This spring has been great. Never a dull time on the homestead. I've been a plumber, electrician, carpenter, mechanic, gardener, rancher, sheep shearing assistant, and much more. The cherry on top is attempting to be a decent husband and father -- which is also the most challenging.
This week our good friend let us borrow his skid steer to get some work done. It's pretty crazy how much work can be done in three days with that machine. By hand it would have taken me so long that I likely wouldn't have done some of those jobs. We were able to move a huge mound of soil, level a platform for a future building, move fencing, move and mound a huge pile of manure for garden compost, and move a bunch of large hay bales.
We also had the local government come check up on our plumbing (greywater system) and humanure operation. They don't know a whole lot about humanure but are being mellow about it. They would like us to fence it in to keep animals and kids back. That is understandable enough; we'll try and get that done soon. We'd like it if they swing by again that we can be marked off their list of people to check up on. I showed them the state of two-year-old humanure composted which was dirt. Also shared some basic ideas on the how safe it is and recommended he read "The Humanure Handbook" to alleviate any concerns he might have. It would be awesome if he started to promote the practice to people where it would be a good fit -- instead of promoting nasty plastic portable outhouses full of chemicals.
Anyways, just wanted to share a small update. Very busy, lots to do. I would love to read and write more, but that seems like a winter sport overall.
I'm still working on the DIY solar system write-up. I might send it out not as polished as I'd like if I don't have the time to fine tune it as much as I'd prefer. It's in a pretty good state but I want to add some examples for people. That might take more time than I have right now. I might put it out sooner rather than later and then put an updated version out later on when I have time.
Anyways you all have a great day, week, and beyond!