The Star has got the right idea. When I was a tyke on the farm we had no electricity or phones so neighbors spent a lot of time visitin'. The long visits and the wonderful conversations are treasured memories of the past that was much slower paced and friendly.
Kerosene lamps, candles, dirt roads, Model A Fords, horses, cows, chickens, geese, ducks, sheep, dogs, cats and pigeons. Large gardens too, in addition to the crops in the fields.
In harvest season we went from farm to farm in the area helpin' each other to bring in the crops. Men workin' the fields and the women hard at work in the kitchen with the wood stove makin' all the goodies for the large noontime meal.
Ever thought about building a woodgas generator? An easy way to make woodgas for immediate use such as heating, cooking or running an engine.
Takes a bit of practice to get things 'just right' but after that you get good gas and, if you desire, charcoal as a by-product. Lots of info on the web.
For a wind machine look into what is possible with the 'vertical axis' type which is low speed, high torque. A good machine need only be about four feet in diameter, three feet high, and will develop several watts in a breeze.
In stiffer wind they can produce several horsepower.
I really love the new LEDs that are becoming available for cheap. Lots of light and very reliable.
Those lead-acid batteries have enormous potential. Bedini discovered the ability of the batteries to self-charge while being drained into a load by the technique of 'battery popping.' Really simple circuitry and not too difficult to optimize either. Bearden has done several very good 'write-ups' on the phenom.
Mael, I fully agree with your statements on the world's state of affairs and who is really behind all the chaos. Got a feelin' that in a few more months things are gonna begin to get real crazy.
I admire your spirit Alaska. Self sufficient in the wilds of the North is a good place to be!