … Continue reading Website Changes and Subscriber Update
Making Sushi on the Homestead
Sushi, people love it or either hate it. We were never big Sushi fans during most of our marriage. Given the choice of a juicy grilled sandwich at Whole Foods or a roll of Sushi, sandwich would win almost every time. That was until we learned how to make our own Sushi. Now every few … Continue reading Making Sushi on the Homestead
Best Wool Coat for $6.50: A 25 Year Review in the Making
How is it possible a wool coat could last 40 years and in almost perfect condition? My wool coat was purchased in our first year of marriage 25 years ago. I am amazed that it has lasted this long, you could take that either way. To have a coat that hasn't fallen apart with regular … Continue reading Best Wool Coat for $6.50: A 25 Year Review in the Making
Snow in September!
Today is the 28th of September, and we have snow flurries. I don't expect much to come of it; I'm just not ready for winter to start this early. The first official day of fall was just last week, and our leaves haven't even changed colors yet. That's just life in Northern Idaho. Expect the … Continue reading Snow in September!
How to Pressure Can Green Beans is a Snap!
All can goods on the shelf in the grocery store can be done at home. When I was younger, the only canned food I ever saw my mom produce in our kitchen was peaches, pears, and jam. I grew up thinking only large corporations had the secret of canned goods placed for our modern convenience … Continue reading How to Pressure Can Green Beans is a Snap!
Math in the Real World: Pythagorean Theorem
When are we ever going to use a2 + b2 = c2 in the real world? I asked this question in math class. I am unsure if I ever received an answer until I began building my off grid paradise. Recently, I plotted the footprint for my shop’s foundation. My math teacher should have handed … Continue reading Math in the Real World: Pythagorean Theorem
How to Can Tomato Sauce the Easy Way
My wife's tomato sauce is a great treat! She preserves the taste of our beautiful garden fresh tomatoes throughout the year. When September rolls around, we can see a variety of heirloom tomatoes entering the kitchen for processing. Store bought tomatoes don’t even come close to the taste of a fresh tomato off the vine in … Continue reading How to Can Tomato Sauce the Easy Way
Fixing a 7 Year Mistake
Plumbing is not my profession. I have little to no knowledge of plumbing except what I have read online, in books, conversations with others who have experience, and the trial and error approach. Seven years ago, I made a mistake when installing my pressure tank, and we lived with that mistake until it failed completely. … Continue reading Fixing a 7 Year Mistake
