BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 08:34 AM

Bobert, thank you so much for your good ideas. The water set up was just done yesterday and there's no telling how long it will work with the old tank and repaired spigot. The only power is the generator.

We have to meet plumbing code laws and stay on the good side of our Code Enforcement Officer, and we have to be ready to pour the insulated slab and insulate walls. We're scheduled to be available for Open House visits. Right now, living in the camper is what we can handle, until slab and stove and wall insulation can be done.

As TL says, we're in a holding pattern. I'm just happy to have water available for washing, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 08:35 AM

That's correct, Sandra.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 09:37 AM

Ahhhh, yes, the building inspector must be kept happy... We have two here in Page County and fortunately I get along well with both of them... We had a 3rd who thankfully is gone... On the spec house I built a couple years ago I called for an inspection to pour the garage floor... Well, garage floors tend to crack so I dug down an extra 14 inches from side to side and put in my re-rod... That is the way that all garage floors are done in NoVa. and they call that a "poured beam" and gives the slab much needed structural integrity... So pain'the-the-butt Charie came out, took one look at it and asked, "What the hell is that???" Guess he was swo used to seein' people just pour 4 inches without the "poured beam" that he didn't know what to think about someone pouring a floor that would not crack???

So Charlie failed me and told me that I was going to have to not only get the "poured beam" engineered but also bring in a soil engineer???

That little ballgame cost me right at $1000 and an month setback because I was doing something right???

Go figure...

Wasn't all all disappointed to hear that Charlie had been laid off...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 09:42 AM

Yep, Bobert...go figure!

We've been on excellent terms with the gentleman here. He knows his field and was very good to us when we had to replace the septic system two years ago. We are willing to stick it out until we can do it up right.

Thanks again.

M & TL

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 01:50 PM

Amazing...Even a stalwart neighbor with a reactive personality stopped by this morning. Although he is normally full of the froth of human kindness, on being allowed to tour the unfinished yurt his mood was positively buoyant, proclaiming, "This is wonderful!"

Just amazing. Reckon pigs will be flying by sundown.

Bobert, TL hand-filled the water tank on the camper with bottle after bottle of water from the aforementioned cranky old water tank. He thawed out the camper's hot water heater, turned it on, and Cowabunga! We again have hot and cold running water.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 05:00 PM

I get it now, maeve...

Actually, if you could just send 220 volts down the 3 wires (red and black hot and white ground) to the pump it would pump water to where yer old connection was that went to the house... A 220V rated switch or "disconnect box" with lever would do fine as a shut off... Nuthin' would get hurt by doing this and you really aren't violating any codes that I know of... Might of fact it would probably make you pump happy to run now and then...

Of course there wouldn't be a pressure tank but it doesn't matter since all you are doing is kinda using the pump direct... Very basic but virtually free water...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 05:15 PM

The old connection is long gone, Bobert. That's what we used for about 8 months, until the old water tank was pulled out, the wires were ripped out or buried, and the old foundation hole was filled in.

Our contractor promised he would make sure we wouldn't have to be without water. Guess what? Here we are. We're doing what we can and managing fine. Just another fun day on the farm! :)

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 05:31 PM

Hmmmmmmm???? Somethin' ain't right here, maeve...

Where yer well cap is you will find the wires and the 1 inch black plastic (or galvanized pipe)... If you remove the cap they are all there and that is all you need... I can see how the wiring in the house and maybe even some of it underground to the cap might be burned but I can assure you that the fire wouldn't have damage a well or the pipe or the wires going down to the pump...

Me thinks you need a second opinion... Pioneer life is bad enough but if you can have yer own water whenever you want it it's there for the taking without alot of fuss or muss...

I can walk TL thru this if he wants to do it himself or any electrician can jerry-rig it in less than an hour... And, yes, it will be perfectly safe...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 28 Jan 11 - 05:42 PM

I see what you mean- Not the connection at the old foundation but the well access. You are correct, the well access was not burned.

Let's take this discussion off thread, Bobert.   It's really hard for online friends to grasp our set-up, no matter how much they want to help, and I am uncomfortable with the public discussion. Call me funny or call me strange, but don't call me in public. :)

Thanks.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 04:45 AM

So very glad to see you have running water in the Camper again Maeve, well done TL!!!! Fantastic news!

Also, well done to Bobert for all his practical suggestions. It's all a bit too technical for us here but it sounds like you have good advice to give. Hey, how long would it take you to drive up? Coupla days? Got some spare time? *grin* We could do with you here across the pond BobertmeDear, anytime you want to visit the UK you have a permanent invite here at the Cottage!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 08:32 AM

I'm on my way... I'll get the P-Vine to pack a few days worth of cheeze sammichs and I'll put a few beers in the cooler... BTW, what roads do ya take to get there???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 08:48 AM

Bobert- The road to Hil and Richard runs through Maine, so we'll be watching for your visit here too, please.

Thanks, Hil. Enjoy the flutterbys.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 08:58 AM

I'll bring my tools...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 03:46 PM

Kendall and I visited with Maeve and Truelove today. It was cold and there were slight flurries of snow, but the yurt is wonderful. It looks so natural a structure for the surroundings and is beautiful inside, even in its present stage of construction. The acoustics are great and I can see this being a superb place for music.

The atmosphere in the building just confirms that, once it is finished, this is going to be a really cosy nest for two people who deserve every good thing that they can get. There is a lot of hard work to do but they are working together to get things done. They are frustrated right now because it is too cold to do the exterior sealing work, which needs to be done before they can get the place insulated. I'm going to put in an order for a very early spring and good warm weather to help them. Anyone wnat to join me in that?

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 03:53 PM

I wish I could ship you today's weather here in North Texas. It would be perfect for finishing that work. Stay warm, all!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 04:50 PM

I'll second that order Jacqi! Thanks for the description, it sounds just as wonderful as I thought it would be!!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Jan 11 - 11:12 PM

I'll third it!

I could also send some summery sunny Sydney weather, tho it's also not so good for working outside.

I was at a BBQ yesterday where the host got some sunburn even tho he covered himself with blockout. Which is why the local Cancer Council shop sells a long-handled applicator for getting cream on hard-to-reach spots.

more practically, I'm wishing you a few more chickadees, or a gi-normous flock of them to block out the snow

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 12:24 AM

I'm joining Jacqui.c and others in wishing for an early spring in Maine so work on the yurt can progress. Besides, an early spring in Maine means the same in RI, right? However, I draw the line at wishing anyone a hot, humid summer!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 03:00 AM

most folks here love hot weather (I don't) & I've never met anyone who likes humidity.

sandra (in a cooler summer evening after a milder summery day & hoping for similar tomorrow)

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: mouldy
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 03:03 AM

Oh Yes! After all the hard work they have put in to cope with whatever the weather's thrown at them, they are due some respite....NOW PLEASE!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 03:47 AM

Sending warm Springlike thoughts to Maine and cooler, drier ones to Sydney!

Hey, Bobert - how are you with building sheds/bunkhouses from scratch? We have the base, window & door. Also some salvaged roof timbers from the house they demolished next door. Should be a breeze, eh? Photos of base & conservatory here, sorry for thread drift Maeve!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 11:08 AM

It's about time to annoy that poor groundhog again. But every day it stays light outside just a bit longer. Spring is coming. (she mumbles as she knocks 100 lb icicles off the roof).
Almost February. April isn't far behind,
Daffodils and tulips and construction. Whoo Whoo
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 11:14 AM

'[t nuthin' to it, guru...

Looks like you'll be putting a hip roof up which will work very well except for the valley which will more than likely be problematic when it rains hard... Might have to build a reflector to get the rain to not overshoot the gutters...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 12:03 PM

I took a few photos.

The roof light is amazing - can't wait to see it without the snow covering it.

The walls are 10' high and then the ceiling tapers up to the light. The photos really don't do it justice.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 12:09 PM

(Please do not delete. Not Really A "Guest"..Maryrrf lost cookie)

Lovely photos! When it's all finished, Maeve and TL are going to have a beautiful dwelling place. May they have smooth sailing for the rest of the journey.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 12:10 PM

Spring - in most places I have lived - has its own problems Mud, mud, and muddier. For working outdoors I much prefer a crisp 20 degree day.

Some kind of balance between the two would be nice.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 12:12 PM

Being a traditional New Englander, I'm not easily impressed or excited, but I must say, this Yurt is something to behold!
It will be a great place for a house concert.Like its owners, it just drips quality!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Maryrrf
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 12:16 PM

Guest of 12.09 was me - cookie got lost.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Janie
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 12:44 PM

Thanks for sharing the pics, Jacqui.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 03:06 PM

We had a really fine visit. It was chilly in the yurt, but we managed with hot coffee and tea, wonderful company, and some fine guitar playing from both Kendall and Jacqui.

And yes; Jacqui asked us before posting the photos!

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 04:58 PM

Oh, it looks just wonderful, thanks for the photos Jacqui!!

It really must be frustrating waiting for the right weather so you can start the sealing process, but you've obviously been making good use of the wait by getting the water sorted. Hope that it warms up for you soon and that you're able to get some proper rest!! POsitive thoughts!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: mouldy
Date: 30 Jan 11 - 05:23 PM

It's beautiful, and the light's amazing!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 12:43 AM

wow!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 08:07 AM

Thanks for the pics, jacqui....

Love it!!!

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 11:09 AM

Love it! Think Spring!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 07:02 PM

What a beautiful ceiling and great building!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 05:21 PM

That skylight will bring all the sunshine in to your wonderful home, what a fabulous design!! It's been getting lighter when I go to & from work and it was a little warmer today. Sending Spring-like thoughts your way!

Bobert, that all went way over my head, much too technical *grin* Anyway, I'll pop some more piccies of the Conservatory on my Flickr over the next couple of days. They've managed to get the box-gutter tied to the Cottage now despite the building being a little too high as far as our slates are concerned. And the roof frame is going up *grin* Sorry for drifting again Maeve...

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 05:37 PM

Google up "hip roof", guru... Then look where the two planes intersect... That's called the valley which gets water from two planes, rather than one meaning twice the water... Think of it a s creek between tow hills... What happens at the bottom in a heavy rain is that with twice as much water coming down the valley as you'd have with a standard pitched roof that it tends to overshoot the gutter... So if you take a piece of sheet metal you can use that as a divertor to keep the water in the gutter...

B

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Janie
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 11:03 PM

Hope the hatches are well battened down for you, as well as all the other Northeasterners.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 04:02 AM

Thanks for that Bobert, looked & found some YouTube stuff which may come in handy

Morning MaeveDear! Hope it's warming up for you & TL. I'm looking at snowdrops in the garden and the daffodils are poking their heads up too. Definitely Spring!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 07:16 AM

Still in winter storm patterns here. Tucked in, yes. Spring,no.

Likely not online much.

Be well, y'all,

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 08:06 AM

be warm!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 08:11 AM

Great day to order yer seeds, maeve...

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 08:17 AM

Good idea, Bobert, for those who can. I trust those who can do so will enjoy the process. :)

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 10:48 AM

Thinking of you now Maeve. Stay well.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 12:24 PM

Me too. Every time another storm gets predicted for your neck of the woods I make sure to check in on Mudcat and see that you've posted something. I know you have things under control, but I also hope you'll get out of there if things start to look at all dicey. You have many friends.

See you in a few weeks, I hope.

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 01:29 PM

I couldn't face digging out the car this morning so I called into work and went back to bed. Hope the snow is insulating your motor home. Keep warm.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 01:37 PM

We're ok. Snow's been dropping at the rate of 2"/hour since it started this morning. Well banked, we're staying warm enough, thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 03:20 PM

maeve, your cold seems to have leaked out of Maine. Too bad the fact that cold escaped from there hasn't allowed it to warm a little for you!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 03:44 PM

Thank you all for your thoughts and ideas here. At 500 posts, this thread is becoming unwieldy. I have begun a new thread here:
"It's a Yurt...Maeve & Truelove"

Maeve