For the past few months, I have been trying to build our own bicycle generator. Soon it became a sort of obsession as I tried to take an old exercise bike and convert it to a human powered generator. These past few weeks, I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. … Continue reading It Really Works… Introducing the Bicycle Generator.
off grid
Off Grid electricity is NOT free.
I believe I am guilty of promoting free energy on the off grid homestead, and during the summer months it appears that way. However, during the winter months cloudy skies make solar energy creation improbable, and it's the battery bank that keeps the home's electricity going from day to day. When the fog and inversion … Continue reading Off Grid electricity is NOT free.
When the Battery Bank Dies…
At the end of this past summer, our battery bank of seven years decided to die. It was an interesting cascade failure event. One batter cell went dead and could not be revived, then another battery flagged a similar problem. Pretty soon I was isolating batteries that would no longer hold a 6 Volt change. … Continue reading When the Battery Bank Dies…
Ready for Winter and a string of bad luck
These past few months have been full of various trials with our vehicles. Our cars have reached that age in which we have to choose to repair them or sell them. It seems like nothing is going right, but despite all that has happened, I am grateful for my wife, son, our homestead, and the … Continue reading Ready for Winter and a string of bad luck
Autumn in North Idaho
My wife and I were blessed to take a date day and see autumn in it's full glory. No plans, just drive and see where it would take us. We followed the trees to my favorite spot in downtown Sandpoint. The colors were brilliant, the sky crystal blue and the lake pristine. Here's a video … Continue reading Autumn in North Idaho
Electric Chainsaw Work in the Forest (For prepper’s?)
I am using dyed diesel instead of gasoline to cut trees in the woods. The Winco tractor generator helps power my electric chainsaw. I wanted to see if it was possible to gather firewood with an electric chainsaw, and it was. However, I have found it more feasible to use the gas powered chainsaw to … Continue reading Electric Chainsaw Work in the Forest (For prepper’s?)
Firewood, and why this YouTube Channel is not Successful
The end of summer is upon us and the firewood is in. During this video of gathering firewood over the course of one day, I discuss why the Living a Sustainable Dream YouTube Channel is not successful. I also explain the importance of taking a much needed break from social media. If you have struggled … Continue reading Firewood, and why this YouTube Channel is not Successful
Battery Rotation, EV Bag, How Fast a VP Gas Can Pours and More
Playing the battery rotation game. During this short video, I cover such topics as an Everyday Vehicle Bag for people who do much of their own vehicle roadside assistance, symptoms of a failing camshaft sensor in our PT Cruiser, and demonstrating the speed in which a VP Racing Fuel can actually pour because of its … Continue reading Battery Rotation, EV Bag, How Fast a VP Gas Can Pours and More
Breakfast a labor of love
Our wood cook stove is truly the heart of the home during the winter. It heats the home, cooks our food, and heats the home's domestic hot water. Thanks for joining us on this quick video on us cooking breakfast on the wood cook stove, a true labor of love. If you have never cooked … Continue reading Breakfast a labor of love
Snowplow Success!
This is my final post on the snowplow this year. It has been a battle with the carburetor, battery and electrical system, as well as a replacement of the entire pump and motor assembly. I am happy to say the snowplow truck functioned the entire season without a major break down unlike the 1st and … Continue reading Snowplow Success!
