The coolers and freezers are ordered and should be here next week. Then I will have to make sure the power works for where I want to install them. Finally I can start to order the the products that go into them – dairy and all those frozen products – no ice cream yet since I did not order a freezer that can do this temperature (I will probably get a small chest freezer to do this since they are much more energy efficient and a lot less money).

The other day a fellow from a Hutterite colony in Southern Alberta phoned me and asked me whether I would be interested in some rain barrels. This colony takes items that are going to be discarded (in this case white food grade large barrels – I am told these are slightly larger than the standard 205L) and re-purpose them into an useful item – rain barrels! Since they come up to Edmonton a couple of time a week with a load - I ordered 8 of them and yesterday I received them.

They have a screen over a cutout to prevent leaves and mosquitoes getting into the barrel and two facets on the side – one close to the top for overflow and one close to the base for use.

I mount my rain barrels on blocks of wood (or some other sturdy and stable platform) so that they are raised a bit so that I can easily fill buckets from the lower faucet.

AS our environ becomes drier I believe that rain barrels will be necessary equipment for any homeowner that wishes to do any gardening. Most people I know have already installed rain barrels (thanks to Mr. Rain Barrel – Brain Johnson 780-433-7508). Brian's rain barrels are very nice and well thought out.

So if you are interested getting a rain barrel this spring check us out or give Brian a call.

I am intending to have some bread in the store for next weekend. We will start off small and with one bakery but I intend to offer bread and products from a variety of organic bakeries. Variety and choice options are good for our customers.