Last weekend I really lucked out by attending a local farm auction, which was sparsely attended because of some beautiful weather. I managed to fill some holes in my preparations. I picked up a John Deere 4 wheel drive diesel tractor with some implements, a Coleman 5kw generator, another Husqvarna chainsaw(I already have one), a small meat slicer, and assorted pots and pans. The prices were surprisingly low, for instance the tractor with a bush hog and a plow were priced at less than half of what just the tractors are selling for on farm equipment websites. I know the seller, so I conferred with him before bidding. All in all, it was an amazing day, because we stumbled upon the auction just before it started, and didn't even know it was scheduled.
A couple of days prior to the auction, I noticed some free solar equipment posted on Craigslist, and it had been posted just 10 minutes before I saw the ad. I immediately contacted the seller, and made arrangements to pick the stuff up. I ended up with a 100 watt panel, a Trace 40 amp charge controller, a DC circuit breaker panel, and mounting frames for two solar panels. It'll be a nice addition to my current system. The fellow had a remote cabin, which he ultimately connected to the grid, so he didn't need it any more.
I don't know why I've been so blessed, but I am thankful. My wife says it's good karma.