the work we did on the land

The plan when we went to the mountain was to cut down trees that would become a cabin.  We wanted to take them down when the sap was rising so they would be easier to peel.  Instead, we actually slight slugs.

I got a small garden plot dug.  I called it my rock garden because it seemed to produce many more rocks then anything else.  I also pulled a lot of mountain blackberries out of it.  My helpers really only pulled rocks.  Except the dog, who dug holes.  And the Small Mister, who thought rolling and jumping in the dirt to pack it was the best thing ever.

I did get some flower and vegetable seeds in it the night before we left.  Now, I just have to hope for rain so they will germinate and the animals do not eat everything.  It would be nice to have some flowers the next time we go up.

My Beloved worked on a hug tree pile from the clearing of our field.  And he built a work table in the shed.

It still needs a bit of work and I probably should build a stool for it, but is it not lovely?  Having a place to work in the shed is very special.  We are using the incomplete shelves to hold plastic boxes for storage.  

So it was not what we planned but we did sit in the sun and do nothing.  We never do that!

the shed

We really love the land but the main reason we went up there this time was to build a shed.  We had people who know one end of a hammer from another but had never built a building.  We had a book.  I have actually  had a bit of carpentry expierence but my work on the land has a lot to do with keeping people fed, dishes washed, trailer swept, rebuilding the driveway and road, and then I had time to help help.  We had small hands.  We had large hands.  But not having that experience showed.

My Beloved wished he had started with a chicken coop and understands the meaning of square and level.  When we built the floor, I told him it was not level.  And we really did not build 12' x 12'.  That was part of the problem.  Like I said learning.  A chicken coop is next.

 

My Dad had some helpful suggestions but I am not sure how helpful my Beloved and the Tall Short Person's Love thought he was.  I think that had a lot to do with when in the process the advice was given.

 

The short people learned a bit about building.  The hammer was used and so was the tape measure.  My Beloved taught the small people how to measure.  We heard a lot of counting.  Small Mister wanted much more chain saw even though last time he was terrified.

We did a lot of the work in the rain.  It was a good soaking rain and it was in the high 50's, low 60's.  It meant that people got cold and were very thankful for the roof.  I was actually the one who got the most chilled but I was moving gravel to repair the driveway and road.  We ran out of roof 3/4s of the way through and had to get more.  

 

The shed is more then 3/4s done.  We still need to close up under the eaves and around the roof.  But there is a place to put tools and lock the door.  We are thinking about a bath house next.  The chicken coop and dog house next on the list so there can be more practice on a small scale and male bonding work parties.  I am told there will be no beer but cold bean salad.  I have interesting people in my life.  I cannot be as specific as to say men.

Can I say I am tired of breaking computer and vehicles, down internet providers and blog hosts?  Technology this week has been working against me.  My treadle sewing machine, spinning wheel, and letterpress are all fine.  So is the cast iron and the yeastie beasties in the sourdough.  And why do dresses not last longer the two years?  It has been an interesting week if I do say so myself.

By the way, I have been having problems with computers, internet, and hosting so if you do not see me here, you know why.  I do not have pictures on my phone that work yet.

on the land (and computer is down again)

We were on the land again last week.  All the tree cutting we did in March was moved by a D7.  This is what we have now.  Space.  A place to put a shed and a garden.  Maybe a place for a few small houses.

We had six people this time.  The tent was necessary.  This was actually the prettiest day we had all week.  We had a lot of rain so a nice tent was necessary.  The trailer was nice because we were able to get everyone out of the rain and warm when they were not working.

The kids did a lot of playing.

Spring is coming.  That is nice.

We have a computer down again.  It makes it hard to blog but I will try.  I have pictures to share of our week.

Trying to find balance

I know I have only been back in Texas for two days but it has been difficult.  I was enjoying the autumn weather of home.  I was able to wear a sweater and a shawl at the same time.  It was one of my favorite combinations:  a ratty cashmere cardigan and a quivit shawl.  I know it does not sound like it should be enough but quivit is WARM!

Work has been good as far as being work.  But it is not working at home.  Someday, yes?

I started the day this way.  I lit the oil lamps I had made and got to stitching.

I finished another 1911 top and two nine squares.  I am trying to make a nine square a day and put it in a quilt.   Somehow, I do not think this will happen.

Did you know that a circle with a radius of 7.97 feet will give you a circle of approximately 200 square feet?  I am playing with ideas for homes and out buildings even though I am trying not to hope too hard.  No word yet.