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

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: gnu
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:34 PM

Inflatable queen and twins and lobster... soooo tempting...

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:35 PM

Step back from the joke, gnu.
You must resist...You must resist...

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:46 PM

Thank you for your thoughtful offer, Mary. We'll keep you posted in that regard.

The builder & crew are setting up the wooden I-joists, giving a base upon which the plywood subfloor will be built. Girder and concrete filled lolly columns are already placed. I'll go out for more photos.

Whenever I go out there I return with 25 pounds of clay attached to my boots. After a year of excavation, I always find myself watching for pottery shards too. Found a good one from some 1870's English china this morning. Brown transfer ware with sailing ships and a border of ships' lines(rope) circling around.The pattern name escapes me at the moment.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: gnu
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 02:52 PM

Careful what you post about the pottery, m. You might be declared an archeological site and have construction stopped. If you find any arrowheads or bones, hide them.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 03:14 PM

If you're drinking through a garden hose, here is an article about a healthy option for a hose that doesn't have PCBs or whatever nasty chemicals are in hose linings. And this is great for any other use because supposedly it doesn't kink. (I should have added one of these to my holiday wish list!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 03:23 PM

No worries, g. We had several farm dumps, like any other late 18th century farm here. No one official has any interest in what we find here, and no one will interfere with us or any bits of pottery.

Stilly, Thanks. I expect someone will make good use of the hose information. We don't have any water access now, nor do we have any money to buy that very nice hose. All we could do when we had water access was to disinfect the hose (survived the fire stored in the basement), water tank, camper tank, and well prior to using it.

There are many products that could make this waiting time easier but they all require money. We're managing with what we have.

The wind is picking up again. Oh goody...another wakeful night. :D

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 04:13 PM

I just took another walk around, trying for a few photos if the joist work. Got three before the lens cover again refused to open. Drat. It's just so wet out there, it's hard to keep fine moisture droplets from upsetting the mechanism.

I picked up another 25 pounds of clay, then found a couple of Tete a Tete daffodil bulbs lying on the surface; remains of the wildflower and bulb garden that was under the big pine we had to remove. I just found a spot to tuck them in and shoved some of the excavated earth over them.

Tomorrow...yurt arrival and two hours of coordinated off loading before the weary tractor trailer drivers head home. The rim and skylight have to come off first, and the skylight, doors, and trim must be stored out of the weather. Next, time spent watching the final organization of all of the pallets. Each will be wrapped in heavy plastic, so any tarps we can borrow will keep the anticipated incoming 6" of snow from freezing on.

If I were Eloise, I'd be calling Room Service about now.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 04:24 PM

lovely news... I have a trace on the tread... hope we can get som progress pics.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 04:27 PM

I'm working on photos, Tam. We've been too tired to work on it for long, and things are about to get very busy. I'm glad you'll be following along with us.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 04:38 PM

This is so exciting! You are truly of the phoenix clan, my dear! Rising from the ashes, indeed!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:02 PM

No drain is okay but you do need so way of gettin' water out of the basement in case of a leak (water supply line, hot water heater, pressure tank, etc...)... See if the boys will dig out for a 5 gallon bucket so when the pour yer floor it will be like a hole next to a wall... That way you can put a sump pump in later and then if you have a leak the water won't stand in yer basement... A lot easier to do it before you pour concrete than after...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: gnu
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:11 PM

Bobert... of course the HAS to be a sump... right m?

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:42 PM

We understand the concern, Bobert and gnu. We're used to old, leaky basements with drainage problems and sump pumps. In my earlier antique cape, they had poured concrete into the cellar onto the dirt floor, then the old fellow living there then used his hatchet to chop a drainage channel all around the inside perimeter of the hardened concrete. I used a sump pump there.

With this project, if we needed a sump pump in the case of a plumbing leak, we'd simply pump it right out the daylight basement doors. A smaller leak could be handled by a shop vac.

I'll ask our contractor what the plan is. It will be a little while before the slab is poured, and our foundation and building companies are the best in the area for this kind of ICF super efficient foundation and slab. They know what they're doing, and they'll be glad to explain it to us.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: mouldy
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:47 PM

I can't believe I've missed this thread! It's fascinating reading, and so exciting!

I've read everything with amazement at how fast the construction is now going. I hope it's going to be "new year, new home"!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:50 PM

Welcome to the adventure, Andrea. It's always more fun with so many friends joining the conversation.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 05:58 PM

maeve didja put up the link to the floor plan that you sent to me?

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 06:08 PM

No, John. That is private. We will post any appropriate links, thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 06:13 PM

I didn't realize that you have a walk out... Still best to have a "sump" which is just a hole where the water can collect... I've always just used a 5 gallon drywall bucket and set the top at the same level at the grade stakes so when the floor gets poured it's a clean hole... That way, should you get a leak all ya' gotta do is take a floor squeegee and, waa laa... It done...

Also, seein' as the basement of this structure is like a big very tight cereal bowl then should you get a leak then the water ain't goin' anywhere...

Poor beardedbruce bought an old school house in New York with flooded basement... Not too sure if he got it pumped out as yet but I gave him some ideas on preventing it from occurring in the future...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 06:14 PM

That's why I asked :)

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 06:28 PM

Well, Bobert, I'll let you know what our team tells us. So much has changed in proven yet still innovative efficient building techniques we find that we're always learning as we pursue this project.

John, many here are interested in what we're building. Until I have a photo page set up that also protects our privacy to our satisfaction that information must wait. We appreciate that those who have been trusted with more information have protected and respected our privacy, as well as the patience and eagerness with which other friends are awaiting our photos.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 06:50 PM

Maeve, I'm so glad this is finally going forward. May your new home be blessed with love and song, from the foundations right on upward!

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 07:28 PM

if the weather was better, you could sing/play as the workers were creating your new home, putting music into the foundations.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 07:33 PM

Thank you, Dan. That sounds wonderful!

News bulletin: The yurt will arrive early on Thursday morning. Must have been caught by some weather. That will buy some time for the floor to take shape.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 07:39 PM

Nice idea, Sandra. Funny thing...I haven't been able to sing much for some time. I'm hoping that will change. Friends in the folk chorus I sing with want to make the trip when the yurt is erected and sing some. That will be a welcome and joyful noise.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 07:55 PM

Watching and waiting. It is a fairly dry night here in South Portland. Hope yours is the same.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 08:03 PM

Drier than it was, anyway. We have very strong winds here, Sins. We hope it calms down some for tomorrow's support/floor building and for the (rescheduled) Thursday arrival of the yurt.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: gnu
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 08:06 PM

Ahhhh... has the basement floor been poured? I haven't the strength to read back... no sleep much over the past few days.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 08:10 PM

No, sleepy gnu. The insulated slab won't be poured until the yurt floor, and perhaps the yurt itself, is complete. That will allow it to cure correctly.

Get some sleep, eh. Someone ought to.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 03:14 AM

I am half tempted to start another thread (don't want to detract from the real life activities) where we can contribute to kitting out the new house with virtual gifts. Pics of furniture, instruments, knick knacks and pets.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 05:15 AM

maeve, maybe the chorus can sing when you & TL cut the ribbon on your new home! A musical home needs a musical opening.

I'll be moving in a couple (or more!) years into a co-operative (a very slooooowly growing community) & expect to have some singing to welcome me into my new home.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 05:28 AM

I've managed to catch up with this thread to read your progress and I'm so pleased that you're managing so well despite the rotten weather. Wish I'd been about more but have just started on pain management for my back so life's been a little tricky recently.

Sending you & TL warm thoughts, Love & Hugs,
Hil xx

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 08:33 AM

Here's hopin' the winds subside so ya'll can get yer floor down... Plywood get hard to handle in high winds... Turns into a big sail and turns carpenters into tiny boats... Been on the tiny boat end of the equation... lol...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 10:40 AM

The winds gave out during the night, after which steady snow began, and has continued. The last of the floor supports is being fitted. Next: the plywood subfloor, functioning as our floor for a while.

Working on an acceptable photo viewing option- soon, I think.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 11:04 AM

Hate to be Mister Troublemaker but...

...I hope they don't use chip board for the subflooring... Lotta builders do... It's really not "ply" wood...

Glad the winds have died down...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 11:09 AM

It's plywood, Bobert.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 11:10 AM

They are fitting the mudsill now, plywood floor is next.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 11:19 AM

Hooray!!!

Sorry to question the plywood thing... I'm just a very picky builder and I want ya'll to have the best yurt that has ever been built...

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 11:23 AM

Thanks, Bobert. We're picky too. Got the pile of flooring right outside the window.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: mouldy
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 12:05 PM

Bobert, I wish you lived in the UK! I like picky builders!
Maeve, I keep imagining your new home full of lovely textiles.

Andrea

(Now, if this job was takimg place here in the UK, I would probably have taken shares in a tea company).

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 12:57 PM

Funny you should mention that, Andrea; we recently agreed we will watch for a really fine Navajo rug to hang in the yurt. Then there will eventually be the quilt or quilts made from fire salvage fabrics blended with special fabrics sent us by various Mudcat friends. I am always on the alert for special textiles.

The mudsill is finished on 3/4 of the circumference.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 12:07 AM

I have an antique Navajo rug, but it was used on the floor at my grandmother's home for many years and it is quite worn. The rugs I've put on my walls are from the weavers it is believed Navajos may have picked up some of their weaving skills from, and these are the weavers south of Mexico City in Oaxaca. The rugs are available from weavers online and used to be more affordable but still quite beautiful (this may have changed as more people discover these rugs). I have several I bought when I lived at the border in the early 1980s, picked up in a curio store. The owners traveled to Oaxaca every year or two to buy rugs to bring back to their shop.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: mouldy
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 01:40 AM

Maybe it's just the cold weather and time of year that makes thoughts turn to warm natural fibres and colours....

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 06:59 AM

Waiting for the truck. It should arrive in half an hour. We have lots of snow to clear.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:16 AM

Still clearing snow and waiting.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:30 AM

C'mon truck :)

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:30 AM

THE TRUCK IS HERE! 'Scuse me for shouting, please.

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:42 AM

HOOOOOORAY!

sez. sandra, shouting too

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:46 AM

WHOO WHOO!

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 09:09 AM

Pallet dancing commences. Will it be the Nutcracker?
Spaw should be there, to do the dance of the Smelly Bum Fairy.
Why do I think, he'd prefer the Wind in the Willows?

Subject: RE: BS: New Beginnings - new foundation (maeve & TL)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 09:45 AM

Not here, please, John. Good ole' Spaw has another good thread. This is about our home, you understand?

Thanks for the cheers.