Alan Loy

I imagine so, I've not done it myself

Two additional options

marinate in your preferred acid based marinade (wine, lemon etc)

strip the carcass and then mince/grind the meat then use as you would ground beef

As has been mentioned slow cooking is the answer.  Most cultures have recipes for slow cooked meats and with the internet they are easily available.  Some experimentation will add some recipes to you portfolio.

Travis Johnson wrote:

paul wheaton wrote:Allerton abbey was empty over this winter.

That is really too bad, and I wished I lived closer as I think the WOFATI Design is rather unique, and would like to study its finer features more. I think it has a lot of potential as a low cost building system that provides a lot of comfort for low cost. We live on a hill so we get blasted by the wind, and trust me when I say, my wife and I covet the thought of hunkering underground in peace and harmony when the wind is blowing 35 knots or more.

I was hoping to build an underground retirement house for me and my wife, but after clearing the lot this winter, we realize the soil is just far too thin. It has a nice view, so with ledge rock 3 inches down, we are thinking about going in the opposite direction and building up. Probably anchor a Fire Tower Cabin to the rock and have a view even if the wind sloshes the water in the toilet! It is not really what we want, I think going underground has a lot more going for it, but blasting rock with dynamite and hauling in soil is just too costly for this site.

Would an earthship ish design work there?

Thanks for the thoughtful replies.

I guess the title of this thread was a bit more provocative than literally true, but I have no interest in gardening or farming, whilst I acknowledge their importance. There are many things that interest me just not them.  As well as my trades I am also interested in building and appropriate technology more generally.

I have been on Permies and have followed Paul's journey for some years now and it struck me that seldom are the central issues confronted at the Lab a result of agricultural problems, even if most of the time is spent on them (and construction)

I am sure that there is a place for many of the existing professions in a permaculture future.  Personally I am unwilling to go without a decent medical system, the rule of law and order etc.

David Holmgren's retrofitting suburbia has some interesting things to say (reterosuburbia looks interesting but I haven't read it yet).

Surely there is a place for specialization in any future as without it how can we develop the excellence needed to come up with good solution to problems.  Here I think of Ernie and Erica as two shining examples.

Coming from OZ where the water does not go hard, the traditional method was to have a water tank in an elevated position that would provide water until it ran out.  You filled the tank by whatever was the preferred option.  Worked then, still works now.

I acknowledge the need to change the way we live, BUT, I can't think of anything worse than being a farmer.

I think that the 2 major trades of my life, hospitality and education are essential for any civilized society.  Does permaculture have a place for those weird people like me that want to avoid farming?

I was always impressed by the American story of Johhny Appleseed.  It might be worth promoting, perhaps with a modern twist.

If you decide to go with the multiple building concept then a look at the Balinese traditions (which follow the Hindu traditions) might provide some ideas.

Multiple buildings also give you options in what you heat and how much.  The use of covered walkways make the complex quite usable.

This thread may be some use https://permies.com/t/47813/easy-stone-construction-Dhajji-Dewari