tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13178286976345957892024-03-13T21:26:33.091-07:00yurthawaiiPaul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-79796058501070965772013-05-30T15:20:00.000-07:002013-05-30T15:20:08.659-07:00Windows
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the past two year or so I have been enjoying yurt life
on the slopes of Mauna Kea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am located
at about 1500 ft. on the Hamakua coast, east Hawaii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we get frequent trade winds and plenty
of rain, sometimes over 200 inches per year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbU6EyfGWjU/UafOeK0Rs7I/AAAAAAAAAhw/pWlh_yIZVFY/s1600/P5300399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbU6EyfGWjU/UafOeK0Rs7I/AAAAAAAAAhw/pWlh_yIZVFY/s200/P5300399.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This window gets the most wind and rain, and is not easily reached.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This rain is often driven by the wind makes adjusting the
windows a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The windows need to
serve two purposes here: To keep out the rain out while allowing in cooling
breezes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with the dome lifter open
and three windows and two doors open, ventilation of the 80 degree heat is a
challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because of the windows
are adjusted from the outside, reaching them on my sloping land is almost
impossible without a ladder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
tried various adjustment combinations of the privacy flap and the clear plastic
storm window, but I still get wind driven rain on the inside floor.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJnYEFO9TI/UafOlCecPoI/AAAAAAAAAh4/opZBb_jLt3I/s1600/P5300400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDJnYEFO9TI/UafOlCecPoI/AAAAAAAAAh4/opZBb_jLt3I/s200/P5300400.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can reach this more easily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There seems to be two options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colorado Yurt now offers a fully operational
window, which can be opened and closed from the interior, for an additional
$1650.00 plus shipping and instillation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t believe these were available when I purchased my yurt three
years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second option is an awning kit which converts the
privacy flap into an awning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have 3 on
order at $175.00 each. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping these
will help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is suggested you could build your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plans would be helpful.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So take into consideration the wind and rain at your site,
if you are planning a yurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Locate the
windows and doors appropriately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
little extra expense for the special windows might be worthwhile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aloha,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">P<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-18136224464646672422013-03-14T18:21:00.001-07:002013-03-14T18:21:51.395-07:00Paul’s Yurt, Progress Report, March, 2013 Ninole, Hawaii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DvQgLLm5EQ/UUJ2auTT94I/AAAAAAAAAdI/UY6lN3rKbtM/s1600/P2110289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DvQgLLm5EQ/UUJ2auTT94I/AAAAAAAAAdI/UY6lN3rKbtM/s1600/P2110289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKX45sRiMJA/UUJ2MIJYO7I/AAAAAAAAAdA/8mfkV5pv2v0/s1600/P2280398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKX45sRiMJA/UUJ2MIJYO7I/AAAAAAAAAdA/8mfkV5pv2v0/s200/P2280398.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into each life some sun will shine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It
has been a little over two years since my Colorado Yurt Co. 24’ high wall yurt
was erected on a sloping piece of land mauka in a rain forest region on the
Hamakua Coast.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Fitting
it out with furnishings and utilities has been an ongoing process based loosely
on the Japanese aesthetic philosophy referred to as Wabi-sabi. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">This
aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect,
impermanent, and incomplete". Driving this philosophy has been a
combination of personal taste, funds, and the availability of materials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The interior has been furnished with the
highest respect for the beautiful, open vaulted interior space that is so
attractive and pleasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No walls or
partitions have been permanently constructed, but rather furnishings, fabrics
and other movables have been used to define the living spaces; seating,
storage, sleeping, cooking, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Emphasis has been given to natural materials, such as wooden floors and
furniture, while color has been added with printed wall hangings, blankets,
pillows etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 189.0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Other objects with the theme of
peace have been added both as decoration and to help focus the tranquil tone of
the interior. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Closeness to the natural
world is emphasized with views of plants, flowers, Mauna Kea and the Pacific
Ocean from windows, doors, and a small lanai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rain in its many forms, the wind in nearby Eucalyptus trees, animal
calls, and a small stream create a peaceful acoustic soundscape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">There is still much to be done in the interior, and in
the spirit of Wabi-sabi these changes will come as the vision matures and the
appropriate furnishings and items make themselves apparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a conscious theme of moving away
from items made of plastic and replacing them (chairs are high on the list)
with re-purposed pieces made of more natural materials that have character and
spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kO4ZgfuBD2I/UUJ1aRerBPI/AAAAAAAAAc4/t2gQmqNSaNM/s1600/P3010418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DvQgLLm5EQ/UUJ2auTT94I/AAAAAAAAAdE/ZCAWmBt5oKI/s1600/P2110289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4DvQgLLm5EQ/UUJ2auTT94I/AAAAAAAAAdE/ZCAWmBt5oKI/s200/P2110289.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And that sun can become electric...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Several utilities and conveniences have been added to
make the yurt comfortable and practical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perhaps the most useful modern addition has been the recent completion
of an off-grid photovoltaic electric system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This system consisting of four solar panels, batteries, a battery
charger and an inverter allows the yurt to support computers, a printer,
lights, a radio, other plug-ins, and a refrigerator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still wrestling with a growing number of
black cords and power strips, which challenge the Wabi-sabi aesthetic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The system hardware is located on the exterior
of the yurt; panels in a nearby open area, and the electric devices installed
in a storage closet in an open space under the yurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The kitchen, located inside the yurt along the wall,
consists of a granite topped cart that stores cookware and utensils, and a
single burner gas cook top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interior
water, used for cooking and drinking is carried in by hand at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exterior water, used for washing and bathing,
is collected in 55 gallon barrels and then pumped through hoses to outlets and
to a propane instant-on gas heater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
finishing touches of an outdoor shower are being currently complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shower which is located in an open space
under the yurt features an ocean view!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kO4ZgfuBD2I/UUJ1aRerBPI/AAAAAAAAAc0/vWEAmC7J5ps/s1600/P3010418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kO4ZgfuBD2I/UUJ1aRerBPI/AAAAAAAAAc0/vWEAmC7J5ps/s200/P3010418.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loveable Loo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">A composting toilet, referred as a “Loveable-loo” is
found in the open area under the lanai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waste
matter mixed with absorbent peat moss is collected in the toilet device and
periodically emptied into the compost bin, elegantly recycling the waste back
to the land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The composting toilet, photovoltaic electric, catchment
water, and instant on hot water system reflect an ongoing value of living
simply and respectfully on the land while striving to be as independent and
self-sustaining as possible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The process of building and creating a yurt-home is ongoing
and fulfilling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Ferris Bueller once
said, “I highly recommend it, if you have the means.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I consider myself a fortunate and rich man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-4759527399840035622013-01-28T12:11:00.000-08:002013-01-28T12:11:56.729-08:00Yurt Geometry
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0qWDHJD6r0/UQba9TNwjgI/AAAAAAAAAck/1cvrhIihn-Y/s1600/P1080043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0qWDHJD6r0/UQba9TNwjgI/AAAAAAAAAck/1cvrhIihn-Y/s200/P1080043.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The geometry of this yurt works subtly on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rays of sun often splash across the parallel
wooden floorboards leaving fleeting prints of light and shadow defined by
lattice-shaped diamonds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On recent
evenings moonlight projects through the dome onto floor and walls, searching
and highlighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perpendicular to the
perimeter of the circle 2-bys rise, giving a lightness, a buoyant lift to the
roof and the space it encloses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOdV8op1IIs/UQbZA1ogHFI/AAAAAAAAAcU/HR8zqhkUbNk/s1600/yurt+images+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOdV8op1IIs/UQbZA1ogHFI/AAAAAAAAAcU/HR8zqhkUbNk/s200/yurt+images+101.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wbACzf8R_c/UQbYmF10QgI/AAAAAAAAAcE/w7ue7q5IT8c/s1600/yurt+images+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wbACzf8R_c/UQbYmF10QgI/AAAAAAAAAcE/w7ue7q5IT8c/s200/yurt+images+108.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The yurt is cozy but not claustrophobic, and its structure
always feels larger on the inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
roof beams soar overhead surrounding and directing my eyes upward to the ocular
dome and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>beyond towards the sky and
heavens above, painting the ceiling with parading clouds and the stars of the
Milky Way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The forms of furnishings both highlight and challenge these
geometries forming contrasting triangles, rectangles and arcs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It might be a busy vision, but it is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wisdom and grace of the design, along
with the refined wood grained materials work together creating a peaceful
energy; safe, strong and welcoming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is my stout shelter, my creative retreat, and my quiet
home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJiILrWkses/UQbYS2UihpI/AAAAAAAAAb8/Wp39cTewH3k/s1600/P1270118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJiILrWkses/UQbYS2UihpI/AAAAAAAAAb8/Wp39cTewH3k/s200/P1270118.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-33496438020559962072013-01-08T15:37:00.000-08:002013-01-08T15:37:00.992-08:00Interiors-Exteriors I haven't been able, in my two years of yurt living, to commit to building walls or any other more permanent features inside my yurt space. Perhaps this is a commentary on the occupant (commitment issues??) but more likely is the simpler explanation; I enjoy the freedom of flexibility and the aesthetic bounty of openness, both in my floor plan and in the light and radiance overhead. Plain and simple; wabi-sabi. <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgYSckMzy6M/UOypAxx37JI/AAAAAAAAAa4/T_1_w78aulw/s1600/P1080043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgYSckMzy6M/UOypAxx37JI/AAAAAAAAAa4/T_1_w78aulw/s200/P1080043.JPG" width="200" /></a> In my 24 foot circle I have chairs and a bench clustered about a small table forming a seating area. My bed is a small peninsula across the floor. A hammock is slung in front of a window offering a swinging view of tree and sky. A cabinet and dresser along with a small table and cart, form my kitchen, skirting the interior windowless wall. The back door leads to a lanai with a view of the ocean and a bird filled wooded gulch. The front door opens to a grassy-ferny meadow and my path to the outside world. The ever-changing view here is of the mountains, which this morning were purple and pink reflecting the morning sunrise. The sky is generously open. Clouds collect and dissipate in many forms and colors. Blue skies with warm sun pass into fog or gray rain clouds. All of this can happen suddenly before your eyes with rain or sun lasting for days. I am, both indoors and out, at the whim of the ocean.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwI3h-JZNR4/UOypB30tgPI/AAAAAAAAAbE/1o5Y1a4GR2o/s1600/P1080039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwI3h-JZNR4/UOypB30tgPI/AAAAAAAAAbE/1o5Y1a4GR2o/s200/P1080039.JPG" width="200" /></a> To the right of my front door is a small raised bed garden. Planted and growing are tomatoes, beans, cilantro, lettuce and green peppers. The garden is a bit of a science experiment, as all gardens are. What will grow and thrive, what will not survive? It is a different ecosystem here, one that I am just beginning to acclimatize to, different in some important ways than the temperate mainland. And like all science experiments, Hawaiian gardens require patient observation, vigilance, and some trial and error. Living in a fabric home, sound travels easily in and out. Last week, a feral pig snorted nearby. I chased it off with a clap of hands, protecting my lettuce for an other's meal.<br />
The beauty of this in and out existence is that it all right there, just a few quick steps away. Yurts are for outdoor people, who enjoy both the comfort and the intimacy that it provides.<br />
Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-73923562139408678232012-12-02T12:26:00.000-08:002012-12-02T12:26:06.076-08:00Mouse Wars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBUWzWoiqKI/ULu3vYpLMeI/AAAAAAAAAaI/r1Ac9TlvSZQ/s1600/PC020217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBUWzWoiqKI/ULu3vYpLMeI/AAAAAAAAAaI/r1Ac9TlvSZQ/s200/PC020217.JPG" tea="true" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have never been to a real war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is by choice primarily, and also by luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My homeland has never been invaded, although I now live in Hawaii, which was infamously attached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>War…what is it good for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe there should be alternatives…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But recently I have been called into battle to defend my home, my yurt, from an onslaught of mice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They started it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the truth be known, I have built my round home in their native territory, and so they been called to defend it and even take advantage of it in their mouse-like way; they assault the walls and enter through the weak points, near the doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they scamper and gnaw, especially at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe I am suffering Hype-Mouse-Awareness Syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They disturb the peace by chewing the insulation into tiny bits, leaving small drifts of silver shreds on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess they are building nests…bringing in re-enforcements, establishing a beachhead?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in their mouse-chauvinistic way they mark their victories by pooping -seed like feces- everywhere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So reluctantly, I go to war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These mice are not repugnant rats that I could learn to hate; no they are cute little lava gray fur balls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In another part of the world at a different time I may have been buying them for pets or for science projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now they have crossed a line, one that they do not see, for it is a line of mine; they have crossed my border of sensibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are disturbing my peace and they must die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the dirty evil hordes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no reasoning with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know not of truce or compromise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I must summon my strongest weapon, hate. Why, I remember one bit me once, DIE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And all those times they pooped in the silverware drawer, DIE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the chewing and gnawing my beloved yurt walls, all night long, my place of certain serene sanctity: DIE-DIE-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DIE!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTW4BGp2VWE/ULu3c9-Ku2I/AAAAAAAAAaA/6Al6jkVGSw0/s1600/PB260067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTW4BGp2VWE/ULu3c9-Ku2I/AAAAAAAAAaA/6Al6jkVGSw0/s200/PB260067.JPG" tea="true" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I have been warring, mainly using traps (you know, the “build a better mousetrap “type.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are quick and “merciful” in dispatching these rodent invaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have dispatched, neutralized, mitigated, etc., <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">aka killed</b> more than a dozen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little lives mashed and crushed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are rather clever enemies not easy to kill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have actually witnessed one <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">standing on</b> the trap, gorging itself in a feast of the peanut butter bait. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flaunting its skills or tempting its fate? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yes, and to assure victory, a box of green poison pills, for our allies at Decon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better living through chemistry. Heaven (Hell) knows how that chemical warfare works, but it mercifully distances me from the mayhem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No Johnny Appleseed am I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do believe in peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the model of live and let live, of acceptance and patience, how does that apply?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this so called enemy crosses that “line” how does that act played so innocently push me beyond my tolerance?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are just trying to live as best they know how…is this not always possible?</span></div>
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Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-2504401868051501162012-11-14T12:29:00.000-08:002012-11-14T12:29:13.712-08:00Wabi-Sabi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MlhaxlfLjM/UKP-iB4ikHI/AAAAAAAAAZw/cF7YhvAxhWI/s1600/PB110061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MlhaxlfLjM/UKP-iB4ikHI/AAAAAAAAAZw/cF7YhvAxhWI/s200/PB110061.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Very loosely translated Wabi-Sabi means design in a clean, functional, natural way, with emphasis on reusable materials. It is the way I am approaching the use of my yurt. I want to live simply and make as little negative impact upon the rest of the natural world. Good idea, eh? A modern yurt, manufactured with a history of simple, natural design fits this directive, sort of. The wood is beautiful and sustainable. The walls and roof material are of man made fibers, essentially plastic. Plastic...plastic!!! But it is durable, so it will likely last a lifetime, with care. And in Hawaii natural things tend to decompose (which is of course a natural process) quickly. So there is need to compromise in the Wabi-Sabi philosophy. Low impact needs, not no impact needs.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-w_9O6avvQ/UKP8rzWm_cI/AAAAAAAAAZc/jOudlLznyt0/s1600/PB100051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-w_9O6avvQ/UKP8rzWm_cI/AAAAAAAAAZc/jOudlLznyt0/s200/PB100051.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubbermaid storage unit (plastic!) for water sensitive PV components.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then there are conveniences, like hot water for a shower, and electricity. These are projects underway. Solar is the way to go for H2O. And photovoltaics are the answer for electric. But that is also a bit dirty, at least in the manufacturing process. Perhaps it is a bit of a wash re my carbon footprint? <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXeyUQxOiTU/UKP81wz9pHI/AAAAAAAAAZk/xlG-kh0and4/s1600/PB100052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXeyUQxOiTU/UKP81wz9pHI/AAAAAAAAAZk/xlG-kh0and4/s200/PB100052.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brick floor under lanai for outdoor bathroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The question continues, do I need these? Can I do better, can I do without?<br />
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Next time, the Lovable Loo, aka humanure.<br />
<br />
-P<br />
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Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-34333313114801861102012-10-18T16:35:00.003-07:002012-10-18T16:35:41.350-07:00Early Morning<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xADuKTKF1Bc/UHsECetbG-I/AAAAAAAAAYw/C4IUG8I3GRg/s1600/yurt+images+115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xADuKTKF1Bc/UHsECetbG-I/AAAAAAAAAYw/C4IUG8I3GRg/s200/yurt+images+115.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Every day starts out about the same here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No alarm clock ringing, at least for me; instead it is a distant dog bark or the inevitable rooster crow that stirs me. Like many wake-up devices, the first dozen crows can be ignored, unless of course you do want to get up at 4:30 AM! Eventually the sun peaks over the horizon, mine being through a window looking out over the Pacific. Windows and doors are wide open now. There seems to be little rain or blowing storms. Instead there is heat and vog, which is a natural version of smog, created by combining the sulfuric gases of the volcano with sunlight, water vapor and a dash of manmade pollutants. Not what one pictures when you think of a tropical "paradise." Rain will come and the winds will shift, blowing this throat scratching soup in some other direction.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Eventually I rise. The first order of the day is to pee and brush my teeth, both of which happen over the edge of the lanai. It's just me here so I can be a little crude in my habits; the pee gets washed off in the next rain storm and becomes a bit of nitrogen cycled back into the earth. Tooth-brushing is camp style, using a splash of water from a water bottle to wet and rinse. So I pull my barn boots on and walk the 800 feet or so up to the house. In the process I pass through two gates which close the five sheep into their current pasture. They sometimes bleat a bit, hoping I might have some grain. We exchange pleasantries and I am usually gifted with a small deposit of poop on the trail. I don't take this as an editorial, just sheep being sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYH-kCWyj8o/UHsEwQFwIfI/AAAAAAAAAY4/_9HaZZSnf0A/s1600/GEDC5058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYH-kCWyj8o/UHsEwQFwIfI/AAAAAAAAAY4/_9HaZZSnf0A/s200/GEDC5058.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Usually by the time I reach the house Paul H. and Scot have sat for a few minutes at the table in the open air kitchen and started the first cups of coffee. I sit and join them. The brew is strong, made in a French press. I drink it black. Sometimes there is a discussion on the weather; how much rain was in the gauge this morning (Scot and Paul keep records), or the rising sun. Next is the farm report, of sorts, talk about roosters, pigs, etc., perhaps even a foray into current events in the news, but inevitably the discussion focuses around the dogs and cats who are sniffing around, doing what they do, in a their friendly/adversarial manner. Sadie, the dog, always comes by for her fair share of attention. Bandit, the black and white cat, might hop up in a lap. This cat cuddle is appreciated on cooler mornings. I find it secretly amusing that three men watch a dog watch a cat. It's the best show available and no cover charge. A bit later after the morning kibble, Sadie the elder dog comes out to sniff about. She is ancient dog and dear to us. Most of her time is now spent snoozing in her crate. Perhaps if she were a human (a "two-legs") she might be writing her memoirs...</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">After a second cup, we tend to wander off to our various tasks, perhaps musing for a moment on a small point of an earlier discussion, perhaps regarding the chickens, or a tomato in the greenhouse. The pace is often slow. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Right now I am charging my batteries in the bright morning sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day has begun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #007f40; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Paul </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #007f40; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 24pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A</span></i></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-11589683361497799772012-10-18T16:22:00.002-07:002012-10-18T16:22:26.761-07:00Starry Night<div style="border-bottom: #4f81bd 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-left: 0.65in; margin-right: 0.65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri;">Starry, Starry</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are nights here on the mountainside in Ninole that make me feel attuned with Vincent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once every week or so, the night sky opens up with a dazing display, allowing a momentary peek away from myself and out into the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a show that can be seen partially because the few folks that are here generate their own electricity; outdoor lighting and the nighttime haze it creates that light-wash the heavens is kept to a minimum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is dark, and save for the light from distant stars, or sunlight reflected off the moon and nearby planets, a cloudless night will reveal the heavens in unparalleled fashion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Given the time of the month, the moon can blaze brightly in the night sky, so the darkest nights are ones that are moonless or nearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the moon is full and my eyes have adjusted to the outdoors, it is quite possible to traipse the open fields with the illumination it provides alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hanging full over the ocean to the east the reflection is sometimes almost like daylight, and the beauty is mind boggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been told that given the right circumstances of moonlight and rain showers a “moon-bow” can occur, arcing across the opposing sky in all those crayon colors we are accustomed to seeing here in the daytime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have placed this phenomena on my must see list! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bumbling along the five minute walk down the path at night is an introduction to a world of animals in there nocturnal splendor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spiders, as daring and intrepid as any human engineer, sling their webs across the path, spanning perhaps ten feet or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to duck under or around them when possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither spider nor man is happy walking into that snare in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know that their eyes shine yellow in the reflection of a head lamp?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other eyes also glare through the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sheep’s eyes glow a bright yellow, and a prowling farm cat, waiting in ambush of a mouse or a rat will shine greenish from under the ferns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But stop for a minute in this darkness, and if gifted with a clear sky, the broad sweep of The Milky Way will fill your eyes and your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starry, starry night indeed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Countless millions of them cross overhead in a band that runs generally north to south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They form a virtual cloud of stars dividing the nearer stars twinkling to the east and west. At these moments I have felt a certain kinship with my yurt dwelling predecessors, who may very well have stepped outside to check the animals before returning to the safety and protection of their round felt homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely they too looked up and wondered, marveled, and stood reverently in silent awe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-P</span></div>
Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-7842475527875525292012-05-18T13:47:00.000-07:002012-05-18T13:47:25.082-07:00Walking Man<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inJcPHqShwI/T7avN9bZCpI/AAAAAAAAAUs/NLHEB4CU1is/s1600/GEDC0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inJcPHqShwI/T7avN9bZCpI/AAAAAAAAAUs/NLHEB4CU1is/s200/GEDC0034.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To date, I have walked approximately 91 miles back and
forth, between my yurt and Scot’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each trip is about 800 feet, each way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Going is slightly uphill; while back “home” is downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn2_JSyUjZ4/T7axKZj1BQI/AAAAAAAAAVM/KTEctbSvCcE/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn2_JSyUjZ4/T7axKZj1BQI/AAAAAAAAAVM/KTEctbSvCcE/s200/035.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a different trip each time. The sky is continually
entertaining. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On wet days, its barn boots
and umbrella, while on sunny days you might find me in flip-flops and
shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have worn a path in the grass
from mountain to sea. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the time I
walked amongst the sheep, carefully opening and closing gates, gathering tufts
of wool caught on fencing or shed in the pasture, and enjoying their Zen-like
smiles. Other times, flowers, insects, and ferns kept me company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At night the darkness is often broken with a
smiling moon and glimpses of the universe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq6XG7l9-Rc/T7awiUd181I/AAAAAAAAAU8/MVSgkY20R8w/s1600/hawaii+Feb+%252712+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq6XG7l9-Rc/T7awiUd181I/AAAAAAAAAU8/MVSgkY20R8w/s200/hawaii+Feb+%252712+075.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full moon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-huQqrwjjy0I/T7azpzoZH9I/AAAAAAAAAVU/fv9Mc815L_s/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-huQqrwjjy0I/T7azpzoZH9I/AAAAAAAAAVU/fv9Mc815L_s/s200/026.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny treasures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The house for the moment provides food, showers, and
friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of that will change as
I continue to upgrade my electrical and plumbing systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But being a social creature, sometimes, I will
continue to gather with my brother, and other friends and visitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coffee is served in the morning, dinner most
evenings, and a beer or two on Friday evenings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These are some of the simple things that I hoped for while
building and living in this yurt.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2QmSw5RjkU/T7a0U-u8JnI/AAAAAAAAAVc/Xkw-2V4MDs0/s320/yurt+images+109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An eye on the sun</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-23699051991877527662012-04-01T16:32:00.003-07:002012-04-01T21:00:39.459-07:00Work<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Work!?</span></b> (With props to Maynard G. Krebs, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis)</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zNxxgUmCWE/T3jjzlAtHSI/AAAAAAAAAS4/h6hthXpVUKA/s1600/sunny+day+3-29-12+flowers,+yurt,+etc+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zNxxgUmCWE/T3jjzlAtHSI/AAAAAAAAAS4/h6hthXpVUKA/s200/sunny+day+3-29-12+flowers,+yurt,+etc+021.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes there is work to be done in and around the yurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since it rains a lot there is always mowing and weed eating (yum) as well as encouraging things to grow <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that I want to grow</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomatoes, zinnias, a volunteer sunflower, some green beans are all in the works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did see five feral pigs in the yard this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lose that battle…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfa7shd2xLI/T3jkNKrfASI/AAAAAAAAATA/HUmpIucWj24/s1600/GEDC5184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfa7shd2xLI/T3jkNKrfASI/AAAAAAAAATA/HUmpIucWj24/s200/GEDC5184.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mildew grows on any damp surface, such as the north facing portion of the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently bought an extension handle brush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am scrubbing a little and waiting for the rain to rinse.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charging my computer with PV solar needs daily attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will upgrade into a more dependable system soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28JGa8D06tY/T3jjkQyujtI/AAAAAAAAASw/Xy-OG51ZZFg/s1600/solar+energy+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28JGa8D06tY/T3jjkQyujtI/AAAAAAAAASw/Xy-OG51ZZFg/s200/solar+energy+001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A cup or two to wash, floors to sweep, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The beauty of living in a 24 foot circle is there isn’t a whole lot to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poems, stories that I hope will get published, and maintain three blogs, the newest combining writing friends in Hawaii and Connecticut.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://crowswrite.blogspot.com/">http://crowswrite.blogspot.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I hang out and relax. Drink some coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beer later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chat with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Funny how you can fill the same exact 24 hours with a little or a lot.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">OK, got to go, I have to go look at the sheep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know their eyes glow in the beam of a flashlight?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Busy, busy, busy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-P<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-27920376045313930982012-02-28T12:52:00.000-08:002012-02-28T12:52:28.999-08:00Eco-footprints<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I guess I’m entitled to my fair share of this planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question is just how much <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> my share and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> it fair?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are a number of devises that can help compute how much of the Earth’s resources we use, our “eco-footprints, ” based<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on a series of lifestyle questions, dealing with our use of food, housing, transportation, heating and cooling, water, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s one if you’d like to see where you rank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://myfootprint.org/en/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://myfootprint.org/en/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One reason for living in a yurt in Hawaii is to consciously attempt to lower my footprint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My heating and cooling impact is near zero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than a warm blanket on a cool night, my impact is minimal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Climate clearly comes into play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The temperature ranges between 60-80 degrees.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cooling food is another issue requiring sizable amounts of energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one likes warm beer. We generate 99% of it through photovoltaic systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It runs the ‘fridge, lights, pumps, computers, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly much of Hawaii gets its electricity via standard generation using expensive, dirty, imported oil. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJyociKubQI/T009wgUvA5I/AAAAAAAAARI/Rm1l7KLK_Cc/s1600/solar+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJyociKubQI/T009wgUvA5I/AAAAAAAAARI/Rm1l7KLK_Cc/s200/solar+001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently propane is used for cooking and hot water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This needs to change. Solar is the obvious solution.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Water is plentiful, large catchment tanks are common to supply household needs, using gravity to move it to where it is needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since is rains often, refills are free!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We grow some food here, and could do better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now there are bananas, strawberries, chard, basil, cilantro, tomatoes, and eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taro, pineapple, artichokes, beans, and others are coming in soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A greenhouse helps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plenty of sun, water and compost are added as needed.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzQtRuTEXhQ/T00-U6glH5I/AAAAAAAAARQ/mSdEkapE8Oc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dzQtRuTEXhQ/T00-U6glH5I/AAAAAAAAARQ/mSdEkapE8Oc/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Transportation is via gasoline powered car, big part of the footprint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hybrid would be nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile we ride share and use the public bus system, which is free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of course there was a long airplane ride here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have done a carbon purchase to help offset the fuel used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere in the world, someone is planting trees for me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I have reduced my impact to a reasonable share. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But we all could do better, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what will you do?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next time:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-76644871433431356882012-02-08T12:04:00.000-08:002012-02-08T12:04:20.607-08:00Feral Pigs and Tomatoes<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are ecosystems when they are right - plants, with animals, water, sun and soil - mostly interacting in a “positive” manner, following slowly a predetermined but ever changing scheme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then there are ecosystems when they are wrong - with plants and animals that are not native, and a climate that is becoming atypical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It seems from what I hear and see, Hawaii is the latter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of what you see, green and blooming, flying and crawling is new here, relatively, within the past century or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are thriving, but destructively to the flora and fauna that was introduced over the past millennia, and therefore more native.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of this, created by the hand of humans, is way out of hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People brought things that they thought would be useful and things that were familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I am doing that as well<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, very carefully.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope at least in my case the lesson is learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaf7Lll-OsY/TzLTKrz5VtI/AAAAAAAAAQk/veAoEyK2PmM/s1600/hawaii+Feb+'12+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaf7Lll-OsY/TzLTKrz5VtI/AAAAAAAAAQk/veAoEyK2PmM/s200/hawaii+Feb+'12+011.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I have planted some tomatoes, zinnias, and sunflowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sell the seeds here so I assume they are not prohibited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am growing them in pots, so I can keep a watchful eye on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gardening can be productive but it is not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it does rain, plants can be swamped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the wind blows, they can take a pounding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will try to nurture them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are fruits that grow wild and weedy, like the guava.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is invasive, I believe, and is the main food for the feral pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do a good job of spreading the seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve eaten a few myself. Am I a feral "pig?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HeMe5JEd1c/TzLTfAOyCII/AAAAAAAAAQs/CoKAV9BQCDo/s1600/hawaii+Feb+'12+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HeMe5JEd1c/TzLTfAOyCII/AAAAAAAAAQs/CoKAV9BQCDo/s320/hawaii+Feb+'12+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And there are orchids, lovely, growing solitary and in small clusters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A clump of them grow right outside my front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a marvel.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cayuDeE5Cg/TzLT0uCjYoI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/XWaBOLOZL0M/s1600/hawaii+Feb+'12+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cayuDeE5Cg/TzLT0uCjYoI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/XWaBOLOZL0M/s320/hawaii+Feb+'12+081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next time, assessing my environmental impact.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-27957885114757098812012-02-01T11:18:00.000-08:002012-02-08T13:35:42.538-08:00The Perfect CircleMy Great Uncle Newman once tried to engineer a machine that would scribe a perfect circle. He of course knew that no such thing could be invented. None the less, he tried to get close.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YcXfSVaCns/TymPeQOaHjI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Z-3J1wzD21A/s1600/GEDC2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YcXfSVaCns/TymPeQOaHjI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Z-3J1wzD21A/s200/GEDC2908.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Perhaps there is a bit of him in me. I appreciate the circular circumstances that I find myself in. Living in a yurt is sometimes referred to as living in the round. It is an enjoyable situation, pleasing in a slightly magical way, no corners, no angular issues. And adhering to the philosophy of Wabi-sabi, I am keeping it simple. So far. There is beauty in the open space, the glow of golden yellow wood, and white latticed walls.<br />
But ultimately, it also needs to be a space that I can live in with a certain amount of functionality. So the task at hand is how do I keep the aesthetic and still find a way to deal with the everyday needs of living? Where do I put the dirty laundry, the wires to the computer, etc.? I'm getting a bit tired of piles and storage boxes...<br />
I have been trying to do this slowly, which I think is good self-advice. Household furnishings, sometimes found in antique/junk stores are somewhat rare. Cost and quality come into play. Textures and color seem important. And what there is available, is built for the traditional house with 90 degree angles. I am attempting to fill a round hole with square pegs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jba6UxiNGQ8/TymOfVQyFpI/AAAAAAAAAP8/B7n47NhWcQk/s1600/GEDC4690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" sda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jba6UxiNGQ8/TymOfVQyFpI/AAAAAAAAAP8/B7n47NhWcQk/s320/GEDC4690.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Most pleasing so far is my hammock, bought in Mexico, which now forms a geometric Chord from one circle side to another. It's gentle bend is a complement to the walls.<br />
So for the time being, I will continue to go slowly, looking, thinking, and learning to be patient with space and place.<br />
Next time: What grows here?Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-64559610154960697852012-01-22T16:14:00.000-08:002012-01-22T16:14:45.006-08:00Aloha!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have returned.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am in Ninole, Hawaii and enjoying my yurt after a 9 month hiatus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a fortunate man. I have made a big decision by closing my home in Salem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked out for the last time January 16th only knowing that I now live in Hawaii and will go back to vacation in Connecticut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or that seems to be how things are unfolding and, as always subject to change.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98xf00FNoiA/TxylS0sHaSI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ZAS7CiOmE98/s1600/HI+Bonfire+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98xf00FNoiA/TxylS0sHaSI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ZAS7CiOmE98/s200/HI+Bonfire+005.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I landed in Kona on the Big Island, probably being the only person in Hawaii wearing long underwear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shed it as quickly as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather has been gorgeous, warm and sunny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently it rained all of December, so again, I am lucky.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stopped at 69 Beach, a favorite haunt on the way back to Ninole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting toes in sand, we saw Humpback Whales breaching perhaps 1000 yards of shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So joyful, so magnificent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The yurt is in good shape, thanks to care from my brother and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The inside is spotless while the outside had a patina of weathering and a little dirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not new anymore but it is standing tall and strong.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can generate enough electricity with my small PV system, charging batteries and running a few lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what comes next?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will need to make this a more permanent home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But how?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next time, a square peg in a round house.<o:p></o:p></span>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-49007459319027785502011-03-23T11:44:00.000-07:002011-03-23T11:47:57.679-07:00Sunrise, Sunset<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xzceGVd3Cd8/TYo-TLu785I/AAAAAAAAAN4/9srUZ0aCijM/s1600/GEDC3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xzceGVd3Cd8/TYo-TLu785I/AAAAAAAAAN4/9srUZ0aCijM/s320/GEDC3035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many beautiful sunrises (or sunsets?) <br />
I likely would not have seen this if it wasn't for <br />
living in a yurt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the beginning, I always knew there would be an ending. It's just the way of the world, right? <br />
So I have been in Hawaii and built a yurt. A success story. It has been a great adventure, with many "ups" and a only few "downs".<br />
I have spent important time with my brother. I have made new friends and renewed older friendships.<br />
I have exceed my expectations.<br />
Yet there is more to come. <br />
The yurt is just in its infancy. It needs utilities and furnishings to make it more comfortable. Hopefully, these improvements will happen on succeeding visits. <br />
Until then I can continue to dream and possibly scheme. :)<br />
And I am in my infancy as well, in regards to learning about Hawaii and how this phases of my life will unfold. <br />
For now, I need to think and let meaning reveal itself.<br />
Three months has gone by quickly. I have photos, poems and writings, and this blog to help me remember and reflect. Perhaps it has interested some of you as well?<br />
I appreciate beyond words all the help, generosity, advice, and encouragement that has been given.<br />
What would I have done without you? <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bRZdJ8qyFRA/TYpACUgdMjI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Pcl5dN2B3Oo/s1600/GEDC3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bRZdJ8qyFRA/TYpACUgdMjI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Pcl5dN2B3Oo/s320/GEDC3047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to ring the bell when <br />
you come to visit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So it is time to start buttoning-up the yurt and packing my bags. A bit sad to be leaving so much behind, but gods willing, I will return.<br />
Until then,<br />
Aloha<br />
-PPaul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-53181851307741168932011-03-19T13:53:00.000-07:002011-07-11T12:51:46.025-07:00Hello, I Must Be GoingWith due respect to Groucho Marx, my time grows short. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tM_n-XQTryw/TYUWa0pWyVI/AAAAAAAAANk/b6X7qLO42s8/s1600/GEDC3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tM_n-XQTryw/TYUWa0pWyVI/AAAAAAAAANk/b6X7qLO42s8/s320/GEDC3028.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>Much has happened, but it always seems to come down to a few precious days.<br />
I have spent the past week getting my small PV power system working, cleaning up construction debris, planting a few flowers (sunflowers and impatiens) and thinking about what I will be doing in the yurt the next time I am here: Upgrading the solar, furnishings, maybe a composting toilet, maybe cooking/kitchen facilities, water, shower etc. make the list. There is much to do. Fortunately I do not need to rush into any of these; I still have the facilities at the main house. But I would like to explore making the yurt more independent, more self-sustainable, more "green".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I am not certain of my schedule in the next months. I definitely want to see friends and family back on the mainland. I have a teaching assignment in the fall that I am looking forward to.<br />
But it makes me a little crazy to have built a new home and then leave it for any extended period of time.<br />
Like all of the past months, I will give the whole process a bit of mental space and see how it unfolds.<br />
As a friend has recently said, "make plans but don't become too attached to the outcome..."<br />
So for now, I need to think about how to carefully store away my Hawaiian things, and how to leave the yurt in self-sustaining mode. My brother will look in on it, for sure. I appreciate his care.<br />
My heart flutters even now, thinking of leaving.<br />
Doors close, doors open.<br />
Aloha,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qwGFrfj2cz4/TYUYyp7mGrI/AAAAAAAAANs/ur8WxeymU7s/s1600/GEDC3065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qwGFrfj2cz4/TYUYyp7mGrI/AAAAAAAAANs/ur8WxeymU7s/s320/GEDC3065.JPG" width="239px" /></a></div>-PPaul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-33550186000401212042011-03-14T18:01:00.000-07:002011-03-14T18:34:30.605-07:00Number 61 <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QjYuhxTaCNc/TX63GF8u9vI/AAAAAAAAANg/MNpiVWejVeo/s1600/GEDC2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QjYuhxTaCNc/TX63GF8u9vI/AAAAAAAAANg/MNpiVWejVeo/s320/GEDC2800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging loose with Melissa<br />
by the front door.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I had a nice visit with Melissa Fletcher of Yurts of Hawaii recently. She has been my go to person since day one, helping me with the ordering, shipping, and all aspects of assembly.<br />
We checked out my yurt and I got her seal of approval, as you can see from the photo. As it turns out my yurt is # 61 she has sold and/or helped install.<br />
If you are interested in yurts I bet she'd be glad to chat. Check out their blog and website: <a href="http://blog.yurtsofhawaii.com/">http://blog.yurtsofhawaii.com/</a><br />
Melissa has just finished organizing and coordinating a big yurt manufactures conference here on the Big Island. Congrats Melissa! <br />
Among things new in the world of yurts is the potential for yurt insurance, and with that can bank financing be far behind?<br />
Thanks for your efforts in making yurts more recognizable and legitimate in the alternative housing field. I know it sometimes is a struggle.<br />
And, hang loose!Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-5228494562261633592011-03-13T18:07:00.000-07:002011-03-14T12:04:47.958-07:00Night Moves<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PavHqWmbShg/TX1nL6o-V5I/AAAAAAAAANU/wSWFEhhQKxQ/s1600/GEDC2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PavHqWmbShg/TX1nL6o-V5I/AAAAAAAAANU/wSWFEhhQKxQ/s320/GEDC2682.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last vestiges of night yield<br />
to the energy of the dawn</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am learning to listen to the night, and in a yurt there are a concert hall of sounds:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them subtle and nuanced, others uncompromisingly percussive, while still other might just knock you right out of bed.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First and foremost, the nights are wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel safe and secure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are sounds, some new and perhaps a little strange, and in the immediacy and the intimacy of a yurt they are different when contrasted to the more traditional house or apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take the tapping at the window behind my bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What might be rapping at my chamber plastic?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Searching a bit with my flashlight reveals a loose strap end fluttering in the night’s breeze off Mauna Kea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knock-knock. Come in...</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Or perhaps it is the drum solo that brings the crowd to its feet when the soft patter of rain is interrupted by a tropical deluge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thunder and lightning replace cymbal crashes!</span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-thIHgKWIRaA/TX1nhOf055I/AAAAAAAAANY/KoFb2p_nl6c/s1600/GEDC2909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-thIHgKWIRaA/TX1nhOf055I/AAAAAAAAANY/KoFb2p_nl6c/s320/GEDC2909.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the crow's nest, aka the dome. I needed to<br />
re-adjust the dome slightly after the earthquake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And perhaps most exciting to date, for a guy from the heartland, the rumble of the earth itself, teaching the Zen of change in a universe constantly in motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even my beautiful bronze dome shifted an inch or so at that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Not to worry, there are strong safety straps attached.)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I live in a yurt, because I want to hear real sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I desire this contact, this re-connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere in my gut and yours too I bet, there is a desire for the sounds of water, air, and all other forms of elemental matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Very primal, very real.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They are not to be feared but rather revered.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Funny how the night moves…</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-P</span></span></div>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-14284579671155513522011-03-09T16:15:00.000-08:002011-03-09T16:15:29.302-08:00Wabi-sabiI am in the yurt, at least for writing, resting, sleeping, and hanging out. I have slept "here" for the past three nights. It is very comfortable and comforting. I keep a candle going until late, so I can see my way around. Not much ambient light. Stars, and the coming of the moon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tSKwN4m70T0/TXgWznPB9kI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Wi7aXHuxm0Y/s1600/GEDC2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tSKwN4m70T0/TXgWznPB9kI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Wi7aXHuxm0Y/s320/GEDC2737.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have an inflatable bed, a couple chairs, my computer and a few storage bins. Electricity comes from a battery charged by the sun. The bathroom is outside for the moment, shower and kitchen are back at my brothers house. These things will change, but for now I am in no hurry.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy, finding beauty and function in simple objects, clean and uncluttered. I hope to adhere to that approach in furnishing and decorating this round house/home.</div>For now I will enjoy it.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Slowly.</div>Let's see what comes next.Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-67542280078823221372011-03-06T09:25:00.000-08:002011-03-06T09:27:32.653-08:00Yurt Interiors<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZGZJpYsZJtU/TXO3SBlgqmI/AAAAAAAAAM4/skqM6O61SNw/s1600/GEDC2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZGZJpYsZJtU/TXO3SBlgqmI/AAAAAAAAAM4/skqM6O61SNw/s320/GEDC2626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurricane Iniki devastated nearby Kauai with<br />
winds up to 140 mph a few years back. Adding<br />
the high wind package seemed smart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4Iua9fuL9FA/TXO3kCP-KnI/AAAAAAAAAM8/4aHewbNPSug/s1600/GEDC2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4Iua9fuL9FA/TXO3kCP-KnI/AAAAAAAAAM8/4aHewbNPSug/s320/GEDC2662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor required two runs of sanding;<br />
A coarse grit and then a finer one. Smooth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NvWNggc959w/TXO3v2tYBaI/AAAAAAAAANA/mAs-wwubadU/s1600/GEDC2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NvWNggc959w/TXO3v2tYBaI/AAAAAAAAANA/mAs-wwubadU/s320/GEDC2689.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polyurethane adds layers of protection<br />
to the pine, and a nice finished look.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eVrJr0Pful4/TXO4N_K-peI/AAAAAAAAANE/mFRzg0-AqTc/s1600/GEDC2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eVrJr0Pful4/TXO4N_K-peI/AAAAAAAAANE/mFRzg0-AqTc/s320/GEDC2693.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shinin' pine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YSvU1U38rl0/TXO4UG2jORI/AAAAAAAAANI/hNEkcWdZRc8/s1600/GEDC2702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YSvU1U38rl0/TXO4UG2jORI/AAAAAAAAANI/hNEkcWdZRc8/s320/GEDC2702.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on the floor, sanding, sweeping, painting, etc. for a couple days<br />
raised a few blisters and led to sore knees.<br />
Ugh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5p84bxUfquM/TXO4Zncer-I/AAAAAAAAANM/OXGMsa_oO-4/s1600/GEDC2686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5p84bxUfquM/TXO4Zncer-I/AAAAAAAAANM/OXGMsa_oO-4/s320/GEDC2686.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But what price beauty?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-59625228839053282852011-03-03T21:30:00.000-08:002011-03-03T21:30:56.029-08:00Closed-up and ready for business, almost<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S0_EvSXLsqM/TWz49yu1atI/AAAAAAAAALo/zCl8eNOAfrs/s1600/GEDC2592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S0_EvSXLsqM/TWz49yu1atI/AAAAAAAAALo/zCl8eNOAfrs/s200/GEDC2592.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green plants reduce the amount of carbon as <br />
they process it during photosynthesis. Hey hibiscus<br />
thanks for the oxygen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Despite the current drought, it does rain here. I understand that it can rain a lot! We caught a break during the weeks of construction. It barely rained at all.<br />
Now that the yurt has a tight roof and walls, it can rain, permission granted. And the past few days it has rained, some. <br />
If you are a believer in climate change, like me, you can tell by the conversations of long time locals; the weather (climate) is changing. So try to minimize your carbon output. Plant a flower!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DkIkxZ8eS38/TWz5IPVXw4I/AAAAAAAAALs/0_eIqybC6YE/s1600/GEDC2555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DkIkxZ8eS38/TWz5IPVXw4I/AAAAAAAAALs/0_eIqybC6YE/s200/GEDC2555.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of the waning moon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yurts are beautiful. There is just something compelling about them, form and function. So if you are a photographer, you may find yourself using them as a focal point, so to speak.<br />
I am currently looking for the moment when the brilliant dawn lights up the dome. <br />
Yurts, another good reason to get out of bed in the morning!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wvk5Tb4wxVw/TWz5X1oNDtI/AAAAAAAAALw/02GqywKiSTY/s1600/GEDC2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wvk5Tb4wxVw/TWz5X1oNDtI/AAAAAAAAALw/02GqywKiSTY/s200/GEDC2571.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning yurt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I am fortunate to have a very sweet location. The sunrises down the way, across a large swath of the Pacific filling the sky with some new eye candy every day. Today was cotton candy.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HulFGeXNdZs/TWz5tnrg1DI/AAAAAAAAAL4/FuGF2wWjxZ0/s1600/GEDC2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HulFGeXNdZs/TWz5tnrg1DI/AAAAAAAAAL4/FuGF2wWjxZ0/s200/GEDC2608.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out and looking in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
People are especially impressed with the doors on the Colorado Yurt. The wood is beautifully grained, sanded and finished. <br />
They also make a good mirror, which enables a moment of "self-reflection".<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M2ZfFrt5syw/TWz5m34yfiI/AAAAAAAAAL0/U7UhFAsmSX0/s1600/GEDC2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M2ZfFrt5syw/TWz5m34yfiI/AAAAAAAAAL0/U7UhFAsmSX0/s200/GEDC2580.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Jeremy and Scot easing an</div>insulation panel into place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Even though there were rain showers we were able to install the wall insulation. Most of the work was done from the inside. Interesting material; a combination of plastic "bubble wrap" and reflective foil. Almost immediately the yurt became cooler. The insulation is lined with white fabric which brightens the interior.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am happy with the quality and workmanship this company provides. And as a bonus here on The Big Island, Yurts of Hawaii is nearby<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s-rpggqhJn0/TWz59f6j9nI/AAAAAAAAAMA/7dpYO1Z5lp0/s1600/GEDC2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wS8e5anMWhg/TWz52WRmYKI/AAAAAAAAAL8/bzLJgCUW2tg/s1600/GEDC2617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wS8e5anMWhg/TWz52WRmYKI/AAAAAAAAAL8/bzLJgCUW2tg/s200/GEDC2617.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're ever in Montrose<br />
Colorado...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> </a> providing sales support if needed. Melissa Fletcher has been quick to return phone calls and emails. I still wonder the caution NOT to attempt assembly on a windy day. So, how windy is windy? <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s-rpggqhJn0/TWz59f6j9nI/AAAAAAAAAMA/7dpYO1Z5lp0/s1600/GEDC2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s-rpggqhJn0/TWz59f6j9nI/AAAAAAAAAMA/7dpYO1Z5lp0/s200/GEDC2590.JPG" width="200" /></a>Things are growing and changing here rapidly. I am looking forward to see how things grow up, around, and in my yurt of the next weeks and months. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next on the list,<em> and almost last</em> before I move in, finish the floors. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">-PS, short for polyurethane and sanding</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-45775640193048456192011-02-27T19:53:00.000-08:002011-02-27T19:53:56.159-08:00Topping-off In some parts, when you finish a construction<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSM8lDrNSvI/TWsK0gyZQYI/AAAAAAAAALI/jmx6rfTKd00/s1600/GEDC2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSM8lDrNSvI/TWsK0gyZQYI/AAAAAAAAALI/jmx6rfTKd00/s320/GEDC2517.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scot and Trevor working above with the liner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">project there is a topping-off ceremony, a celebration of work well done, and at least vertically complete.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This day we topped-off the yurt. Yeah!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The roof required three steps: A cloth liner, a layer of insulation, and the durable fabric roof that will shed the weather for the next 15 years or so.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The liner rolled out easily.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yw6Echt7aJU/TWsK-vcJkII/AAAAAAAAALM/v5qI9G1TdQA/s1600/GEDC2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yw6Echt7aJU/TWsK-vcJkII/AAAAAAAAALM/v5qI9G1TdQA/s320/GEDC2526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tricky moment getting the two parts <br />
of the roof insulation taped together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The roof insulation came in two pieces. It is very lightweight and prone to lifting in even the gentlest breeze. They should make kites out of this stuff.<br />
Insulation in Hawaii keeps the heat out, via a reflective barrier. The roof and walls are white and light gray, also to reflect the heat of the sun. The roof dome has a bronze tint as well.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8GMoeo2-e0E/TWsLOy3JomI/AAAAAAAAALQ/kvFai6vqPHY/s1600/GEDC2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8GMoeo2-e0E/TWsLOy3JomI/AAAAAAAAALQ/kvFai6vqPHY/s320/GEDC2531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the roof is in place the rest of the lattice<br />
is screwed to the deck with "L" brackets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The roof fabric was a challenge to maneuver because it was so heavy. It starts at the top through the opening. It took five people to coax it into place. At one point I thought most of the weigh was balanced on my head as we pushed it up the ladder. Skillfully, it slowly rolled into place with only a little bit of adjusting.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y-r9ZM3Uggc/TWsLaDra07I/AAAAAAAAALU/qOLXW7M0x_o/s1600/GEDC2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y-r9ZM3Uggc/TWsLaDra07I/AAAAAAAAALU/qOLXW7M0x_o/s320/GEDC2539.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trevor on the scaffolding crocheting <br />
the wall and roof together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The roof connects to the upper wall with a series of cord loops and grommets. One connects to the next in a crocheting like process.<br />
Because the yurt is on a slope, much of the wall installation required ladders and scaffolding.<br />
Watch your step. (No humans were harmed in the building of this yurt).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uE72PEiZd0E/TWsLmSKB-LI/AAAAAAAAALY/bS9n3GlAGog/s1600/GEDC2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uE72PEiZd0E/TWsLmSKB-LI/AAAAAAAAALY/bS9n3GlAGog/s320/GEDC2535.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah's homemade peanut butter cookies! Yummy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> As part of the topping-off festivities, Sarah made peanut butter cookies. They were still warm from the oven. I think this should be a yurt raising tradition.<br />
We toasted with cool cans of ice tea.<br />
OK, back to work!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sqNPV5wLNaI/TWsLvJCi2HI/AAAAAAAAALc/C4watRwW_O4/s1600/GEDC2543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sqNPV5wLNaI/TWsLvJCi2HI/AAAAAAAAALc/C4watRwW_O4/s320/GEDC2543.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the Pantheon, but the yurt too has an oculus, <br />
a big eye towards the heavens. I am looking forward<br />
to sleeping under the moon and stars.<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Before the rains came we buttoned-up the roof by putting the dome in place. Tossing it like a Frisbee was discussed but then we relented and gently pulled it up with a rope. A few clips and it was in place. I got the dome-lifter, which raises the bubble about 8 inches, allowing air to move via convection through the windows and doors and out the top, again keeping the inside cooler.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CnCocCJt3X0/TWsL4UHvMgI/AAAAAAAAALg/Itm56nnFhtY/s1600/GEDC2546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CnCocCJt3X0/TWsL4UHvMgI/AAAAAAAAALg/Itm56nnFhtY/s320/GEDC2546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Scot and I standing in the front door. It has been an important event for the both of us, a brotherly reunion in the making. Hopefully now with the yurt in place, we will be spending more time together.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0bDOOJsUv38/TWsMeWLk7hI/AAAAAAAAALk/Q-mXZR-dA-k/s1600/GEDC2507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0bDOOJsUv38/TWsMeWLk7hI/AAAAAAAAALk/Q-mXZR-dA-k/s320/GEDC2507.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful end to a great day.<br />
Red sky at night yurters delight!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-36131186573217799942011-02-24T17:38:00.000-08:002011-02-24T18:34:24.275-08:00Snow on the mountain, yurts down below.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yK_zUCAvAHM/TWb4yuneQZI/AAAAAAAAAKg/qT4FVZBX6Dc/s1600/GEDC2442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yK_zUCAvAHM/TWb4yuneQZI/AAAAAAAAAKg/qT4FVZBX6Dc/s320/GEDC2442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puddles from the Pacific</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Well it did rain last night, with some spectacular thunder and lightning. There is a significant amount of snow up on the mountains. <br />
Down below we got over an inch of water. Not record setting for these parts, but enough to make a good puddle on the tarp and water the drought stricken fields and forests. So far only a couple of inches this month, and this is a rain forest!<br />
So the first order of the day was to mop and sop. Eventually I got it dry; not too much damage to the deck. The lattice and the door wood are treated, so they seem fine too.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0keU7YJ5h4/TWcBJGgGWCI/AAAAAAAAALE/mJ7bgoBEE8I/s1600/GEDC2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0keU7YJ5h4/TWcBJGgGWCI/AAAAAAAAALE/mJ7bgoBEE8I/s320/GEDC2445.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now, in the center ring...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here Jeremy helps Scot adjust the top of the scaffolding. The compression ring, where the rafters attach and the dome-skylight sits, rests up here temporarily during assembly.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc_OsYqXvw8/TWb5DnnrDBI/AAAAAAAAAKo/k1XH0c8JQY4/s1600/GEDC2449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc_OsYqXvw8/TWb5DnnrDBI/AAAAAAAAAKo/k1XH0c8JQY4/s320/GEDC2449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ya, I know beam me up...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first couple of rafter are bolted into place at the top. The other end of the rafters hook over the cable strung across the top of the lattice.</div>It becomes stronger very quickly.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6Nt3GsdJq0/TWb5PujSQNI/AAAAAAAAAKs/3hOmsvnMEw8/s1600/GEDC2451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h6Nt3GsdJq0/TWb5PujSQNI/AAAAAAAAAKs/3hOmsvnMEw8/s320/GEDC2451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, the instruction manual says...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After the first 17 or so rafters, the scaffolding is lowered at the top and the roof is self-supporting for the first time. Hold your breath...<br />
OK! It works.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4txzLAaiGHg/TWb5bS_hC8I/AAAAAAAAAKw/LL3jZceehWs/s1600/GEDC2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4txzLAaiGHg/TWb5bS_hC8I/AAAAAAAAAKw/LL3jZceehWs/s320/GEDC2454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew made quick work of this phase.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jeremy hands Scot one of the final rafters. Watch the glass in the door behind you! Montrose Colorado is a long way to go to get replacement.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQKPlHwrE8w/TWb5jJS6D1I/AAAAAAAAAK0/QgGi2_s8cEw/s1600/GEDC2458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQKPlHwrE8w/TWb5jJS6D1I/AAAAAAAAAK0/QgGi2_s8cEw/s320/GEDC2458.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arty shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Scot working up high amidst rays of wood and wonder.<br />
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</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pcVcnkonA0/TWb5vwLVAuI/AAAAAAAAAK4/aMnT4NLey2c/s1600/GEDC2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pcVcnkonA0/TWb5vwLVAuI/AAAAAAAAAK4/aMnT4NLey2c/s320/GEDC2464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking good and level at the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Pretty much a completed skeleton of a yurt: Deck, bender boards, doors, lattice walls, rafters, and compression ring. <br />
The weather forecast was for more rain, so the roof and wall fabric will happen tomorrow, hopefully.<br />
It started to rain about 30 minutes after we cleaned up and covered up.<br />
Timing is everything!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRzsCc9rR1U/TWb57Nz-v6I/AAAAAAAAAK8/MXekVnrgaYo/s1600/GEDC2468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRzsCc9rR1U/TWb57Nz-v6I/AAAAAAAAAK8/MXekVnrgaYo/s320/GEDC2468.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine a moonlit night...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The yurt framework looks good from down the path. A shining star, that's what you are.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aguRHDjuIcw/TWb6FHdDRiI/AAAAAAAAALA/SzHnhG2kV9E/s1600/GEDC2470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aguRHDjuIcw/TWb6FHdDRiI/AAAAAAAAALA/SzHnhG2kV9E/s320/GEDC2470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long and winding road...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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The hard working crew breaks for lunch, Gypsy's favorite part of the day.<br />
Roof and wall fabric tomorrow.<br />
Living in the round, soon.<br />
<br />
-PPaul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-31864485906946512102011-02-24T16:25:00.000-08:002011-02-24T16:31:38.015-08:00Lattice Begin to Assemble <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eM29BKde9Q/TWbylpFHvZI/AAAAAAAAAKU/jvuiQlWHkN8/s1600/GEDC2433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eM29BKde9Q/TWbylpFHvZI/AAAAAAAAAKU/jvuiQlWHkN8/s320/GEDC2433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trevor inspects the lattice wall as<br />
Scot supports the door. As a unit, doors,<br />
lattice, and deck form a strong base. The bender boards<br />
are seen running around the edge of the deck.<br />
They hold the lattice in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> This day began with several tasks. First we cut and installed the bender boards. The material we chose originally didn't work well, so we went to Home Depot and bought 1/2" plywood, which worked perfectly. Trevor (in floppy hat) showed up to help finish installing the benders. He and I built the scaffolding (on the deck, centered). This will be used to stand upon to attach the rafter beams to the center compression ring and later the roofing fabrics.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkxFlAluxns/TWbyxWUKxdI/AAAAAAAAAKY/ohoPhgRUGzY/s1600/GEDC2434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkxFlAluxns/TWbyxWUKxdI/AAAAAAAAAKY/ohoPhgRUGzY/s320/GEDC2434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was the first one to cross the threshold. The door are well built and nicely finished.<br />
Scot is adjusting the angle brackets which secure the lattice to the deck floor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lY9BdInOvE/TWby_wYmPAI/AAAAAAAAAKc/exMKU7NlAtc/s1600/GEDC2439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lY9BdInOvE/TWby_wYmPAI/AAAAAAAAAKc/exMKU7NlAtc/s320/GEDC2439.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things are rounding into shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Pictured here are the lattice walls and the doors completed. <br />
It seemed a good place to stop for the day and have a beer. The sky was clouding and a bit of thunder sounded in the distance. <br />
Hmm...<br />
Many thanks to crew members Scot, Trevor, Paul H. and Jeremy.<br />
Tomorrow the compression ring and the rafters.<br />
Up it goes!Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1317828697634595789.post-56004080285408717362011-02-21T22:07:00.000-08:002011-02-21T22:11:38.342-08:00Close<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aV7XvWB-gL8/TWNE5hpZaPI/AAAAAAAAAKE/4L86fXA4lo0/s1600/GEDC2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aV7XvWB-gL8/TWNE5hpZaPI/AAAAAAAAAKE/4L86fXA4lo0/s320/GEDC2402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my first visitors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the things about a yurt in Hawaii is the immediacy it creates with nature. The sky, the mountains, the ocean are all so close. And being surrounded by trees and fields, it was not unusual to find this praying mantis sitting on the deck while we worked. We took a few minutes to enjoy its company.</div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkLmocEV-H4/TWNFI0GGkzI/AAAAAAAAAKI/KwRjPXX1LPI/s1600/GEDC2421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkLmocEV-H4/TWNFI0GGkzI/AAAAAAAAAKI/KwRjPXX1LPI/s320/GEDC2421.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is something special about this shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perhaps as you can see, the deck structure is rounding into good shape! We are close to done; the bender boards will go on tomorrow in final preparation for yurt assembly!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EvII-pMXIsc/TWNFSCqHr3I/AAAAAAAAAKM/DRwMRlHUbQA/s1600/GEDC2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EvII-pMXIsc/TWNFSCqHr3I/AAAAAAAAAKM/DRwMRlHUbQA/s320/GEDC2411.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front and center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am standing in the middle of the deck, reflecting on the process and imagining the next steps. Much has happened in the past few weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcWZVW6Wzh8/TWNFYWhg0oI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/1T5ZZCsdxuE/s1600/GEDC2408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcWZVW6Wzh8/TWNFYWhg0oI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/1T5ZZCsdxuE/s320/GEDC2408.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last board laid in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Putting down the last T & G boards near where the back door will lead out to the lanai. I am looking forward to having my morning coffee there. You should join me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paul Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12094845813557284970noreply@blogger.com3