A Little Nest Egg

Straw Bale Update: Plastering continues for the extended future. The second or "brown coat" is well under way for the interior. The window returns are looking great. Working my way counter-clockwise around the house, I'm now plastering in the living-room... the most visible room in the house..... so I'm hoping the plaster learning curve is complete.

The Humanure Compost has been sub-let to a master builder in her own right. This is a high-rise nest by any standard. She took advantage of the abundant hay resource directly below the nest. I can just squeeze the camera into the space between the roof and the nest.... and she has been a busy bird.

Mikki arrived, has made himself at home and is ruling the ranch, so to speak. He has turned out to be as friendly as the breeder claimed and is happy to follow you around the paddock whilst you scoop the poop. (he has also perfected the full barrow flip by grasping one handle and lifting) He has been ridden lightly so far and it's obvious that he loves to work. Kari has been kept very busy with the riding and feeding schedule... I think it's love.

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You may notice that the rants are few and far between lately.... yes, I've been busy. I Checked the news today to see that Mr. Spock as endorsed Captain Kirk for the position of Canada's Governor General and Barack wants to land on an asteroid... I can't begin to compete with that.

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On a sad note, our Auzzie Shepperd, Sienna died last week. She was a lovely dog and my work buddy for the last few years. The only dog I've known to have a sense of humour.... those that knew her, know what I'm talking about.

Inflatable Beavers? Now that's Canadian!

Straw Bale House Update: The construction stairs have been ripped out and replaced with the framework of the permanent stairs. The finish treads and risers will be built after all the construction traffic. Drywallers have taken over and forced anyone that does not want to breathe white powder outside. Luckily there are a few things that can be finished up under the three foot overhangs. The Humanure Hacienda project is underway. We're using up the rest of the posts that we had milled on-site two years ago. I'm using the same plan format outlined in the "Humanure Handbook" (free online).

After extensive research and Internet finagling, I ordered a new entry level digital SLR camera. Internet shopping is great for guys that have an aversion to mall shopping. I selected the Canon Xsi. The cats were handy and willing subjects for the first couple of shots.

Things that the Olympics can do without:

1- Two-man Luge. Who thought this up? Men don the tightest possible spray-on spandex, then lay atop one-another and careen down an icy half-pipe. (quick switch to sportsnet)

2- Giant inflatable beavers. Yikes, what was that? Flying moose and lumberjacks, I think I know where some cost-cutting could have been considered. I'll be watching eBay for one of them beavers... Or perhaps they could be used for a new Olympic event... the beaver luge.

Best Olympic moment: Jon Montgomery's Beer Sid who?

100TH BLOG

Last evening, we went to a free stress relieving acupuncture session. About a dozen students were here training on a new technique and "volunteers" were needed to be the guinea pigs. Now that my chi is centered, (thanks to thirteen needles in my ears and forehead), I can get on with the 100TH BLOG"

Straw Bale House Update:
Things to research:

1- Humanure Hacienda location. I can start on building the humanure bins anytime, but the perfect location must be found.... sun or shade... near or away from the house.

2- Lime Plaster: Sounds simple, but there are multiple options for lime plastering.

3- Greywater System: Drain grades must be determined and basic layout mapped.

4- Rainwater Collection: Collection pond and/or cisterns locations have to be planned.

5- Hot water Heating: System planning for domestic hot water and radiant in-floor heating.

6- Generator feed system for power outages.

7- Mason Heater facing material: Rock, brick or plaster? We like this one.....

Here's a short YouTube of a Humanure Hacienda.