Thursday, September 20, 2012

Cutting costs

Some of the ways I am saving money while I get through the tuff time. Many of these ways I have implemented, and will keep doing even when I am doing just fine! Really, I am almost grateful, as it is forcing me to go back to a simpler way of life, which is where I want to be, but sometimes it's hard letting go of some of the modern 'conveniences' we are so used to.

Got rid of the TV last June. Saves me about $70/month.  That's $840 per year! Funny thing is that I don't really miss it like I thought I would, and I am WAY more productive. If I want to relax, I play with the dogs, or read a book.

Cutting electricity - no TV to plug in. I make sure I turn off the computer and printer and all the little gadgets attached each night, then I also turn off the surge protector thingy, so nothing is pulling a charge. I stopped using the dishwasher - didn't work well anyway - I always had to redo most of the dishes in the sink afterwards. Why was I continuing to waste all that water and electricity, anyway?? Admitedly, I am not the best at doing the dishes, but I am trying to keep up.

Growing my own - growing my own veggies, and raising my own poultry has been a big help. My grocery bill averages $20-$50 a month right now! Which is amazing. I used to spend about $300/month. I am going to be trying goat meat soon, too, and hope to get a couple of beef cows for next spring. Then, my bill will be almost nothing. I am keeping a few turkeys from this batch for myself, and I am going to learn to make turkey sausages with them.

Driving - this one is hard when you live in the boonies, and are still trying to have a life. I am trying VERY hard to cut down on the driving I have to do - both a gas and time savings. Some weeks I win, some weeks I lose. This one is a work in progress. I would do better if I quit all the dog sports I like to do, but not willing to give those up! Driving drives me nuts - it is such a time suck! I always think of how many other things I could be getting done if I didn't have to go so many places.

These are the big ones... besides just not buying any stuff!! I am also doing research on how to live without a fridge. It is actually quite simple for the most part, but I really need a root cellar built before I can venture into that one. Just think of the electricity it would save!!!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Gardens and Water...??

I needed to take a moment to brag about my gardens this year. Again:-) Even though my well is pretty much empty, and each seperate little garden bed has only been watered once in the last 6 weeks, the plants look amazing! The miracle of it is that they are all bearing fruit still, and look super healthy and happy.  For some reason, I am still getting lots and lots of veggies from everything... it's amazing! I've been told it may be because I used the microizzha fungus with all my seeds, and it helps to send the roots deeper, where they can get moisture even without watering or rain. STILL no significant rain. We are up to about 12 weeks without a rainfall. It's the middle of Sept... it really should be rainy by now! Then again, once it starts, it probably won't stop for the next six months, and I'll be complaining about that:-)

Delicata Squash

Kakai pumpkin

Snack Jack pumpkin (hull-less seeds... delicious for roasting!)

Spaghetti squash

Ambassador Zucchini

Eight Ball Zucchini

Second crop potatoes

Spaghetti squashes

Some pics to show a few of my treasures this year. Maybe I don't need as much water as I thought I did... I do plan on expanding the gardens like crazy... I want to grow at least 10 varieties of squash next year - they are a fast, fun and profitable crop. People always buy the funky looking ones!

Flooded Driveway

Flooded Driveway
Too much RAIN!