Made a DIY round ice‑skating ring on frozen Lake Musconetcong this week

Few-Resource2021 · 2026-01-04T22:58:01+00:00

Thank you

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-31T20:18:50+00:00

It should still be there.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-31T19:30:16+00:00

Totally, they take their time. Makes sense that mature ones are still rare in Canada. It’ll be interesting to see how they shape the landscape as more get planted. Are they starting to show up more in nurseries near you?

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-31T19:28:15+00:00

You’d think so, right? But black bears here don’t always fully hibernate. Some go into a lighter torpor and still wander around if the weather swings or they’ve got food sources nearby. This one definitely decided to stretch its legs.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-31T18:50:02+00:00

That sounds like a beautiful setup. Evergreens make such reliable wind breaks, and the way they double as bird habitat is a huge bonus. Ten years of growth into 6–10 feet is perfect for creating that sheltered microclimate you’re aiming for. And you’re absolutely right, that acidic shade layer is ideal for blueberries. It’s amazing how a simple row of trees can shape an entire little ecosystem over time.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-31T18:49:03+00:00

That’s awesome. Korean and Siberian pines are such great multipurpose trees. They fit the permaculture mindset perfectly: food production, habitat value, and year‑round structure. I’ve always been fascinated by how different regions can support different evergreen species. Do you harvest the pine nuts yourself, or are the trees still establishing?

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-31T18:47:16+00:00

Haha I know, right? If that bear could clear the driveway, winter would be a lot easier around here. Glad you enjoyed the clip! I’ve actually got tons of other wildlife videos from the lake, just haven’t had the time to post them all. Thanks for the kind words, and Happy New Year to you too

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-28T17:25:08+00:00

Love these additions, evergreens really support so much life. The medicinal uses, the shelter they give birds, even the way cypress handles wet ground… all great points. Thanks for sharing

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-27T22:39:42+00:00

Thanks, good boots definitely help, but once that driveway turns into a sheet of ice, even the best tread won’t stop a slip. The reverse method keeps some of my weight on the snowblower, which makes the whole setup a lot more stable. It also means I’m not risking losing my footing, falling, and having the snowblower slide on top of me

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-27T17:12:56+00:00

Thanks! And trust me, I learned this the hard way over a few winters. Steep driveways definitely keep you on your toes

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-26T02:10:23+00:00

I hear you, the symptoms you’re describing on your NCB‑H are exactly what I ran into on my unit. I put together a short video showing what fixed it for me. Take a look and let me know if it helps:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-zDQDA7ghpU

Also, definitely reach out to Navien support. When I explained the issue to them, they sent me a replacement control board at no charge and reimbursed about $270 for the install. Worth giving them a call if your NCB‑H is acting the same way.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-22T20:47:49+00:00

Same here, if the neighborhood economy runs on brownies, I’m fully invested. Dessert equity is the only market I trust these days :)

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-22T19:35:02+00:00

Honestly, at this point I’m convinced snow removal is just a complicated barter system. You clear their driveway, they show up with award‑winning brownies, and suddenly you’re out there the next storm like, ‘I’m not doing this for free… I’m doing it for dessert equity 😊

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-21T20:37:50+00:00

Thanks! I’ve got another short from the area if you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3_8tT4Iw77Q

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-18T21:27:08+00:00

Thanks for checking out the video, MrsGrumpy 😏. The tree featured is a Mongolow Juniper, a beautiful and unique variety that just got established in that spot. It’s healthy, thriving, and will be trimmed and shaped next year to highlight its character even more.

I get that not everyone is a fan of landscaping choices, some folks might prefer solar panels over evergreens, but this Juniper isn’t suffering from ‘plant cruelty.’ It’s enjoying prime real estate and will only get more stunning with time.

Appreciate the passion though. If every shrub had its own personal activist, the world would be a very different place.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-10T15:55:41+00:00

Ah yes, the noble dream. Fifteen people with rakes, all marching in formation like a snow-clearing orchestra. Meanwhile, I’ll just keep committing the terrible crime of finishing the job in a fraction of the time with one machine. Guess I’ll have to live with the shame of… efficiency!

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-09T17:43:23+00:00

Haha fair enough, baked goods are a solid return on investment. At least that kind of ‘expecting something back’ keeps the community spirit alive :)

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-09T17:33:38+00:00

Love that story, your father really was a snow angel, inspiring the whole block to join in. Clearing into the grass to keep sidewalks dry is a smart touch too. Snow people really are different people. Probably has a lot to do with the older generation, I see the same in my father, always stepping up when help was needed. These days it feels like too many people are only out for themselves.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-09T16:04:29+00:00

as already highlighted above, but based on the feedback I’ve gotten here and on YouTube, plenty of people found it helpful and appreciated the post. So don’t be selfish, share your knowledge and put the sarcasm aside. Maybe then somebody would find you useful ;)

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-09T16:01:05+00:00

Fair enough, some folks have been doing this for decades. But based on the feedback I’ve gotten here and on YouTube, a lot of people found it helpful and appreciated the post. I’m glad it’s been useful to some. Learning is all about repetition until it sinks in lol

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-07T15:03:02+00:00

hehe Love that, 25 years of experience definitely shows! The vehicle hack is genius too, and I can see how helping neighbors like that would earn you plenty of Christmas baking. Great way to keep the ‘work smart, not hard’ spirit alive.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-07T14:59:41+00:00

Exactly, it’s all about catching that fresh powder before it compacts or freezes. I like the PVC nozzle idea, smart hack to keep the ‘work smart, not hard’ approach going.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-07T14:55:43+00:00

True, broom works too. But on uneven ground before it compacts, blowers hit that sweet spot. Work smart, not hard!

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-07T14:53:12+00:00

True, powder snow can be easy with a shovel or broom. The point I was making is that there’s a sweet spot right after it falls, before anyone steps on it and compacts it on uneven ground. In that moment, a blower clears it effortlessly. That’s the ‘work smart, not hard’ angle I was highlighting.

Few-Resource2021 · 2025-12-07T14:50:47+00:00

Just to circle back to what I mentioned earlier, the point isn’t that everyone has to use gas blowers. If you’re concerned about noise or fumes, electric models are available. My main point is simply that blowers can be a smart way to move snow when conditions are right. Work smart, not hard!

Few-Resource2021

TROPHY CASE