I have found two vintage Oster blenders at yard sales, each for under $10. They are from the 50s and 60s and are solid heavy metal things with glass pitchers. I needed to buy new seals for them and on one I had to replace the little star bolt that the pitcher locks into to turn the blades. Either of them will completely liquify things that my modern cheapo Hamilton Beach would meekly chew at. If you can find one online (ebay maybe) or better yet in person (thrift stores, yard sales), I can definitely attest they are built different.

Edited to add: a search on US ebay for “vintage 60s Oster beehive blender” turned up some results that look like mine between $40-50 plus shipping. It’s an excellent machine.

We have solar panels, battery backup and a plug in hybrid car. It gets us just about anywhere locally we need to go without needing gas. We just got a 3d printer and I’m already thinking of dozens of things around the house I can fabricate now. We have a VR I can use to work out downstairs (beat saber!). Not to mention this cool miniature computer with internet access I can use anywhere I go.

Hoping to add a garden in the next year or so to grow herbs, fruits and veggies.