Still working on it. The lattice is propped up, platform is just about ready to stuff with straw-clay infill... I think the hard parts are done now and I am sure the rest will be easy and problem-free! When it takes you 1,000% more time to do something than it ought to, because you opt to do it the hard way, the acomplishments are 1,000% more reveered and exciting! And then I will start building a sauna!

Pallets, Paint and Good People

Thanks to all the wonderful people lending a hand, tool, etc.
And who knew you could fit forty pallets on the back of a pick up? Luckily, the owner of what I call Pallet Palace did! Now for some lumber and cinder blocks... still hoping to find them second hand. I don't want new wood or materials, I hate the idea of it.
In case you are wondering- I plan on making my yurt platform out of pallets then stuffing them with a light straw-clay infill. Making a good, solid, natural, insulating and rodent-proof floor. Still deciding on whether I keep it a straw-clay floor or put something down. We'll see.
Started painting the weathered yurt poles purple- remember, I am trying to use all recycled stuff! Kai got a little messy, good thing he didn't have clothes on.
Set both kids up with hammocks to lounge about in. When I headed toward Viola's lounging spot, we met half way in the rain. So photo of her to come soon...
And look at the beautiful slug we found! It was at least five inches long and the width of my thumb!

Getting Stuff Done

Made a lot of progress these past few weeks. Got some clay, found a source of straw, gravel has been delivered, truck is waiting to start drilling for a well starting tomorrow. Spent last Wednesday moving gravel with a tractor- loaned to me by one of the most wonderful people on earth- from the gravel drop off point to the yurt site. I have come to realize that tractors are not only more efficient and less painful than hauling by hand, but are really fun to scoop and dump stuff with.
Kai has been having so much fun hanging out with our friend's son while they create their schooly (drive able home that used to be a school bus) on the land. It has been great for us parents to have them occupied as well. Plus, they're really cute, running about and all.
Today I opted for hard labor, leveling gravel by shovel and hoe. I do like the physical labor, so I had fun. Abundant wild strawberries and the sunny, warm, breezy, not too hot, blue sky and fluffy clouds made for a lovely day.
When my parents arrived, we ate cucumbers, made a fire, roasted some corn and tofu pups, ending the feast with watermelon and vegan, gluten-free strawberry shortcake cupcakes that I had brought, all in celebration of Father's Day.
Then, I scampered off to vegan game night, where I was greeted with gluten-free vegan pizza, salad, and home made and harvested wild grape leaf dolmas.

The Neighborhood

The Stove

Teeny, tiny, most adorable wood cook stove I have ever seen. And it's mine, all mine.