Roadwork Progress, Biochar Barrel Projects, and SNAP Shutdown Thoughts
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In this episode, I talk about roadwork progress, the new biochar barrel project I’ve been planning for the property, a few reflections on the SNAP shutdown, and even some thoughts on Netflix’s Trainwreck docuseries.
🛠️ Roadwork Progress at the Property
It’s been a couple of weeks since much progress on the cabin itself, but that’s not because nothing’s happening. The road out to the property has been getting a serious upgrade.
We’ve been working with a local guy who does fantastic dirt work, and between rain delays, heavy clay, and Tennessee’s stubborn soil, it’s been a lesson in patience.
After a few weeks of walking in and out instead of driving, things are finally looking up. The latest round of grading, leveling, and prep work seems to have us ready for the next step: rock delivery and compaction.
If the weather holds—lots of sun and only light breeze this week—it should dry out fast enough to get delivery trucks in. That means it’s almost time to bring in windows, doors, and the next load of framing lumber for the cabin. Once that’s done, we’ll be one big step closer to being dried in before winter sets in.
🔥 Barrel Pickups and Biochar Projects
Over the weekend, I made a little trip to my local “barrel guy.” If you live rural, you probably know one—someone who somehow always has a steady supply of used drums, totes, and random industrial containers.
I needed a 55-gallon burn barrel for cleanup, but while I was there, I also picked up a few extra barrels for an upcoming biochar project I’ve been designing.
The setup I’m working toward is a 30-gallon closed drum placed inside a 55-gallon open drum, used to make biochar through a process called pyrolysis. Basically, you load the smaller drum with feedstock wood, seal it, and burn material in the outer chamber. The heat releases “wood gas,” which burns off naturally, fueling the reaction and creating high-quality biochar without needing to quench it with water.
It’s a self-extinguishing system that shuts off when the reaction is done—perfect for off-grid or remote use. If you’ve never seen one in action, check out this excellent example from Porterhouse & Teal on YouTube:
🎥 Watch the video: DIY Biochar Reactor (Porterhouse & Teal Style)
I’ll be experimenting with the design soon and documenting the results—so stay tuned for an upcoming full video on my channel once I get the parts gathered and the first batch cooked.
Cabin Life Updates and Firewood Prep
While the road and barrel projects are moving forward, daily life hasn’t slowed down either.
The Cubic Mini wood stove in the RV is officially back in action for the season, keeping things cozy as temps dropped into the 30s this weekend.
We’ve been playing that Tennessee balancing act—light a fire in the morning, but make sure it’s not too warm by mid-day when the sun hits the camper.
The leftover wood from last winter looked dry but turned out to be mostly soft and punky, so I’ll be scavenging some of the deadfall trees around the property that are still suspended off the ground—sun-dried, not rotted. Perfect burn material for both heating and biochar production.
If you’ve ever wondered whether old, half-rotted wood makes good char—the answer is yes. It’s actually perfect for the sealed inner drum, since you’re not burning it directly, just baking the carbon out.
Now I just need to source some pallet wood or clean scrap lumber to use for the fuel around it.
What We’re Watching: Netflix’s Trainwreck Docuseries
After a long work week, Kori and I sat down for some downtime and stumbled into Netflix’s Trainwreck docuseries—and we got hooked.
Each short series focuses on a real-life disaster, scandal, or cultural meltdown. We started with Woodstock ‘99, and it’s every bit as wild as you’d expect.
Other episodes dive into stories like Rob Ford’s political chaos, the American Apparel downfall, Balloon Boy, Storm Area 51, Project X, and the Astroworld tragedy.
They’re short, fast-paced, and surprisingly well done. If you like documentaries that mix entertainment with a little social commentary, it’s worth checking out.
SNAP Shutdown and Community Responsibility
Toward the end of the episode, I touched on something heavier: the ongoing government shutdown and its effect on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
There’s a lot of uncertainty right now, and while people argue about who’s to blame, local communities are already stepping up—churches, small groups, and local food drives are organizing their own emergency support systems.
It’s a reminder that we don’t need government programs to take care of our neighbors. In fact, when things go sideways, it’s often regular people who respond first—and most effectively.
SNAP reportedly costs taxpayers $8 billion a month. Imagine what local communities could do with even a fraction of that funding directly. Maybe we’d have fewer handouts and more hands helping.
It’s not about ignoring real need—it’s about building systems that actually work, driven by people who care rather than bureaucrats who don’t.
Bitcoin Monday Predictions and Community Fun
Every Monday, we do a Bitcoin price prediction challenge over in our Telegram chat.
Last week’s guesses ranged from $128K to $107K, with my man Pip in Florida taking the win—guessing within $500 of the actual Monday price.
My new guess for next week? $119,669. Let’s see how that holds up.
If you want to get in on the fun, jump into our community chat and throw in your prediction for next Monday morning. There’s no prize (yet)—just bragging rights, some good conversation, and a great crew of people who think for themselves.
💬 Join the Telegram group: https://t.me/LOTSChat
Wrap-Up
It’s shaping up to be a solid week ahead—beautiful weather, drying roads, and hopefully some deliveries out to the property. I’ll have updates next Monday on how far the roadwork got and whether we’re finally back to framing.
Until then, check out the biochar video linked above, throw your Bitcoin guess in the Telegram chat, and remember to take care of your own before waiting for anyone else to do it for you.
Thanks for tuning in—and as always, grab your coffee, stay filter-free, and keep working toward the life you want.
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