Be A Jack Of All Trades, by Longhunter

I don’t consider myself to be a prepper, yet most folks whom I know would label me as exactly that. As such, I don’t really stockpile items. Instead, I believe in self sufficiency and doing as much as I possibly can for myself. I am constantly beginning new projects aimed at furthering this end. Most times, these projects require a significant amount of study and self learning on my part as I have no familiarity nor exposure with the subject of said project prior to its start. Furthermore, the majority of the projects I undertake are opened ended and have no end once they begin. One recent example of a multi-tiered project includes turning my home and yard into a micro-farm.

For me, this is no easy affair. I grew up in the city, with no experience related to gardening or raising livestock. Additionally, I live in a subdivision in the suburbs where space is at a premium. In order to maximize my efforts, I’ve been learning about micro-farming, homesteading and gardening in small spaces.

My plans also include the purchase some chickens, both for laying and for meat, building a chicken coup and run and setting up a pen for raising rabbits. All these activities provide further opportunities for self sufficiency. To supplement the above mentioned projects, I’ve begun the construction of an outdoor fire pit that could be used for preparing dinner, roasting marsh mallows or just hanging out. This past year I’ve learning to do home canning, both steam and pressure and have begun experimenting with canning various items.

Last winter (‘21-22), my furnace when out during coldest week of the season. After watching a few You Tube videos and searching for some parts online, I and a buddy disassembled my furnace, replaced the defective parts and reassembled the furnace. It worked like a champ! However, due to this experience, I’ve begun exploring what it would take to convert my gas fireplace to a wood burning stove. The experience made me realize that I need to have a redundant system to keep the house warm.

You may ask, what’s the point of all of this? Items and stockpiles are finite and appliances break.  At some point they will no longer be available or will run out. Knowledge and the ability to do for one self is enduring, reducing one’s alliance on others.

I am becoming a jack of all trades. What ‘bout you?