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

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Slag
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 08:54 AM

I can only imagine what losing all one's possessions and house would be like. I've given much thought to the why of hanging on to "things". Mainly, they are aids to memory, artificial ways to unclutter your mind as you clutter your house. In one way such a loss would be like suddenly finding yourself on a tightrope without a net. You would discover how capable the mind is at recalling the past without all aids and crutches. You would also discover what is really important and what is not.

Most of those connections stretch to people, our folks and friends, living and not. They still abide in our hearts, with or without the keepsakes. May God bless you as you move in and begin again. I see you are already richly blessed with fine family and friends and in the end, that's all anyone really needs.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 09:03 AM

Okay, I think I get it but what supports the girder??? Metal lolly columns???

And what Slag said, tho, I am sending ya'll a Bobert CD as part of yer new collection...

Actually, I've been boxing up stuff for the last month for the anticipated move and in doing so have thought about ya'll a lot... Not that much of what is boxed up has any particular worldly value but it does mean alot to us...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: ClaireBear
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 10:01 AM

Thinking of you, Maeve and TL, after a cold rainy windy night in California. A couple of times last night I thought my tent was going to lift off and fly to Maine with me (and a rather worried cat) in it -- then I could at least make tea or something. But no, we stayed aground after all, so I send you warmth and strength from afar instead.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: olddude
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 10:33 AM

Next year will be a wonderful year for you both, I just know it. I am very happy to hear that it is coming together. Love to you both

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: JennieG
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 05:24 PM

The new home sounds wonderful. Yes, the old building is gone, and the possessions, but you have the memories - and you will be able to make more lovely memories in your new home. We would love to see pics!

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 05:55 PM

Bobert- Ok. Plans have changed so often here my head is swimming. Three cement filled lolly columns are the verticals, set on the three footings. One girt beam goes across those, then 14" I-joist floor joists, which will permit us to span 20+ft. Finally, a mudsill, then the plywood subfloor. A better explanation than that will have to wait for me to see it for myself.

The water barrier film was applied today under what the foundation maker called perfect conditions; warm enough for the adhesive to grip the ICF completely, and cold enough that he could peel the brown coated paper backing off by himself, without the whole adhesive side getting stuck on itself. He sealed every centimeter of the below grade ICF, and continued the barrier over the exposed part of the circular self-draining footing.

It was a bitter cold Friday night one year ago today when we awoke to the house engulfed in flames. We're grateful for our lives, our marriage, and the many kindnesses that have continued ever since. We're ok; but we've also both been reeling a bit since this Friday, yesterday. I was awake and alert all night, my body knowing the anniversary before my mind recognised it.

Goodnight.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 06:46 PM

maeve, I hope you can get some safe and warm sleep, tonight. Just think, come Tuesday, each day will be a little longer..heading into more light in more ways than one.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 07:47 PM

We're grateful ya'll still here, to, maeve...

Yes, I understand the girder and lolly columns... Won't take up alot of space... I guess ya'll gonna pour a concrete basement floor soon as the walls set up and the supports can be taken out???

Lovin' it... Keep sharin'...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 07:57 PM

Kat- Thanks. That would be very nice. We could both use some sweet sleep.

Bobert- The insulated basement slab will be poured after the yurt floor is in place, so the concrete will remain warm enough to cure. I'm glad my description held together this time.

Thanks everyone.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 08:39 PM

Yeah, that makes sense...

The one thing I hate about basements floors is cracking because of the size of the pour... Seems that no matter how much you try to cover and protect the concrete or how much re-rod you use you come back a year later and it has a few hairline cracks... Seems to me that if "expansion joints" were used and it was poured in stages that would cut down on the cracking...

BTW, do you have sub-terrarium pests??? Like termites??? If so, now is the time to treat under the slab...

But I guess yer on top of this kinda stuff...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: open mike
Date: 18 Dec 10 - 09:07 PM

I have stayed in yurts in the oregon state parks...made by Pacific Yurt company.foto here: http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/rustic.shtml

and this organization has built a straw bale house for a family with 6 kids who were one of the 200 homes lost in the fires we had in 2008. their crew consisted of both volunteers and people who paid to attend a workshops where they learned about the techniques of building straw bale houses. http://www.strawbuilding.org/pages/main.php?pageid=1

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 04:59 AM

Jeri - wonderful song - I had a lump in my throat reading the words.

Maeve - It's good to see the progress day by day. It seems to be going really well, here's hoping to continued good works.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: gnu
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 08:33 AM

Bobert... crete cracks. Control (expansion) joints sawn at the right time or using "inserts" (which I do not recommend for slabs) are best. They can be trwoelled but that's tricky, especially in a basement, on wide pours and it's labour intensive.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 10:58 AM

Organic options for termite treatment (or pre-treating).

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Cats
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 01:31 PM

Maeve ~ Secret Santas don't forget......

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 03:11 PM

Hope is always the most intelligent attitude.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 09:39 PM

Well, the basement slab in the yurt we inspected wasn't cracked. That one and ours-to-be-poured are both insulated slabs. We'll see how it goes. We've been impressed by the quality of the concrete work so far.

As for termites, nope. Not an issue here, thanks. All the nooks and crannies will be sealed, wood will be sealed and protected from moisture, drainage should be excellent, plantings will be kept away from the foundation, and we'll have a wide band of gravel all around.

The ICF foundation looks good, and the waterproof membrane was successfully applied. Our foundation expert said the temperature was perfect for it yesterday; cold enough for him to peel away the brown backing and apply the film to the ICF without it sticking to itself, and warm enough the adhesive got a good grip. It covers all of the foundation that will be below grade, including the exposed concrete of the self-draining footing around the perimeter.

We'll have another long day tomorrow with backfilling, scaffolding removal, and the floor and supports to be assembled.

Our yurt should be about halfway here tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 09:00 AM

They're out there removing the braces and scaffolding, and beginning to backfill. I'll try to get photos, but the good camera just refused to work. I'll see what happens with the pharmacy camera.

The noise really bothers me- PTSD responses.

Thanks for the many posts here from friends and friendly folks.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 09:35 AM

Everything is shaking from the equipment; three different rigs are beeping as they maneuver. When I brought fresh water out to the chicken house, our senior rooster was hollering to tell me intruders are on the premises. Yep. Kind of figured that out, Calico.

I do not like the noise.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:28 AM

Got a Walkman, maeve? It might help you if not the chickens.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:33 AM

It's so loud, Sins, not even the portable cd player from a friend can drown it out. It seems to fall under the heading of incurable, endurable. Remember the poem I gave you? I'd like some of that aftermath right now.

At least I know it is in aid of housebuilding. The yurt truck must be nearly here, so the work needs to move quickly.

Thanks, Sins. It feels really difficult at the moment. Nice to know someone is keeping an eye on us.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Nancy King
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:39 AM

Sounds like the work is proceeding pretty fast -- just look forward to being snug and PEACEFUL in your new house!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:42 AM

Very exciting, maeve...

Not to worry, the back hoe will be gone tonight... Then you'll wonder what that sound is... You know, ahhhhhh, silence...

Are they going to use a crane to set the modules and roof??? If so, then yer gonna have to put up with that noise, too, but with less banging and beeping...

Back to pests... Is it that there are no termites that far north or that you think you have things sealed well enough??? If it's the latter then ya' might want to reconsider... Around these parts soil treatment is required no matter how tight everything is or how much gravel.sand and plastic is under the slab... Just' lookin' out fir ya'...

Hope ya' get yer camera workin'...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & T
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:49 AM

Sounds exciting!

Do hang a star on the yurt's top post.

Cheerly,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:56 AM

We've never heard of termites this far north, Bobert. but I see there are some here in Maine. http://www.termites.com/regional-termite-information/maine/
Our precautions are for Carpenter ants, rodents, cluster flies, mosquitoes, etc. We can ask about termites, although we'd have to stick to organic treatments.

Yes, the wall and roof panels are extremely heavy and a crane is going to be here for that part. Ordinarily the noise would bother, but not cause distress for me. Since it's PTSD related I manage my responses rather than trying to control events that are upsetting.

Thanks for your encouragement, Bobert and Nancy.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 10:56 AM

We cross posted, Charlie. We have a big LED star on the utility pole. It'll have to do.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 11:29 AM

Further research tells me : "…termite control is required in all states except Alaska, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Michigan, (except the very southern part), Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and the northern parts of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and New York." From "Houses: the illustrated guide to construction, design & systems", by Henry S. Harrison.) Found here on Google Books

I think we won't worry overmuch.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 11:38 AM

Thanks for posting that, maeve. We had a pest control "expert" out when we first bought this place, who wanted us to spend a bunch of money after he supposedly found evidence of termites in one small piece of lumber in the crawl space. In all of my born years, in CO and WY, I've never heard of them being a problem. (We did not spend the money for him to do whatever.:-)

Is there any way you can think of it as a "joyFULL noise" as in "we're getting our new house, oh joy!"? PTSD is tough, coming out of the blue as it can do.

{{{{Quiet Hugs}}}}

kat

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 11:48 AM

Hello, kat. As a matter of fact, I've decided to classify the noise as being SRR ('Spaw Recovery Racket).

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 11:57 AM

Southeast Alaska, where I live, doesn't have a problem with termites, so far as I know, but carpenter ants are a different story. We even have them out in the forest taking down tree stumps and I know a number of homes that have to be treated from time to time. Our cool, damp conditions are ideal for them, I am told.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 01:12 PM

The girt/girder is a laminated beam and is in position. They're carefully measuring and cutting the three filled lolly columns, and setting them in place.

It's very cold. I'm relieved to see the work crew seem to be staying warm.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 02:15 PM

It's mighty quiet out there. Hmmm. Better go see what's what.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: gnu
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 03:11 PM

Soooo... is there a revised sched for errection?

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 04:21 PM

Got a call from the trucking company, gnu. The yurt delivery is likely Wednesday morning. Some of the crew is still working outside in the dark, and it's been snowing since about 2 pm. It will be a challenge to find places to put each pallet and crate so as to be convenient and level.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 06:43 PM

So... when it arrives, each pallet and crate must go into a particular spot in a particular order. We may have to organize after offloading with the forklift, but I'm hoping to get it close to right from the start.

Then we'll cover it all because the puzzle won't be assembled until after Christmas.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 07:32 PM

Ah, that's better than trying to rush to get it done before Christmas, I expect, right? It is exciting to read about!

I like that SRR!!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 07:45 PM

That beam is actually called an LVL (laminated veneer lumber) and they are strong, strong, strong...

Glad to hear that the termites don't live that far north... Around these parts you can't get a loan on a new house if the dirt under the slab hasn't been treated...

Can't wait for the next installment...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 07:49 PM

Snow is falling in Portland. You seem to be getting more ice. Whatever! Stay warm and safe. One more week to construction.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 07:53 PM

It would be more than foolish to try to rush this particular puzzle. It will take patience and attention to detail, but it's an efficient crew, and they work well. It must go together correctly and in a particular order. I think we're in good hands and have a good product.

Yes, Bobert. We don't need no stinking termites! Next installment maybe tomorrow. I have to go find a replacement camera we can afford first.

Goodnight.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 20 Dec 10 - 07:56 PM

We cross posted, Mary! Yes, we'll likely have at least another three weeks in this camper between the holiday break and the weather.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 09:54 AM

This morning Truelove fixed the camera for the time being.

The continual shaking of the camper this morning is due to trenches being dug for septic and water connections. The weather is blowing snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Miserable working conditions for sure.

Yurt alert: The driver reckons he'll be here by late tonight or early tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 09:57 AM

a very close, cosy christmas!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 10:03 AM

Hi, Sandra. It will more likely be a trapped in the cold camper, unable to get to see my elderly mother Christmas, but we'll see what is possible.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 11:52 AM

Sewer line and well line are in and the trenches filled in. They've been working on the wooden plate fitting over the reinforced iron bars in the top of the foundation. The last corner of our old foundation, where the water tank was, has been filled in.

TL cut down the common lilac trees from the north end of the old foundation so that garden can be used for pallets and crates of yurt components. I think my dad's hostas in that bed will be just fine next spring.

I moved the rest of the fire salvage from the front line of the old hole so the forklift and crane can maneuver more comfortably.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 12:12 PM

Sounds like you'll have yer pressure tank in the basement... What have ya'll been doin' for water in the RV, maeve???

BTW, are they going to put in a floor drain in the basement???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 12:18 PM

Bobert, it's not a floating slab, and it's water tight. No drain as far as I know.

As for water, it's quite a challenge. For a while we could use the old water tank with a garden hose attached. As soon as we were able to get a generator, we used it to pump water from the tank into the camper's tank. Now that the hose and tank are frozen, we are stuck buying water and filling containers when we are able to. We carry out wash water in a bucket. The rented portable toilet is expensive, but makes it possible to stay here.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 01:46 PM

Brrrr...I'll be so glad when you have the yurt in place enough to camp out in it!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 01:57 PM

Thanks, Kat. So will we.

The construction crew and plumbing subcontractors are working hard to have the plumbing all ready for us. Unfortunately, it's likely that even when we move in to camp in the yurt, we won't own a sink or shower (or bed or table...LOL). We may use the greenhouse sink and counter if we can determine where we want the hole for the plumbing to come through the floor into the kitchen area. We had bought a new water saving toilet before the fire but hadn't had time to install it. Fortunately, we had stored it in a shed- so that at least we can install in the yurt.

The propane tank just emptied out. Time for a trip into the village for a refill.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:17 PM

Maeve, you are welcome to the inflatable queen size I use upstairs. Easily transportable; reasonably comfortable with a quilt or two underneath as well as on top. Let me know. When you get a real bed, you just deflate this one. I have twin inflatables to replace it for guests.
M

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:18 PM

It's very comfy :)