October 29, 2022
Day 393 of the Adventure
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| Shelley Digging with the Backhoe |
The second-best reason for a do it yourself approach to life is the money savings. A good example of that was the Septic System we installed. Prior to buying our "Camp Run-Amuck" property, we did not have the equipment necessary to do that kind of work. The cost of the system installation by a septic company was estimated to be about $8,000. We calculated the material cost at about $2,500, leaving about $5,500 to be applied toward the cost of purchasing a backhoe. Obviously, $5,500 does not buy a backhoe but it was a start. The installations of the water mains, the electrical service, the roads, the foundations and all the other projects around here contributed to the purchase as well. By doing all of those things ourselves, we essentially paid for the purchase of a new tractor with a half dozen attachments from the savings of hiring it out, including a backhoe attachment.
Another benefit is with the idea of knowing how things work for those times when you decide to not do something yourself. At the very least, you know that the people you hire are doing it the right way. You have more of an assurance that people are quoting you reasonable prices, time frames and doing the work properly when you yourself also knows how to do the work yourself. Even when you choose to not do the work yourself.
Finally, in terms of basic self-sufficiency, learning how, knowing how and doing things yourself builds a self-reliance in life. Not that anyone necessarily needs to know extreme survival skills, but you never know. Certainly, it's a benefit to know how to apply basic skills to life's problems and challenges. Self-Sufficiency has applications all the way from simple skills up to extreme skills. The further up that ladder you are capable of functioning, the less you are affected by adversity when it occurs. Try some DIY approaches in areas you've never considered before. I believe you'll thank yourself over and over.....
Carry On
Adventure Quote: “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” ―
Base Camp Coffee of the Day: Lost up the Creek (Sumatra)
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Click any of the following Video links to start your own adventure with us on our YouTube Channel:
Mountain Craft
Making Wooden Buckets (Cooper Craft)
Sassafras Tea Making (Chicks in the Sticks video)
DIY Construction Basics Videos
Shelley Painting Trim (Chicks in the Sticks video)
Sunday Morning Outdoor Breakfast Videos
August 28 Breakfast - Campfire Corned Beef Hash
August 21 Breakfast - Off-Grid Waffles...... and Dragon Fruit?
August 7 Breakfast - Chorizo Burritos
September 4 Breakfast - Outdoor French Toast
September 11 Breakfast - Run-AmuckMuffins
September 18 Breakfast - Dutch Oven Breakfast Frittata
October 9 Breakfast - Grilled Bagel Slices with Eggs and Cheese
Fun Videos
Run Amuck Road Trip - Thunder Muffins
Run-Amuck Road Trip - Roaring River State Park
Treasured Times Crew to the Rescue Cabin Building (Treasured Times Video)
