What did you do in the garden today?

[Sally PB]

how long can kefir grains stay in freezer?

I have no idea. I can only assume they're still good.

 

[WthrLady]

I

Didn't you lose your entire flock to a marten last year?

lost 14 of 28 two years ago

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Good to have you back @Sueby. I hope your back is feeling better. Some one a day or two ago mentioned they were concerned about not having an outdoor wood burning stove if the SHTF. I think it was @Molpet, not sure. But in a pinch you can use a charcoal grill to burn wood to cook over. That’s on my plan. I’ve got lots of maple and small oak trees that would make a nice fire. If you don’t have a charcoal grill you can take an oven rack and set it on cinder blocks for an improvised stove. Just a thought.

 

[Molpet]

Good to have you back @Sueby. I hope your back is feeling better. Some one a day or two ago mentioned they were concerned about not having an outdoor wood burning stove if the SHTF. I think it was @Molpet, not sure. But in a pinch you can use a charcoal grill to burn wood to cook over. That’s on my plan. I’ve got lots of maple and small oak trees that would make a nice fire. If you don’t have a charcoal grill you can take an oven rack and set it on cinder blocks for an improvised stove. Just a thought.

yes was me, but indoor wood burner stove for heat too
I have an old propane grill the racoons kept chewing the hoses, the burner is probably also shot by now. I keep it figuring I could cook with wood on it. But it won't heat the house lol

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

yes was me, but indoor wood burner stove for heat too
I have an old propane grill the racoons kept chewing the hoses, the burner is probably also shot by now. I keep it figuring I could cook with wood on it. But it won't heat the house lol

I have a fire place and it has helped during a few winter power outages. I also have 4 oil lamps that do in fact create heat. You could get a kerosene heater for indoor use but ventilate to prevent CO level getting high. One thing I’ve noticed is the lamp oil stash I have does have a long shelf life but then that’s not a long term option. I’ve been looking into solar options. Solar generators are a good option but they aren’t cheap. However, the cost of installing a wood stove would likely be more than the cost of the solar generator.

 

[igorsMistress]

I have a fire place and it has helped during a few winter power outages. I also have 4 oil lamps that do in fact create heat. You could get a kerosene heater for indoor use but ventilate to prevent CO level getting high. One thing I’ve noticed is the lamp oil stash I have does have a long shelf life but then that’s not a long term option. I’ve been looking into solar options. Solar generators are a good option but they aren’t cheap. However, the cost of installing a wood stove would likely be more than the cost of the solar generator.

For something long term the wood stove is your better bet. Solar needs maintenance, doesn’t work well when it’s cloudy and will probably die long before the wood stove does. Plus the batteries will need to be replaced eventually.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

For something long term the wood stove is your better bet. Solar needs maintenance, doesn’t work well when it’s cloudy and will probably die long before the wood stove does. Plus the batteries will need to be replaced eventually.

True. However, I’m not looking for long term because I’m on medication that keeps this old body going. When that medication runs out, I would not live very long. Sorry to be a “Debbie Downer.”

 

[igorsMistress]

True. However, I’m not looking for long term because I’m on medication that keeps this old body going. When that medication runs out, I would not live very long. Sorry to be a “Debbie Downer.”

Not at all, you’re realistic. I’m in the same boat.

 

[Molpet]

Problem with wood stove/fireplace is also the insurance company. Some don't want to cover if you have one.

For something long term the wood stove is your better bet. Solar needs maintenance, doesn’t work well when it’s cloudy and will probably die long before the wood stove does. Plus the batteries will need to be replaced eventually.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Problem with wood stove/fireplace is also the insurance company. Some don't want to cover if you have one.

Unfortunately there is a push to alternative energy sources that create electricity. Massachusetts is trying hard to phase out oil furnaces and even natural gas. This is an issue when your electric supplier is experiencing increased frequency in power outages. Scary. Pellet stoves are more “agreeable” because they’re considered a sustainable fuel appliance. The downside is they need electricity to run the pellet auger and exhaust fan. It seems like the powers to be are making it more difficult to be self sufficient.