Douglas Alpenstock

Fractional distillation by freezing can recover useful water for trees etc. The ice formed is fairly pure while the brine underneath is concentrated.

The salty brine still remains, stronger but in less volume. That doesn't really solve the original problem. I wonder -- could it be used as an ice melter on roadways?

Jeremy VanGelder wrote:It seems to me that a lot of prepping (not all, but a lot of it) is just an alternative form of consumerism. "But this food now, before food runs out. Pay your utility bills ahead (by buying propane or solar panels) so you don't have to worry about shortages."

... I think the Permies approach to preparedness is better.

The lady in the video does work herself into a bit of a lather. Though in current circumstances it's true that the rising cost of transportation (diesel) will cause an upward trend in prices of everything in the store. Shortages in food and fuel are unlikely, unlike on other continents. But if you have the means it's canny to lay in some extra stock at current prices.

I live in the system to a large degree, but I know the "grid" goes wonky sometimes. So like you I value having a more resilient, old-timey system in place that is not completely dependent on supply chains. This approach turns a fear-driven panic situation into an annoying but tolerable pain in the posterior. My 2c.

Anne Miller wrote:Douglas, wilting the cabbage does not take out the crunch.

It removes the water from the cabbage so that the cabbage doesn't add extra water to the coleslaw, thus watering down the mayo or salad dressing.

Ah! Now I understand. Thanks Anne!

Jay Angler wrote:Snow? What's Snow?  Oh... that white stuff that every few winters, falls from the sky and pisses off our ducks.

Doth a wise person offer contempt to the weather gods? Lest they smite thy land with frost and solid water in apocalyptic measure.

I mow it quite short just before the snow starts coming. It's dormant by then and it helps prevent heavy snow mold (sneezies) and discourages voles (chewies) from nesting everywhere under the snow. Plus, I often clear walking paths or move snow onto trees and long grass is just a nuisance.

My wife reaches for sour cream to temper even small amounts of heat. Me, I say bring it on. (Guess who controls the spicing of the chili? )

No no no! Coleslaw has to be crunchy, say I!

I just came across this site through a different path. Interesting stuff -- good winter longreads.

I was not asked for an email for PDF downloads. They use a Cloudflare are-you-human thing now.

Hmm, this gets my wheels turning. Our seasons are so short -- yet I could be sowing green manure crops because I know when our main garden vegetables will start declining. Hmm!

Love it. There's always a way!