Paul Ladendorf

The last time I tried making wood chips was over 15 years ago and I remember it taking a really long time to make a small pile using your typical homeowner chipper. I can get utility trailers full for $25 from the tree service 45 mins. from here but really don't like relying on that. Who is making their own, what size chipper are you using and how much can you make in a day? Thanks.

Originally from Indiana near Chicago, I moved to the mountains in the Chattanooga area in 2000 (best move I ever made). The weather, scenery and people are amazing here (esp. compared to the corn fields of Indiana). 2 years later I bought 8 acres on the mountain and me and another guy built an all wood 400 sq ft cabin (I live in). The property is very nice with a big creek, small pond, garden and young fruit trees in a very peaceful spot back in the woods. I've been self employed for almost 25 years now in retail and real estate. I've been simplifying my life for two decades. I like fishing, growing food, learning about new things, playing & writing music and poetry, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, etc. I also have a rock solid spiritual practice of yoga and meditation. Morals/ethics are super important to me. Looking for a female homesteading partner between 40 and 60 with similar interests and values that's willing to relocate.

Thanks for reading.

Paul

Hey John. Me and my ex used to go to Wildflower Cafe in Mentone. Very cool town. Thanks for the offer.

Hi Andi. Sent you a pm. Thought you might want to see a few pics and not sure how to upload in a PM.

Paul.

Hello Permies,

Currently, we have 3 households on 13 acres about 30 mins from downtown Chattanooga, TN in Bryant, AL. For more info check out ecovillage.harmonywoods.net/how-does-it-work. Have a great day!

David Baillie wrote:The problem with filtration only is that most filters do not filter out gases only particulate. there are some that have a carbon layer but even that is not enough. In a tight house all the surfaces including the humans will be off gassing. The human body emits quite a range of chemicals that should be flushed from the home let alone all the cooking gases, paints, finishes detergents etc...

How do you know that "a carbon layer" is not enough?

My little house in Northeast Alabama is going to be very tight so I'm looking at options to make sure my air quality stays good. Since I live in an area with excellent air quality, I only have to worry about air quality 6 months out of the year since I leave my windows open the rest of the time.  I'm considering an energy recovery ventilation system or an air purifier. What do you use and why?

Mowing takes up a huge chunk of time and seems like such a waste of resources. I was told that dutch clover is a good alternative to grass. Any other good ground covers or alternatives to grass? Thanks.

I've never had farm animals except chickens which I got 6 mos ago. Now I want to tend sheep. But my soil is spent (as proven by soil testing/analysis) as this land was truck farmed for decades and obviously the previous farmers didn't do anything to maintain the soil. With only 5 sheep per acre will they build the soil back up without other inputs? If so, how long should I expect that to take? I assume I'll have to supplement their diet heavily. Any insights or recommendations are appreciated.

Putting together an ecovillage on 13 beautiful rural acres near Chatt, TN based on personal freedom, land stewardship and natural living. Check us out on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/636638273601942/?source_id=106476064371096 or at http://HarmonyWoods.net .  Thanks!