One project I would like to embark upon is the construction of a small greenhouse. I originally wanted to purchase a ready-made one two years ago, but the prices were unreasonable. The prices have only become more unreasonable since then.
In light of this, I have decided it would be cost-effective and more fun to build a greenhouse using the many old, single-pane windows I have on the property. The concrete base is already in place; all I need to do is frame the structure and fit the windows. I aim to make the greenhouse look something like this:
Although I have always been thrifty and strive to save money wherever I can, I have had to kick up the frugality meter a few notches over the past year or so. Not to make ends meet but to hinder the blatant wealth extraction campaign the System is currently waging.
The hens and the vegetable garden have been helpful; both have alleviated some of the pressure brought on by exorbitant food prices. Come spring, I plan to raise a dozen or more chicks to refresh the flock, and I may even purchase a few ducklings and some quail. I am also looking for ways to expand my vegetable garden to increase yields.
As I mentioned above, I plan to do all of this primarily to counter skyrocketing cost-of-living expenses. On the other hand, I know I would be doing it even if the cost of living had not increased -- but I’ll avoid the clichéd sentiments about keeping animals, farming, gardening, self-sufficiency, frugality, and all the rest of it.