Spring/Summer Update

It's been a busy warm season with limited time to get projects done.  Solara welcomed her new baby sister, Lyra, in April so most time is devoted to them.  Aside from that, the region has had the worse drought in recent memory. We are currently about 7" below normal for the year and it looks as if we're going to fall way short of the 36" annual average.  We've heard reports of wells going dry in the area...a region that has no experience (or need) with water conservation...a wake-up call for everyone.  Our cisterns are currently a little under 1/4 full (about 1500 gallons) in spite of this.  Lots of people have been asking us about our water levels and I think they're surprised.  I was planning on cleaning out the East pair of cisterns this summer but I postponed due to the lack of rain to recharge them.

Solara - 2.2 yrs  Lyra - .3 yrs

Our perennial food systems are starting to kick in - I spent the spring planting lots of berry, fruit, and nut trees.  The currants and elderberries did ok - looks like a bad apple year though.

Our outside gardens haven't been very productive this year - water rationing, kids, and travel have taken a toll.  Lots of Kale, chard, garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes though.

Reworking our Zone 1

Late season greens and herbs for now.  Excited for this bed next year.

Also turning the area on the West end into a garden area.  I've struggled with this area because I don't want seasonally-shed leaves ending up on the roof and gutter.  Annual veggies should work.

Small retainer wall with leftover timbers from the barn construction.

Winter Update

It's been a fairly mild winter in the Northeast with only about a foot of cumulative snowfall where we exist.  We did however, have one weekend where it reached -20F but we were very cozy because it was sunny and over 80 degrees inside in the greenhouse.  As of early March, we've gone through about 2 full cords of wood for heating and cooking.  This winter we gave several tours to school groups and individuals interested about Earthships and eco-architecture.  We're expecting our second little girl in late April so we'll be trying to get several projects done as soon as the weather breaks so stay tuned.

After 2 previously brutal winters, we were prepared for a fight.

Tried the new Finnish LeverAxe.  I think I still like my Gerber Splitting axe better.

Oranges are ripe and blossoms are popping everywhere!

Still trying to master the best bread recipe for the wood-fired oven.

Transplanted a coffee plant into the greywater reception cell...in 6 years, I may have a cup of hyper-local coffee.

Drone Footage