Just a quickie, but was talking to Zonker, and he was saying that he spent 3 years using Motel Rooms for living in the off season. That would be from October 14th to the May 1st to May 24th period. Seems that they have monthly rates, as well as Daily, and in the Winter will reduce rates for an income ;) haven't talked to much with him about it, but will research some more. While this will do until I get enough for a down payment on a property, once that is accomplished, LIVING ON THE LAND to conserve $$ will be a necessity.
I did a short search on my Playbook, and found lots of Motels in Ontario, so will have to do some more in depth research for area and prices later in the summer, say about August 15th... in the meantime, will keep you informed ;)
oh, and right now I am considering activating a cell phone for internet connection. Not fully convinced yet that I need it, but just see what the price is going to be. Moving forward, inch by inch. ;D Now if I could only get moving on the weight loss. I have Plateaued at about 198 to 200, and it is bugging me :\
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Thoughts for the "Home Front"
Actually more questions and puzzles than thoughts. Perhaps keep this post for things like that and just update as it develops.
1) Build Out buildings to Live in:
a) Lean-to concept, minimalist
b) Sauna (bench would serve as bed, stove, cooking, heating. Would need outhouse brrrrr.
c) Workshop w/ loft. (ie also tool shed) barn doors, maybe a bit drafty...
2) Build a portion of main building:
Kitchen, toilet washroom, w/ loft. Two sides cordwood, other two frame, easily taken down, moved, when next part of main building cordwood wall completed. Would easily follow in the bit by bit style more common to eco-building. Roof may be a problem though at the early stage.
As would how and at what point to build the pad for the foundation. Whether to construct the whole pad, or go step by step?
3) Heating came to mind when I was thinking of the pad. The pad and floor would need to be thought out carefully if one wanted to incorporate advanced solar or air flow concepts to the design. Hypercaust came to mind as a possibility, utilizing double glazed windows in the Sun Room to channel hot air through the ceiling, back down a Trombe Wall, and back through the floor to the windows again.
another idea that came to mind is a Finnish Wood Stove / Oven, it incorporates heat sink storage mass in it's design element, as well as utility for slow release of heat which makes it ideal for baking or slow roast of meat or stews...
and speaking of cooking, who likes cooking indoors in the summer, how about an outside oven / barbecue made of brick... for that matter, make it part of a forge LOL
4) Water for washing and kitchen also came to mind. Initial thoughts had dwelt on a plastic container, with solar heating to heat the water. Plastic replacing the 50 gallon steel drum. I can see the water system going through several iterations over the course of the life of the project. From primitive, to mechanical, to Sling Shot, as developments in electrical sources advance.
5) Which brings me to Electricity.
a) None, use candles, oil lamps and fire
b) Batteries, hand held devices, etc
c) possibly a gas generator.
d) Solar Panels, with battery back up storage.
e) Wind generator, simple system, not mega windmill ;)
1) Build Out buildings to Live in:
a) Lean-to concept, minimalist
b) Sauna (bench would serve as bed, stove, cooking, heating. Would need outhouse brrrrr.
c) Workshop w/ loft. (ie also tool shed) barn doors, maybe a bit drafty...
2) Build a portion of main building:
Kitchen, toilet washroom, w/ loft. Two sides cordwood, other two frame, easily taken down, moved, when next part of main building cordwood wall completed. Would easily follow in the bit by bit style more common to eco-building. Roof may be a problem though at the early stage.
As would how and at what point to build the pad for the foundation. Whether to construct the whole pad, or go step by step?
3) Heating came to mind when I was thinking of the pad. The pad and floor would need to be thought out carefully if one wanted to incorporate advanced solar or air flow concepts to the design. Hypercaust came to mind as a possibility, utilizing double glazed windows in the Sun Room to channel hot air through the ceiling, back down a Trombe Wall, and back through the floor to the windows again.
another idea that came to mind is a Finnish Wood Stove / Oven, it incorporates heat sink storage mass in it's design element, as well as utility for slow release of heat which makes it ideal for baking or slow roast of meat or stews...
and speaking of cooking, who likes cooking indoors in the summer, how about an outside oven / barbecue made of brick... for that matter, make it part of a forge LOL
4) Water for washing and kitchen also came to mind. Initial thoughts had dwelt on a plastic container, with solar heating to heat the water. Plastic replacing the 50 gallon steel drum. I can see the water system going through several iterations over the course of the life of the project. From primitive, to mechanical, to Sling Shot, as developments in electrical sources advance.
5) Which brings me to Electricity.
a) None, use candles, oil lamps and fire
b) Batteries, hand held devices, etc
c) possibly a gas generator.
d) Solar Panels, with battery back up storage.
e) Wind generator, simple system, not mega windmill ;)
About the Title of my blog, The Sacred War etc.
I am not all that techy and just noticed that on Dashboard there is a tracker of where viewers come from. To EVERYONE who has ever viewed this blog or my other blogs, THANK YOU FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY SOUL!! I had never imagined that anyone other than perhaps friends and family that I have told about this would ever come by. You are much appreciated.
Now as to why the title:
I notice there is proportionately almost as many Rus brothers and sisters who have visited as anyone else in the world. You may be surprised that I would know the answer to "Why?" As a former student (at my age, life is more teacher and class room than a physical school) of 20th century history, I am fully aware of the contribution and sacrifice the Soviet Union made during The Great Patriotic War, or Sacred War. 25 million lives and counting. Yes, there are still people who are tallying the numbers.
My father's ancestral line has a nasty habit of expiring before 70yrs. Dad and Grand dad died at 69, both quiet suddenly. Previously to that, as far back as I have gone, 60 was a high point. When I decided on a blog for my quest to live beyond 70 years of age, it just seemed natural to entitle it "The Sacred War". To which I add, my apologies if some of you that come here, feel that it is an affront to the memory of those that died before they even had a chance to live. I have certainly not meant any disrespect.
Now as to why the title:
I notice there is proportionately almost as many Rus brothers and sisters who have visited as anyone else in the world. You may be surprised that I would know the answer to "Why?" As a former student (at my age, life is more teacher and class room than a physical school) of 20th century history, I am fully aware of the contribution and sacrifice the Soviet Union made during The Great Patriotic War, or Sacred War. 25 million lives and counting. Yes, there are still people who are tallying the numbers.
My father's ancestral line has a nasty habit of expiring before 70yrs. Dad and Grand dad died at 69, both quiet suddenly. Previously to that, as far back as I have gone, 60 was a high point. When I decided on a blog for my quest to live beyond 70 years of age, it just seemed natural to entitle it "The Sacred War". To which I add, my apologies if some of you that come here, feel that it is an affront to the memory of those that died before they even had a chance to live. I have certainly not meant any disrespect.
Some Pep Rally Talk ;)
Advice to the Class of 2013
Elizabeth Warren,
Senator for MA.
Never be so faithful to your plan that you are unwilling to
consider the unexpected. Never be so faithful to your plan that you are
unwilling to entertain the improbable opportunity that comes looking for you.
And never be so faithful to your plan that when you hit a bump in the road – or
when the bumps hit you – you don’t have the fortitude, grace, and resiliency to
rethink and regroup. (SW, Problems are just opportunities to take a different
path, the one that you didn’t see or have before.)
Sir Richard Branson,
Virgin Group
I would urge you to travel, take on new experiences and draw
upon those when it comes to making the decisions that will shape your future.
Equally, if you spot an opportunity early on and are really
excited by it, throw yourself into it with everything you have got. Be
ambitious. There probably won't be another time in your life when you have such
freedom of opportunity. Grasp it with both hands.
Building of Cordwood (any Eco Friendly) Home
For the Average Owner Builder, resources are the determining factor in how to go about building their dream. A lady, Barbara Ann, on the https://www.facebook.com/cordwoodconstruction page, commented that she couldn't see building one of the "mansions" that were posted by the site owner, Richard Flatau. To which I replied, that most were started small, and expanded over many years, as the owner could afford.
This is something different than the normal person sees house construction in the cities and towns we live in. One month it is an empty lot, and 4-6 weeks later, it is a subdivision of 2-3000 sq ft homes, selling for 100 - 200 thousand dollars, with postage stamp lawns, front and back.
So here is my dream home template. It is an education centre built by Richard and Becky, with friends help; read about it here
http://www.daycreek.com/dc/html/cordwood_education_center.html
I have some minor adjustments in mind, like a Salt Box Roof, and 8-6 ft front glassed in Sun Room with tromb wall, running the length of the house, Sling Shot for water purification, Solar panels on the Roof... ;0 ok, not so minor LOL
This is something different than the normal person sees house construction in the cities and towns we live in. One month it is an empty lot, and 4-6 weeks later, it is a subdivision of 2-3000 sq ft homes, selling for 100 - 200 thousand dollars, with postage stamp lawns, front and back.
So here is my dream home template. It is an education centre built by Richard and Becky, with friends help; read about it here
http://www.daycreek.com/dc/html/cordwood_education_center.html
I have some minor adjustments in mind, like a Salt Box Roof, and 8-6 ft front glassed in Sun Room with tromb wall, running the length of the house, Sling Shot for water purification, Solar panels on the Roof... ;0 ok, not so minor LOL
To be practical, I don't have that kind of "physical or fiscal" resources at my disposal. That is not what I will be starting out with. For some "Starting Small" has taken on the form of an "Out Building" in the same style, ie a sauna, or wood working shop. While others opt for untypical, as in tipis or sheds. Then there are the adventurous, who don't mind living in a project under construction, and will build part of their dream and live in that, ie the basement, the kitchen area, or whatever. The idea is to start with a small structure, that will suffice for a "building office" that one can live in while work is being done on the main structure.
So what will I do, the simple answer: "I don't KNOW!!" it all comes down to what is available when I set the first post, dig the first shovel of soil. This is a road that has no map, or GPS. Between me and the future, is a huge unknown chasm.
from my brother's Facebook Pg
I can envisage building the Sauna as a test or learning experience in doing Stackwall, or I could take one of Richard's courses, and then come back and start with the Kitchen. There are a few ideas I'm mulling over like that.
There are two priorities:
1) Set aside as much money as I can, in the years ahead. This means taking myself more or less homeless. Not living on the streets. But in the cheapest accommodations that I can find.
While at the same time, pursuing priority
2) Searching out where I want / can build the dream. This means travelling about. Reading on the Internet what other's have done. Visiting their creations, and getting to know the problems and advantages they came across. Meaning "Education in the Art of Owner Builder of Eco Housing". There is no school for this, no classes at college or university. It is all in the heads and experiences of the folks who have decided enough is enough, and went ahead with their dreams.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Some Thoughts on This Anniversary
NB This post starts in the present, but ends up transitioning to an older post, from 18 months ago. So in reality, this covers from 2009 to the present... So for continuity you may want to read the previous post first.
A Sustainable Life, is living debt free, feature rich, while having the time to smell the roses! Like the painting I do, I am a work in progress! In Transition and Growing in Old / New Directions! Re-discovering what is important to me. And this weekend had a revelation from all the time I had spent down sizing. in the past 2 years (and more recently severely continuing that trend, to the point one would think all I wanted was a knap sack and walking stick in life ;D) but I am down to a bit more than a pick up truck of stuff, and in 4 months will have no place to put it and I am not worried, because the revelation: It doesn’t matter!!!
I have sufficient health and income to live without worrying where I am, and I am not tied to a mortgage or anyone. There was a John Denver song along those lines. Sweet Surrender –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ2VkWBf0v8
Back in October 19 to March of this year, I came to help my eldest daughter, as she recouped from major surgery. But at the basement rooms, I had been down sized to 1 room, when my son, needed a place to stay, so we had crammed my stuff into one room, until I could get around to sorting it out. But realizing after being away for 5 months, that going back to a one room dungeon was not looking like the best of options, I asked about staying on for a bit with my daughter and her family. I have been here since, but with the realization that it was only temporary. At most a year or so. Now it is looking like even less than a month. At least until I can get myself together and the weather improves for camping.
But
what has happened in the past 18 months? Well, I finally got onto Ontario
Disability Pension, which for one year was a blessing, which I shared with my
family, for medical care for 3 cats. More importantly, I kept walking, and from
7 k walks have progressed through 10 k, to 14-15 k on a regular basis, and with
the occasional half marathon, of 21 k ;-)
Would like
to walk a "REAL" half marathon sometime, and I am aiming for the London UK Marathon ;)
optimistic 90% of the time, but realistic too, that it is going be a while to
get back to where life is easy; my life has changed, in most ways for the
better; though it may be hard to believe that
It is
interesting in how life can change in 24 hours. Leaves one breathless, and
wondering what is next. Whether it is a good change or ill. It happened the day
I busted my knee. Now, this May 24th weekend, my life’s perspective
changed again. I am like a sailboat on a new tack. Heading for a new sighting.
Smriti
(Hindi – Memories, was my Dr’s middle name)A Sustainable Life, is living debt free, feature rich, while having the time to smell the roses! Like the painting I do, I am a work in progress! In Transition and Growing in Old / New Directions! Re-discovering what is important to me. And this weekend had a revelation from all the time I had spent down sizing. in the past 2 years (and more recently severely continuing that trend, to the point one would think all I wanted was a knap sack and walking stick in life ;D) but I am down to a bit more than a pick up truck of stuff, and in 4 months will have no place to put it and I am not worried, because the revelation: It doesn’t matter!!!
I have sufficient health and income to live without worrying where I am, and I am not tied to a mortgage or anyone. There was a John Denver song along those lines. Sweet Surrender –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ2VkWBf0v8
Back in October 19 to March of this year, I came to help my eldest daughter, as she recouped from major surgery. But at the basement rooms, I had been down sized to 1 room, when my son, needed a place to stay, so we had crammed my stuff into one room, until I could get around to sorting it out. But realizing after being away for 5 months, that going back to a one room dungeon was not looking like the best of options, I asked about staying on for a bit with my daughter and her family. I have been here since, but with the realization that it was only temporary. At most a year or so. Now it is looking like even less than a month. At least until I can get myself together and the weather improves for camping.
The starting post revisited
Actually that title does sound right, when thinking, that building a home begins with one post, one log, one 2x4, and just continues on.
The War Begins
October 23rd 2011
Hello,
I am 63, soon to be 64, and have been fighting a rear guard action for 6 years now, since loosing my last job to "progress". Replaced by a new program. Since then I have had a variety of physical and economic calamities hit me.
First was my heart; stress had been taking a toll on it long before the last day on the job; angina was the leading symptom, bouts of it would hit at inopportune moments, and I would have to resort to a nitro spray. Then 2 years after my last day, I was lifting some paving stones for my brother and his wife, and 2 arteries in the right side of my heart decided enough was enough, and collapsed; within 3 weeks I was in surgery, and rather than open heart, which might have been the only option 20-25 years ago, the surgeon, entered my left wrist with a needle and worked up to my heart, with a wire, and did angioplasty (literally blew up a balloon in my arteries, expanding them) and then inserting two stents, a mesh tube that keeps the arteries open at the collapsed point.
Two years later I was well on my way to normality, running and exercising, playing with my grandson, 5 years old; going back to school to prepare for advanced education at college or university. Then one morning in February, before Sun up, I was running down the darkened driveway, and slipped on a patch of ice no bigger than a turkey platter; landing with all my weight on my knee; dislocating the knee joint, the patella, and ripping the quad muscle (the one in front of your thigh, which lifts your leg below your knee). 1 1/2 months later, surgery to repair the damage, 6 1/2 weeks in hospital, 8 weeks total off the leg, 8 sessions of free physio, and off I go to recover on my own; to say it was a mixed blessing is an understatement.
This past year, I was getting up from the computer, and my knee gave out, and when I fell, I cushioned the fall, by putting out my left hand. The top of the tibia cracked, and I required a cast; it healed, but now there is nerve and muscle damage; if may be Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) we don't know yet. I am using my hand and wrist despite the occasional pain, so I am hopeful.
In the last 2 3/4 years I have gained weight (30+ lbs) and the thigh of the injured leg is partially atrophied; only the fact that I can walk, with a cane for long distances, keeps me going. Until I turn 65 in January of 2013, I am on a limited monthly pension of $680+, and yet manage to keep head above water, without the use of credit (bankruptcy after heart surgery) and a lot of improvisation and careful planning.
Over the years, I have tried various means to recover my health and fitness. I still see the cardiologist, once a year, and keep tabs on my health with my GP. Regular check ins, and yearly physicals. Mentally and Physically, I keep as active as is possible. Walking 7 kl a day, (more on that later) and eating healthy food. I read, and surf the web, maintain my own aged computers, make my own wine and do light wood working projects to make my life easier, as well as bake my own bread and learnt to cook a variety of foods. Did I mention that I am a bachelor ;). Living conditions are not palatial, 2 rooms, with a shared kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. But for now it is enough, better times are coming when my ship comes in.
Today I am starting this blog, because I have had enough. The Status Quo has to give, and get better before the end of the next year. This will be the record of that 14 months and my War.
October 23rd 2011
The War Begins
October 23rd 2011
Hello,
I am 63, soon to be 64, and have been fighting a rear guard action for 6 years now, since loosing my last job to "progress". Replaced by a new program. Since then I have had a variety of physical and economic calamities hit me.
First was my heart; stress had been taking a toll on it long before the last day on the job; angina was the leading symptom, bouts of it would hit at inopportune moments, and I would have to resort to a nitro spray. Then 2 years after my last day, I was lifting some paving stones for my brother and his wife, and 2 arteries in the right side of my heart decided enough was enough, and collapsed; within 3 weeks I was in surgery, and rather than open heart, which might have been the only option 20-25 years ago, the surgeon, entered my left wrist with a needle and worked up to my heart, with a wire, and did angioplasty (literally blew up a balloon in my arteries, expanding them) and then inserting two stents, a mesh tube that keeps the arteries open at the collapsed point.
Two years later I was well on my way to normality, running and exercising, playing with my grandson, 5 years old; going back to school to prepare for advanced education at college or university. Then one morning in February, before Sun up, I was running down the darkened driveway, and slipped on a patch of ice no bigger than a turkey platter; landing with all my weight on my knee; dislocating the knee joint, the patella, and ripping the quad muscle (the one in front of your thigh, which lifts your leg below your knee). 1 1/2 months later, surgery to repair the damage, 6 1/2 weeks in hospital, 8 weeks total off the leg, 8 sessions of free physio, and off I go to recover on my own; to say it was a mixed blessing is an understatement.
This past year, I was getting up from the computer, and my knee gave out, and when I fell, I cushioned the fall, by putting out my left hand. The top of the tibia cracked, and I required a cast; it healed, but now there is nerve and muscle damage; if may be Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) we don't know yet. I am using my hand and wrist despite the occasional pain, so I am hopeful.
In the last 2 3/4 years I have gained weight (30+ lbs) and the thigh of the injured leg is partially atrophied; only the fact that I can walk, with a cane for long distances, keeps me going. Until I turn 65 in January of 2013, I am on a limited monthly pension of $680+, and yet manage to keep head above water, without the use of credit (bankruptcy after heart surgery) and a lot of improvisation and careful planning.
Over the years, I have tried various means to recover my health and fitness. I still see the cardiologist, once a year, and keep tabs on my health with my GP. Regular check ins, and yearly physicals. Mentally and Physically, I keep as active as is possible. Walking 7 kl a day, (more on that later) and eating healthy food. I read, and surf the web, maintain my own aged computers, make my own wine and do light wood working projects to make my life easier, as well as bake my own bread and learnt to cook a variety of foods. Did I mention that I am a bachelor ;). Living conditions are not palatial, 2 rooms, with a shared kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. But for now it is enough, better times are coming when my ship comes in.
Today I am starting this blog, because I have had enough. The Status Quo has to give, and get better before the end of the next year. This will be the record of that 14 months and my War.
October 23rd 2011
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Signs, Signs, Everywhere theres Signs
Clogging up the scenery, messin' with my mind...
Don't do this, Can't do that, Don't go there...
Can't YOU read the signs???
a little bit of fun from my hazy past... but it does have a deeper meaning to me... oh, about 15 years ago, a friend of mine, Trysha, was telling me about her Yachtee Days. The yacht would be coming into a harbour at night, and to maneuver the channel, they would have to line up the sites (signs ;) before they could proceed... and this has got me thinking about how to proceed with the next few years, and all that has to come together before I even put shovel to earth for the first time... Right now, just starting out, even though I have been thinking of this for decades, there is only a few things that I can think of that need to be done NOW, and I am sure there will be many more.
For NOW, there is:
1) sort my stuff down to manageable size
2) arrange for storage over the summer / fall / winter / spring
3) place to live over the winter
4) place to live through the summer
and I haven't even begun to include stuff regarding THE CORDWOOD HAVEN!!!
1) Where do I want to live, Canada / UK
2) Where in either of those countries
3) The design of the house is still in flux
4) I haven't told anyone yet what I am thinking of doing!!!!
I would say it is like a person who has come out of a forest, to a cliff ledge, over looking an inland sea, with multiple paths to the sea beach below ;) and they are wondering what they need to keep and what they can ditch, before taking the descent...
Don't do this, Can't do that, Don't go there...
Can't YOU read the signs???
a little bit of fun from my hazy past... but it does have a deeper meaning to me... oh, about 15 years ago, a friend of mine, Trysha, was telling me about her Yachtee Days. The yacht would be coming into a harbour at night, and to maneuver the channel, they would have to line up the sites (signs ;) before they could proceed... and this has got me thinking about how to proceed with the next few years, and all that has to come together before I even put shovel to earth for the first time... Right now, just starting out, even though I have been thinking of this for decades, there is only a few things that I can think of that need to be done NOW, and I am sure there will be many more.
For NOW, there is:
1) sort my stuff down to manageable size
2) arrange for storage over the summer / fall / winter / spring
3) place to live over the winter
4) place to live through the summer
and I haven't even begun to include stuff regarding THE CORDWOOD HAVEN!!!
1) Where do I want to live, Canada / UK
2) Where in either of those countries
3) The design of the house is still in flux
4) I haven't told anyone yet what I am thinking of doing!!!!
I would say it is like a person who has come out of a forest, to a cliff ledge, over looking an inland sea, with multiple paths to the sea beach below ;) and they are wondering what they need to keep and what they can ditch, before taking the descent...
Is Cordwood for me...
Well, the Simcoe Day Long Weekend (used to be Victoria Day, but that's not politically correct now) is over, and it went with a BANG ;)
Spent half walking, and half just sitting around reading and exploring the internet. OK, I didn't waste the whole weekend. I did sort through a few recipes when my dau. Michelle asked for a copy of her Uncle Tom's bread recipe ;) one of my JOBS with down sizing is to scan and sort the recipes and a few other papers, then toss the paper, become a paperless office / society of one LOL... I'll get to it soon...
I walked twice up to Costco and around to the McDonald's and then home, 13 k (8 ish miles) the balls of my feet were getting sensitive, like they would turn into blisters, so have taken 2 good days off, and now we have 3 days of rain ;( question: how does one toughen up their feet to not blister?? I know my feet back in my teens and twenty's were not soft, and had lots of calluses, but now they are as soft as baby's bottoms ;) well, the only way I know of is to just keep walking, and rest/treat the blisters when they come...
About the title... I was searching for a free program (which I haven't found a suitable one) that would be better than Paint Shop Pro for drawing out floor plans, when I came upon a couple of sites for Cordwood Construction... There are a lot out there, but two things grabbed my attention... the first site http://www.daycreek.com/ really caught my attention with this post from Harrowsmith, an old back to the land magazine I used to subscribe to back in the 80s before it became commercialized.
http://www.daycreek.com/dc/html/harrowsmith96.htm
This article from 1991, was about a single mom, who decided she could build a house on her Mom's property. Ok, she wasn't without resources ;) she ended up spending 120,000 to build what to me would be a mansion... but that was her choice... and she did cut costs where possible... I was kinda floored that it cost that much... was cordwood really economically feasible for a person on a fixed pension... I began looking around the web site, and found that Jo and Alan Stankevitz, had a wealth of information, and a journal of their own adventures in living the Sustainable Life... but also they had friends and connections in the Cordwood Society... Richard & Becky Flatau of Cordwood Construction Resources in particular, at hmmmmmmm one thing you will notice with surfing Cordwood sites, it is addictive and easily a person can be led astray, lost in thought while reading and looking at the fantastic images and stories ;) ok, this is Richard's site
http://cordwoodconstruction.org/
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED ;D
however back to MY BLOG!! well, I do hope you return LOL...
I was looking at his pictures and then the books he and Alan have written together... quite prolific...
being the frugal cheapskate that I am, I opted to get the cheapest book, to check them out...
Spent half walking, and half just sitting around reading and exploring the internet. OK, I didn't waste the whole weekend. I did sort through a few recipes when my dau. Michelle asked for a copy of her Uncle Tom's bread recipe ;) one of my JOBS with down sizing is to scan and sort the recipes and a few other papers, then toss the paper, become a paperless office / society of one LOL... I'll get to it soon...
I walked twice up to Costco and around to the McDonald's and then home, 13 k (8 ish miles) the balls of my feet were getting sensitive, like they would turn into blisters, so have taken 2 good days off, and now we have 3 days of rain ;( question: how does one toughen up their feet to not blister?? I know my feet back in my teens and twenty's were not soft, and had lots of calluses, but now they are as soft as baby's bottoms ;) well, the only way I know of is to just keep walking, and rest/treat the blisters when they come...
About the title... I was searching for a free program (which I haven't found a suitable one) that would be better than Paint Shop Pro for drawing out floor plans, when I came upon a couple of sites for Cordwood Construction... There are a lot out there, but two things grabbed my attention... the first site http://www.daycreek.com/ really caught my attention with this post from Harrowsmith, an old back to the land magazine I used to subscribe to back in the 80s before it became commercialized.
http://www.daycreek.com/dc/html/harrowsmith96.htm
This article from 1991, was about a single mom, who decided she could build a house on her Mom's property. Ok, she wasn't without resources ;) she ended up spending 120,000 to build what to me would be a mansion... but that was her choice... and she did cut costs where possible... I was kinda floored that it cost that much... was cordwood really economically feasible for a person on a fixed pension... I began looking around the web site, and found that Jo and Alan Stankevitz, had a wealth of information, and a journal of their own adventures in living the Sustainable Life... but also they had friends and connections in the Cordwood Society... Richard & Becky Flatau of Cordwood Construction Resources in particular, at hmmmmmmm one thing you will notice with surfing Cordwood sites, it is addictive and easily a person can be led astray, lost in thought while reading and looking at the fantastic images and stories ;) ok, this is Richard's site
http://cordwoodconstruction.org/
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED ;D
however back to MY BLOG!! well, I do hope you return LOL...
I was looking at his pictures and then the books he and Alan have written together... quite prolific...
being the frugal cheapskate that I am, I opted to get the cheapest book, to check them out...
Cordwood Shed Plans (FullColor)
Post and Plate structure, gravel foundation, built for
$1.00 a square foot, king-post trusses, ingenious
ladder pad foundation. Build this first. 24 pages
This is a great way to learn the cordwood masonry technique and work out any mistakes. By Richard Flatau.
http://www.daycreek.com/dc/html/paypal_flatau.htm
This is a great way to learn the cordwood masonry technique and work out any mistakes. By Richard Flatau.
http://www.daycreek.com/dc/html/paypal_flatau.htm
That description appeared to be just made for me and I ordered the download version (as you know I am downsizing, so an electronic Book Shelf is what I am allowing myself) It came in as an attachment to an e-mail, from Richard, (he later told me he had been doing a workshop, and sent it on his laptop; quick and helpful service, 2 thumbs up ;) I spent Sunday, playing with the floor plans from the book, and the Harrowsmith article ;)
click to enlarge for seeing detail
Richard had said that if I had any questions, just ask... well, I had one... he said that he did not recommend the construction technique in this book for habitation... so I asked him, and a quick response came back...
Quote>
Quote>
As to why the cordwood sheds should not be considered for habitation,
was because of the pressure treated lumber. If you were able to
sequester the CCA or whatever they use to treat the wood in Ontario, you
could certainly live in them. Some folks have used them for tiny
cabins.
So, while I have been still playing with the plan, I have also been thinking about NON-TOXIC material to replace the pressure treated wood... (btw, I hate that word sequester, now that the US Gov't has used it to rip the NASA Budget apart :( but that is OT as a good friend at NasaSpaceFlight.com would say ;)
While the idea of building a full size house, 24x40 is beyond my means, (Physically and Fiscally) I was beginning to come to grips with what I thought was reality... until I hit upon this site;
just reading their story, was an inspiration... 5000 pounds a year, and a family... then I began looking more closely at my own situation, and again at Richard's site, where upon I found a picture in his Spring Newsletter, from Michael Fox, of Rockland, Ontario... two things... one the photo was of a Shed/Cabin that proportionally looks to be about what I am wanting to build, and two he mentioned getting the windows at Habitat for Humanity Re-store (???) where recyclable material can be bought ;)
Now there are three things from that...
1) I am single, and have over twice the income of Simon & Jasmine Dale, in the UK, who have a young family.
2) I am physically fit enough to do at least the walls, interior and landscape, if not the roof (know that from exp. getting up on a roof with my knee is not going to happen ;(
3) there are options for getting recyclable building material (hmm wonder if AJ, a contractor friend has stuff ;) and believe it or not, there is a Re-store just north of me, on one of my walks, that I hadn't noticed :D guess where I am going next time I go walking LOL
To answer the question posed in the title, is cordwood construction for me, or any form of eco-friendly construction: I think the answer has to be a resounding YES!! It will be all in how I hold my tongue, while putting the logs, bales or rocks into the wall...
Cheers,
Schnee
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Bringing Brother Ass under MY control
May 15th 2013
It would seem that Christmases are my Waterloo... over the past 3 years I can count on gaining between 10 to 20 lbs over the December-January period of feasting and gluttony. NOT what I had hoped for. I did finish a Mini-Gym, but it wasn't as Mini as I had hoped. At the present time it is in pieces (I have moved into temporary quarters) and I may be able to reconstruct it into a more usable vehicle for exercise, if built around a bed frame ;D
Walking has become a bit better, as each year I have become stronger, and walk farther and more efficiently. This year the weight is coming off faster and I have hopes of reaching my ideal weight of 165 lbs by September 11th when I see the cardiologist again. Since April 5th I have gone from 212 lbs to 199.
Pills for BP have been decreasing also over the past 3 years, which I take to be a good sign. Two of the major pills have been cut in half and another eliminated altogether. I am keeping track of what the doctor's reports say, and can tell, that there is no major damage or problems on the horizon.
It would seem that Christmases are my Waterloo... over the past 3 years I can count on gaining between 10 to 20 lbs over the December-January period of feasting and gluttony. NOT what I had hoped for. I did finish a Mini-Gym, but it wasn't as Mini as I had hoped. At the present time it is in pieces (I have moved into temporary quarters) and I may be able to reconstruct it into a more usable vehicle for exercise, if built around a bed frame ;D
Walking has become a bit better, as each year I have become stronger, and walk farther and more efficiently. This year the weight is coming off faster and I have hopes of reaching my ideal weight of 165 lbs by September 11th when I see the cardiologist again. Since April 5th I have gone from 212 lbs to 199.
Pills for BP have been decreasing also over the past 3 years, which I take to be a good sign. Two of the major pills have been cut in half and another eliminated altogether. I am keeping track of what the doctor's reports say, and can tell, that there is no major damage or problems on the horizon.
New Beginnings and High Hopes
Ok, so I have been slack in keeping up with this blog. HOWEVER, not is all lost. The past 2 years have been busy with exercise and health related stuff, which I have kept track of, and this past 3 months, I have been even more attentive to keeping track of expenses/savings/health and thoughts on where I am going in the next 5 years. I will get to the past in another blog; for now I want to concentrate on the future. To which, I have been mulling it over for the past 5 months, since going on Gov't Pension.
Now past 65, (that magic number when Gov't Pensions kick in, and there is no oversight from nosey bureaucratic types,) my doctor has declared me fit to live at least another 20 years. I am free to make plans, and direct my income as I see fit. Which means more responsibility.
*******************************************************************************
http://www.shedworking.co.uk/2013/03/1-in-10-planning-to-build-shed-this.html
QUOTE
According to Nationwide Building Society nearly half of Brits are planning to spend at least some time this Easter doing DIY. And while 52% are painting/decorating and nearly four in ten are landscaping the garden or doing something to the fence, lawn or patio, a big 9% (ok, nearly 1 in 10) say they'll be putting up a shed or outhouse.
*****************************************************************
This picture shows exactly how I would go about building a 12x12 ft shed. Cordwood Masonry, with rustic fittings and roof. This appears to show an 8x6 ft shed, but it should not be too far off from the view of a larger item. Larger front facing window and an enclosed porch entrance to keep the cold out. Hand built it should be easily affordable at under $2000.00.
Now past 65, (that magic number when Gov't Pensions kick in, and there is no oversight from nosey bureaucratic types,) my doctor has declared me fit to live at least another 20 years. I am free to make plans, and direct my income as I see fit. Which means more responsibility.
Financially,
while growing older on a fixed pension is great for now, at the level of expenses I
have. But it begs the question: What happens if those expense rise faster than
the COLA on the pension. We all have seen what the past 5 years have done to the investments of the elderly, and to the cost of living. Investment dividends down, cost of living up. WAY UP!!!
How do
people end up on the street, who are not alcoholics. They are eligible for at
least the bare minimum of the OAP/GIS, so it would seem that with my
CPP I am in a Sweet Spot between living independently and not living on the
street. Therefore, while I can, it behoves me to protect that income differential,
by living as cost effectively as possible. That implies: optimizing savings, implementing income enhancements and arranging daily improvements in economies, in my life as is possible.
Which means living healthier and living a frugally sustainable life style: ie keeping fit, keeping expenses low, while looking toward a future where I am independent of the utility infrastructure, and self sufficient as is reasonable. To be
totally independent is difficult as of yet, but it sure is
approachable…such as a home with Slingshot (water), Solar Panels (Electric) and Solar Panels/Wood
(Heating-Cooking).
At present I am down sizing drastically, and expect to have it to a 12'x12' minimum, for living space by summer (June 21st.) (present BDRM 9.5x9.5 ft) ; and I am as comfortable with Rustic Furniture / Accommodations as any pioneer, having grown with and lived that life style to some extent over the years. So a 12'x12' beginner shed/house is not inconceivable for me, with additions as warranted.
The only
problem I have in this scenario is how to obtain the land, and in time before I
turn 68, as I feel that is the optimum age that I will be able to do this. At
present I am reasonably fit and able to do medium heavy work. Sure 40 lb
slugging is out of the question, (even in the future) but between 5 and 15
lb for short stretches is going to be manageable and should become easier as I
loose weight, get better conditioned. http://www.shedworking.co.uk/2013/03/1-in-10-planning-to-build-shed-this.html
QUOTE
According to Nationwide Building Society nearly half of Brits are planning to spend at least some time this Easter doing DIY. And while 52% are painting/decorating and nearly four in ten are landscaping the garden or doing something to the fence, lawn or patio, a big 9% (ok, nearly 1 in 10) say they'll be putting up a shed or outhouse.
*****************************************************************
This picture shows exactly how I would go about building a 12x12 ft shed. Cordwood Masonry, with rustic fittings and roof. This appears to show an 8x6 ft shed, but it should not be too far off from the view of a larger item. Larger front facing window and an enclosed porch entrance to keep the cold out. Hand built it should be easily affordable at under $2000.00.
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