Garage Band

Straw Bale House Update: It's been a busy week! Late last week, we had the the materials delivered for our (single) car garage.... wait a sec, I'd better start at the beginning.... Kari had the inside scoop on a local trade school program where training carpenters take on projects (like a garage) as part of their training. Two students were interested in working here and the wage scale is appropriately low. The course teacher is also on site for one day a week... and there are tentative plans for the current class (of eight) to work on the garage week after next. They will camp out on the property and and learn how to build during the day. Monday and Tuesday, the footings (for the garage) were formed and poured on Wednesday. At the same time, we were also able to pour the foundation for the mason heater. The base for the heater will be about 20 inches of concrete once complete. On the house itself, we've finished the living room beam rafters and the pine decking, (which will be the ceiling). Now we can finish the last part of the rafter work. Eave supports and a roof can follow. At the house, 4 truckloads of sand have been delivered and compacted. (Thank goodness for little tractors.) Last fall the first two truckloads went in shovel by shovel... a tractor with a front end loader does the work in a fraction of the time. The crew on site is higher (in numbers) than it's ever been. Often only one, it's currently at five. Although maybe only coincidence, I've noticed the amount of work accomplished is directly proportionate to the amount paid in extra labour. I ran into the farmer, (who's storing my straw) at the fireman's auction.... He has graciously extended my (free) barn storage, as the first cut of hay is delayed this year because of cold weather. The extra few weeks will take some of the pressure off!

The semi-annual Fireman's auction was on Sunday. What can I say.... weed-wackers went for more that automobiles and couches sold for a dollar. There was everything up for auction including a few kitchen sinks. Every two years, islanders donate their unwanted stuff to the fire department, who then auction it off as a fund raiser (to buy new equipment). This years auction netted about eleven thousand dollars. I managed to resist spending a lot of money, but was high bidder on a truckload of sand., (which I needed anyway) as fill for the garage.

Friday night, I headed over to the "Backhall" to see the "Randy Duncan Band". When not on stage, Randy is a builder on the island that builds unique and beautiful homes.

Well, anyone watching the news has seen the forecasts of $2.50/ liter gas and $10 loaf 0f bread. Rice has tripled in price in the last 6 months and a trip to the pump now costs me about $100 (for a truck tank and generator fuel). I believe more than ever, our efforts to be self-sufficient are more important than ever. As soon as the house is complete, the gardens and greenhouse will be a priority.