Paul Fookes

gardener

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since Jun 27, 2015

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Biography

My wife Fran, and I live in a compressed earth brick house that is completely off the utilities except for NBN wireless internet. We have had solar power since 1986 and a backup wind turbine. In 2020 we upgraded our system to 2 dual axis trackers with 4 Kw power output. As far as possible we try to grow as much as we can and live with a low to neutral carbon foot print. We are in the process of putting in a gground air heat transfer (GAHT) system for cooling our home in summer. My next project is to refurbish the browns gas generator in our car or the out doors kitchen, honey room and larder - which ever I can organise time for.

Any one coming down under to NSW is most welcome. Send an email to hook up

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Gulgong, NSW, Australia (Cold Zone 9B, Hot Zone 6) UTC +10

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Recent posts by Paul Fookes

PEP 2 Certification - Apply, Boast, and Certify Here

Sincere congratulations Mike. I am in awe of your skillset.

Best wishes for PEP and PEM 3

3 days ago

pep

You know you're a permie when...

Joylynn Hardesty wrote:Paul, can Hunny make a meme out of that? Please? The weeds one.

Absolutely, love to see it ❣️

3 days ago

meaningless drivel

You know you're a permie when...

You know you are a permie when:
You put the grill pan out for the cats to do first clean, wipe what is left with old newspaper and ball up to put into toilet roll inners for fire starters.
When your guests ask what is for dinner and you reply: I will have to see what weeds are growing

4 days ago

meaningless drivel

Permaculture Playing Cards - the purple deck

Loving how and where thisis going. Bought a lot of the last set and had a bus load of Permies come to town Did not have enough sets on hand. Plus I have friends who love all things purple. Looking forward to the new set. There are some great ideas for new sets. Over the years to come, we may get card version of a very big permies book.

1 week ago

crowdfunding

physical copy of the SKIP book

I have to give this book 10 out of 10 acorns. 12 out of 10 if we could do more.
Ran out of my first dozen books. Had to order another dozen. They are such great gifts, especially when paired with the better world book.
IMHO the two must have books The Skip book is my go to project book for around our land.

2 weeks ago

paul wheaton

Alexandra Malecki's 1 BB Countdown to PEP2

Congratulations Alexandra on not only your achievements but on being an exemplar to all of us on what can be done with a little planning, focus and drive.
My heart is out there for you as you count down the last three.

2 weeks ago

skills to inherit property

Poll: Help Kate choose a sourdough book cover

Really like cover one but in keeping with your previous books, Cover 2 gives better insight into the content. Cover 2 will look and feel like part of a set.

1 month ago

books

Oiling Kitchen Woods and Utensils with Natural Oils

Edward Lye wrote:PSA. i always do this silly thing whenever anyone mentions linseed oil
We had a fire at my Alma Mater that destroyed some outlying industrial
arts class/workshops.
I believe the new teacher wasn't paying attention when they were
teaching his class about linseed oil.

Thank you Edward, this is an important reminder. There is a general warning that finishing oils can spontaneously combust.
I think that any rags used for oiling should be soaked in water to stop this. Personally, I place used oilrags in the fire so if it goes up, no problems.

1 month ago

home care

Pros and Cons Of Homesteading in Northern vs Southern Climates

John C Daley wrote:I think you have forgotten the important measure.
What is it like for riding motorcycles on the road!!
Everything else is really unimportant.

Only if you like to ride - But driving may be an issue if you are not used to the conditions.

1 month ago

homestead

Building a Manual Baler

Hal,
The baler is fabulous. The trial and error means you have a tried and tested product. If you put a plan on Permies, I would fork out some cash to buy a copy.
Looking forward to more projects.

1 month ago

low tech