Crack'n the Vault

Straw Bale House Update: The crew has expanded to three for the time being. An extra set of hands is very useful when hoisting the 4X9 fir rafters into place. Most of the rafters for the vaulted living room ceiling are now placed and the balance will follow early in the week. Two more truck loads of sand have been delivered, and Friday the compacting of the existing sand infill began. The tractor was very handy loading sand between the window bucks. It was a steep learning curve maneuvering the bucket with only inches to spare on either side. Kari worked on the weekend burning the remnants of the stump pile, (while I played on the tractor.) A new tent location was leveled so the staining tent can be moved. This will allow for easier access when it comes time to put the roof on. I've also begun to open up an old logging road access which will act to service the greenhouse and humanure hacienda.

The Mason Bees have emerged! The little buzzers have hatched for the most part. The males seem to be hatching first and jumping the females as they emerge. No wasting any time there. I can't tell yet if the females are laying eggs in the condo, but will be sure to report any such activity.

After the Sunday Vegan Potluck, we went over to Gord Hutchens' kiln firing. It's one of only a few in North America of it's type. The kiln is so hot that flames shoot out the chimney about 20 feet from the kiln. The wood firing produces a finish that no other type of kiln can replicate.