It’s been a while since I’ve written and it may seem that’s because I haven’t anything new to report but it’s been quite the opposite- too much on the go and not enough hours in the day. Add to which at any given time, I have a dozen ideas on the go and it’s just painstakingly difficult to focus on one thing long enough to write. Our seeds have been ordered (one set already received), we received confirmation of our order for trees and bushes, we bought our power system (less the batteries which we’ll buy closer to the move-in date), we’re busy making firebricks, experimenting with vegetarian meals, and- of course- loads of studying going on.
Since we went ahead and committed to a system, I figured I should learn everything that I can about off-grid systems- PV arrays, batteries, wiring, chargers and inverters, gensets and so on. Holy f*ck. This isn’t my first round of studying this stuff but it might as well be- I feel so overwhelmed. I’ve often thought that stupid people must have such relaxed, pleasant lives but I’ve reconsidered that position. My experience with it is that it’s downright frustrating.
Today I decided to break away from the power side of things and examine landscape design in more detail. It has to be decided by spring as well. I’m thinking of adding a few keyhole gardens to the mix, possibly with the intention of bringing them all together down the road as one big mandala garden. I started soil building last year and will continue with raised beds this year given the condition of the soil out here, add to which with the exception of last year we have limited rainfall at best. Keyhole gardens sound like my best option for maximizing use of available space and limited water.
Well, my head is swimming. Just thought I’d touch base and let you know what’s going on with the Canadian dirtbags these days.
SO MUCH HAPPENING! What a time to be alive. Onward, dirty-fingernailed soldiers.
It is good that you have a lot going on. Sometimes just a picture will do.
Nice to hear you guys are still going strong! Life is most rewarding, I think, when we are living it to the fullest.
The power stuff ain’t so bad. DC power especially is pretty simple. Positive and negative. Two wires make the world go ’round. Nail down series and parallel circuits, and you’re home free. Inverters, charge controllers… They’re all “plug and play”. Don’t sweat it, once you get to playin’ with the stuff it will come easily.
Thanks folks. It is good to have a lot going on, right? I’m not feeling it right now but glad to hear that someone thinks so. Can’t wait for spring- I’m ready to give my brain a rest and just focus on the manual labour. But wait for it- I’ll probably whine about that too.