Author Archives: Slocum's Creak

  I keep working towards self sufficiency, but seems an uphill and at times costly learning experience for me since I am learning on my own. That being said. Power Up Your Homestead:    A Guide to DIY Solar PowerThinking about taking your homestead off-grid? You’re not alone. The dream of self-sufficiency often includes aContinue reading “Another post on solar.”

  When Life Throws a Curveball (or Two)   I always thought I knew what a “mid-life crisis” looked like. Maybe a flashy sports car, a sudden urge for adventure, a desperate grasp at lost youth.   But at 61, I figured I was well past that particular milestone. I was settled, grounded, and believedContinue reading “The Uncharterd waters of your 60’s.”

  We were recently given so many potatoes that if we don’t get to dehydrating them soon, they will spoil. I’m experimenting with making instant potatoes and thought I’d share what we are doing here. A Spud-tacular Solution: Dehydrating Potatoes for Long-Term StorageHere in Syracuse, Kansas, a good harvest is something to be celebrated. ButContinue reading “Some thoughts of dehydrating potatoes.”

  I was recently gifted an older boot dryer at a yardsale that was closing down right as I was showing up.   It’s a Dry-Doc for those who may have heard of the brand. It’s a solid unit and looks decent. My only complaint is that the fan doesn’t move a lot of air.Continue reading “Boot dryers.”

  The importance of using words thoughtfully:   The Power of Our Words:   Why Thoughtful Communication MattersIn our fast-paced world, where tweets fly and instant messages abound, it’s easy to forget the profound impact of the words we choose.   I write of this because one carelessly chosen word upended our little corner ofContinue reading “Using words thoughtfully!”

Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 20″ Self-Propelled Mower (Model PBLLM05):   Power and Convenience in the ONE+ Family: Exploring the Ryobi 18V HP Brushless 20″ Self-Propelled Mower (PBLLM05)   For homeowners invested in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem seeking a powerful, convenient, and battery-powered solution for their lawn care, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 20″Continue reading “New mower”

  I’d played around with our solar for a while now, and it just keeps getting more and more serious all the time.   So I got us an off brand 100 amp charge controller. It seems to work well enough, as the power wall nears completion that may well change. It will be comparableContinue reading “A 100 amp charge controller.”

  Turns out my battries are junk, at least for using them to run anything. I could probably use them to run some LEDS or something small.   But sadly, they have bad cells, and apparently, I need a new battery tester.   According to mine they are good but need recharged, which I thoughtContinue reading “Update for the solar system”

  I had thought I would post every day for a year but have decided that I will take Sundays off instead.   Above is our small patch, they spung up about a foot away from where we’d planted the tubers last season. These will be a great addition to our food forest.   AContinue reading “The humble sunchoke”

  Last week, I promised myself and the boys that by today, I would, in fact, wash a load of clothes using solar. It seems the electric company want to charge me a demand use charge every time I do laundry or use anything that pulls a fair amount of electricity.   I’m over it,Continue reading “First wash.”