I have been bust this week with presenting a couple of keynote speeches and some trainings and I now have a nice little purse. I have been putting together a shopping list. The list is a good idea as it’s really easy to make impulsive purchases and regret it later. Here’s what I have so far.
Heirloom seed collection: I just ordered a catalog for Baker Seeds because they sell some seed collections that I have seen and liked. I could certainly spend less if the seeds were purchased separately but these seeds are packed for long-term storage in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. The selection is excellent. I have used Baker Seeds in the past and the germination rate was fine. It’s a big spend but I think a good one.
Tattle lids: I have very mixed feelings about these lids but I still think they are worth the investment.
Volcano Stove: I like the looks of this stove and the reviews are good. I’m not getting the propane attachment as I have a good camp stove. I have good stash of charcoal but I will get more of that as well.
Nails, screws, fasteners of all kinds.
Quality outerwear.
The rest of the Foxfire series.
More winemaking and beer making supplies including corks, a corker and a very large carboy.
More cheesemaking supplies and equipment.
Trees and berries (I really want Sassafras but I’m not sure it will grow here)
I will probably add to my store of wheat berries and sugar.
What would you do with a windfall?
November 10, 2010 at 9:20 am
A windfall! LOL! Where to start. Probably add to my emergency fund, although since I could live with out electricity, water, oil, etc. I would put more money in durable goods–clothing, seeds, alternative cooking, etc. On my list: solar oven, more rain barrels, socks, winter coat, seeds, more berry bushes, sturdy winter shoes. What I get for free: free kindling at furniture factory; free wood for shelving, etc. at another furniture factory; we have a lot of springs here so I keep water jugs in car and fill up when I pass by one. No chlorine keeps clothes looking better for longer, better for my skin,etc. Will have to look into your “stove” and Baker seeds. Do you mean Baker Creek seeds? “Baker” only sells in 3 states. Fedco also good seed source.
November 10, 2010 at 9:24 am
It is Baker Creek.
November 10, 2010 at 9:25 am
Depending on the size of the windfall, a small greenhouse, a hand/solar pump for the well and a woodstove.
If we’re talking a smaller windfall, a larger pressure canner, air beds, a Volcano stove and a long-range rifle. Oh, and a working treadle sewing machine.
November 10, 2010 at 11:18 am
photovoltaics
November 10, 2010 at 11:30 am
I think it would depend on the size of the windfall. With something modest, I’d do mostly what you mention, except I’d stock up also on some fleece lined leather work gloves, for autumn and winter outdoor work. I have one pair, and they’re the bomb. With a bigger windfall, I’d get help from a really good mason to design an oven that would function to both bake bread and heat a sauna. The idea being that the sauna would have a front room that would support cooking/baking during the summer, and function as a dressing room for the sauna in winter. Then of course, we’d build the sauna/summer kitchen around the oven. Oh, and I’d probably splurge too on the double-baffle insulating window blinds for the whole house.
November 10, 2010 at 3:36 pm
I’d build a summer kitchen to take the load off our house in this southern climate. I’d have someone re-design my backyard to make it a sustainable Eden. I’d plant lots of trees. I’d do the photovoltaics too — our roof faces south/southwest. I’d build my son a proper blacksmith’s shop, backed up to a palatial chicken coop.
I’ve already purchased the CL grain mill, so my immediate lust for stuff is satisfied. But dreaming of the big payoff is fun! Donna
November 10, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Seeds, barrels (food grade), barrels (fuel) & fuel, bees & equipment, rabits & equipment, bullet casting equipment (also handy for other casting, another couple of solar panels with a converter and betteries.
Oil press and cider press. Brush Hog.
That should take care of any windfall I might get. lol
It’s so easy to do when you are homesteading!
November 10, 2010 at 7:24 pm
The volcano stove is on my list as well- I would love to hear about your experience with it after you get one!
November 11, 2010 at 2:19 am
Welding equipment, a 12 DC portable winch that works off the battery from the PV unit, a large deisel storage tank for off road use (well maybe the tractor and the deisel car can share)and fencing of all kinds
November 11, 2010 at 10:34 am
I got some tattler lids this summer. You have to slow down a little when canning, to be sure you’ve really wiped your jar rims well and have seated the rings etc properly and tightened things up when they come out of the canner, but all of mine sealed (I miss the “ping!” and you have to wait for them to be fully cool before testing the seal). I only got them this year so I don’t know how well they will do in the “re-use” department.
I have high hopes, even though I have reservations about it. I figured that if re-using doesn’t work out so well, then at the very least the used ones could go on jars that store things which don’t need processing (like dried herbs or beans).
If I had a sudden influx of cash I’d use some to put a multi-fuel heating/cooking stove in our basement. And pay down some debt.
November 11, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Hmmmm. I’m saving up for a wood burning cook stove for the kitchen, so I’d love to buy one sooner. Also, a pressure canner and PV panels for the roof. Whilst I’m writing a wish list, maybe a grain mill too…
November 11, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Why do people have reservations about the tattler lids? I’ve never heard of them before and am wondering if it would make sense to get some. I’d like to avoid having to buy new lids every year and having old useless lids sitting around. What are the pros and cons of the tattlers?
Christine
November 11, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Both Jackie Clay and Food in Jars have reviewed the Tattler lids. Both seemed very pleased.
November 13, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Hi Kathy, I have the volcano stove and it is great! A very good investment. I enjoy cooking on mine – and it’s nice that it takes both wood and charcoal AND propane with the adapter. Excellent choice!
I’m looking at the Baker Creek catalog right now, lol! Well, before I got on your site