We made our own Maple Syrup this year !

About 15 years ago I planted 2 Maple Trees. A Sugar Maple in the front yard and an Autumn Blaze (mix of Red and Silver Maple) in the Back yard. Finally they are both over 10" diameter which means I could start tapping them for sap. I used hollowed out Sumac branches as taps / spiles and tapped them when the daytime temperature started to climb above 10 degrees celsius and dropped to -10 celsius at night....

The sap ran for about 2 weeks and we collected about 5 gallons of Sap (20 quarts) .... I ordered a 4 quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven from Amazon for about $ 33 and do far I have boiled 24 cups (6 quarts) of Sap down to 2 cups of Maple Syrup.  So I still have lots of Syrup to make.

Texsport Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Legs  $33   http://amzn.to/2o7mnU7

I think this is going to be an annual practice and we will make our own Maple Syrup each year.

Making Maple Syrup with the Kettle Boys at Fortune Farms in Almonte Ontario

"A visit to Fortune Farms is not complete without a trip up the trail to see the Kettle Boys. This team of four interesting characters make maple syrup in the traditional pioneer method using iron kettles over open fires. To amuse themselves and visitors while they are waiting for the sap to slowly boil to syrup they have a variety of toys and games. They are only too pleased to share their activities with visitors, especially children." -  https://fortunefarms.ca/

Almost April and another snow storm here in Canada.

View out the front window this morning ...

We are March 25th and still getting snow here in Eastern Ontario Canada, about 20 minutes from Upper State New York.

Maybe we have 12 more weeks of winter up here ???

My Empire Apple Tree and a few spruce and pine trees in the yard.

We need more Dynamo Inventions .....

Solar Lantern, with hand crank Dynamo Power to charge your iPhone ...

$20 (Regular $90) at Amazon

http://amzn.to/2ljTItM

Why don't we have more  
Dynamo Powered Devices ? 

A dynamo is an electrical generator that produces direct current with the use of a commutator. Dynamos were the first electrical generators capable of delivering power for industry, and the foundation upon which many other later electric-power conversion devices were based, including the electric motor, the alternating-current alternator, and the rotary converter. 

Today, the simpler alternator dominates large scale power generation, for efficiency, reliability and cost reasons. A dynamo has the disadvantages of a mechanical commutator. Also, converting alternating to direct current using power rectification devices (vacuum tube or more recently solid state) is effective and usually economical. A dynamo is an electrical generator that produces direct current with the use of a commutator. Dynamos were the first electrical generators capable of delivering power for industry, and the foundation upon which many other later electric-power conversion devices were based, including the electric motor, the alternating-current alternator, and the rotary converter. Today, the simpler alternator dominates large scale power generation, for efficiency, reliability and cost reasons. A dynamo has the disadvantages of a mechanical commutator. Also, converting alternating to direct current using power rectification devices (vacuum tube or more recently solid state) is effective and usually economical. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamo

3 Great Solar LED Lighting Options

We have been trying some of these Solar LED lights and are very impressed with how quickly and easily they charge under full sun and even low sun and cloudy days. They built-in lithium batteries also hold their charge for up to 12 hours.

Solar String Lights (72 ft, Waterproof)  $13.99 (Save 63 %)   ---  http://amzn.to/2kZtdP5

• High Efficiency Solar Powered: No battery or electricity required, charge by the sunlight, can work up to 10 hours or more when fully charged. The outdoor string lights will automatically turn on when it's dark and turn off during the day. 8 modes from steady color to various flashing
• Durable, Bendable & Waterproof: Made from thin and bendable copper, 72 feet length, durable enough to experiment with any shapes. These fairy lights are waterproof IP65, so can be used outdoors as well (please kindly note it can not be immersed in water)
• Easy to Use and Store: Light-sensoring panel, just place the solar panel where there is full sunlight and it will work auotomatically at night. Please fully cover the panel if you need the lights work during the day. It's lightweight, you can wrap it around a cardboard until the next use
• Multi-Application: Ankway string solar lights provide nice, soft and delicate warm white light for your pathway, window, patio, fence, garden, porch, clubhouse, pool, bushes, yard etc
• 12 Month Warranty

Solar String Lights 72ft 200 LED Fairy String... $10.99 (Save 80 %)  ---  http://amzn.to/2lTHvjy

• ✔Specification:Length:22m/72ft, Lamp beads quantity: 200,Two work modes: steady-on and flash.
• ✔Waterproof (IP65):Perfect for outdoor and indoor use.
• ✔Higher efficiency: 51% larger upgraded solar panel leads to high speed charging for lights and with CE certification.
• ✔ High capacity: Double premium battery cell 1.2v 1600mA Charging time: 6-8hours.Working time:8-15hours.
• ✔Easy to install. NO wiring required,NO BATTERY.Recharged by solar panel under sunlight, totally Eco-friendly product

LightMe Portable 15W 130lm Solar LED Bulb $8.99 (Save 55%)   http://amzn.to/2mzdd2t 

• This solar light relies on solar energy, which is clean, endless and environment-friendly. In daytime, when there is sunshine, the solar panel can convert the solar energy to electric energy and store it in the battery. The charged bulb can be used as a mobile lighting lamp.
• The photovoltaic panel is fixed in the roof or a place with sufficient sunlight, the wire is introduced into a room, and the plug is plugged in the port for charging ( a 5-8V charger can be used for charging as well) .
• Energy Saving, Long Life Expectancy, Low Power Consumption, Rechargeable. The system is mainly composed of solar panel, light source and battery.
• Power source: Solar panel, home electricity charging. Capacity of lithium battery: 850ma/3.7V; continuously effective lighting of fully charged bulb: 5h; Bulb Using Time: 2-3 hours;
• Note: The solar light can be used in any weather, but it is not waterproof. Ideal for home lighting, camping, cooking, working, reading, emergency and blackouts,etc.

What does "Off-grid Living" mean ?

What is Off-grid or Off the Grid Living ?


"Off-the-grid is a system and LIFESTYLE designed to help people function without the support of remote infrastructure, such as an electrical grid.
In electricity, off-grid can be stand-alone power system or mini-grids typically to provide a smaller community with electricity.
Off-grid electrification is an approach to access electricity used in countries and areas with little access to electricity, due to scattered or distant population.


The term off-the-grid (OTG) can refer to living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public utilities. People who adopt this lifestyle are called off-gridders...


  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-the-grid

These Cordwood Construction homes are awesome !

CordwoodConstruction.org