Barb Morris

Ten years ago, when I needed to create a second paddock for my horses, I used an old trampoline as a shelter from the sun for them. With help, I simply lifted and fastened the trampoline onto 4x4's that had been fastened into some of those quick, deck supports. A few years ago, my horses went to live at my friend's place, but the 'temporary' shelter is still (literally) hanging in there.

I’ve been living off-grid for the last 14 years. Refrigeration has been a bit of a struggle. At the beginning, I bought a lovely looking, antique icebox, but it didn’t do what I needed. I tried ice cubes, ice blocks, wrapped the ice in newsprint, covered it in sawdust, lined the icebox with extra 1” foam insulation…..nothing I did gave me more than a day, at best.

I also tried the Zeer pot with the two clay pots, sand and water. Unfortunately, the Nova Scotia climate doesn’t lend itself to that method.

Then I picked up a small, RV 3-way fridge and used it on propane for many years. Other than the 20 lb tank that I needed to fill every 18 days or so, it served my refrigeration needs.

When the fridge pooped out, rather than have it repaired I switched to a Mobicool 12 v cooler because I had increased the size of my solar array in the years prior. Other than not having an option for frozen food, this cooler has worked very well for me and I no longer have the propane expense.

I’ll add that last summer I learned how to pressure can meat and that replaced my need for a freezer (other than wanting ice cubes and the occasional ice cream).

Who would have thought Tupperware would provide a tool that could land itself on this list. It's called a Power Chef and genuinely is a great little rig. I live with only a few solar panels, so power is limited most of the time. I came across this accidentally and bought it second-hand, though unused. This thing is sharp enough to chop a whole carrot in moments and can make a smoothie with just a few pulls. Honestly. It's great.

Regarding pins: I've been trying to find sharp, sewing pins for years and have been completely unsuccessful. One fabric store told me that it has been a problem across the board and they recommended I search antique or thrift shops in hopes that an old sewing kit might be found. I still have some old pins from when I was young and they glide through fabric easily, but the newer ones usually bend as I try to push them in. Very irritating.

I've made buttons out of the clay that you simply bake in an oven. Easily found at craft stores, it comes in a variety of colors. You can form them into whatever size you are needing and use a heavy needle or skewer to punch the required holes.

I have been making my own toothpaste for probably close to 10 years. The recipe is very simple and (based on visits to the dentist) very effective.

Combine:

1/2 cup Xylitol
6 heaping teaspoons coconut oil
Essential oil to taste (I use 25 drops of orange Doterra oil)

Store in a small, flat jar and use as you would regular toothpaste.

Hi Jesse,

Certainly Canada qualifies in the 'civilized' department and I would hope I end up qualifying as a kindred spirit.

So sorry to hear that you were screwed over! It is so clear to me that the regular system is not there to help the worker bees and yet the majority of folks seem oblivious to it. In some ways I just hide down my long laneway attempting to avoid it all.

I'm pleased you stopped to say hello. Write again if you feel inclined.
Barb

Hi Vera,

I would absolutely welcome a visit! Hopefully you will be understanding of the crazy set-up that I have going here. Far from completed, but the vision is there.

Where have you moved from and what has brought you here?

Looking forward to getting together!
Barb

In the summer of 2007 I bought 55 acres on the South Shore of Nova Scotia and began building from scratch an off-grid homestead. It is still a work in progress, but great strides have been made and it is becoming a very comfortable, albeit very simple life for my teenage son and myself. We live with many animals, solar panels and a small windmill. This upcoming summer (2013) I intend to focus on becoming noticeably more self-sufficient in the food department, but could certainly use assistance from someone more knowledgeable than I am in this department.

Hi there,

Not sure if you are still looking for a forest to garden, but I am in Nova Scotia, Canada and would certainly welcome assistance. You did not mention your age, but I am 52, a single mom, living off-grid on 55 acres. I built the place from scratch, having bought the land almost 6 years ago and it is a serious work in progress, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

This summer I will be focusing on gardening, but could use the help of someone with much more knowledge in that department than I have.

Please send me a quick note to tell me that you are already happily digging away or simply to acknowledge my message. Best of luck!
Barb