One of my lovely neighbours dropped off some veg, so I have just enjoyed a greens 'fry up' - all the green things I have in stock, chopped up and sautéed together with some fresh ground corriander and cumin seeds - eaten with root veg roasted in a separate pan (kumara - which is starchier and drier than regular sweet potato - parsnips, beetroot and yams/oca with fresh ginger; it's a root too 🙃)
That's my lazy night meal when I can't be bothered with the juggling pans and equipment in a small space: 2 pans, then I pile the contents of one into the other and eat from the pan.
Talk about uncivilized.
Cuts down on dishes to do in a very limited water supply (most of which I fetch and carry from a supply a few hundred yards away. Perhaps I should learn to balance it on my head for maximum visual effect.)
I won't begin to tell you how water gets cycled here before ending up in a bucket I use to water plants. Water planning for building a house with stored rainwater says you need about 200 litres per person per day. I'm currently using about 7 (litres). There are 4.5 litres in a gallon. For US readers - I have a suspicion even our gallons are a different measure to yours. (Just looked it up - US gallons are about 3.8 litres)
That's water conservation for you.
On a more civilized note however, I have joined the ranks of people who sleep not in bunks but in real beds.
And today I signed up for a PO Box in Havelock so I can actually receive mail here and pick it up once a week when I go to the Big Smoke.
Next thing you know I'll be hankering after a flush-toilet. That has to be the ultimate symbol of civilized living doesn't it? After that what more could a human wish for! 🤔
Oh - hot showers possibly😁
Your doing very well. We have a composting toilet at the farm. But now that the water tanks are up and connected my wonderful son in law, he’s a plumber, said he will install a flushing toilet and septic tank.
ReplyDeleteI love him so much
We both won’t know our ourselves. Very modern
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteAboard The Grey, I have a 25lt water unit with tap. I hold up to 20lt stored in other bags/bottles for top up. That 45ish litres sees me through a week... one learns all sorts of tricks for washing up and bathing that require little more than a cup of water! Majority of usage is for cooking and drinking.
Hot showers are possible if you get a USB-chargeable portable shower unit. A bucket of water at required temperature and you're away! For more robust, long-term usage, perhaps consider a a solar heated unit... YAM xx
Civilisation is gradually creeping in. Nice bookshelf next to your bed.
ReplyDeleteOh yes. A flush toilet and a hot shower would be my definition of civilisation!
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering where is Mr in all this building? Did his paperwork come through?
ReplyDeleteI might even vote for hot shower before flush toilet. I despise cold water. love the bed and the view of the inside to the red cabin.. I love sweet potatoes which means I would like your pan dinner and I vote for less dishes also... you are a true pioneer woman...
ReplyDeleteYour house is looking very homely! You definitely deserve a decent bed and a good sleep. Deserve? Need!!!
ReplyDeleteyou're going to be a country bumpkin in no time, are you going off grid by any chance?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put a flush toilet above hot showers...a long drop is preferable, doesn't waste water and contributes to the fertility of the land....
ReplyDeleteGoing up in the world nocturnally.... definitely a step up in both senses!!
It looks lovely. I admire your creative and resourceful spirit!
ReplyDelete