The Homestead stuff at Fluffy Bottom is definite a work in progress! It seems as though when one project is done another begins. Currently much of the infrastructure is taking shape with a new barn, wood shed, four buildings for the animals, a fruit tree orchard, vegetable garden, and of course the cabin itself. The outbuildings utilize solar panels for lighting and a small amount of electric. Most buildings have water collection off the roofs to suppliment the well. The cabin is heated by wood as well as a wood fired combination grill/smoker/oven outdoors that gets used seasonally. With ten acres of forest there’s always wood to be burnt.
The lifestyle around the homestead works to toward being as self sufficent as possible with a real emphasis on resilency in an uncertain future. Much of the garden products are eaten fresh and surplus stored for winter as well as traded to friends. Storage is by freezing and canning in most cases. Some of the fruits are turned to homestead quality wines and juices.
The animals provide a good deal of manure and bedding for composting as the soils in the area are very sandy and need lots of nutrients every year. On average there’s a yard of two of nice compost available every year and fresh rabbit manure to use in the warmer months.
Eventually the amount of solar generated electricity will be increase to provide lighting and some electric for the cabin with the power company for appliances and back up. Current consumption is only around $40 per month but that includes about $30 in flat fees and taxes.
The work load on the homestead is made easier with a John Deere compact tractor that was purchased new when they offered 0% interest. It definitely makes the job of move large amounts of material easier as well as clearing land, plowing snow, general landscaping and growing area preparation.
One extravigance is the farm truck. It is a 1931 ton and half Dogde truck that runs and is being restored. While it could be just an extra, it will get used in and around the homestead. Structurally it is sound and just needs a little TLC and is quite the “looker”.
Part of the philosophy in homesteading is to constantly find ways to do things differently and so the Homestead is always shifting and changing as new ideas are tried and more efficient infrastructure is added.