Anyone learning any new-for them-homesteading skills? Are you planning any new ones in the very near future?

-- Cindy (SE In) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001

Answers

I learned to live without electricity for a week, during the icestorms. I would have preferred learning to do any number of other things, but that's the one that came to me.

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), February 01, 2001.

I have learned to look at our place for means to get the things we need first. A new carbuerator equals a bushel of plums. A new modem is worth a sack of castings.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001.

I have learned from Jay the benefit of keeping worms and am really looking forward to starting some soon.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001.

Well since the house we recently moved to has a cistern the big thing we have learned is water conservation. I learned how to build and use a composting toilet. I bought a wringer washer to save water and learned how to use it too. Learned how to melt snow for water during the 2 weeks we were snowed in. I finally learned how to efficiently operate a wood cook stove. Learned how to fell trees. If it was possible I've learned to be a bigger tightwad :o). Plans for the future: Learning to build a pole barn, raise pigs, raise sheep, build a wooden fence from trees on the place.

-- Amanda in Mo (aseley@townsqr.com), February 01, 2001.

I learned to live without electricity myself during a storm, though it was several years back. Didn't bother me all that much. Cooked outside in a fire pit, also used that for hot water. Lighting was with a gas lantern and candles. Kept track of what's going on with a portable multi band radio powered by a small solar panel I had during the day, and batteries at night. I have a small kerosene heater and also a smaller propane heater/cooker for when needed. Actually I rather enjoyed the experience. Things seemed quieter. I could enjoy the night sky without all the light pollution we have in the area too. Another big reason for wanting to move to the country.

-- Bob Johnson (Backwoods_Bob@excite.com), February 01, 2001.

Hi Cindy,

I am learning all about berries this year. I have strawberries, elderberries and blackberries, but i am working on planting new types and doctoring up some old unproductive vines and bushes. Also extending my knowledge of herbs. My biggest physical project is revamping our old barn. It was a milking barn and now it is a small livestock barn, with a stable area.

-- Shau Marie (WI) (shau@centurytel.net), February 01, 2001.

I've signed up for a spinning workshop. If I feel I can handle it, I'll sign up for the month long class next. The same group also offers weaving, felting, knitting (my skills are simple and rusty) and crochet. I plan to take advantage of all of them this spring and summer. I'd like to raise a few sheep when I finally get to move to my dream place. Can't raise much in the way of livestock in my current neighborhood. betty

-- betty modin (betty_m9@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001.

I have also learned how to build a building. I had an old porch torn down and rebuilt by a contractor into a 3 season room (not heated) last fall. I saved all the usable material from the old porch, and combined with left over materials from the new room, I'm building a small shed, 6'x8' in size. Mainly, I'm making it this size because I don't have to get a building permit, anything larger would require one. So far I just have the floor joists put together. When the snow is gone, I'll proceed with the project. Even though not required, I'm building it to code ie: 16" on center studs and the like. I want the practice so I can build something larger when I make my move to a rural area. If this project comes out well I'm planning a sauna, an obsevatory and a tool shed, all to be built whenever I make my move, hopefully in the next year or so. Also learning (by doing) plumbing, wiring and so forth, as in sink/faucet/drain installations in the kitchen and the bathroom as well as vanity and wall cabinet/shelves (over the toilet) installations. Installed 2 exhaust fans too, one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom.

-- Bob Johnson (Backwoods_Bob@excite.com), February 01, 2001.

For several years I consciously made a point of learning something new and useful to the homesteading goal each year. I don't necessarily try to become expert---just basically functional is fine.

So far I've learned to weld, do basic electrical household wiring, carpentry, plumbing, hydraulics, sawmilling and woodworking. I rebuilt my first engine a few years ago. These days its gardening and poultry with a long term eye on applied perma-culture applications. This year will be the first for the farmers market and whatever else comes up. I generally have enuf stuff going on these days I don't lack for something new to learn about.

-- john leake (natlivent@pcpros.net), February 03, 2001.

I've learned never to trust the neighbors fences when it comes to keeping their goats out of my goodies!Got a dog.....

-- Sparrowhawk (Sparrowkiak@yahoo.com), February 06, 2001.

I am learning to knit and will soon start learning to spin in order to take advantage of the beautiful wool from my Angora rabbits.

WE also recently bought an antique treadle sewing machine and are getting it in operation for me to use for my sewing.

We are measuring our chimney and getting ready to install a flue liner or three wall pipe and then to buy a wood-burning stove before next winter because of the high energy prices. Our only heat in our former homestead was wood for many years. (and we know we MUST abide by all the safety rules for our own safety)

We continue to learn new building skills in my husband's handyman busness, which were really beneficial in building a wall onto our rabbit barn this weekend.

We still have so much to learn!!!

I learned to water bath can four years ago! and two can with a pressure canner about two years ago! I also earned ribbons for my jelly at the county fair this year! This is an exciting lifestyle!

-- Suzy in 'Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), February 06, 2001.

I've just today learned that even though we do own three snow sleds that are lots of fun, I really much prefer to snow shoe on our woods trails with our boys. It was much more fun and we could all talk. With the 14 inches of snow we recieved yesterday we neededto pack the trails for the sleds. Seems funny but the sleds were getting bogged down. We tap trees in the springtime for syrup and need to keep the trails open so that we can haul out the sap to our stoves. Lots of work but worth it to spend the time with the boys.

-- michelle (tsjheath@ainop.com), February 07, 2001.