The ability to store fruits and vegetables long-term at your own house is an idea that will never go out of fashion. Read here and download building plans for making your own root cellar no matter what your situation.
Continue ReadingHOW TO PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL PERFECTIONISM: Too Much “Sustainability” Isn’t Sustainable
Are you feeling guilty about the environmental impact of your life? Are you having trouble reconciling your ideals for sustainability and the realities of making it happen around you? I have a personal story that might bring wisdom, perspective and […]
Continue ReadingHELPLESSNESS, HUMILITY & A SWIMMING RAFT (Plus Project Plans!)
I’ve only felt deeply and undeniably helpless once in my life, but it taught me a valuable lesson. Perhaps it will help you, too. A family of otters had something to do with the whole thing. It happened when my […]
Continue ReadingSOLAR ENERGY Q&A: “Where Can I Learn More About Household Solar Energy?
Q: Where can I learn more about making solar energy a reality in a country home I’m planning to build? I need facts about the costs of various parts of the system, different suppliers and technologies, plus some sense of maintenance […]
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Learn More from Bailey Line Road
Wood Splitter Review: See the Best Selling Model in Canada Close Up
Thinking of getting a wood splitter? Check out my video review of the best selling wood splitter in Canada. Except for one minor issue, I like it a lot. See how this economical model works in both horizontal & vertical splitting modes; see how the engine layout is open, making maintenance easy; watch the aggressive wedge pop firewood apart quickly, and more.
Continue ReadingTIMBER FRAME HOME: Canadian Craftsman Keeps Tradition Alive & Flourishing
Every so often I discover someone whose passion for craftsmanship is strong enough to endure a lifetime spent doing something else. That’s why Ottawa, Canada timber framer Ray Gibbs is worth meeting. He spent a 34-year career working as an […]
Continue ReadingSNOWBLOWER BUYING ADVICE: Options to Keep a Rural Driveway Clear
Q: What’s the best way to clear snow from my long rural driveway? I’m a newly-single woman with a 16 year old son living on an old farm. My driveway is 800 meters (875 yards) long and last year we […]
Continue ReadingTIPS FOR BUILDING STEEL PIPE LIGHT FIXTURES
In this week’s video episode, see how threaded steel pipes can be used to make excellent light fixtures; learn how specific sizes & types of steel pipe fittings make sense for light fixtures; discover an inexpensive light socket that works well with a specific size of steel fitting . . .
Continue ReadingFREEZE-PROOFING A WATER LINE: Watch a Real-World Installation Happen
In this week’s video episode, see how a seasonal cottage property is converted for year-round running water; watch a smart heating cable is installed directly inside a shallow water line; see how
pipe insulation and an outer protective casing is applied to the pipe; learn how more or less heat is applied along the length of the cable, depending on temperature.
WORK GLOVES: 100 Year-Old Canadian Firm Protects Workers & Heals Warriors
UPDATED 14 Dec2019: In 2018 I discovered a Canadian work glove manufacturer that I’m surprised I hadn’t found before. I use work gloves almost every day, but never thought much about glove design until I came across a British Columbia, […]
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