Since I last spoke with you I have brewed a couple batches of root beer (which turned out AMAZING!) and am in the process of building my kegarator. When brewing root beer you need to keep in mind that the flavor/smell will permeate everything you use for said brewing purpose. Your tubing, keg, and tap all need to be set aside specifically for root beer purpose.
I am also considering a build for a green house that uses solar heated vacuum tubes to both provide water for plants and filter water for fish. In general I would like to move my family toward a more "self-sufficient" type of living, not because I believe in global warming or my own "responsibility to the planet" or anything like that but because I think it will be beneficial for me and my family in the future. I've also grown to appreciate artisanal goods, cheeses, beers, wines, distilled goods, canned goods and etc… I would like to be able to produce these goods for my own consumption and for resale.