Propane Tank Arrives....

WE had been searching for a used propane tank for 3 years . Several (250 gallon)were found for around $250-350. The problem is getting the tank from the seller to our place. The transporter of the tank needs a permit if the tank has any gas in it at all. They are very heavy and if they have rust on them or bad connections, the units need to be refurbished, which can cost more then buying a new one.
So we decided to buy a new one before the next shipment when they would have gone up $250.00 . The 250 gallon tanks were $800.00 and the 500 gallon were $1000.00. We decided to buy the larger tank knowing that we could buy the gas at the cheapest time of the year . At this time we plan on using the gas for cooking only, so we figure the gas will last about 10 years! The propane company delivered the tank with a special trailer. They backed it into the location and dropped it down on cement pads.
Propane tanks need to be positioned at least 15ft from any building and be accessible to fill up with propane. We also wanted it a place that was not an eye sore!

Triming the 80 foot tree....

Before we could start on the shop , we needed to trim the tree on the south side of it. We had considered renting a "cherry picker" machine that would left us up 60 feet or so in the air, but we found out they are expensive ($400.00 a day), only reach 40 ft and most of them need to be pulled with a truck to the tree that needs trimming.
Our wonderful recycling guy told us about Angel. He works for a tree company and on the weekends does this on the side. He charged us $125.00 and lunch, to trim two trees.
He brought all the ropes and harnesses and two other guys for back-up help.
They threw the rope up over the first limb and pulled himself up into the tree. He started at the top and worked his way down. He was so agile and very talented with his craft! It took him about an hour to trim both trees, and it was well worth it!!!

Materials arrive for 3 buildings

Our main goal is to always search for materials that are recycled , easily recyclable and will produce a building that is energy efficient and esthetically pleasing to the eye.
We have searched for metal perlins for the last 4 years to build the shop, greenhouse and carport out of. The perlins have either been way overkill , not the right size or for the person removing them, not cost effective to dismantle cheaper than can be bought new.
We decided since the metal prices are at their lowest in years to purchase the perlins for the next 3 buildings. The termites won't get to them and we have placed them on cinder blocks to keep them elevated covering them with plastic to keep them dry.
The material was delivered on what is called a "Bob tail" , it's like a smaller semi that can get into tight areas. He made it OK down the driveway and was just barely able to turn around where the carport will be, so that brought up another question as to how we will get the materials for the main house delivered once we build the carport. I think that is why most people build their main house first and the out buildings after that. I am sure there is a way to figure that out when the time comes. We are trying to think this through from the end as much as possible !

Tilling with a "Mantis Tiller"

More work on the garden was really enjoyable with my new "Mantis" cultivator. I took a few months to research which cultivator would be the best purchase for the money and the "Mantis" won by a long shot. I was very impressed with the reviews and it is everything they speak about. It was easy to put together , the details were well explained and when I had trouble with the throttle at first, I called the help center and received immediate help. It started right up and did the tilling easily. It was very manageable, even in tight places! I LOVE THIS MACHINE!!!

Back to the Garden shed...

We got back to the garden shed long enough to put up the roof. We first laid out the roof on the ground to get the installation of the panels in order. We bought this roofing from our recycling guy for pennies on the dollar. It is 3" standing seam , which means it clips together and is anchored down after the piece is attached . The advantage of the standing seam is that there are no screw holes going through the metal from the outside. The down side is that the length of the roof has to be exact.