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Across the Fence:  No electricity week  |
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prairie_princess
True Blue Farmgirl
613 Posts
Elizabeth
Carpenter
WY
USA
613 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 08:56:36 AM
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So, I am planning to work on the MJF badge for taking the weekend off and not using computer, TV, phones, etc. Well, my DH and I decided to take it a step further and do it for a whole week, plus not using any electricity (except for that needed for the fridge and freezers). I'm glad my hubby is interested in these types of things! We are still trying to decide when to do our week... still gathering items for it: all we need is a ringer to ring out wet clothes and maybe a rug beater. We also should pick a week when it won't be overly cold yet, since we don't have our wood stove yet.
I was wondering what you gals thought of this idea? I plan on keeping a journal of the experience and then posting it on my blog afterwards. My DH and I did a "test" day and found it very enjoyable and peaceful, so a whole week will be that much more peaceful.
"Only two things that money can't buy, that's true love and homegrown tomatoes."
- Guy Clark
"The man who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the world."
- Charles Dudley Warner |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 09:07:00 AM
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I get to practice this many times during the year and sometimes for days on end. I love it but you have to be prepared. Since I have animals to tend to that require much more then me I have over the years developed working protocal that no I do not even worry if the power goes down. I wished more folks would at least try this because they would appreciate more when the power is on, they might learn not too use so much and heck, they might learn to talk to each other over candle light.
Good luck and keep us informed how it goes.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 6:06:02 PM
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Elizabeth,
Good for you! Wow. I have been wanting to try for that badge, but haven't yet. Please let us know how it goes!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE |
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forgetmenot
True Blue Farmgirl
3602 Posts
Judith
Nora Springs
IA
USA
3602 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2010 : 9:47:04 PM
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Sounds like a peaceful time. Actually, also sounds like my first years of marriage. You don't really need a wringer if you have a washboard and strong hands. Also, I've used a broom on my carpets, or you could just wait a week, and then plug in the sweeper. Have fun!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
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prairie_princess
True Blue Farmgirl
613 Posts
Elizabeth
Carpenter
WY
USA
613 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2010 : 1:07:28 PM
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I agree with you wholeheartedly, Grace... it is an excellent opportunity to be more grateful for the things we have that make our lives easier! Thank you for the tips Judith... duh, why didn't I think of a broom? You could probably use just about anything to whack the carpets with!
"Only two things that money can't buy, that's true love and homegrown tomatoes."
- Guy Clark
"The man who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the world."
- Charles Dudley Warner |
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vegetarian farmer
True Blue Farmgirl
249 Posts
Jane
Freedom
pa
USA
249 Posts |
Posted - Sep 11 2010 : 2:28:11 PM
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We have tried it before and it is amazing how much you reach for that light switch and don't even notice. We are planning on going off grid and putting in a solar system very soon. So we have been cutting electrical devices daily. I saw a great hand washer that caught my eye. Boy I never thought I would say that.
http://hardworkhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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granitelakegoatgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
76 Posts
Amy
Libby
MT
76 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2010 : 05:15:38 AM
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LOVE IT--I have been wanting to do a "Pioneer Week" here too. Really wanted the kids to get a feel for it. My favorite time is when the lights go out--so peaceful. A good time is now in remembrance of 9-11, I think. A good perspective ont he freedoms we DO have.
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2010 : 12:01:37 PM
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This post soooo reminded me of when we were getting ready for Y2K. We'd always been prepared for anything, so one week we did a test to see where we were still lacking, before the clock struck midnight in Dec. 1999. We turned everything off and much to my surprise, all we really needed was a better root cellar and alot more candles.
I think it's a wonderful plan! Could be an eye-opener for you.
I think it's better to plan for no electricity at all then to become dependant on a gas powered generator. Once the gas is gone you'll have to figure out how to live without electricity anyway. Might as well eliminate the middle man.
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
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granitelakegoatgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
76 Posts
Amy
Libby
MT
76 Posts |
Posted - Sep 12 2010 : 8:38:44 PM
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Couldn't have said it better myself, Debbie. If my freezer went out, it's time to make jerky!
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
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LethaDear
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Letha
Bowling Green
MO
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2010 : 2:41:13 PM
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That's how we live when we are at our farm and we love it. We don't even have running water so we have to make exceptions for that as well. It's the most peaceful time we have together. We work our fingers to the bone but when all is said and done I would rather live that way.
Letha
Letha
To speak kindly, does not hurt the tongue. |
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5 acre Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1007 Posts
~~~*Terri*~~~
WA.
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2010 : 3:41:01 PM
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We lived without electricity for 5 years, with the right things, its not hard, just takes a little to get use to it, once one has had electricity....it is dooable though...
Farmgirl Sister #368
~~~**Terri**~~~
http://thecontentedwoman.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: No electricity week |
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No electricity week
