People may hate you for being different and not living by society’s standards but deep down, they wish they had the courage to do the same. – Kevin Heart
Have an Awesome Sunday!
As we say goodbye to 2022, we welcome 2023 with open arms, Happy New Year!
You can BBQ that?
Living off grid in Northern Ontario, Canada. Come on the adventure with us, stay up to date by following us on Tiktok.
You can barbecue that? We get asked all the time how we cook or bake somce we are off grid and have a BBQ, Wood Stove and an Outdoor fire pit. Most are so surprised to hear you can BBQ just about everything! Today we baked banana muffins. With the temperatures being down to -15°C the BBQ decided not to heat up properly so even though they arent browned to perfection they still tunred out amazing.
Welcome Fall 2022!
There’s nothing better than waking up to seeing trees changing colours, smelling wood stoves burning and the smell of fresh apple pie coming out of the oven or in our case the barbecue.
We started our morning road walk at a cool 5°C. We had a frost again last night the third one in two weeks. The fog was absolutely stunning over the low lying areas and on the roads where you can see the trees starting to change colours. The leaves have started falling and it just keeps getting prettier everyday.
French River, Ontario, Canada
Summer morning road walks in French River.
Our daily morning walks give us inspiration for the day. The views, sights, sounds and smells that Mother Nature has to offer awaken all our senses.
Today we slept in, got out a bit late to our standards, but still managed to avoid the mosquitoes, deer and horse flies. Caught the beautiful early morning skies and with the birds chirping away, it makes for a peaceful start to the day.
Cool spring mornings
For the last week it’s been 30°C during the day, unusually warm for us this time of year. It’s been quite hot, but the trees are budding and things are growing in quite quickly.
The warm temperatures and no rain means we are at a high risk for forest fires. There are a couple nearby, some not yet under control. We would like to remind everyone to practice forest fire safety. You can report a forest fire by calling 310-FIRE if you are in the Northern Ontario, Canada area or 911 in most other regions.
With a cool down to normal temperatures on the way this week, we are hoping for some relief from the extreme conditions.
Preventative Maintenance- Chimney Sweep
Have you cleaned your chimney this year?
Even though you have cleaned your chimney be sure to always keep an eye on your woodstove or fireplace. Sweeping your chimney is an essential part of keeping your stove not just clean, but burning efficiently. Dirty chimneys are the main cause of chimney fires.
Be sure to hire a reputable company. If you are cleaning your chimney yourself be sure to do a thorough job. It may work for light build up but it’s always best to call in the professionals.
You should have your chimney cleaned and inspected yearly. Chimneys should be checked for soundness and be free of creosote deposits.
Between the big cleanings, many people use chimney cleaning products to help reduce the buildup. There are a lot to choose from including chimney sweeping logs and powders that you sprinkle on a burning fire. We are using this one but I have included a link to various products you can find on eBay below. Be sure to read the instructions before using.
If you don’t clean your chimney regularly, you are putting yourself at greater risk of a chimney fire and even carbon monoxide poisoning.
Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires. But what exactly is creosote?
Creosote is a thick black substance caused by burning fuel. (Wood in our case).
It will form when the fire burns to slowly or incompletely. Once smoke cools and sticks to your chimney walls is then turns into creosote.
We had a severe build last fall and these are photos of our chimney before it was cleaned. Our stove is quote old with a damper on the chimney and we found the largest build-up in that area.
Tips to help avoid creosote buildup:
-Only burn seasoned wood
-Burn a hot fire and avoid slow burning fires when possible.
-It is highly combustible
Always remember to check your smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Ours are checked monthly and we change batteries every spring.
FIRST SIGNS OF A CHIMNEY FIRE
-A loud popping, crackling noise
-A roaring sound (loud swooshing some say it sounds like a freight train)
-Dense smoke coming into your stove, out the chimney and even from any spots on your stove pipe that were screwed together.
-Flames, embers or pieces of creosote coming from the chimney top. Flames if it is near the top.
-Intense burning hot smell
IF YOU SEE OR HEAR ANY OF THE ABOVE VACATE THE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY AND CALL 911 or your local emergency services.
Keep in mind lots of slow burning chimney fires go undetected when the flammable substance is hot enough to catch fire but there is not enough oxygen or fuel to be visible.
Even these can cause extensive damage.
Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry. Don’t panic, stay calm, gather your family and pets and leave the building. If you are unsure just make the call.
Disclaimer:
The statements made in this article are purely my own opinions and from my own experiences.
Affiliate disclosure – I have included links to products you may be interested in to clean and maintain your chimney. As an eBay affiliate I may be compensated by the company if you purchase items through these links. There is no charge to you. We have not tried/used all these products so it is a good idea to research which ones are most suitable and to follow all manufacturer’s instructions when using.
Chimney brushes and Chimney Sweep kits
Creosote remover products
April mornings.
This and That Canine Co. Everest Cheese Chew Review
Are you looking for an all natural treat for your dog? One with healthy ingredients?
That’s what I was looking for so I gave the Everest Cheese Chew a try, see my review below. A bit of background, the tester was a 2 year old 45lb Australian Shepherd/Beagle Cross.
This old cheese recipe is centuries years old, from Nepal. The cheese is dried over a fire for two days on the Himalayan Mountains.
-100% natural with 3 ingredients (Yak Milk, Salt and Lime Juice).
-Great for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
-Has three times the Omega Fatty Acids than that of cheddar cheese.
-Virtually lactose free May be suitable for lactose-intolerant dogs.
-No Chemicals, preservatives or fillers.
-Fair Trade (they deal directly with the farmers to produce the best quality cheese)
-Available in 4 sizes (Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large)
Once it’s small you can put in your microwave and you end up with a crunchy cheese puff, which is very good as this product will have no waste except the packaging.
You can use their antler sizing chart when it comes to recommending sizes for the Everest Cheese Chews.
Small Chew 1-10lbs
Medium Chew 10-40lbs
Large Chew 40-80lbs
ExtraLarge Chew 80lbs +
***(Above from This and that canine & co https://thisandthatcanineco.com/everest-chew/)
Disclaimer: Like any other chew this should only be used under supervision.
We had our first Everest Cheese Chew. Recommended was a medium for him at the time. Mediums come in a pack of 3.
My first thoughts were wow those are hard chews so I would be a bit hesitant to give them to my dog if he had dental problems or was missing any teeth. As with most chews they promote healthy gums and chewing can remove plaque. With these particular chews there is no mess left on the carpet.
He immediately took to this chew, I love that there are no strong smells and no marks on the carpet like others may leave. As small pieces chewed off your pet can eat them unlike other chews where you have to take the plastic pieces away. He definitely enjoyed his chew, kept him occupied for a half hour. I have had dogs in the past and some chews I tried gave them the runs. I was very happy that this one had no effect on him.
My thoughts – I did find them a bit pricey, but the upside is no stinky odour, little waste as the chews once they are small can be microwaved as a crunchy cheese puff. I did not get to try that part as he finished his completely in about 30 minutes. I didn’t have to hear his teeth grind against it like some other ones. Even though is seems really hard it did soften as he chewed he had no trouble. He loved the chew. I would purchase again if it fits into my budget.
Bear Crossing 
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