We live by the principle of self-reliance at Five Feline Farm. Whenever practical, we do for ourselves. It is both a matter of saving money and the satisfaction of being able to do things for ourselves. Mostly the satisfaction. There is not much that stops us from trying to figure things out.
Of course, some tasks we hire out. Usually because it is something we don’t want to do or don’t have the tools to do correctly. Occasionally it is because we would rather spend our time doing something other than that particular task. We also dream up with projects where it is more expensive to buy the tools than to pay for someone else to do it.
But when we can do for ourselves, we do.
For example, when we needed a new greenhouse, we decided to build from a kit.
Shopping around and exploring all of the options, we found a Palram model we like. It is small but expandable in 4 foot sections if we choose. This particular model has an integrated covered guttering system with small downspouts.
What are downspouts without a rain barrel?
A quick order on Amazon and a rain barrel was delivered to the front door. Now to make the gutters useful, we needed some type of hose to direct the rain water to the barrel.
Wandering the aisles of our local home improvement warehouse, we found something that would work. One and quarter inch discharge hose. Easy to cut to length, hose clamp to the downspout and screwed to the top of the rain barrel. One good rain and the barrel is full. It is easy now to run a garden hose into the greenhouse to water as needed.
It is common for us to use parts for other than their intended purpose. We browse the home improvement store, with a project in mind, looking for anything that will suit. Our theory is: if it works, it works.
A Challenge
What can you do to be more self-reliant? Think about a small task you need to accomplish. Is it something you can do for yourself? Can you repurpose some random part you have lying around the house?
We challenge you to do one thing today to be more self-reliant. Let us know in the comments or on any of our social media channels. (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
Five Feline Farm is a modern homestead where two women and their cats seek to make their corner of the world full of creativity and fresh food. Sign up for our email list and get a free ebook “Wisdom of the Bees”.