It’s the little things.
In a life on the economic edge, tiny things you once so took for granted as not even to notice become huge. Because they were never really small at all, you know.
Things like surpluses. After almost a year of living with the Lair’s original – and comically inadequate – electrical supply system, I still go into my rickety power shed at least once every day, turn on a cheap multimeter that’s wired into the power system, and usually come out smiling. It’ll be a comfortable night, because of a blinking light and a readout that starts with the number 14. That’s all it takes. I’ve been doing that since last September, and it’s still a high point of my days.
Lately, as the day begins to wane, I hike up the ridge (wheezing and massaging my thighs as I shake off the sloth of winter), lean a shaky ladder against the side of the water tank, spin off the cap and peer inside. The tank still isn’t full. But the level rises every day in spite of washing, watering dogs and chickens and fruit tree saplings. Soon it’ll be full. After most of a week of worry, the repairs worked. They’ve saved me from hauling water in bottles. There’s running water at the Lair’s sink and toilet, and it’s a luxury almost beyond price. Try living without it sometime. Seriously, it’s illuminating. I went years without running water, in the Interim Lair. It can be done, but it limits you in ways you’ll subsequently be prepared to go to great lengths to avoid.
Little things. Plastic buckets full of food. Propane bottles still heavy with hot breakfasts and fresh baked goods. An oil pressure gauge that says, “You’re not destroying your engine today.” Live without them for a while, and they’re not small at all.
Amen… 🙂
Always is the little things
Our electric kitchen stove just gave up the ghost today in a spectacular fashion. I barely care cuz hey, we still have indoor plumbing and running water. Everything else is almost a luxury. Civilization owes a lot to the lowly plumber, by golly.
Stoves are nice to have, too…
Well, yeah, especially if your coffee production requires one.
I’m not in trouble as I have a camping stove that burns all forms of petroleum plus a woodburner and propane and alcohol (although I drank all the drinkable stuff), so I have heat for cooking.
And practice too, as this isn’t the first time somebody blew up the range top. Not me this time…
Joel, have you tried a solar oven? Your locale would probably be ideal and the heat source is free.
I have no experience with solar ovens, but keep meaning to give them a try. You’re right, most of the time this would be an ideal location for one.
There’s nothing wrong with a pot of boiling water or a slow-cooking stew that has zero energy cost. I’m still looking for a pressure cooker that: doesn’t vent at all and is lightweight and won’t turn into a bomb. (Um, not referencing Boston, just steam pressure.)