I’ve been out with the first mow of the season. My poor cold pile compost box came apart at the seams. Time to dig it out – I’m sure it is root bound from the silver maple tree above it. I’ll reassemble the box tomorrow.
Also, my pryamid composters are working okay, but can not produce the amount of compost I need for the garden beds. I’m going to build a DIY compost tumbler. If I get it together soon enough, I can put the pyramids into the neighborhood garage sale in 2 weeks.
Seedlings continue to flourish indoors in the east windows.
Filed under: frugality, garden, home, joi de vivre, locavore, sustainability | Tags: frugality, simplicity, sustainability
I have many goals both professional and personal. These are the goals associated with the homestead.
- Don’t go digital on February 17. It’ll save money and liberate time.
- Commit to an anti-inflammation (mostly vegetarian) lifestyle.
- Eat 75% local (100 mile
) nutrition. - Eliminate packaged foods to all extent possible.
- Reduce waste in the household. Increase recycling.
- Determine and follow a financial plan and schedule for home improvements (roof, bathroom, deck, etc).
- Expand the garden beds.
- Plant dwarf fruit trees.
- Implement rain water catchment for irrigating the garden beds.
- Ride my bike for enjoyment at least twice a week, weather permitting.
- Use bike/trailer to do local shopping on weekend.
- Ride to work at least once a week.
- Continue reducing “things” in the house aka the 100 Thing Challenge.
- Explore different compost systems to maximize production and minimize space.
Filed under: frugality, joi de vivre, sustainability | Tags: bicycle, frugality, simplicity, sustainability, transportation
bicycle and trailer
I have several goals related to this bike & trailer for 2009 – grocery shopping, library, farmer’s market, and work. The main impediment to using the bike is the lack of safe routes, traffic and the careless Illinois drivers. Early morning trips on the weekend are safest. Getting to and from work is problematic.
My bike and safety accessories cost me around $400. This was a major purchase for me. I needed comfort and safety. The trailer was purchased from a friend who was moving for $50. It is a two child trailer which provides plenty of cargo space. My intent was to ride to/from work but this goal was delayed because I hurt my lower back in September 2008. Now I am healthier and plan to make 2009 a good year for the bicycle.
Tulip Tree: Urban Homestead in Central Illinois 