UPDATED 29MAY2020 Q: How should my husband and I choose an architect? We’ve bought five acres of waterfront property that’s blessed with interesting topography. We envision a small, green home, perhaps using water reclamation technology and solar energy, incorporating local […]
Continue ReadingTHE BAILEY LINE ROAD CHRONICLES: Chapter 1 – Surprised By Reality
Ever wonder what it’s like to move from the city to a vacant rural property deep in the country? You can read about it all right here. This is the first chapter in my book about the experiences of my wife […]
Continue ReadingWhat’s The Best Way to Finish Wood?
Got some interior wood to finish? Read Steve’s four steps to success and you’ll have a pretty good shot at getting a really smooth, professional-grade results.
Continue ReadingPASTURE MANAGEMENT: Add Seed to Salt to Improve Pasture Quality
UPDATED 15May2020: We’ve been pasturing beef cattle here on Manitoulin Island since 1987, and I’ve learned that the best pastures have much more growing in them than just the wild plants that happen to be there. Productive pastures also have […]
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KEEP IT FLOWING: Video Lesson#8 Getting Lots of Water from a Weak Well
UPDATED 15May2020: Does your water well let you down with chronically insufficient water? Do you run out of water whenever the weather gets dry? Click below and watch (for free) what might be the most valuable part of my online […]
Continue ReadingTHE BAILEY LINE ROAD CHRONICLES: Chapter 13 Mistakes & Lessons from Real Life
This is chapter 13 in my book The Bailey Line Road Chronicles, the 30+ year story about moving from the city to live a modern homestead life deep in the country on Manitoulin Island, Canada. Missed Chapter 12? Click here […]
Continue ReadingCATTLE PASTURE WATER SUPPLY: See Troughs & Special Hose in Action
Click below for a quick tour of the way we deliver water to our grass-fed cattle on pasture. Drinking water-safe hose, water troughs and a little patch of well-used limestone bedrock are what you’ll see. I think you’ll enjoy this […]
Continue ReadingBUILDING A BARREL SMOKER: A Video Plans Tour
UPDATED 24 Apr2020 + plans download: Click below to take a video tour of plan for building a backyard meat smoker using a steel barrel. Using a steel drum, some plumbing valves and a ready-made grate, you’ll be enjoying great tasting […]
Continue ReadingCANES & WALKING STICKS: It’s Easy to Whittle Your Own
UPDATED 23APR2020: I’m seeing more and more people walking with canes & walking sticks these days, but none of the factory-made, metal sticks look all that interesting to me. A home-made, wooden walking stick you whittle yourself is another matter. […]
Continue ReadingRURAL LIFE SKILLS THAT MATTER: A Dozen Tips for Water Wells, Septic Systems, Electricity & Food
UPDATED 23Apr2020 + video: Water wells, septic systems, electricity supplies and food storage – these are four of the biggest practical things you need to deal with directly if you’re a hands-on person leading a hands-on rural life. And success […]
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