Hi, I'm Tuco from Omaha Nebraska

[Tuco]

Hello, I'd just like to introduce myself. I'm Tuco from Omaha Nebraska. I'm pretty new to the whole “self-sufficiency/self sustainable” concept and way of life. Obviously I've known about alternative energy (solar, wind, etc), but I never really thought about it much. I'm a city boy and I'd never owned a home of my own, so, creating my own energy (and growing/raising my own food) was something that I never thought about. I'd never done much gardening besides growing a couple tomato plants in the back yard. Then, when watching TV, I discovered what I later found out was called permaculture. I was intrigued! I started researching it, which led me to many other related subjects; hugelkultur, rainwater collection, gray water systems, companion planting, alternative energy etc. Then I started researching, beekeeping, rabbits, chickens, ducks, catfish, etc. I was discovering the self-sufficient lifestyle. It all just seemed to make so much sense! Growing/raising most of your own food, providing most of your own energy via solar, wind, and other methods. Ever since I've discovered this, I've submerged myself in studying/researching the subject. Like I said, I'm a city boy and I really do enjoy much of the city lifestyle (I'm a musician and a music fanatic, so I can't do without all the concerts that a larger city provides, plus a “scene” where I can hold concerts of my own) so, what I really want to do is an urban homestead, implementing much of what I've learned.

I'm not a “save the planet” kind of guy, I just really like the idea of having more freedom. Relieving myself of some of the shackles that bind me, if you will. Reducing my dependency on (high priced) utilities, groceries, etc
A bit about me: I have a 17yo son, but he lives with his mom in Lincoln. Like I already mentioned, I'm a musician. I've played in bands since 1986 (metal and punk, so you probably won't like them, hehe). I like riding motorcycles (I've got 4). I build custom vintage rat-rod bicycles. Up until recently I owned my own antique/retro store. I was an over-the-road truck driver for several years before that and have been to every state except Alaska and Hawaii. I'm a Philadelphia Eagles fan (so that also means I am required to hate the Dallas Cowboys, lol). I love playing Scrabble and Risk. And....I guess that's enough about me for now.

I'm looking forward to participating in this forum and “meeting” you, and I'm looking forward to all the knowledge I'll get from you, and, hopefully, I'll be able to pass on some of my own.
Cheers,
Tuco

 

[Amiga]

Welcome, Tuco! Sometimes I forget there are people in the world with so much in common with me. While my musical preference is, stereotypically, bluegrass, old timey and gospel, I do play an autoharp and enjoy jams with my friends. I have owned a few motorcycles and enjoyed riding tens of thousands of miles on them. There is an R1100RT in our family, also, frustratedearthmother.

I recently earned my Permaculture Design Certificate through an online course with Geoff Lawton. It was a rush to take the course and have my questions answered by someone who's been practicing permaculture and teaching it for 30 years or so. I have been apparently practicing permaculture for nearly 20 years myself, though I came around to it from some different routes than many do.

So, if you want to talk hugelkultur, rain collection systems, small duck flock management, native, medicinal, edible plants, small-space gardening, forest gardening, square foot gardening, permaculture ethics, let's do.

Again, welcome.

 

[Tuco]

Welcome to the forum! One of our members, @Amiga has a keen interest in permaculture and recently completed a course on it, I think you will enjoy chatting with her. Back to bikes (sorry ) I had 5 so far, a scooter, a Kawasaki KH125, then 2 Yamahas, a '65 model Twin that got chopped and an XJ, both 650, followed years later by another scooter. Since I became a mom I swapped 2 wheels for 4, but I do miss the rides...
You say you're a musician? What instrument(s) do you play? I love rock music, especially the guitar part and have had a lifelong dream of learning to play guitar properly. One day, when I have time, I'll take lessons. I'm too impatient to teach myself LOL

In my bands I play bass guitar, but I do most of my song writing on guitar. I also kinda-sorta-but-not-really play piano and drums. I'm self taught. I can pretty much pick up any instrument and make up some sort of song on it (although it may not be pretty )

I never saw an XJ650 before (I just googled it). I thought it was going to be basically the same thing as an XS, but it's not.

Here is my first bike, a 1972 Yamaha XS2 (XS650) named Boneshaker. (hopefully this picture works) This is kinda old because I didn't have a fender on the sidecar tire yet.

 

[Tuco]

Welcome, @Tuco! You can go a long way toward self-sufficiency with a vacant lot or large yard in the city. You don't need a lot of acreage to reap the rewards of gardening, canning, enriching your spot on the Earth. Stop by often and we'll chat about doing big things in small spaces.

Yeah, I've seem some great "urban homesteads" on Youtube, etc! I can't wait to get started myself, but it will still be awhile before I can. But, until then, I'm diving head first into reasearching and learning as much as possible. Getting ideas of what I'd like to do, what is practical for me to do, what is impractical to do, etc.

 

[Denim Deb]

I like to take people hunting for lions and tigers and bears since they're not really something you expect to find here. But, we have them, ant lions, tiger swallowtails, and wooly bear caterpillars.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Welcome from Texas! Hopefully, you can share some of your knowledge and glean a little from the forum also.

p.s. Don't tell anybody, but I'm not a Cowboys fan either, lol!

 

[Denim Deb]

If you're an Eagles fan, and want everything that the city has to offer, why not move closer to Philly? You could then have the best of both worlds-that is providing you can find land at a reasonable price.

What kind of bikes do you have? I have a Buell Blast, and have had it since 2008.

 

[Tuco]

Wow! This is exciting! I guess I just earned a bunch of throphies! haha!
Hello Earth Mother and Deb!

What kind of bikes do you have? I have a Buell Blast, and have had it since 2008.

I have 2 1975 Harley sportsters, a 1972 Yamaha XS650, and a 1981 Yamaha XS650. I got my first bike (72 Yamaha XS650 named Boneshaker) in about 2000. I'm an "art car" artist, so I soon started customizing it. I covered the tank and fenders with pennies. Added a coffin sidecar (yes, a coffin which I built myself). All the lights are skulls. And it has a suicide shift with a foot clutch. I'd shown it in artcar shows and bike rallys, etc. But, eventually, I blew the motor. So, I bought the 81 Yamaha to swap all the parts over onto it (which I never got around to). Then, I came across the first 75 Harley. It was an incomplete project, but it was nearly done. I intended on finishing it myself...but...I came across the other 75 Harley that was a complete running chopper. It was too good of a deal to pass up, so, needless to say, the other bikes got put on the back burner.

ps, I don't think I'll be moving to Philly, I'm too deeply rooted here in Omaha. I have a 17yo son who lives in nearby Lincoln Nebraska with his mom, plus I have my band, friends, etc. I've been to Philadelphia while driving a truck. In fact, one of my deliveries was only a couple blocks from the Eagle's stadium. I went to the gift shop there, but have yet to see an Eagles game on the home turf. Someday!

 

[Tuco]

by the way, don't get me started on bikes, or else this ^ will happen. Hehe!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I grew up on dirt bikes - at one time we had a Honda mini-trail 50, a Yamaha 60, a Honda 90, a Yamaha 125, a Kawasaki 350 and a Honda Goldwing. (I think I named them right - but I might dis-remember some of 'em, lol) Anyway, that was a whole lot of decades ago - when I was a child and teen. Had a blast on 'em back then.

My DH has a BMW R1100 RT. It's nice, but I let that be 'his' thing. I stick with my 4 wheels and air-conditioned transportation these days. Well, except for my tractor! I claim it as my 4-wheeler!

Sorry about bringing up bikes again....