John F Dean

Hi Rico,

Actually, I am very much a straight talking negotiator.   I ask for the price, and that is the one I assume is meant. My local dealer knows my approach.   Many years ago he caught on when I bought from someone else. He asked me why I didn’t come back to him with the lower offer …he could have beat it.  I told him that when he told me that was his lowest possible offer, I assumed he was telling the truth.   He learned quickly.  

After I tripped and fell through my screen door, I realized I had strained  myself.

We lived in northern MN and finally moved to southern Illinois.  Climate was one of the factors for the move. We had snow in June.  We were on a hill that was hit less by frost than surrounding areas.  Heavy use of compost early in the growing season seemed to help to raise the soil temp.  For more temperature intolerant crops we made use of plastic tunnels.

If I were to do it again, I would use lots of raised beds that were designed to be covered. I would also invest in a high tunnel with a wood stove. The stove would not be there for regular use… just for those occasional odd temp drops

I settled on a Chevy Trax ( I still have the truck).  My motivation was the potential for the Nissan CVT, with 155,000 miles, to break down in nowhere and leave me stranded. At the age of 25 this would not be a concern. In my uppers 70s, it could be exciting. So realizing that I now drive 3000 miles a year instead of 50000, I went for basic.

Anyway I had a a Dr appointment, so I went to the big city. The dealer there gave me much more for my trade in and the price on the Trax was much less than the local place. Then there was a problem.  Anyway, they wanted me to secure the car with my credit card……BUT they really couldn’t give me the bottom line price.  So, I kept my credit card and told them to call me when they figured out the bottom line.

The next morning they called and wanted me to drive another 160 mile round trip to discuss the price.  Of course, I was confused as to why they could not tell me on the phone.  Well, they really couldn’t come up with a reason, so the salesman finally named the named the price ….odd even with the trade in being subtracted , the price jumped by $7000.00.  I guess closing costs can be a bitch.

My local dealer turned out having the lowest bottom line.  As for the Trax, the ride quality feels a little like a late 60s VW Bug.  It is certainly more stable when a semi goes by.  For my first trip, it says it got 42 mpg.  For the curious, engine noise wise, there is no indication it is a 3cyl engine.

Edit: Just made a 60 mile trip.  MPG was 49.6.  

Hi Hal,

It’s great to have you with us.

I am proud of myself.  I started my day by doing 50 crunches. Then I switched from potato chips to nachos and did another 50 crunches.

I certainly wouldn’t let anyone get away with calling me a Control Freak!

Like Thomas, we keep a shopping list. Like Thomas, sometimes it makes to the store with us.   Shopping has shifted its meaning. Our primary shopping trips are maybe 4 times a year to the Big City that is 80 miles away. Those times of the year the garden is not functioning, we probably shop about every 2 weeks spending maybe $25.00….on the 30 mile trip for milk and produce.

With the distances and gas prices I am looking more at online shopping.  That 30 mile trip (one way) mentioned above costs $25.00 for fresh produce…an extra $15.00 for gas …and another $20+ for a meal.  Within the last 30 days we made the huge mistake of sitting down in a Dennys and ordering breakfast without looking at the menu.  The tab came to just under $50.00.   It was our first trip in a couple of years to a sit down restaurant …and probably our last.

I see many variables.  I suspect, as you hint at, this is hugely a matter of individual preference. I am sure location is a major issue as well. At one time I figured that in the Midwest I would want 20 acres if I was going to raise livestock with the goal of self-sufficiency. I have never owned 20 acres … nor I have I been self sufficient.  

Of course, your question is about the good life. For many, including myself, it is different than being self sufficient.  I do like having 11 acres.  It is not to raise food on….but it is to provide a buffer between my neighbors and me.   So for me, 10 acres is critical for my personal satisfaction.  It also contains a large pond that  the Wood Ducks seem to appreciate, as do the Herons and migrating geese. This has nothing to do with self-sufficiency but much to do with the good life.  

As I age, I am moving more toward container gardening near my back deck that I appreciate.  I am also experimenting with Paul’s food pump concept.  I still have a large garden, but I plant crops that need less attention there. It is nice to have those vegetables, but I doubt if I need them for  the good life. I recently opened up a jar of 2016 tomatoes from my basement.  I know I posted on Permies that I have at least a years supply of food in the house.  I suspect I it goes well beyond that.

Hi Anne,

The county has zero interest.   The state EPA has taken a minimal interest.  We are one of the smallest counties in the state, so we don’t draw a great deal of attention.