The trailer full of rocks developed a flat tyre overnight and didn't take long to change. Then using the tractor we towed it down to our rock platform and emptied it before returning positioning it for what will hopefully be the last load.
In the chook run we set up a another run of bricks to delineate where the kitchen scraps will be dropped. The girls are doing a good job of turning over the decaying sawdust wherever the scraps are dropped. In about four weeks we will be removing all the manure encrusted sawdust to build the tomato bed.
Working near the chook run brought an old project to mind. When building the chicken run it was necessary to mount a backup water supply against the run. A 200 litre black plastic drum was used which collects water from the roof of the pen. Rather than keep the drum black and have the water become warm in Summer ( chooks don't like warm water) it was decided to paint the drum. The local hardware store owner came up with the method to ensure the paint adhered. A large tube of construction adhesive was painted on first and allowed to set. A light coloured exterior paint was then applied. What drew my attention was that after 12 years it was only just starting to peel. Amazing longevity.
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| The lightly coloured drum has developed a lot of green mould but otherwise the paint is holding up well. |
Our little township no longer has a petrol station and the nearest supply is 20 kilometres in one direction and 30 in the other. Keeping a good supply of fuel on site negates the need to make spurious trips. The large supermarkets sell fuel and also send out offers of discounts in exchange for grocery shopping. Timing is everything. We don't shop every week but hold off until we receive a decent offer. Because we keep a larder with backup items we rarely run out of necessities and have scope in the shopping list to meet their offers. If the offer is particularly good we will stockpile a goodly amount of fuel. These savings are not lavish but every little bit counts. The other passive benefit is that fewer shopping trips not only save fuel but you tend to spend less overall. Keeping a list in the kitchen draw is a mandatory task and only buy what is on the list.
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| Fuel drums awaiting |
When you are looking to buy a new plastic drums the quality of the product is always weighed against the cost. As most individuals, companies and establishments have come to understand, purchasing low-cost equipment does not mean quality and it usually ends in the unpleasantness of needing to repeatedly repair or replace the equipment. Just like in this blog post, very creative great idea.
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