We're still cracking on with our building! Yes, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler (well freezing actually) but we are still motivated to get ahead on our roundhouse. As you can see from the photo the roof has not yet been erected. That's not because our incredible helpers did not work their super generous butts off on Thanksgiving weekend. Turned out there were some other details to work out first before proceeding to the much anticipated reciprocal roof raising.
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Energy was spent on digging a couple trenches by the front entrance to insert the cedar posts that will eventually retain the earth that will be buried behind them. One team dug, another team collected the posts, and another team filled a few more sandbags. While the logs for the roof were peeled and cleaned, tough, burly friends heaved, carefully set and secured the posts into place.
It was work that came at us last minute as we realised this cedar retention wall would be great idea for the entrance and it logically made sense to put this up before proceeding with the roof. It is certainly necessary to have a plan in place before engaging in such a project however I'm finding more and more that what you 'plan' may not exactly turn out to be what you actually do - or least what you plan to do will happen much (much) later then when you think you're gonna do it!
In fact, we had an unfortunate set-back as Andrés injured his back at work a few days before the weekend. He was out of work for over week. He was unable to move much and to prepare as much as he would've liked to previous to the build. Luckily he is a lot better now but still has to be careful. And obviously this isn't stopping him from plowing on with the build.
Besides that Thanksgiving was a lovely success for us and as usual we are eternally grateful to the wonderful folks that came out again and for the first time. Thanks Abby, Alice, Dan, JF, Julia, Martin, Megan, and Tim. You guys rock! And thanks to Patricia, our amazing neighbour who came around with fresh baked, still warm from the oven chocolate chip cookies at just the right time.
And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, which feels ages away already, Andrés and I have to say how incredibly happy and blessed we are, especially at this time in our lives. It was exactly a year ago at this time that we announced to our close family and friends that I was pregnant with our first baby. She arrived this May and has kept us very busy ever since but has also brought much joy to us. In the midst of caring for our newborn and dealing with normal day to day stuff, somehow we felt we could build a home at the same time - off-grid with no running water nonetheless. Sometimes I think we're a little coo-coo. However, it is because we know and can feel there are wonderful souls wandering this beautiful planet that would somehow find their way to us and lend a hand when we really need it. We believe in karmic connections, paying it forward, love and respect. We need you like you need us, we all need each other. Sometimes it is hard for us (me especially) to ask for help but I don't think it's a bad thing. It seems people really do want to help others, the only problem normally is time. Nevertheless, whether you are or have been with us physically or simply in spirit, we have benefited from your positivity and support, and for that we give thanks.
Oh and I did manage to cook a turkey for the first time in my life, which turned out alright. Made the cranberry sauce too for the first time - the easiest thing to make in the world, and why not avoid the canned stuff when all you need are cranberries (which are so plentiful and cheap at that time), some sugar (maple syrup would probably be better) and a bit of water. I also roasted a squash that self-seeded from our compost pile this year. No watering, fertilizing or even seed sowing required - talk about permaculture! Along with Patricia's homegrown purple potatoes (not kidding, they're proper purple and super yummy), it was a super feast. And for the finale a choice between three pies - apple, pumpkin and my naughty banoffee, nothing homegrown about that one but oh so irresistable!
It was work that came at us last minute as we realised this cedar retention wall would be great idea for the entrance and it logically made sense to put this up before proceeding with the roof. It is certainly necessary to have a plan in place before engaging in such a project however I'm finding more and more that what you 'plan' may not exactly turn out to be what you actually do - or least what you plan to do will happen much (much) later then when you think you're gonna do it!
In fact, we had an unfortunate set-back as Andrés injured his back at work a few days before the weekend. He was out of work for over week. He was unable to move much and to prepare as much as he would've liked to previous to the build. Luckily he is a lot better now but still has to be careful. And obviously this isn't stopping him from plowing on with the build.
Besides that Thanksgiving was a lovely success for us and as usual we are eternally grateful to the wonderful folks that came out again and for the first time. Thanks Abby, Alice, Dan, JF, Julia, Martin, Megan, and Tim. You guys rock! And thanks to Patricia, our amazing neighbour who came around with fresh baked, still warm from the oven chocolate chip cookies at just the right time.
And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, which feels ages away already, Andrés and I have to say how incredibly happy and blessed we are, especially at this time in our lives. It was exactly a year ago at this time that we announced to our close family and friends that I was pregnant with our first baby. She arrived this May and has kept us very busy ever since but has also brought much joy to us. In the midst of caring for our newborn and dealing with normal day to day stuff, somehow we felt we could build a home at the same time - off-grid with no running water nonetheless. Sometimes I think we're a little coo-coo. However, it is because we know and can feel there are wonderful souls wandering this beautiful planet that would somehow find their way to us and lend a hand when we really need it. We believe in karmic connections, paying it forward, love and respect. We need you like you need us, we all need each other. Sometimes it is hard for us (me especially) to ask for help but I don't think it's a bad thing. It seems people really do want to help others, the only problem normally is time. Nevertheless, whether you are or have been with us physically or simply in spirit, we have benefited from your positivity and support, and for that we give thanks.
Oh and I did manage to cook a turkey for the first time in my life, which turned out alright. Made the cranberry sauce too for the first time - the easiest thing to make in the world, and why not avoid the canned stuff when all you need are cranberries (which are so plentiful and cheap at that time), some sugar (maple syrup would probably be better) and a bit of water. I also roasted a squash that self-seeded from our compost pile this year. No watering, fertilizing or even seed sowing required - talk about permaculture! Along with Patricia's homegrown purple potatoes (not kidding, they're proper purple and super yummy), it was a super feast. And for the finale a choice between three pies - apple, pumpkin and my naughty banoffee, nothing homegrown about that one but oh so irresistable!
Well if you're up for an adventure like this, then come on over and join us. With the nightly freezing temperatures we can recommend a couple cute BnBs in the area. Just assume we're working every weekend, we can always use an extra hand and you'll always at least be served a meal in gratitude.
