Hi Dawn,
I agree with you about the quality of Amish products - your Baker's Choice will last a lifetime. And isn't it pleasant to experience real quality in a product that is designed to last!
As regards the washing machine, we like the Wonderwasher, and have a number of friends who use this for washing clothes. Yes, it is small, which is why it is so efficient. I do not know of any local suppliers of hand-crank washers, sorry. We've been through the wringer (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) with the logistics of washing clothes, and found that larger machines require too much power. In the end, we opted to send our laundry to a laundromat. The cost is low, and the only thing is we need more clothing to accommodate the delay when sending out the wash.
The 'solar generator' is just a solar panel, charge controller, and a battery with an inverter in a compact unit. We use the same concept, which is basic to most simple solar power systems, but bought the components separately. I prefer this because the cost is lower and the system is easy to expand if we want more power in the future.

Thanks Tammy. I hope this article has not discouraged you from trying an off-grid lifestyle. I feel this lifestyle has contributed greatly to our family's sense of security and well-being. The off-grid life is not for everyone, but you sound like the type that adopts well to thrifty, independent living. I also have two sons, and living off-grid, I think, has been very good for them. Even as young children they felt empowered with a sense of purpose every day, because we need each other to make it work.

Thanks Michelle. I'll have to try the sticky tape solution next time I get stung by nettles (a fairly common occurrence in the untamed areas of my garden).

For stainless cookware, we like Revere Ware. This line has copper bottom, stainless sides.

Yes, we know a number of single women who live in off-grid homestead settings. I very much admire them, knowing the challenges they face. One of our neighbors has lived this was for over 25 years.
The single women (and those with partners) seem to share a common trait - networking. They get together to help each other, socialize often, and serve the community in may ways. Kudos to them.

We have no pictures of the inside of the house, sorry.

Florence,
We only offer guidelines as above on this page. We don't recommend any specific brands or stores. Sorry.

Well, the official launch of the Bloom Box had reporters underwhelmed. Here's a review:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100224-bloom-box-launch-bloom-energy-press-conference-update/

Virtually every quality nonstick on the market contains PTFE as the nonstick component. If you are looking for good cookware which has a nonstick coating, you will not find any that do not contain PTFE. This info is from cookware manufacturer:
John Badner
Business Mgr/Consumer Products
Whitford Corporation

If the steel you're referring to is stainless steel, then this is considered very safe for cooking. However, enameled steel, especially on cheaper cookware, can and will eventually flake off. This may find it's way, via your food, into your fat cells and liver causing potential risk. Also, new enameled cookware (especially low quality cookware) may emit fumes when first heated. Be sure to use the hood fan when using a new enameled pan.
When cleaning your enameled steel pans, avoid using abrasive scrubbies as these may wear off the enamel in small amounts which will shorten the llife of your cookware.