Ammonite your post reminded me of my mother's great camp oven. It was a dark black metal pot with tight fitting lid (can't remember what it was made of - maybe iron). Mum or Dad would build a fire in a hole and let it burn to hot coals and then bury the whole pot with roast and veg within. I don't remember how long it took to cook but the result was beautiful succulent meat and veg. No power needed at all. Dad eventually built an outdoor oven - huge thing which doesn't take long to get hot with a good fire, and has baked meat and bread in it many times all with good results.

With careful planning it would not be difficult to go off-grid completely with some solar panels and maybe a roof wind turbine, using wood fired stove etc. Would love to try it one day.

Grass Roots and Earth Garden magazines have published a few stories on solar ovens Danielle. Might be worth hunting up relevant ones from their offices or through the library.

It isn't only about penny pinching but about reducing waste and using less energy. Not really a hardship at all, much depends on attitudes and mindsets.

Pelican

>> It isn't only about penny pinching but about reducing waste and using less energy. Not really a hardship at all, much depends on attitudes and mindsets. <<

Exactly. While there will always be those who bolster their egos with purchasing the latest gizmo, most of us can manage very well, keeping up with technology but by using our imagination rather than just be suckered in by some salesperson.

My last computer worked adequately for 10 years, the last three I used Linux Ubuntu. My latest configuration cost me under $300 being a combination of recycled and free software. I don't how long this will last, but I know I have not contributed to as much waste as I could've and saved a packet.

We also have to keep in mind need; if I was to spend some time in hospital, an Ipad would be my link to the outside world and keeping a check on my sanity. If manufacturers would make items to be literally upgraded with easily replaceable parts rather than built in obsolescence, we would be a long way towards a more sustainable society. Another thing would be for manufacturers to pick up broken or obsolete equipment and strip down the components for re-use. A win/win. And a procedure that we may well be forced into if we do not start now.

Ammonite,

At certain times of the year, a billy, unless neutered, has a VERY strong musky smell, which can travel quite a distance.

A nanny is great for milk.

Goats are highly intellligent and can unlock gates - so ensure you have a goat-proof lock; and they do have to be fenced off from fruit trees or other plants you value. They can be very patient just waiting for the right time after eyeing odd a particular tree you have planted.

I have found the Saanen goat, one of the biggest, extremely gentle. The British alpine tends to like to debate things with you. Then again, all goats are individual. But, I have never found a goat that wasn't affectionate.

A steep slope is ideal, having no problems for goats. And again ... they are very effective at ridding properties of gorse or blackberries, etc. I have seen a huge bank of both these weeds, which if poisoned would have remained a fire hazard (so dense, high and wide), so demolished by one goat, that not the smallest stalk remained. And a happy goat was she!

This was also a great object lesson for the children. By going steadily, just one leaf at a time, this apparently insurmountable problem was eradicated.

Goats also like companionship - whether another goat or other livestock - even the feathered variety, or a dog/cat. If you are able to be around a goat for some time of the day, they will settle for that.

Also, if you have a horse, a goat makes a great companion.

Good Luck.

Pelican and Ammonite,

I agree with everything you say. It is also about being independent. I have heard that some children are unaware where peas come from (other than in packets).

A confession. I am quite lazy. The skills of a goat/s, a goose and duck (Heloise and Abelard, respectively) did all the necessary for me. Only after this small battalion had gone was I aware of just how extremely labour saving they were. I had even forgotten about snails and slugs, and other assorted ...

We did build a pond for H & A as part of the deal; at night they needed a fox-proof pen. Negotiation is always important when considering animals.

During the day, H & A wandered freely

The only problem I had with Heloise is that she took great offence at the bus passing by, and screeching loudly, would chase it. Abelard - they were inseparable - would waddle as fast as he could after her. However, it only required stamping my foot and yelling, and they would do a 180 degree turn and come back.

Danielle

A couple of my neighbours regularly go walking with a German Shepherd, Labrador and the cutest goat which will stop to eat a tasty branch, but is obviously keeping a sharp goaty look-out should her companions get out of range and race off to catch up with them. Goats are very friendly, often greet them when out walking.

Keeping one will require some thought with fencing, however. And you're right about companionship. My long term plan is to buy a rescue Greyhound, German Shepherd puppy (doesn't have to be pure-bred), some chickens (bantams are supposed to be easy going), put in a pond to catch the natural run-off. So many dreams. Who needs the latest 3D flatscreen TV, when one can simply lie in the grass and watch an echidna snuffle through leaf litter for tasty treats.

Pelican

You can buy cast iron pots from places like army disposal stores.

Slow cooking, a glass of wine (or in my case lemon water), the sky above and wind rattling through heads of banksia..

Ammonite,

Sounds wonderful! I love the idea of a rescue greyhound - they certainly need adopting. Despite past reputation of being 'savage' they are extremely gentle ... and I am told, rather lazy, preferring to loll about rather than rush around.

Have you read Bill Mollison's "Introduction to Permaculture" (Tagari Publications). From what you have mentioned, you appear to be going that route. He takes into consideration energy efficient site analysis, self-sufficient energy sources, water management, establishment of soil fertility, septic tank run off conversion to fertilizer, microclimates, and, of course, maximum use of land for produce, animals, aquaculture, etc. etc. Extremely comprehensive.

My daughter has a giant Flemish rabbit, which from photographs looks the size of a womat. They have a few acres, but the rabbit has its own bed and lives in the house, was house-trained in one evening, is extremely affectionate following her around all day; when she sits on the lounge, jumps up beside her and rests its head on her lap. Apparently they can be taken for walks on a halter. However, the frisson of it meeting an aggressive dog and taking off leaves much to the imagination.