tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3877336795610318112024-03-05T02:06:16.688-06:00House of Fallen TimbersThis Blog is the journal of my attempt to build a log cabin from dead trees and found materials.
The goal is to create a small cabin spending as little money as possible.Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-17363555338218318522020-04-16T11:50:00.000-05:002020-04-16T11:52:55.928-05:00Ten Years After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UHVOABjoqj9sVH_5qtinr64H9YimrPgEXdmXzBUjJl9D635vV15iGUxkIFYj42LvlbfgIL573d5XUmgHYSuTKFHKhQFI6Zm0mEUnWehrkrWNmC2fmolRBXdbdYFIizY0UjihFzxn1mM/s1600/IMG_9085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UHVOABjoqj9sVH_5qtinr64H9YimrPgEXdmXzBUjJl9D635vV15iGUxkIFYj42LvlbfgIL573d5XUmgHYSuTKFHKhQFI6Zm0mEUnWehrkrWNmC2fmolRBXdbdYFIizY0UjihFzxn1mM/s320/IMG_9085.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Like the rest of the world even the House of Fallen Timbers is under quarantine. It's been ten years since I built the cabin and to my amazement it's still standing. I made a few upgrades since my last update. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifIs4f5eKssA-sTP24uz5y1M59bU1SZLPuF5mnxWuh3YN5klKNLiWz69i7Dnxx0nEjP9hP8ajAzOen-MDMkOfivUdn_b86M5sd1CtRvDrsuE1kToqhE-VCoLe4t9H0UuVGFOQfgr8IIg/s1600/Floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifIs4f5eKssA-sTP24uz5y1M59bU1SZLPuF5mnxWuh3YN5klKNLiWz69i7Dnxx0nEjP9hP8ajAzOen-MDMkOfivUdn_b86M5sd1CtRvDrsuE1kToqhE-VCoLe4t9H0UuVGFOQfgr8IIg/s320/Floor.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Installed a wood burning stove and replaced a couple of floor boards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD_FMAA2wT79h-RrsA-HNCwaKlAa6Ykc-RWwnTN22vVvkUD6qI-7uNdq-o6aggnj_dwOo-6PENi1l0M7nMsSlvxAVIBHROd52ZasumYyOaJRTDgGK7Yfd9QTzaCZU0t2v-ciNmJExWb8/s1600/0423161240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfD_FMAA2wT79h-RrsA-HNCwaKlAa6Ykc-RWwnTN22vVvkUD6qI-7uNdq-o6aggnj_dwOo-6PENi1l0M7nMsSlvxAVIBHROd52ZasumYyOaJRTDgGK7Yfd9QTzaCZU0t2v-ciNmJExWb8/s320/0423161240.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Built an outhouse and lined it with salvaged barn wood. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97SPGYh84iYNJNLvnTsL5APnJbKHcyyX-vwmraLeVrs-JDhLqFqah2wMMJHmPvP1drMnpkhHp6jYpyNjBIppImbjkaNVB-rkGfT4PemK8KTLNinXjsrwhSTu3SVI8ZV6MVNLk7bZ70Ow/s1600/0522161020a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97SPGYh84iYNJNLvnTsL5APnJbKHcyyX-vwmraLeVrs-JDhLqFqah2wMMJHmPvP1drMnpkhHp6jYpyNjBIppImbjkaNVB-rkGfT4PemK8KTLNinXjsrwhSTu3SVI8ZV6MVNLk7bZ70Ow/s320/0522161020a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hope everyone is safe and warm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7jxUYvQkz6dazqY9ZqQWbheIBMDwm3pkIk9PyFq2mQo9UwBz3-4TXRsfpLrfpS679TwgAvgxD0kwAWd9l-2pojrL4ya-3nYrAM6TGZJfiocbcjgxxY5uo_R91J9EPGJkpUI8TqSVByc/s1600/stove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7jxUYvQkz6dazqY9ZqQWbheIBMDwm3pkIk9PyFq2mQo9UwBz3-4TXRsfpLrfpS679TwgAvgxD0kwAWd9l-2pojrL4ya-3nYrAM6TGZJfiocbcjgxxY5uo_R91J9EPGJkpUI8TqSVByc/s320/stove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-78018080773957063302013-04-23T10:34:00.000-05:002013-04-23T10:34:00.279-05:00It Couldn’t Be Done<div class="tab-content active" id="poem-top">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;">BY </span><a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173579#about" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;">EDGAR ALBERT GUEST</a></h1>
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Somebody said that it couldn’t be done</div>
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But he with a chuckle replied</div>
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That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one</div>
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Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.</div>
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So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin</div>
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On his face. If he worried he hid it.</div>
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He started to sing as he tackled the thing</div>
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That couldn’t be done, and he did it!</div>
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Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;</div>
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At least no one ever has done it;”</div>
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But he took off his coat and he took off his hat</div>
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And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.</div>
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With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,</div>
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Without any doubting or quiddit,</div>
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He started to sing as he tackled the thing</div>
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That couldn’t be done, and he did it.</div>
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There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,</div>
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There are thousands to prophesy failure,</div>
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There are thousands to point out to you one by one,</div>
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The dangers that wait to assail you.</div>
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But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,</div>
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Just take off your coat and go to it;</div>
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Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing</div>
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That “cannot be done,” and you’ll do it.</div>
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Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-64830676191413324102013-03-17T14:44:00.000-05:002013-03-19T08:52:55.577-05:00Split Rail Fence<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
It's that time of year again. Time to clean up the dead fall of winter. Here's a forty foot elm that I was able to cut into three 12 foot lengths.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIIGaj9Xsts0bNIaMTKugfhW8SPydUp9PkViNqAXBKsoto-_mT9CRucVjlA8Nq9NhMfVcl_B_kNf6NuirB8xe9y6q2Sj-6L-JpwtD0zzS2woK09DV-LR8hFzDumHvgCs8LXnFSzgsNmk/s1600/40foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIIGaj9Xsts0bNIaMTKugfhW8SPydUp9PkViNqAXBKsoto-_mT9CRucVjlA8Nq9NhMfVcl_B_kNf6NuirB8xe9y6q2Sj-6L-JpwtD0zzS2woK09DV-LR8hFzDumHvgCs8LXnFSzgsNmk/s400/40foot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once cut into lengths I split them into halves and some larger halves into quarters.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_SWFEYZB39tR1i7ik6BFAMVTNN6vOS86hxrrUfKO6118odpTS2137Lkxsh1iLtM1z0ThSI0PVBKHF4NCVtwCiNwY1B_MyXI3fsV7XUKEjBokMPqCXU0rJjaCefyzwVnlb6chfGLGmd4/s1600/Wedge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_SWFEYZB39tR1i7ik6BFAMVTNN6vOS86hxrrUfKO6118odpTS2137Lkxsh1iLtM1z0ThSI0PVBKHF4NCVtwCiNwY1B_MyXI3fsV7XUKEjBokMPqCXU0rJjaCefyzwVnlb6chfGLGmd4/s400/Wedge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are the kind of rails Abe Lincoln spent his youth splitting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaLxDA-eyXibTSAFHxSSYoa1PjJSqpmQdcSy_lA0IboqQ5WV1ooDV-13CkuVLVWA5tiUIrV-Ejh0pEbWgp_xeRMj6NwZRrXOPeXcoCkvN8pzb3BXO7_9y8KBNt4OzwiwnZ7oJz3R1NwY/s1600/Split.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaLxDA-eyXibTSAFHxSSYoa1PjJSqpmQdcSy_lA0IboqQ5WV1ooDV-13CkuVLVWA5tiUIrV-Ejh0pEbWgp_xeRMj6NwZRrXOPeXcoCkvN8pzb3BXO7_9y8KBNt4OzwiwnZ7oJz3R1NwY/s400/Split.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This kind of fence was very common at one time. It's easy to assemble, easy to move and easy to re-purpose if you run low on firewood or rough lumber. Ours won't keep anything in or out, just give hunters a heads-up when crossing our property lines.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClHISxQEU-hAc8A3mDjPru2Qph6n1OoRJA15ZkL6ifnBru5Y5tqpe1A3odL6iQ7jNUkGOg4kzE29XTLaWOHPNOESLrJlLdAZJMJIDqFdMDmuwKb4aF7eJo21G_CmYU1uU0OBjJy9pU58/s1600/Fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClHISxQEU-hAc8A3mDjPru2Qph6n1OoRJA15ZkL6ifnBru5Y5tqpe1A3odL6iQ7jNUkGOg4kzE29XTLaWOHPNOESLrJlLdAZJMJIDqFdMDmuwKb4aF7eJo21G_CmYU1uU0OBjJy9pU58/s400/Fence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The rails are stacked one on top of another in a zig-zag pattern to help with stability. Typically the rails are between 10 and 12 feet long, the ends are overlapped to make the distance between 'points" roughly eight feet. </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split-rail_fence" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The distance between the zigs or zags is an old measurement called a rod</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (roughly 16 feet). Old farms used to measure out acreage using rods and these fences helped people estimate the size of their fields.</span><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-45825389751100318472013-03-07T11:38:00.000-06:002013-03-07T14:18:34.544-06:00EarthshipsThis month I am very pleased to be able to share Earthships. Chris Reynolds was kind enough to send me the following information and give me permission to pass it along here at the House of Fallen Timbers. The photographs are from Wikimedia Commons.<br />
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<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AEarthship_Zwolle.jpg" title="By Erik Wannee (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Earthship Zwolle" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Earthship_Zwolle.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Regardless of whether you're thinking of building a new structure or retrofitting an existing one, the Earthship concept can be designed and adapted to accommodate all climates and situations. The goal of our company is to help you to make your home or building project more energy efficient. We believe in housing that works for people, rather than the other way around. It's our hope that life in an energy efficient home will encourage a more balanced lifestyle that involves less financial stress due to high utility bills. Although the classic Earthship is one that is built primarily out of recycled materials, such as automobile tires, aluminum cans, glass bottles, scrap metal from discarded appliances, etc., the function of an Earthship is not determined by the use of those specific items. Thermal mass, for example can be achieved through concrete, stone, rammed earth, etc. We just find that the simplicity and value of free scrap tires to be a great way to produce what is basically a rammed earth wall without the cost of forms. <br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AG2_Global_model_Earthship_Taos_N.M..JPG" title="By Biodiesel33 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="G2 Global model Earthship Taos N.M." src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/G2_Global_model_Earthship_Taos_N.M..JPG/400px-G2_Global_model_Earthship_Taos_N.M..JPG" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ABrighton_Earthship.JPG" title="By Gazzat5 (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Brighton Earthship" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Brighton_Earthship.JPG/400px-Brighton_Earthship.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AExterior_Jacobsen_House_Earthship_2009.JPG" title="By t3xt (talk).Victorgrigas at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Exterior Jacobsen House Earthship 2009" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Exterior_Jacobsen_House_Earthship_2009.JPG/400px-Exterior_Jacobsen_House_Earthship_2009.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
You can still have an thermally efficient building as long as you incorporate thermal mass into the walls and floors of the building. Using what is easily available to you is a good idea, and depending on your local climate, you might adjust the amount of solar gain, building orientation, etc. We do implement a water catch systems in most Earthships, but again, if you have easy or existing access to fresh water, and you don't have to get creative with 10 inches of precipitation per year like we do here in the high mountain desert of New Mexico, you don't necessarily have to incorporate this feature into your Earthship. If you have abundant wind, you can augment photovoltaic (solar panels) generated electricity with windmills. The point is, the Earthship is made up of many systems and features that can be incorporated into your design based on your individual needs and tastes. <br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3APHOENIXBATH.jpg" title="Earthship at en.wikipedia [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="PHOENIXBATH" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/PHOENIXBATH.jpg/400px-PHOENIXBATH.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Some people are intimidated by the idea of pounding dirt into tires. Like everything, a little practice goes a long way. It's more technique than brute strength. The tire walls for an average 2 bedroom home will usually not take longer than 2 weeks to complete with a moderate crew of 6 people. We published Earthship, Volumes I, II and III with the intention of helping people build their own sustainable homes. Many people have done this, and we receive photographs and stories from do-it-yourselfers all over the world.<br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ASouthfacingearthhouse.JPG" title="By Fred Bauder (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Southfacingearthhouse" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Southfacingearthhouse.JPG/400px-Southfacingearthhouse.JPG" width="400" /></a>
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If you are ready to begin planning your project, the first step would be to contact us regarding the design. What size home, how many rooms, bedrooms, baths, etc. If you have land and funding and can get permission to build in your desired area, you are ready to go forward. With a $1,500 down payment on drawings, we can begin. We have many designs to choose from. The more affordable, Packaged Earthship has a plan book available through the web-site @ <a href="http://www.earthship.com/books">www.earthship.com/books</a> as well as a Packaged Earthship Detail Book that takes you through the entire building process of this design.<br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AFIRST_EXPERIMENTAL_HOUSE_COMPLETED_NEAR_TAOS%2C_NEW_MEXICO_USING_EMPTY_STEEL_BEER_AND_SOFT_DRINK_CANS_-_NARA_-_556623.jpg" title="See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="FIRST EXPERIMENTAL HOUSE COMPLETED NEAR TAOS, NEW MEXICO USING EMPTY STEEL BEER AND SOFT DRINK CANS - NARA - 556623" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/FIRST_EXPERIMENTAL_HOUSE_COMPLETED_NEAR_TAOS%2C_NEW_MEXICO_USING_EMPTY_STEEL_BEER_AND_SOFT_DRINK_CANS_-_NARA_-_556623.jpg/400px-FIRST_EXPERIMENTAL_HOUSE_COMPLETED_NEAR_TAOS%2C_NEW_MEXICO_USING_EMPTY_STEEL_BEER_AND_SOFT_DRINK_CANS_-_NARA_-_556623.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Approximate square foot cost for a Global Model Earthship, which is our most current design that incorporates the newer double greenhouse feature, is $215/per SF. This price includes all labor, all materials, and all systems. This price is comparable to mid-range conventional housing, but the future utility bills are much less than conventional homes. Please note that this is a turnkey price, that is, a home that is ready to move into and fully functional. If you are looking for ways to build more economically, personally contributing to the labor that goes into building your home can lessen square foot costs. Also, our company does fairly expensive finishes, stone and tile floors, tile baths, all handmade doors and cabinetry, and many custom details. You can choose to do simple concrete slab floors, for example, or purchase manufactured doors and cabinetry, to bring costs down.<br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AConvection_banner_1.jpg" title="By Amzi Smith (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Convection banner 1" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Convection_banner_1.jpg/400px-Convection_banner_1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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If you wish to hire outside help to build for you, we have a skilled crew that goes to any location in the world and builds Earthships. We also enlist the use of Earthship volunteers in these builds. Generally, the size of the crew, with volunteers is between 40 and 50 people. This large work force, and the pre-fabrication and shipping of components allow us to complete a home in 4-6 weeks depending on the size of the building. These buildings can be totally off-grid, having photovoltaic electric systems, catch water systems, and a thermal mass structure that requires no (or very little) back up heat or cooling. <br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AM-22_grey_detail_w_tub10-5.jpg" title="By Amzi Smith (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="M-22 grey detail w tub10-5" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/M-22_grey_detail_w_tub10-5.jpg/400px-M-22_grey_detail_w_tub10-5.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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We have very economical standardized building plans available for several time tested models. These plans can be customized @ $200/hr. At present, the price for the plans for the 1, 2, and 3 bedroom Global models are $6000, $7000 and $8000 respectively. Building plans for the Package Earthship and other more economical models are available as well for comparable prices. In comparison, standard drawing fees for architectural drawings generally run from 8-15% of the total cost of the home. <br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AVaulted_Earthship_entrance.JPG" title="By Amzi Smith (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Vaulted Earthship entrance" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/Vaulted_Earthship_entrance.JPG/512px-Vaulted_Earthship_entrance.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
The Earthship has been developed over the last 45 years, and is a very sophisticated and finely tuned sustainable building. Our crew builds these homes year after year, and they have evolved according to feedback from clients, and our own observations. We have built them all over the world, in all types of climates and conditions. <br />
<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AUnfinished_Earthship.JPG" title="By Victorgrigas at en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="Unfinished Earthship" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Unfinished_Earthship.JPG/400px-Unfinished_Earthship.JPG" width="400" /></a>
<br />
We are currently in the planning stages for upcoming projects in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and New York City, among others.<br />
<br />
For more information, you might be interested in any of the following:<br />
<br />
EBook available from amazon.com "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Earthship-I-want-one-ebook/dp/B0085OTEBY">Earthship, I want one</a>" - $4.99<br />
Michael Reynolds books, videos, etc. - Available online @ <a href="http://www.earthship.com/">www.earthship.com</a><br />
Earthship Academy - Hands on and educational instruction in building your own Earthship<br />
Intern program, Taos, NM - One month working with Earthship crew
Volunteer program 1 week-6 weeks working on current builds in US and internationally<br />
Spring, summer & fall seminars - 3 day course that includes classroom instruction and hands on experience<br />
<br />
Please visit our website for information on any of these programs, or to purchase any of our books and videos. We also offer nightly rentals in newer Earthships in our Greater World Subdivision in Taos, New Mexico. To book a night in an Earthship, or to inquire about the seminars, intern program, etc., you can email us
@ <a href="mailto:reception@earthship.com">reception@earthship.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Mr. Reynolds is available for in person or phone/skype consultation @$250/hr or $125/per 1/2 hour session to answer any technical questions. When you are ready to go forward with designing your Earthship, or if you would like to get on the build calendar to have Earthship Biotecture build for you, I would recommend this as a first step in defining your project. <script type="text/javascript">
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Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-12712726036091666752013-02-21T09:23:00.002-06:002013-03-07T11:38:46.467-06:00Indiana Humanities - Guest Blogger<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have been inviting people to guest blog here at the House of Fallen Timbers and as Karma would have it I was asked to guest blog for the Indiana Humanities Council blog "Think. Read. Talk." They are featuring articles concerned with rivalry as part of their <a href="http://www.indianahumanities.org/programs/spirit-of-competition/">"Spirit of Competition"</a> program. I wrote about one of my favorite subjects, <a href="http://www.indianahumanities.org/think-read-talk/how-rivalry-shaped-indiana/">How Rivalry Shaped Indiana</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I recently noticed some visitors from a site called Pintrest and was curious to see where they were coming from. I googled "Pintrest" and and found the site. Then I searched the site for "House of Fallen Timbers" and found that 12 photos from the blog had been pinned and re-pinned by 22 users. Naturally I signed up for an account, re-pinned all the shares on a board titled House of Fallen Timbers, and became a follower of the 22 users who pinned me. If you're a Pintrest user please feel free to pin images from the blog and/or follow my new board. If you're a blogger or own any other real estate on the web I recommend you check out <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pintrest</a> and see if you've been pinned!</span></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/davidlottes/house-of-fallen-timbers/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hzmWV_A0h1NdG8qNUQFoxtlQ70me9Eu1G0LzSNlbdla8u_jBTL5Wu3DVpp2BGQta0NEiKVBOOH5Gs8P8xtOxGVctlnkT90zIPaLclxfSgnJvJxWPBMxr8Lu9Y13l7RbtR_XjgDZwZRA/s640/Pinned.png" width="494" /></a></div>
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-31657489524751299752013-02-01T06:06:00.000-06:002013-02-12T10:45:33.830-06:00Living on WaterWe all need water to live so we're all "living on water", but Margy Lutz in Powell River British Columbia takes it to a whole new level. Margy is an author and photographer whose <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/HOd55">blog</a> I've been following for years. I asked her to be my guest blogger this month and she kindly responded with the following article and photographs describing her life on the water. Take it away Margy, and thanks a million!<br />
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My Powell Lake home not only has a water view, it has a water foundation. Float
cabins are a big part of Coastal BC history. During the heyday of logging and
fishing, they were used as support camps that could be moved from place to
place. On Powell Lake, they began as inexpensive hunting and fishing getaways
for paper mill workers. Today things are a little more regulated. Float cabins
have registered BC water leases and we pay property taxes.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmy0nbxX8JeybGNP-HIRfHQfYDQa30ajRGmJ8QfstB2wG7BUxmggvTB99Ve1GxQqrkqnFCoNpxQCetwffafAska5c_7wyv7Adyg61A-V4Zl7XaHp-4qjTVR6qYsipBEv9ZAo1eopkqvg/s1600/CabinwithNewAddition.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmy0nbxX8JeybGNP-HIRfHQfYDQa30ajRGmJ8QfstB2wG7BUxmggvTB99Ve1GxQqrkqnFCoNpxQCetwffafAska5c_7wyv7Adyg61A-V4Zl7XaHp-4qjTVR6qYsipBEv9ZAo1eopkqvg/s400/CabinwithNewAddition.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband and I were looking for a place to retire and knew this was it. We
laughingly say, when we bought our cabin, it came with John, the former owner
and builder. He has become our good friend and mentor. You see, Wayne and I
were city-folk from Los Angeles. Learning the skills we needed to live off the grid
was a lot easier with John’s help and support. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I-SjLdyyqwyMgC0QaiJpjoOJlcPc2vLHFb-lRp-zK534eFMREf6brPn6lKAY5S_036dnyZGnYXEFDbxVjHqLskHpg3ustxaSVVtjYowXE3Li5ofsECByeJ-CvDhmq6aN-bY17vlzDzI/s1600/FloatConstruction.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I-SjLdyyqwyMgC0QaiJpjoOJlcPc2vLHFb-lRp-zK534eFMREf6brPn6lKAY5S_036dnyZGnYXEFDbxVjHqLskHpg3ustxaSVVtjYowXE3Li5ofsECByeJ-CvDhmq6aN-bY17vlzDzI/s400/FloatConstruction.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As with any house, the most important thing is the foundation. In our case,
that’s a 40X40 cedar log float lashed together with ¾ inch steel cables. We are
anchored in place to a sheer granite cliff and the lake bottom 90 feet below. In a
breeze we move gently to and fro, but in a big storm we can really rock and roll.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcX1ZJYwOn2q0MU9LiqKi51TTpZLQO-uhOgodeOdiB7UimC-G0EcJ4PhQTJqT_Ib0WG6mYDflKClp-VHOn8UujaEx3z9tXq1Vd4Gw-xZ67Vl_efpPNvr1mkB8aV0D_6oP_EL4qaVCBUqU/s1600/SummerDeckView.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcX1ZJYwOn2q0MU9LiqKi51TTpZLQO-uhOgodeOdiB7UimC-G0EcJ4PhQTJqT_Ib0WG6mYDflKClp-VHOn8UujaEx3z9tXq1Vd4Gw-xZ67Vl_efpPNvr1mkB8aV0D_6oP_EL4qaVCBUqU/s400/SummerDeckView.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our 675 square foot cabin is built on top of a raised deck. The downstairs has
two bedrooms (one for storage) and a new bathroom addition for a compost toilet
and tub. A great room includes the kitchen and living area. The large upstairs
loft is our bedroom. It’s plenty of space, especially since we have the whole
outdoors at our doorstep.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8yXNad2ae92A0sPrDAi-U7AXKALrDqtlOr_rQl4WzVO7A6ZSY_XmyF6_RGyPQh4icrfuS9ZLAmUJI11pcPxhhmpmINSGv8fKre_mHdXTskX6bWopNTcf6hJyE714R3VwM4p7RNBHiFY/s1600/Greatroom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8yXNad2ae92A0sPrDAi-U7AXKALrDqtlOr_rQl4WzVO7A6ZSY_XmyF6_RGyPQh4icrfuS9ZLAmUJI11pcPxhhmpmINSGv8fKre_mHdXTskX6bWopNTcf6hJyE714R3VwM4p7RNBHiFY/s400/Greatroom.jpeg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE_vho57ZgjosIEh2L2tSjyoNGTbVJ5Py5vBD_L50fhVu6SK07EkxnpcF_oO9VHVQHSPjvfZNbiOATazouM828UZt969E3IoJjlM7h58QYlkXSBcx6x1QIjpXZIpRKsxYrDWjl8Yeq2c/s1600/Kitchen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQE_vho57ZgjosIEh2L2tSjyoNGTbVJ5Py5vBD_L50fhVu6SK07EkxnpcF_oO9VHVQHSPjvfZNbiOATazouM828UZt969E3IoJjlM7h58QYlkXSBcx6x1QIjpXZIpRKsxYrDWjl8Yeq2c/s400/Kitchen.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbo2TDS6UkVPdi4lOtE53IwaAT-o0_tx27w7_9x_I4b8AJcYvjaq6piyWqmOlY7aOcfroj-aNnjxcgdEPbs2vIAt7-7Mg6ilPFyT4miOXi7olnL1EDM55Rs4-w0l_wTrAzpfgs58vFiI/s1600/Bathroom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbo2TDS6UkVPdi4lOtE53IwaAT-o0_tx27w7_9x_I4b8AJcYvjaq6piyWqmOlY7aOcfroj-aNnjxcgdEPbs2vIAt7-7Mg6ilPFyT4miOXi7olnL1EDM55Rs4-w0l_wTrAzpfgs58vFiI/s400/Bathroom.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We have additional floats for a variety of purposes: a dock, a floating woodshed,
and my floating vegetable garden. The garden is on a pulley. I bring it in to tend
and then send it out to our log boom breakwater to protect it from hungry critters.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyrKlwYK-bvHECHLecAODaPYl0thFZ7z3M5A83lAphmMCi7T_nJdLUHJmYdlmlRR6hTa1IV9AU9M71vHL66yV-JINKYe8lz5DBAOrYx7EjNuZYPKjWaKk-6ZQH1DIKnyR6KPP-kVtJwQ/s1600/FloatGarden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyrKlwYK-bvHECHLecAODaPYl0thFZ7z3M5A83lAphmMCi7T_nJdLUHJmYdlmlRR6hTa1IV9AU9M71vHL66yV-JINKYe8lz5DBAOrYx7EjNuZYPKjWaKk-6ZQH1DIKnyR6KPP-kVtJwQ/s400/FloatGarden.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHAngaxjUd_dN38HRaBqIrmXA4zkushWWJHVBRkRzvT2bWn6ViP03MwjgtILYiy1Qfi9t9C39eD0iMpgKbz45vdn5jwAFm-1Bti0mA3PPWfrvglapvljrHYL3idDNWScjyLSiQkrBPN0/s1600/WoodFloat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHAngaxjUd_dN38HRaBqIrmXA4zkushWWJHVBRkRzvT2bWn6ViP03MwjgtILYiy1Qfi9t9C39eD0iMpgKbz45vdn5jwAFm-1Bti0mA3PPWfrvglapvljrHYL3idDNWScjyLSiQkrBPN0/s400/WoodFloat.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We live 25 minutes up the lake from the marina. Our power sources are solar,
wind, and a wood stove thermoelectric generator. We use propane for cooking,
refrigeration, and additional lights. In winter we use a small generator to give our
batteries an occasional boost. Our wood stove keeps the cabin warm so we can
live here in all seasons. And a hand pump in the kitchen draws water from the
lake below. Simple but effective.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vN-p3gQCN1YJAM_3pZlvmgyGrtmPTbEWjeS-ZRK4uvepnRK4_wax8b2QUCblkXxnYG587HLPxai1dQKNLAq2JfrOKa6o6onJEnqNe9YWY7lKXnXaXX4deWbRHtzkBf96ffVPJsI9YII/s1600/SolarPanels.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vN-p3gQCN1YJAM_3pZlvmgyGrtmPTbEWjeS-ZRK4uvepnRK4_wax8b2QUCblkXxnYG587HLPxai1dQKNLAq2JfrOKa6o6onJEnqNe9YWY7lKXnXaXX4deWbRHtzkBf96ffVPJsI9YII/s400/SolarPanels.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now that we’ve retired, we spend about 75% of the year in our float cabin. Our
lives follow the seasons with wood gathering, gardening, swimming, fishing, and
enjoying our surroundings. There’s nothing better than getting up and having a
cup of coffee on the deck watching the sunrise over Goat Island to herald in a
new day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RwELAXBm1qk6O6AzvLY-OGkCX_tBku7aMAupEqj5f3c-geUQd0ytmQ3iG0dSXcxBUlnaz0KK2xpW4IUsHVaRf2DfbpTEljtU2BoolaNifjd4przzN8hbj_MvPm7KVGszNARuBy3Z_Gw/s1600/CabinSnow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RwELAXBm1qk6O6AzvLY-OGkCX_tBku7aMAupEqj5f3c-geUQd0ytmQ3iG0dSXcxBUlnaz0KK2xpW4IUsHVaRf2DfbpTEljtU2BoolaNifjd4przzN8hbj_MvPm7KVGszNARuBy3Z_Gw/s400/CabinSnow.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can find more information about float cabin and off the grid living
at <a href="http://powellriverbooks.blogspot.com/">http://PowellRiverBooks.blogspot.com</a>. Visit Wayne’s website
<a href="http://www.powellriverbooks.com/">www.PowellRiverBooks.com</a> and you’ll find a series of books about our cabin
including Up the Lake, Farther Up the Lake, and Off the Grid. Stop on by.
We welcome comments and questions.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you David for inviting me to be a guest on your blog and share about float
cabin living. – Margy</div>
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Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-40073771012073800572013-01-02T21:29:00.001-06:002013-01-31T09:53:46.954-06:00Cordwood Masonry Home <div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I recently read an article about a beautiful home, hand-built by a couple I had the pleasure of meeting in person. Jessica Diemer-Eaton is an author, historian, educator, artist, and owner of <a href="http://www.woodlandindianedu.com/home.html">Woodland Indian Educational Programs</a>. I met her husband Mark in the fall of 2011 at an event I featured <a href="http://houseoffallentimbers.blogspot.com/2011/11/prophets-town.html">here</a>. Mark and Jessica built the wigwam on the grounds of Prophet's Town State Park. Mark also helped me find some seed stock for my <a href="http://houseoffallentimbers.blogspot.com/2012/05/three-sisters.html">three sisters garden</a> that day. Jessica and Mark are the proud owners/creators of a Cordwood Masonry home. I asked Jessica if she would write a guest post for the blog and send me some pictures to share with you. I'll turn things over to Jessica now. Please give her a warm welcome!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Building & Living In Our Cordwood Masonry Home</b></span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No it’s not stone masonry, although from a distance that is what our walls are mistaken for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our 16-sided home is built with cordwood masonry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cordwood construction, the building of walls by stacking cordwood using a mortar to bind, is an often overlooked construction style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most folks have yet to hear of it, even though it is a building style of antiquity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But why cordwood masonry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not just a log cabin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, cordwood masonry is a great alternative for log home lovers who especially 1. Don’t have an ability to maneuver large logs and 2. Want the look of wood log walls inside and out, but don’t want to sacrifice interior temperature efficiency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ease in Building</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Being a woman under 5ft in height, I was able to build our cordwood house walls alone while my husband was at work.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most construction methods will not allow for that, and those that do, such as other masonry materials like stone and brick, require a certain amount of skill that is usually acquired with experience.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Being a novice builder, never doing masonry before, I felt the learning curve was something that could be overcome in just a couple days work.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">However, keep in mind that this ease of building does come with one larger setback - time.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you chose cordwood, do so with the understanding that this construction is a long process.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The cordwood must be seasoned, laying it up is time consuming, and you can only build so high before the lower layers are dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>An Efficient Home</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The walls being 16” thick feature a hollow inside filled with cedar chips for insulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mortar beads on the inside and outside are only 4” wide, leaving a hollow interior – the secret to insulation of the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t even have conventional heat, only wood heat provided by a Russian-style fire place in the middle of the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a cold winter, after a few days of firing, we usually top out at 80-84 degrees in the living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can stop for 3 to 5 days, and lose only 10 degrees of heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing more efficient than our cordwood walls. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Points of Light</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cordwood is a great canvas; many like to create images in the walls using the cordwood ends like mosaics, or put unconventional items into the mortar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, most cordwood builders will put a few bottles in their walls to bring in some beautiful spots of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the walls are 16” thick, each “bottle window” requires two bottles or jars, top ends put together, and rolled in aluminum flashing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When stacked into the wall, only the bottoms of the bottles or jars are visible both inside and outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A Round Floor Plan</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Besides the look of a round home, one reason to pick this shape has to do with floor space; round buildings get more square footage for less money. However, what many people don’t talk about is that extra space lost due to an unusual floor plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Round homes don’t have the wasteful space of hallways, but we do still have space issues created by our round fireplace that sits in the middle of the house and holds up our roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, no, we don’t have a hallway, we have a donut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just like a hallway, this doughnut shape can easily become underutilized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have counteracted that by placing an office behind the fireplace, two sitting areas on each side, and bar in front of the fireplace overlooking the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, any money you saved by having a round floor plan may have to be put towards building custom furnishings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out, most cabinetry is not made for walls that have angles more than 90 degrees, or have a little natural wave in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cordwood walls are never straight, and our countertop’s width has a 2” inch difference between the middle and ends of the counter (one reason we used broken tiles for mosaics, as square tiles would have shown this variation in countertop width and the wave in the wall).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chose to build our cabinets to get the style we wanted, and to save money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It Comes Down To Cost</span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In all, our home cost about $43,000 to build, including the tools needed to build the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only paid for two jobs done through outside professionals: pouring the concrete foundation and applying the rubber membrane roof (which is a specialized process and warrantied through professional installation).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends and family helped us build some walls, construct the massive fireplace, wire the home for electricity, and install a new and efficient type of plumbing that utilizes plastic tubes that bend and expand, not ridged pipes prone to burst if it freezes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that price, we have almost 1,500 sq ft of living space divided between two bedrooms, bathroom, storage room/bathroom, kitchen, living room/dinning room, and the common room in the middle (aka the donut hallway that contains my office behind the fireplace).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not large, but a great size for 2 people.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Learn more about our cordwood home and cordwood construction at <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/living-in-a-cordwood-masonry-house">http://www.squidoo.com/living-in-a-cordwood-masonry-house</a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blog-this.g" name="_GoBack"></a></span></span></div>
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-76775906165857836502012-10-02T12:00:00.000-05:002014-10-22T13:20:41.785-05:00Eastern Woodland Lean-toOver the summer I had the privilege of working on the reconstruction of a traditional Eastern Woodland Native American lean-to. Fort Ouiatenon park in Tippecanoe County Indiana is home to a reconstruction of an 18th century blockhouse <a href="http://houseoffallentimbers.blogspot.com/2011/06/house-of-different-color.html" target="_blank">which I featured earlier</a> but, it is also home to a reconstructed Native Village which comes to life every fall at the <a href="http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/feast.htm" target="_blank">Feast of the Hunters' Moon</a>. Lean-to's provided protection from the sun, wind, and rain.
In these sheltered spaces, women would weave mats from rushes and
cattails, and make and decorate clothing and baskets. Lean-to's were also used to store extra food, wood, and
clothing. <br />
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Over the winter the old lean-to collapsed and the members of the tribe reached out for volunteers who would be willing to help them rebuild the lean-to in time for the feast. Since I volunteer as a docent in the blockhouse it was no problem for me to lend a hand. As you can see the basic frame is built of poles that have been cut green and stripped of their bark. We were allowed to harvest trees from another county park property down the road from Ouiatenon. This assured the tribe that they would be using local, authentic materials. We cut down several Maple trees with an average butt diameter of about six inches. Fifteen of these were cut into lengths between nine and twelve feet. We buried the butt ends three feet deep to create the posts that would hold the roof. <br />
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Inside the lean-to are two fire pits which are used during the feast to boil large kettles of water for cooking and cleaning. These stones where also harvested from the riverbank just a few yards from the village. In this photo you can see that we incorporated a couple of live trees in the design. See the root base in the upper right hand corner. Cross pieces were loosely tied to these living trees so that they can be re-adjusted as the tree grows.<br />
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The cross pieces are made of the tops of the maples we harvested and stripped. Tied together and lashed to the uprights they make a very sturdy framework. The lean-to has a pitch of about two feet from front to back. The posts at the front are nine feet high, in the middle seven, and at the back six. This is done to prevent rain from collecting on the roof.<br />
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Here you can see the finished lean-to at the begining of this year's feast. The top and back sides have been covered with canvas which was used traditionally once trade had been established between Natives and Europeans. In more ancient times the covering would have been made of trees bark or woven mats made of cat-tail reeds.If you look closely you can see the kettles boiling over the fire-pits. The village has about six wigwams like the one you can see next to the lean-to.<br />
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During the feast the public is invited into the Native Village to learn more about how Eastern Woodland Native Americans lived in their traditional homeland.<br />
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<br />Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-77996791734817723382012-08-30T14:14:00.010-05:002013-04-11T13:56:26.565-05:00Bulldog Mine<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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</style> <![endif]-->In the last post to this blog I shared the great news that Bald Eagles are once again nesting and raising young on the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River in East Central Illinois. I know this because I live on the river and spotted them three times near the cabin in the early spring. After my sightings I read the <a href="http://saltforkfriends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Salt Fork Friends</a> blog that confirmed a nest just a few miles downstream from the cabin.</div>
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Two weeks later I canoed a seven mile stretch of the river hoping to spot the eagles myself and sure enough I saw one juvenile and two adults!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicLtCjj_mfqrXKcl_-nQe4pHCXXeUFLdrU-BIHSObUpbuFVR2pkaUk7LI4NOzN2qKShN8TgdEqxkgGU91Yxx0TQJELDyNxIYW3yv99fCX5-WvbcGKBLeu4KXOs8a-yv0fk_uY68CgGPQ/s1600/Anne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicLtCjj_mfqrXKcl_-nQe4pHCXXeUFLdrU-BIHSObUpbuFVR2pkaUk7LI4NOzN2qKShN8TgdEqxkgGU91Yxx0TQJELDyNxIYW3yv99fCX5-WvbcGKBLeu4KXOs8a-yv0fk_uY68CgGPQ/s400/Anne.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have learned over the years not to take a good camera canoeing with a big dog. I apologize for the poor quality of the photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-uJPG8aibtzv6jaxAfaf6TPiAOJ-A4POIdsyW4JmDpgKgOG_zWX6QCdeOyiiDgAFc3P5cYW33NzboSYSuiXq_hdnu4xeJ_5caS5Aovkl7TLho9V_ggG-_UQV2tV8P5ZyiWQqh_b6jao/s1600/Eagles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-uJPG8aibtzv6jaxAfaf6TPiAOJ-A4POIdsyW4JmDpgKgOG_zWX6QCdeOyiiDgAFc3P5cYW33NzboSYSuiXq_hdnu4xeJ_5caS5Aovkl7TLho9V_ggG-_UQV2tV8P5ZyiWQqh_b6jao/s400/Eagles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first eagle spotted was a juvenile who got spooked and left his lunch in the river. I saw him fly off and then twice later perched in trees downstream from the fish he was eating.</div>
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For those of you who don't know, juvenile Bald Eagles do not have white heads and can easily be mistaken for Turkey Vultures or even Red Tailed Hawks from a distance. Both juvenile and adult eagles are great at fishing but they are also scavengers and do eat carrion of all sorts. So the next time you see a "buzzard" eating road kill slow down and make sure it's not an eagle. If it is, honk your horn or shout at it to scare it away. Eagles should learn to be afraid of roads, not think of them as snack bars.</div>
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So what does any of this have to do with the "Bulldog Mine"?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has come to my attention that a company called Sunrise Coal has been secretively buying the mineral rights to nearly 20,000 acres of land within fifteen miles of the cabin. The plan is to build a room and pillar coal mine 300 feet beneath the surface of these 20,000 acres. Four hundred acres have been purchased for the processing facility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Coal mining is a water use intense process. After the coal has been mined it is washed to remove the "dirt". The "dirt" contains heavy metals and salts that can destroy habitat and human health. The runoff from the washing process is toxic. The "dirt" that is washed off the coal is also toxic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In order to process the coal and contain this toxic waste 400 acres have been purchased and another 200 acres may be needed to build sludge ponds where the waste will be "contained". The only protection between the ground water and the sludge ponds will be a four foot thick layer of soft clay. Not all the water used in the process will fit in the sludge ponds. Most of it will be diverted into the Vermilion River by way of the Salt Fork through the Olive Branch Creek, or another tributary called the Little Vermilion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">According to Sunrise Coal all of this is perfectly safe. Below I will outline the Pros and Cons of the Bulldog mine as I see it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pro:</b> The mine will bring three to four hundred new jobs to the area. This would imply stable employment which could lead to new home ownership. New home sales would increase the tax-base and that would improve the quality of local schools, infrastructure, and grow local businesses, not to mention create new spin-off and start-up companies that would further improve the economic picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Con:</b> Modern mining techniques do not require long-term mining. What used to take several thousand miners several decades to accomplish can be achieved by a few hundred well trained employees in as little as possibly four or five years. This modern form of mining can not be done cost effectively by hiring unskilled labor. The workers at the mine will most likely be experienced existing employees of Sunrise Coal, temporarily located at the Bulldog site until the job is finished. Itinerant employees rarely buy homes where they work. More often they rent and if you've ever lived in a college town you know how well itinerant residents maintain their rental properties. These kinds of workers send most of their wages back home and do not invest much in the local economy. Once the community understands that their new neighbors will only be in town for a few years it is unlikely that anyone will invest in start-up or spin-off businesses other than taverns and or liquor stores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pro:</b> The mineral rights money paid to the land owners will improve their quality of life and that could trickle down into the local economy. According to Sunrise Coal the farmers will be able to continue to farm around the six hundred acre processing plant and sludge ponds and no permanent damage will be done to their farmland. Once the coal has been extracted the coal company plans to back-fill the mine. The water released into the river will be tested regularly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Con:</b> A room and pillar mine is like a checker board. The black spaces are left in tack to support the crust of the earth while the white spaces are hollowed out to extract the coal. This leaves enormous hollows under ground. These hollows will most likely sink to a degree over time despite the pillars and or back fill. This sinking is called subsidence. When this happens the network of drainage tiles that make the land arable for farming crack and the land becomes uneven with poor drainage. Repairing nearly 20,000 acres of drain tiles would wipe-out any profit the farmers made from the sale of their mineral rights. The immediate loss of the 600 acre processing site and sludge ponds, some of the world’s finest agricultural soil, would be irreversible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The money received by the farmers for their mineral rights is subject to taxation at nearly the same rate as if they had sold the land in it's entirety but because it is not a real estate sale, simply a mineral rights sale, only the farmer is responsible for future property tax. This means that even though the land is now producing revenues from both farming and coal production the coal production value is not figured into the property tax rate so the local school district does not benefit from the increased revenue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The back fill will be a mix of waste that Sunrise Coal will be paid to dispose of. It could include sludge from municipal waste water treatment plants (human waste) and any other form of waste that can be found in a landfill (garbage). The mine is so deep it could also qualify as a disposal site for various forms of toxic waste, including sludge from other Sunrise Coal operations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While the mine is in operation the piles of coal awaiting shipment by train or truck will be subject to wind erosion. Similar piles have been observed to spread coal dust up to 1/4 of a mile from the site during high winds. Refined coal dust is far more hazardous to human, wildlife, and livestock respiration than the typical dust kicked up in a wind storm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The increased truck and train traffic will do anything but improve the quality of life in the area. It will destroy wildlife, disturb the peace, and make the roads more dangerous. Many people who live in rural America do it specifically to avoid the things the mine will bring to their lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The farmers will most likely wind up with pieces of property that are so undesirable they will never be able to sell, farm, or even live on them comfortably after the sludge ponds and back fill begin to seep into the ground water. The income from the sale of the mineral rights will be absorbed over the years by paying property tax on an essentially useless piece of property.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pro:</b> The water required to process the coal will require new infrastructure to carry that volume of water to the site. This new infrastructure will be paid for by Sunrise Coal. The new more efficient infrastructure has the potential to lower the water bill for residents in the town of Homer Illinois. This infrastructure will be left behind after the mine is closed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Con:</b> The amount of water necessary to process coal is most likely not available in the area without drilling new wells into the groundwater and tapping into the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River. The volume of water necessary will almost certainly kill the river's ecosystem and periodically dry up all the surrounding wells. Residents will have to learn to live with water shortages and eventually drink and cook with expensive bottled water after the sludge seepage has contaminated the groundwater.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once the mine is closed and the water level in the river returns it might recover in a generation of two, at least above the discharge point on the Olive Branch or above the mouth of the Little Vermilion but, this rebirth will be short lived as the seepage from the sludge and back fill contaminated ground water eventually reaches the river from multiple entry points. The Mussels, Crayfish, Bass, Bald Eagles and all other flora and fauna will have little to no chance of a full recovery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The residents of Homer who enjoy temporarily lower water bills will become dependent on the over-sized infrastructure left behind by the mine. Eventually it will require maintenance and they will be responsible for its upkeep. Given the normal rate of inflation, the few dollars they save while the mine is in operation will not be enough to maintain the infrastructure left behind. In the long run their water bill will be higher than it would have been if they had not installed the over-sized infrastructure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Additionally the residents of the area will be indefinitely stuck with an abandoned railroad spur which will become a source of frustration for any future ideas about farming or development of the ground where the spur is located. Someone will eventually have to pay to remove it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pro:</b> Locally harvested coal helps the country reduce its energy dependence on foreign sources and provides a cheaper domestic product for consumption in the U.S. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Con:</b> Sunrise Coal trades domestically and internationally. No sales tax is collected domestically on its international sales. It is as likely that the coal will be used to power cities in China, India, or Mexico as is that the coal will be used in the U.S. What is most likely is that the coal will be sold to the highest bidder who may not be a U.S. energy company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Obviously I have painted a bleak picture but the fact is that if even one or two of my predictions come to pass there will be little if anything anyone can do to turn the clock back. Right now in Northern Illinois a coal mine has been cited 621 times for violations of various environmental statuettes. Their total liability if prosecuted could amount to 30 million dollars in fines. Unfortunately lack of enforcement is the norm, the State's Attorney General is only seeking 500 thousand in damages and nothing is being proposed to repair the damage the mine has caused.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In my opinion it is better to prevent this kind of potential disaster than it is to cross fingers and hope for the best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In closing I would like to say that the issuance of permits does not guarantee no harm will be done. Research and data are at best only educated guesses. No one can say with certainty what will happen until the deed is done. I sincerely hope I will not find myself in a position to say “I told you so”. If you feel the same way please <a href="http://www.standuptocoal.org/petition/" target="_blank"><b>sigh this petition</b></a>. If you're even more fired up you can email the <a href="mailto:villageofhomer@gmail.com" target="_blank">Village of Homer Board of Trustees</a> to encourage them not to sell water to Sunrise Coal and contact these State and Federal legislators directly to let them know that you stand with me against the Bulldog Mine. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For more information visit: </span><a href="http://www.standuptocoal.org/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">Stand Up To Coal</a></b></div>
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<b>Update! Another petition is being circulated to help stop the Bulldog Mine! Sign the new petiton here:</b> <a href="http://signon.org/sign/stop-sunrise-coal-from?source=c.url&r_by">http://signon.org/sign/stop-sunrise-coal-from?source=c.url&r_by</a><br />
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-18236920869659401812012-07-27T09:26:00.002-05:002012-08-30T14:16:25.964-05:00The Eagle Has Landed<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On three separate occasions this spring I spotted what I believed to be a Bald Eagle by the cabin. Each time the bird was too high or too fast for me to photograph and confirm my suspicion. The size, appearance, and behavior of the bird made me 99.9% sure that I was seeing a Bald Eagle. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Illinois is one of the best states in the lower 48 for Eagle watching. In the winter thousands of them hunt the Mississippi and Illinois River. These birds come down from Wisconsin and Minnesota to enjoy the milder climate over the winter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kenthomas.us/?p=3045" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrKU5FlZuUMSzNaImd-ZyINAYBDqxbCTT1v_30D48Zr1UEFtlKZEqALwRzbFI4RIl93j_gAzL9h5UHRwmKznLJY7CcOxZJWprf_JilLeytxQk2VyEXr33riR7K4XYnd2bWZ_0VaOwQWQ/s400/Bald_Eagle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://kenthomas.us/?p=3045" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image by Ken Thomas</span></i></a></div>Here on the eastern edge of Central Illinois the Bald Eagle is much more rare. In fact by 1890 it had pretty much been completely driven out of the Wabash River watershed. The Salt Fork of the Vermillion River, where the cabin is located, is part of the Wabash River watershed.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In 1985 the Indiana Department of natural Resources began a program to reintroduce Bald Eagles to Indiana. By 2002 there were 26 successful nests with 45 young fledged. Ten years later these Hoosier Eagles are crossing over into Illinois!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This blog </span><a href="http://saltforkfriends.blogspot.com/2012/06/bald-eagles-and-nest-sighted-on-salt.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://saltforkfriends.blogspot.com/2012/06/bald-eagles-and-nest-sighted-on-salt.html</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> confirms a nest 3 miles from the House of Fallen Timbers!</span><br />
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-14614997349359662412012-05-22T10:00:00.006-05:002012-08-20T07:11:26.814-05:00Three Sisters<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last November I gleaned some corn from the field at Prophet's Town near the Tippecanoe Battlefield. It is an ancient variety known as Miami White. This corn was widely known for it's easy grinding quality. This spring I planted a traditional "Three Sisters Garden" using Miami White corn, Kentucky Wonder pole beans and Sweet Pie pumpkins.The little troll is my watchdog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Ro_sK1Jg1oTlfHQZ-U5nHs7sh2cokHglmCF-rmmoC3Q96LecDrMmKIENJni7Th3mgc4Jl3f9w9UmSL9UAOVor_ktNxs82qW17WavL6nKmlH_dhHAt1h1dG3GmTolHSGbyTm_Wr7-PA/s1600/3sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Ro_sK1Jg1oTlfHQZ-U5nHs7sh2cokHglmCF-rmmoC3Q96LecDrMmKIENJni7Th3mgc4Jl3f9w9UmSL9UAOVor_ktNxs82qW17WavL6nKmlH_dhHAt1h1dG3GmTolHSGbyTm_Wr7-PA/s400/3sisters.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">From what I understand the Iroquois are credited with devising this method of planting and from them it spread to most of the Eastern Woodland Native people of North America. There is a very cool Mohawk legend about the three sisters which I included in my latest book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pickawillany-ebook/dp/B007EEF6LS/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2" target="_blank">Pickawillany</a>."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">According to the instructions I found you make small hills about twelve inches in diameter, the centers of which are about twenty four inches apart. In the center of each mound you plant four or five corn kernels about six inches deep. Let those germinate and grow for about ten days and then plant the beans and squash in a ring around the sprouting corn about six inches out from the center. I made nine holes an inch deep in a circle around each corn plant and dropped two beans in every other hole then put one pumpkin seed in each of the remaining holes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">When the beans come up they will climb the corn stalks to produce beans. In return the bean plants put nitrogen in the soil which the corn needs to grow well. When the squash comes up its broad leaves will help keep the ground shady and moist and its spiny vines will help deter animals that might try to eat the beans and corn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The three sisters help each other while they grow and when harvested they provide a well balanced diet of protein, starch, and vitamins for the gardener. The three sisters have a very symbiotic relationship on many levels and were the staples of most Eastern Woodland Native American villages right up into the nineteenth century.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ42Mtt87xmrs-UaWO7asDggecOOWKMyaF4aIAOcK6j7VbRrx9QFMtp_LiEhabuqRMDaNm8CYE2_o7C3tB0GQ9EAYP2RfJa1QUfLCwYFwns9rxpMixxIeWsHPbo2I7UVxhqjVzhKmZO-4/s1600/556176_3264152846685_1761253643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ42Mtt87xmrs-UaWO7asDggecOOWKMyaF4aIAOcK6j7VbRrx9QFMtp_LiEhabuqRMDaNm8CYE2_o7C3tB0GQ9EAYP2RfJa1QUfLCwYFwns9rxpMixxIeWsHPbo2I7UVxhqjVzhKmZO-4/s400/556176_3264152846685_1761253643_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"> Two weeks after planting beans and squash.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAdoAy3XVHRa5FxkWmawK0BBtuK3eeN4xZ4DR3fzc3Abc4dy2_3WBwe94YauZCSxiqi2_aVPktqpOb0r93FL3kMJtCepNeFusn2138-_Pja0ME_0c9CoHIyusbdgIfgcLJimFvkrW0cY/s1600/560898_3381851509078_576501641_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAdoAy3XVHRa5FxkWmawK0BBtuK3eeN4xZ4DR3fzc3Abc4dy2_3WBwe94YauZCSxiqi2_aVPktqpOb0r93FL3kMJtCepNeFusn2138-_Pja0ME_0c9CoHIyusbdgIfgcLJimFvkrW0cY/s400/560898_3381851509078_576501641_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pumpkins are blooming.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsKc4YTVFIagfMg3RhCGK953E6zmAamrp9hjnv6TwGhVB4_y-os1qNWyglHcL_nk91KugjouVnaQr5DtctCZPe538p4DWF2XyeQ10RA9ZqOwNQJCSYAfTDreJaCbIu6LTvy_LNw6iXLc/s1600/560898_3381851629081_1883588634_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsKc4YTVFIagfMg3RhCGK953E6zmAamrp9hjnv6TwGhVB4_y-os1qNWyglHcL_nk91KugjouVnaQr5DtctCZPe538p4DWF2XyeQ10RA9ZqOwNQJCSYAfTDreJaCbIu6LTvy_LNw6iXLc/s400/560898_3381851629081_1883588634_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Eight weeks after planting corn.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnFV8PrJd-IWRmQrtC2aNKHYfL-MJZgW4Ps2Rl8h19DOdVVzEUWsdChoBeE328BqLRUEQycfj2XTy7NV88ogtyj9FkHWeFpT_t_Z4ONFIbfhHd9lca0L7yuymRE1Hp6W3j7HIZZpuIdg/s1600/August.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnFV8PrJd-IWRmQrtC2aNKHYfL-MJZgW4Ps2Rl8h19DOdVVzEUWsdChoBeE328BqLRUEQycfj2XTy7NV88ogtyj9FkHWeFpT_t_Z4ONFIbfhHd9lca0L7yuymRE1Hp6W3j7HIZZpuIdg/s400/August.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By August the corn reached six feet tall. Beans and pumpkins in bloom. Sixteen ears in silk and some beans formed by the 12th. Only disappointment has been the pumpkins. Despite a load of blooms ... no fruit. Hard to know if I did something wrong or just didn't have enough bees to get the job done.</span></div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-92223446730405175402012-03-18T06:52:00.001-05:002012-03-18T06:55:01.418-05:00Hewn-Timber Cabins<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last week I went to Vincennes Indiana. One of my goals was to get a photo of this <a href="http://www.spiritofvincennes.org/rendezvous/historic/logcabin.htm" target="_blank">Hewn-Timber Visitor's center</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2-kaG3i9zEmMCCbrENeYb-84MlPMW0HePr7_lpjhiL-Rj68-BDOPKHH4wuQtmQijRSrwbbmr1vwbMOxLUIxjnuSENQbkURXKwjcSh06HAowPiUv3w8a1QOSTVVlq2qQy0W_oUbnHDsY/s1600/Vincennes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2-kaG3i9zEmMCCbrENeYb-84MlPMW0HePr7_lpjhiL-Rj68-BDOPKHH4wuQtmQijRSrwbbmr1vwbMOxLUIxjnuSENQbkURXKwjcSh06HAowPiUv3w8a1QOSTVVlq2qQy0W_oUbnHDsY/s400/Vincennes1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've been meaning to add this two story dovetailed beauty to my collection for years. To my surprise I found another one on the way to Vincennes.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1Bby7xOoznKx0bBeI-ahLN7hsJ9Hqzyu72kfkWFmNS9tEgkWK3JpVHRGH_Vkc2Wm1-B_IssaJgw1deH8gBh_LDkNm13qTjFYirHuz0-Q1fuu0zOoX4S-YPcfpnMOt51Sxn5AHKbaPdQ/s1600/marshal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1Bby7xOoznKx0bBeI-ahLN7hsJ9Hqzyu72kfkWFmNS9tEgkWK3JpVHRGH_Vkc2Wm1-B_IssaJgw1deH8gBh_LDkNm13qTjFYirHuz0-Q1fuu0zOoX4S-YPcfpnMOt51Sxn5AHKbaPdQ/s400/marshal1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Quietly placed in the center of <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marshall-il.com%2F&ei=BctlT62zHvOO0QGG5I2MCA&usg=AFQjCNF08nz7e8IroB7ebsYavxys_f7EEA&sig2=0I4uAZEmGdpunVq34PudbA" target="_blank">Marshall Illinois</a> is this sweet little Hewn-Timber visitor's center. Unfortunatly it was locked up when I passed through so I have no idea who built it or when, but ain't it a peach!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-75089528450298777272012-01-31T16:42:00.003-06:002012-01-31T16:45:18.987-06:00Blook Fever Jumps the Pond<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you've been reading along here for a while you'll remember that my cabin won third place in the 2011 International Shed of the Year competition featured on <a href="http://www.shedblog.co.uk/2011/07/09/its-not-over-until-the-big-international-shed-is-announced/">the blog of readersheds.co.uk</a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As it turns out the author of readershed (aka Uncle Wilco) has been dreaming of putting together his own blook based on all the wonderful sheds and sheddies he has featured, but he seems to be procrastinating. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After I uploaded my blook to LULU, I posted links to the storefront on some of the blogs that had featured my cabin -- my version of a book release party. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyway, Uncle Wilco saw the comment, asked me to send him some more info and has graciously shared my blook with his readers!</div><h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shedblog.co.uk/2012/01/31/i-procrastinate-about-doing-a-shedbook-then-two-amercian-sheddies-come-along-and-have-a-go/" title="I procrastinate about doing a shedbook then two Amercian sheddies come along and have a go.">"I procrastinate about doing a shedbook then two Amercian sheddies come along and have a go."</a> </h2><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I for one would love to see a blook version of readershed. Thanks for the spotlight Uncle Wilco!</span><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-54251955197696730992012-01-14T14:05:00.004-06:002019-09-25T15:50:48.766-05:00House of Fallen Timbers - The Blook<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Inspired by Derek I finally took the time to do some editing and uploading. House of Fallen Timbers is now available in blook form! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A blook is a book based on a blog. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It retails for $12.65</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/house-of-fallen-timbers/18819577"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-kkkJwSLQMN3IDMc0Lg_hmaD4J13e5F8yls9-oCOdd_r6jT8JmlkWkUTHE3n2R6wn8dW8In3GRmvXfVkkqkZXn3nZGzUocJj43NwsmSV2jfflAZze9WgUPMOrVQMS36W8YYiHUYpUEc/s320/HFTCoverWEB.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I went through the first six months of posts and chose what I consider to be the most relevant entries and images and created a blook. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is organized into six chapters, one for each month from May to October of 2010, and includes 15 color images from the blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you know someone who for whatever reason can't access the blog online I hope this will help you share the story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-48516153296125613662011-12-16T05:46:00.002-06:002011-12-16T05:57:28.660-06:00Relaxshacks.com<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I recently wrote a guest post for Derek Diedricksen of <a href="http://relaxshacks.blogspot.com/2011/12/david-lottes-update-house-of-fallen.html">Relaxshacks.com</a> who has a new book!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0762771461"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBXFpU62-bYiQmSilZ_egjSwi2VimWSGqEHGT8OTH0Ydu0QdiXRaLWNyXCHQ_8xr1buoqomwoZtj4W96toI0g-sq_bH6Nx8HVYJg75P77ZgTUal-HiFpOaANaXVK5KVs4aUpeBx8qbjs/s320/Cozy.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am proud as punch to say that the banner photo from the House of Fallen Timbers is featured in Derek's new "Triple-Caffeinated EXPANDED EDITION." Available for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0762771461">pre-order now</a>, first copies will ship on February 1st. Congratulations Derek! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
Thank you so much for including me in this super cool project.</span></div><br />
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-48050008632834192862011-12-06T06:28:00.001-06:002011-12-06T06:38:26.303-06:00Fun With Pallets<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I salavaged a pile of shipping pallets not knowing exactly what I would do with them. I just wanted to keep them out of the landfill. About six hours later I had a new table/bunk bed for the cabin!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaa6sdxnDociIKIjgPiFzZ2dW1rqKZB6eG8kGt1JXr5sUNtSM_4Sf0E8n5Lxbp3Y9Y2G5BMlCwn4tFfe8szyyOml7a1ndVIK0WSnXv_tbjQAxJT3WTImpgRvcA9_phyphenhyphenNvII8XqgK1dKY/s1600/Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaa6sdxnDociIKIjgPiFzZ2dW1rqKZB6eG8kGt1JXr5sUNtSM_4Sf0E8n5Lxbp3Y9Y2G5BMlCwn4tFfe8szyyOml7a1ndVIK0WSnXv_tbjQAxJT3WTImpgRvcA9_phyphenhyphenNvII8XqgK1dKY/s320/Table.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's six feet long and four feet wide. I cut sections of wood from the pallets because the nails used to build them were impossible to pull without tearing up the wood. It has eight legs and is solid as a rock. To late to carve a Thanksgiving turkey on it but I'm looking forward to the next chance for a cookout!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span id="goog_754761968"></span><span id="goog_754761969"></span><br />
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-77182174743333536892011-11-12T10:09:00.002-06:002011-11-12T10:15:35.152-06:00Prophet's Town<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last weekend I went to the 200th Anniversary Commemoration of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tippecanoe">Battle of Tippecanoe</a>. The event took place at the battlefield and in <a href="http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2971.htm">Prophetstown State Park</a>. At the <a href="http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/battlefield.htm">battlefield</a> their was a military camp and all the units of soldiers that participated in the battle were represented there.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2rfhSDUDcA8ZjRmf4LhQ_Co4OO2UWOVNv7H6ZyX8LJvSPZOZmGmOTmMqfWGa5p7kytoZgltWTVaXIPQQRbFhqVTqO6DIgcKjskNqK92pU-tAXmPMZhYb0qX7egsfUI8PtbTA8k_THlw/s1600/RollCall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2rfhSDUDcA8ZjRmf4LhQ_Co4OO2UWOVNv7H6ZyX8LJvSPZOZmGmOTmMqfWGa5p7kytoZgltWTVaXIPQQRbFhqVTqO6DIgcKjskNqK92pU-tAXmPMZhYb0qX7egsfUI8PtbTA8k_THlw/s320/RollCall.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In Prophetstown there were interpretive events and a simulation of the village. There was a traditional Native lodge.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u5naX8yMK9f-a-T9hiDSRZHk8atY2TP4zu4ccjhSh1XT2Iw0grOlRwQWLQVi3LU3qopWsDW6taG0cxeI_zJ47DlC3MZIr3HP7D1JFR4Zq4HsWvOZ7u9dNwW1S7PAo0EUQPiFRsyJOW8/s1600/Wicciup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u5naX8yMK9f-a-T9hiDSRZHk8atY2TP4zu4ccjhSh1XT2Iw0grOlRwQWLQVi3LU3qopWsDW6taG0cxeI_zJ47DlC3MZIr3HP7D1JFR4Zq4HsWvOZ7u9dNwW1S7PAo0EUQPiFRsyJOW8/s320/Wicciup.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These were built using a framework of poles which were covered in bark and mats made from cattail reeds. This particular lodge was built by <a href="http://www.woodlandindianedu.com/">Woodland Indian Educational Programs</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCF3LKuGjXZxYbemWNaHJ1HWXZ2stPyitQpwGa0-Rzpe8eMPU-T2YYp_gVDfMm-cXQoB_OuWI49wL8yfMyU4EP_9B-w62DhJ5a45gIA_DlDkKU_CvK29DFOm0OFBesCLBmtWLJqtSBjvU/s1600/Interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCF3LKuGjXZxYbemWNaHJ1HWXZ2stPyitQpwGa0-Rzpe8eMPU-T2YYp_gVDfMm-cXQoB_OuWI49wL8yfMyU4EP_9B-w62DhJ5a45gIA_DlDkKU_CvK29DFOm0OFBesCLBmtWLJqtSBjvU/s320/Interior.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> A fire would burn at the center and the top was open for ventilation. They had the opening covered with a canvas the day I was there. It had been raining the day before the event. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPskD8KANy4cKhDDmLYNKLDeTBosBdSaeREzVxOUYJEpWNtiyzkUhrKxCt8RW3aLQJiRpBGx7ybZmcTH62NoKOhPRPfqi466pNSArJuL_g7gXoUZ5JqkauHFWUE0eNJxUgpiekG0p04U8/s1600/Interiorr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPskD8KANy4cKhDDmLYNKLDeTBosBdSaeREzVxOUYJEpWNtiyzkUhrKxCt8RW3aLQJiRpBGx7ybZmcTH62NoKOhPRPfqi466pNSArJuL_g7gXoUZ5JqkauHFWUE0eNJxUgpiekG0p04U8/s320/Interiorr2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another traditional structure was called the "Longhouse". Originally these were built using the same pole and bark construction, but by the 19th century some natives had adopted European style construction methods. This longhouse is built using the French <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poteaux-sur-solle">"Post-on-Sill"</a> method.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbmDreLjuPAFnjTXoDvxmtHsJ3RqQ0h_MkUYf4Q_ynGjvewvMPGQYP4wtIQF1hWoX-vtaxdl_BILSc1yVJMefw02-mXzqWv05PQbSXp_iRDEwT5JnD91Cop2O1FQtla1ru9JyWDG779Y/s1600/Longhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbmDreLjuPAFnjTXoDvxmtHsJ3RqQ0h_MkUYf4Q_ynGjvewvMPGQYP4wtIQF1hWoX-vtaxdl_BILSc1yVJMefw02-mXzqWv05PQbSXp_iRDEwT5JnD91Cop2O1FQtla1ru9JyWDG779Y/s320/Longhouse.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Posts are placed at the corners and interspersed along the walls. The posts are attached to sill logs on the top and bottom to create a frame. The posts are slotted down the sides. Hewn timbers with tenons at the ends are stacked between posts. The tenons slid down the slots to lock the walls in place. Daubing then seals up the gaps. The roof is shake shingled and framed similar to a modern roof. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6E-_tlIXteBo3UIwBG330-EsJfxQmkBStZpWENgIFHgg2iRhAJ9npRE9b0L6OWJ878wT92MBIp03XA2oLPEuKm7AX5UIj7iudaF-uHRjLXZg9K2AMAGLTU-T6mqJq-DKeA1HuD7j7Y4/s1600/hewn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6E-_tlIXteBo3UIwBG330-EsJfxQmkBStZpWENgIFHgg2iRhAJ9npRE9b0L6OWJ878wT92MBIp03XA2oLPEuKm7AX5UIj7iudaF-uHRjLXZg9K2AMAGLTU-T6mqJq-DKeA1HuD7j7Y4/s320/hewn.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Inside there is a central fire like in the smaller pole and bark lodge with a similar opening in the roof for ventilation. This to me seems very appropriate given that many native families in the area were heavily intermarried with French fur traders.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtnjboQWPAhkYJvGnXzODzYSmw7PBCDVHQlvt5LGPk8hUihPJNhSuYq1YEVRANIbMBRZgK5bKdoSlVwQkKyY3VDc4WsyJIhVUJ7nZw-61H2RUsWbi2K3EhXSDM8lL7jw0dzzaFOdmsR8/s1600/LHinterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtnjboQWPAhkYJvGnXzODzYSmw7PBCDVHQlvt5LGPk8hUihPJNhSuYq1YEVRANIbMBRZgK5bKdoSlVwQkKyY3VDc4WsyJIhVUJ7nZw-61H2RUsWbi2K3EhXSDM8lL7jw0dzzaFOdmsR8/s320/LHinterior.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Probably the most unusual structure in the village is a "Hybrid" of the two. Here we have a timber frame post-on-sill style octagon shaped structure with a central fire and open roof.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwWQUmFVipflrT4ONLd4wBGk6AiJ3xPuTeSU1pkMm61bZWr5rVavff7j2QmGSPNckgoBwqUyAQwCEi99Ke_9-fQnPaK1Inz4Ga8jkdGbSuVOuXPhMTFPktKn6cpd-XXfnCkq3eqY51DM/s1600/Hybrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwWQUmFVipflrT4ONLd4wBGk6AiJ3xPuTeSU1pkMm61bZWr5rVavff7j2QmGSPNckgoBwqUyAQwCEi99Ke_9-fQnPaK1Inz4Ga8jkdGbSuVOuXPhMTFPktKn6cpd-XXfnCkq3eqY51DM/s320/Hybrid.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This one has not been daubed yet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRVFd7pKE_1vIIFo2Z3_u2VBqP-AnfF9fkRu5lEBZhB751uWc2HpAEMfa9BXaZQoJgHYZXl3sQ4skxO9_Cy1qO1f881K4YTim7AR2btBd4sXeiCIbWvrBExGyPrPO-aJ5g0CkPl1aljQ/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRVFd7pKE_1vIIFo2Z3_u2VBqP-AnfF9fkRu5lEBZhB751uWc2HpAEMfa9BXaZQoJgHYZXl3sQ4skxO9_Cy1qO1f881K4YTim7AR2btBd4sXeiCIbWvrBExGyPrPO-aJ5g0CkPl1aljQ/s320/fire.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The roof is particularly interesting.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9Roy5IkFSbnGBWxP2hV-m81jbjpF5cxNacOiBGZXdxd6xLRG_mFvOjxVnlGY92ariYAi-_OxZfaUUcSv-EZgl25GIQjwFgF7vh5GruVJlutT4ozcL5jtw15X_yjTVJptIHqlGP4Wtx0/s1600/Roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9Roy5IkFSbnGBWxP2hV-m81jbjpF5cxNacOiBGZXdxd6xLRG_mFvOjxVnlGY92ariYAi-_OxZfaUUcSv-EZgl25GIQjwFgF7vh5GruVJlutT4ozcL5jtw15X_yjTVJptIHqlGP4Wtx0/s320/Roof.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here you can really get a good look at how the slotted posts accommodate the timbers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekmnPFN0pZsO6eqxm5dpBs0cVqJWJ6yyQ4WxNd-mxewC6Jl7q9myEIaYwsWfQCsXq8K5F-AgvpVOX6HYOU-Vo_cyXRXdIZRCTyEyTF53AZbrXzO-_ErOSrm2GGhew13GWGQ8q3QSynuM/s1600/Slots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekmnPFN0pZsO6eqxm5dpBs0cVqJWJ6yyQ4WxNd-mxewC6Jl7q9myEIaYwsWfQCsXq8K5F-AgvpVOX6HYOU-Vo_cyXRXdIZRCTyEyTF53AZbrXzO-_ErOSrm2GGhew13GWGQ8q3QSynuM/s320/Slots.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As a matter of comparison they also have the more familiar style of cabin that was popular with the settlers from Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. I don't think it's much of a stretch to believe that some Native Americans had also adapted this style of home building by 1811.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfrbe2OtXxOh9pvw-CxViGqUfu-Pfa_J6HiUB0XAhOltMWVRTRtc_1qL0BSUyxPU7Rx_Amq-OGpKbW0SqaaqAnWMey617k1cSqBU9eeoUMBGAYtos-EdJeSbWr7uoyOSGn5r_ENW6z4g/s1600/Lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfrbe2OtXxOh9pvw-CxViGqUfu-Pfa_J6HiUB0XAhOltMWVRTRtc_1qL0BSUyxPU7Rx_Amq-OGpKbW0SqaaqAnWMey617k1cSqBU9eeoUMBGAYtos-EdJeSbWr7uoyOSGn5r_ENW6z4g/s320/Lincoln.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> If you love log construction and are in the area it is well worth a stop at the park. The builders of these structures did a terrific job.</span><br />
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-62996367396585985832011-08-26T10:56:00.001-05:002011-08-26T10:57:52.388-05:00Free Log Cabin Building Seminar<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got this link from a YouTube contact and it looks to be on the up and up. If your interested in building your own log cabin you might enjoy this free online seminar.</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Hn6lqVOY6XY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Self-taught log home builder Tim Stenros has just completed his 3rd log home that he and his wife Mary have built together for themselves and family members. Each of these log structures was built using a short log method of construction that is incredibly versatile, strong and economical. He is now taking that knowledge from his experience and passing it on to other log cabin enthusiasts in a 4 part online log building seminar. Registration is free. </i></div><br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Good luck, let me know how it goes.</div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-50165010661265325262011-07-11T09:07:00.002-05:002012-08-09T14:01:45.834-05:00International Shed of the Year - Third Place!UncleWilco over at the <a href="http://www.shedblog.co.uk/2011/07/09/its-not-over-until-the-big-international-shed-is-announced/">Shedblog</a> has announced the winners of the 2011 Shed of the Year competition. Sheds entered in the competition from outside the United Kingdom were judged separately for the title of "International Shed of the Year."<br />
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The House of Fallen Timbers finished a respectable third place in this global category! I am thrilled to be included in such an amazing collection of inspirational sheds!<br />
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I am so thankful to all the wonderful people who voted for my shed and all the judges who decided it was worthy of mention. Thanks UncleWilco!<br />
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-28820657362290816402011-06-26T07:49:00.001-05:002011-06-26T07:51:59.936-05:00House of a Different Color<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last Sunday I went up to <a href="http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/ouiatenon.htm">Fort Ouiatenon</a> to volunteer at the Blockhouse. The blockhouse is open to the public on the weekends through the summer. Volunteers open, close and answer questions for the visitors. This was built in 1930 by a Doctor who believed he knew where the real fort had once stood. He bought the land and built the fort. Turns out archeological digs in the 1960's proved he was only about a mile off. Pretty darn good guess!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX2FxTEUhzC_ZUU1jGhx0Zy8fNVY1lQQuOMaeCDNqYnCmvGg6n8AgskJUEPOntcD2ygGCAvm_UAm2JXblnkHZyeTWvp5Bx7RJn0ynDyT7ZL8vIqY4JQQI2ximkqlJrvIw25IXUXN6gPg/s1600/Fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX2FxTEUhzC_ZUU1jGhx0Zy8fNVY1lQQuOMaeCDNqYnCmvGg6n8AgskJUEPOntcD2ygGCAvm_UAm2JXblnkHZyeTWvp5Bx7RJn0ynDyT7ZL8vIqY4JQQI2ximkqlJrvIw25IXUXN6gPg/s320/Fort.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Doctor used it to entertain guests and from what I understand held dances and parties on special occasions. He was obviously a history buff so no doubt he enjoyed telling his guests all about the Fort. When he bought the land it was used for farming so there were no trees on site to build with. Instead he bought telephone polls and had them delivered to the site.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpQ7rt7YaptbNIX-Am69T4_Nj9Eul7SWF_FMBP26XdIB7mOGps1tiRbC3PnUVIRveIT1u5Zi0dUxva_ayNVzIN2lGUUTaNUC2X6kgMMyrQpc4JxRwOjCa6FxtxZQweUCTM6XKoY6yXmQ/s1600/Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpQ7rt7YaptbNIX-Am69T4_Nj9Eul7SWF_FMBP26XdIB7mOGps1tiRbC3PnUVIRveIT1u5Zi0dUxva_ayNVzIN2lGUUTaNUC2X6kgMMyrQpc4JxRwOjCa6FxtxZQweUCTM6XKoY6yXmQ/s320/Door.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The blockhouse rests on a concrete foundation which has no doubt helped it survive the years. He donated the land to the county and it is now owned by the Tippecanoe County Historical Association.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlF7r2CX9JNUy6mbq0_J76B2il6ny2ut60QcfDYoI7S9leZoB2O2HXeo6JRpP7Ga2p4YZEyWkRmXzu6Dq0Ukq8cTg2q3eI5oh-rKUbtEOg4GmrPwSlu0SVlaRkwGkhEEvxWrSE71lBss/s1600/Notches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlF7r2CX9JNUy6mbq0_J76B2il6ny2ut60QcfDYoI7S9leZoB2O2HXeo6JRpP7Ga2p4YZEyWkRmXzu6Dq0Ukq8cTg2q3eI5oh-rKUbtEOg4GmrPwSlu0SVlaRkwGkhEEvxWrSE71lBss/s320/Notches.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Close examination of the notches reveals the combination of techniques the Doctor used. On the top of each course he made a saddle notch to wick moisture and on the adjoining bottom of the next course he contoured the notch with a chisel to make a tight fit. Over the years the original daubing has been resealed using what appears to be Perma-chink or some such mortar. In places where the mortar needs repair you can see shake type shims of wood used as backing for the mortar to cling to.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKGXrKsDPH_5t2YuyEf6-4zgJMR0KtnNTMVweD7W5ImMvufzvx2dlCBqzSW_9fLLXArRXuGLPmx9BkDYRY9Hlbj6FLJ3j8MC0XQFpCSEbzccqQdyGXlXAI7Xgl4-Ix-SxNGZqxYDmTmI/s1600/Conical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKGXrKsDPH_5t2YuyEf6-4zgJMR0KtnNTMVweD7W5ImMvufzvx2dlCBqzSW_9fLLXArRXuGLPmx9BkDYRY9Hlbj6FLJ3j8MC0XQFpCSEbzccqQdyGXlXAI7Xgl4-Ix-SxNGZqxYDmTmI/s320/Conical.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The conical shaped roof is supported with no central center post using a secondary series of supports mid-way down the main beams like a large umbrella frame. As you can imagine I had a great time!</span><br />
<br />
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-44549393453156620742011-05-16T16:02:00.003-05:002011-06-07T13:30:55.140-05:00Happy Birthday!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tomorrow will be one year to the day that I began posting on this blog. What a year! I truly had no idea if the cabin would come together when I started and I had no idea how many wonderful friends I would make along the way. Here are the stats as of this afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnkFQ54j6cEB7mLnNwje2VmyxjGpQjtWTTl0DxvVm7_ODEZw7enPpkzCVfk83sWcOdZd82pysDB9-TK8CUS-LecihFVDfpLjPkKzZO3FYcg7X9myOk7Sz_xmNNs5LTOEJGTdsyEmHJCI/s1600/Analytics_houseoffallentimbers_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnkFQ54j6cEB7mLnNwje2VmyxjGpQjtWTTl0DxvVm7_ODEZw7enPpkzCVfk83sWcOdZd82pysDB9-TK8CUS-LecihFVDfpLjPkKzZO3FYcg7X9myOk7Sz_xmNNs5LTOEJGTdsyEmHJCI/s320/Analytics_houseoffallentimbers_Page_1.jpg" width="247" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As you can see there have been over 7500 visits, digging deeper into the analytics reveals that those visits were made by over 4600 unique visitors in over 1900 cities in 69 different countries! This is astounding given that I can count on one hand the number of people who have physically been inside the cabin. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In other news the voting for 2011 Shed of the Year has opened on the "<a href="http://shedblog.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=21560fe6a7187786a5a17db45&id=b738c6ad3d&e=f285371860">Shed Blog</a>" and I could use your vote. Voting ends June 5th.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanks again to everyone who has visited. As the Beverly Hillbillies would say ... "Kick your shoes off, stay a while, ya'll come back now ya hear?"</span></div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-73301528789737266782011-04-06T06:18:00.001-05:002011-04-07T09:29:14.862-05:00Eager Beavers<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A friend of mine took me to check out some stuff being prepped for a yard sale and I came across these two eager beavers. Manufactured by McCulloch in the nineties, the Eager Beaver model #2014, is no longer in production. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuMmKmwtJJ8sBk7-tDny5FFbjBFhAET5BlsKcZQ1GUbHnUyD-f1IsZS863_9upQiMsuQUygDGD9xGndET_R6JhRuoPNiUtuDps-sPP8gwprZr23mw59stx4yjQKEhbbCBNSIzVAXwz8g/s1600/Eager.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuMmKmwtJJ8sBk7-tDny5FFbjBFhAET5BlsKcZQ1GUbHnUyD-f1IsZS863_9upQiMsuQUygDGD9xGndET_R6JhRuoPNiUtuDps-sPP8gwprZr23mw59stx4yjQKEhbbCBNSIzVAXwz8g/s320/Eager.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I got both of them for $30.00. When an old chainsaw won't start the first thing to check for is a broken fuel line. The lines are made of clear plastic tubing that turns yellow and gets brittle with age. Both ran fine after I replaced fuel lines but one had a worn out sprocket and the other a couple of missing bolts. I was able to scavenge parts off one to repair the other.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5HwuDD0IRw2G0ekv47-yNRSCYZcZWtHbN53H1Z5cYWZMp_ZVmNBpt9rbUIRtzzMLhSRKac5mFiqzlrBOHyS-EkyWequaiSpMkB6Xfv9olI0cTZ8CPhI8Pz7KX8JYE9o96P3f1QdXCnc/s1600/Deadfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5HwuDD0IRw2G0ekv47-yNRSCYZcZWtHbN53H1Z5cYWZMp_ZVmNBpt9rbUIRtzzMLhSRKac5mFiqzlrBOHyS-EkyWequaiSpMkB6Xfv9olI0cTZ8CPhI8Pz7KX8JYE9o96P3f1QdXCnc/s320/Deadfall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once I got the saw running I used it to clean up this winter's crop of fallen timbers. This year most of them are old Redbud trees. I estimate somewhere between 15 and twenty of them. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3bPVf-eoOEwYQ3qu794wF0NNsACsCkVf-lzpoEPgGp6QLRLld_vAz1zIKkQM2N7dNLTSYt_RSuoe0BX2YbPcoD9cbffcyhmcNjYFEEReTUTpvx1jzj1UNC7Ke2Fydghs3YgJerZkrzQ/s1600/Foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3bPVf-eoOEwYQ3qu794wF0NNsACsCkVf-lzpoEPgGp6QLRLld_vAz1zIKkQM2N7dNLTSYt_RSuoe0BX2YbPcoD9cbffcyhmcNjYFEEReTUTpvx1jzj1UNC7Ke2Fydghs3YgJerZkrzQ/s320/Foundation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I don't need anymore firewood and Redbud is not very useful for building anything solid so the project this spring is Wildlife Brush Piles. First you make a checkerboard structure with the largest of the timbers then build a crown for it out of the branches. This is the first of a total of four that I plan to build. They make great homes for small wildlife like rabbits, mice and voles who provide food for owls, hawks and coyotes.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cDfvtqnHUYKTpBoJ9BUNmCfuuoGAfGeplbxoby_WHrETao9CFuBlly4dhh8jTzQNeZ4DhsHCxnbM-G1bGmT76KxozJY-UMOtVk19HHS6IgZTN6yMSvqAoAR6RgDEBz-6b0eBfkOwKr0/s1600/Brushpile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cDfvtqnHUYKTpBoJ9BUNmCfuuoGAfGeplbxoby_WHrETao9CFuBlly4dhh8jTzQNeZ4DhsHCxnbM-G1bGmT76KxozJY-UMOtVk19HHS6IgZTN6yMSvqAoAR6RgDEBz-6b0eBfkOwKr0/s320/Brushpile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'll look forward to watching for tracks around these in next winter's snow. Meanwhile the trip hazards on the forest floor are getting all picked up which should encourage larger wildlife like deer and turkey to pass through more frequently. </div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Fallen Timbershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730754775695636199noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-387733679561031811.post-8784852511912414442011-03-20T12:04:00.002-05:002011-03-20T12:09:51.174-05:00Bangers!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First weekend of spring and I finally got my sausage and onions cooked in the <a href="http://houseoffallentimbers.blogspot.com/2010/12/apple-doesnt-fall-far-from-tree.html">new dutch oven</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh432WSqG91C9U3lxMV7RrUft6cPZtZiGvrcHDiH6TACtnumA4510UBLwgJWad2e68ppfJDpW5BgYgePM5pFxKQrcS6l84FgRUPe3dhk8nUJLLF425IV7HROo_ARCtJCL0gAFA8vvZJzEo/s1600/Brat_Onion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh432WSqG91C9U3lxMV7RrUft6cPZtZiGvrcHDiH6TACtnumA4510UBLwgJWad2e68ppfJDpW5BgYgePM5pFxKQrcS6l84FgRUPe3dhk8nUJLLF425IV7HROo_ARCtJCL0gAFA8vvZJzEo/s320/Brat_Onion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One large onion, 1 package of Johnsonville Brats and two cans of beer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBhBykw-pYMDGlHfMUVALWBiS5DCvQoImoDx8StNQgf-EBpJBKzaqgSVbkEuqoFActb87RFJKyJv-KYta2ptjJbovuD9pp_n3RPZTZBzGrt9ysWSBe7b2aViRGb0bd7Pq3hARAe8iYF0/s1600/Kettle_Fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBhBykw-pYMDGlHfMUVALWBiS5DCvQoImoDx8StNQgf-EBpJBKzaqgSVbkEuqoFActb87RFJKyJv-KYta2ptjJbovuD9pp_n3RPZTZBzGrt9ysWSBe7b2aViRGb0bd7Pq3hARAe8iYF0/s320/Kettle_Fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Boil over an open fire, then crisp em up on the grill. If you do it right you can hear them crackle and pop on the grill, that's why the Brits call them "Bangers"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0922fTqRm4omn0R4Xw9PTeHVyqMF7lyGRcesaCmNl24Y4vW8DRrIewwOKXUVvePe3IBEgpX9DxJvL01hSHC3iFoT4UuMjmc-8SR5_Sd8Rd4362JCm9sQi028Mp9qBY93ElzvJf88hLGI/s1600/Bangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0922fTqRm4omn0R4Xw9PTeHVyqMF7lyGRcesaCmNl24Y4vW8DRrIewwOKXUVvePe3IBEgpX9DxJvL01hSHC3iFoT4UuMjmc-8SR5_Sd8Rd4362JCm9sQi028Mp9qBY93ElzvJf88hLGI/s320/Bangers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then eat your fill and sleep it off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGxbjEfB-zzZzXfWrcanH6m6IV3OuvvIUc_2z4eTL07zRol1mpGGYzeju9ct5UVXzkfFOvQSYOaeYS4crO4URuSh7V4E1xXi7NkPvYoVp3Oab2qj_m20oA9mzFC8_GXnHOx7VCVfm3wo/s1600/Turk_Cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGxbjEfB-zzZzXfWrcanH6m6IV3OuvvIUc_2z4eTL07zRol1mpGGYzeju9ct5UVXzkfFOvQSYOaeYS4crO4URuSh7V4E1xXi7NkPvYoVp3Oab2qj_m20oA9mzFC8_GXnHOx7VCVfm3wo/s320/Turk_Cabin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Three cheers for Spring!</span><br />
<br />
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