1) Due to a hazard issue, we're changing the kitchen design around. The stove will NOT be very close to the sink. As a matter of fact it will be as far away as we can get it!!! (I'll add the new floor plan as soon as it's done)
2) We had discussed and even jumped in to making an income by using "homestead" skills, knowledge & by selling home made items. We're actually rethinking that. Yes, we can use these things to save our family money and may use them at times, for bartering ... but the more we do, the further away I get from my dreams and calling. We've decided to remove all distractions. We may be offering some items for sale soon .. such as bottles (for vanilla), fabric spray paints ... but then again, we may not.
3) Someone suggested we consider using an above ground swimming pool for our (non-potable) water collection. We could collect rain water or haul our supply in. Honestly, the cost alone makes it very enticing!!! A 3000 gallon tank would cost around $1200.00 but we could get a 5000 gallon pool for $350.00 Makes one think, yes? We'd put it on pallets (to keep it off the ground) and cover the pallets with carpet (so the bare wood wouldn't damage the liner). We'd certainly have to build an enclosure for weather proofing ... but we're thinking free pallets would do it. Then we could "insulate" it by stacking bales of straw/hay around the walls. The roof would have to have a pipe coming out of it, to enable water to get in to the pool & we'd have a pump connected from the pool to the pipes for the house. We're pretty sure it could all be done for $500.00 or less.
4) The shy's the limit here!!! We should build our dreams ... even if it's one piece at a time.
