tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50938203255149823032024-03-13T12:45:01.003-07:00Tiny House DreamsCurrently Chronicling the Porter Gypsy Wagon / Sheep CampZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-61360850610739941152012-02-29T14:38:00.002-08:002012-02-29T14:45:43.472-08:00A glimpse into my BrainThis post has little to do with Tiny houses.<br />
Clearly, I want a tiny house when and where I settle with my Partner, and when I have it I want to put it on a little homestead.<br />
I have a pretty strong desire to grow a lot of my own food.<br />
Growing <u>all</u> of my own food might be possible, if I lived in a suitable climate and devoted all my time and energy to it. That is not what I want. Every food item that I grow should be weighed against a few things.<br />
<br />
-how much time and effort does it take to produce?<br />
-how much space does it take to grow? <br />
-how easy is it to purchase it of a similar quality?<br />
-how much more (or less) expensive is it to grow myself?<br />
-how fun is it to produce it myself?<br />
<br />
For example, growing all my own wheat would take up a lot of space and requires specialized skills and equipment to harvest and process, and organic wheat is easy to purchase and not too expensive. I might grow a little patch of wheat or other grain to experiment, but growing all the wheat my Partner and I eat in a year would be too much work. It wouldn't be fun.<br />
My father got me thinking lately about <a href="http://backyardaquaponics.com/component/content/article/4/47-information-and-links.html">Aquaponics</a>, which led me to thinking about protein self-sufficiency. What would it take to grow all the protein my partner and I eat in a year? Here is a quick writeup of a brainstorming session I entertained myself with for a few hours. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This gets kind of dense and boring. Have a picture of baby goats. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.opednews.com/populum/uploaded/nigerian-dwarf-goat-juliesjungle-2795-20090409-331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.opednews.com/populum/uploaded/nigerian-dwarf-goat-juliesjungle-2795-20090409-331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> All Good? Let's continue. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Protein self-sufficiency brainstorm</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />52 fish per year = 1 meal of fish per week<br />24 broiler chickens per year = 1/2 chicken every week<br />1 goat kid per year = ~1/2 lb red meat per week?<br />3 laying hens = ~a dozen eggs per week, averaged<br />1 milk goat = ~1/2 gal milk per day for 6-9 months<br /> extra could be made into cheese<br /><br /><br />inputs for the fish<br />aeration (electricity)<br />food<br />filtration (aquaponics, requires more electricity)<br />fingerlings every year<br />one-time output for the setup<br />unknown amt of money/year for maintenance <br />Protection from the elements<br />Good freezing system to prevent freezer burn (yet more electricity)<br />Effort would be yearlong<br /> culminating on one day of butchering<br /> followed by the introduction of new fish<br /><br /><br />inputs for the broiler chickens<br />food<br />pasture (ideal)<br />chicken tractor/s<br />protection from predators<br />expected mortality rate<br />good freezing system to prevent freezer burn<br />effort would be concentrated over 8-12 weeks<br /> culminating in a day or two of butchering<br /><br />inputs for the hens<br />food <br />pasture (ideal)<br />chicken tractor<br />protection from predators<br />protection from the elements<br />supplemental light (in winter)<br />effort would be yearlong, production would fluctuate<br />regular replacement (2-3 years)<br /><br /><br />input for the milk goat<br />pasture<br />some grain</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">fodder for winter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">electric fencing (intensive rotational grazing)<br />protection from the elements<br />yearly stud service or AI </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">vaccinations and deparasiteizers<br />milking parlor and supplies <br />cheesemaking supplies<br />refrigeration<br />effort would be yearlong, production would fluctuate<br />regular replacement (5-10 years)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
inputs for the kid<br />
some milk from the goat<br />
pasture<br />
some grain</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">many of the same inputs as milk goat<br />
good freezing system to prevent freezer burn<br />
kid born in early spring, butchered in fall<br />
-meat goat father probably ideal<br />
</span><br />
<br />
This is more meat than the Partner and I currently eat, though the dairy and eggs are about right. We also eat a lot of legumes and nuts, which are not represented on this list. <br />
The thing that bothers me the most about this, is that every single item on the list requires outside inputs in the form of food and electricity. I could maybe, in theory, grow all the hay and grains and legumes needed by all these animals, but it would be a huge amount of effort and space.<br />
If my interest is in sustainability, how sustainable is it if the success of my farm is dependent upon draining the resources of another, not to mention the use of fossil-fuel or nuclear produced electricity, but going completely off-grid requires a large input of time and effort, not to mention the capital required to set the system up...<br />
(Stop. Breathe.)<br />
I can't do everything.<br />
Probably the easiest way for me to attain protein self-sufficiency would be to eat as low as possible on the food chain - a vegan diet. Growing legumes and nuts is definitely something I'm interested in, but I tend to do very poorly when I don't have enough animal protein in my diet.<br />
So maybe a vegetarian diet would be the answer? Adding milk and eggs? But to keep a dairy animal in milk requires yearly freshening, which means babies, and there is a very very limited market for pet goats, and a backyard milker's kids are unlikely to go for anything else... except for meat. So I might as well eat them myself. And laying hens need replacing every few years, so I might as well eat those too, so they don't go to waste... and some vegetarians eat fish, right? and I like fish... so I'm back at square one again. <br />
Probably the best I can do is grow what I can and want to - I really really want to have my own goat for milk and chickens for eggs - and hope wherever I am when I can finally have my homestead, there are nearby farmers I can buy everything else from.<br />
So... I hope you enjoyed this fun(?) look into my thought processes. <br />
Join me next time when I agonize over other sorts of food self-sufficiency - like producing all your own oil, or all your own sweeteners! (never going to happen) <br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-60186516687995796012012-01-24T12:32:00.000-08:002012-01-24T12:32:51.175-08:00Power outageI live in a place that doesn't get winters.<br />
I like that.<br />
...but then we got a moderate winter storm, followed by a fairly decent ice storm, and everything ground to a screeching halt. I was one of the 260,000 people without power. Mine was out for about 55 hours consecutively, and a few hours the day before for good measure, leaving me without power for about two and a half days.<br />
This house I am renting... is kind of terrible. I had water, which not everyone without power did. <br />
We have no wood stove. There is a fireplace which is designed to be for show, the amount of wood we fed into it the first night would have had the house toasty warm if burned even in the worst of wood stoves... it barely took the chill off the air. <br />
After the first night, we didn't have any more firewood. The house hovered around 46*.<br />
The heater, while it burns propane, does not work without electricity.<br />
The stove is electric.<br />
The water heater is electric.<br />
Thankfully the Partner and I have a little Coleman Peak 1 Micro stove (I wanted a link for it, but it is apparently only sold at wallies and I refuse to link to them) for camping. He got it, I believe, before we ever met. Together, we used up the last of the first fuel canister, and started on the second. Cooking with only one burner was tricky, but without the ability to eat hot food we and our housemates would have been much more miserable. (I think everyone should have a camp stove for emergencies... also for camping!)<br />
Being a very small person, I had a very hard time staying warm. I wrapped up in all the warmest clothes I have, wrapped up in blankets, and mooched off the Partner's body heat as much as possible. I also put lots of butter in everything I cooked, and ate as much as I could. (maybe I'll share my delicious hot-chocolate-with-butter recipe on my other blog...) Despite all this, I lost five pounds from shivering over those two and a half days. While most people would be celebrating, as I mentioned, I am a very small person. I will be working on gaining those precious pounds back.<br />
Being so cold, I really began to think about how, if I were having my own house, I would do <u>everything</u> differently. Being bored and grumpy, I sketched a few tiny house plans on some graph paper. I would try to defend my terrible drawings by saying that my hands were cold... but to be honest, I just have no drawing skill. <br />
<br />
First: a vardo. 8x16, giving a footprint of 128 square feet.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHSLkXm9n7wFxyN-BTC1XQ-aVF2dm3Tcz9eNq-gL-wtS4k5rPv83Gd6qJrKTijlz9ZTTVNi7J_O1Eor7ng_b7388dv04hvFAckGc6NB3QzgxVNEP8p8mQt2HrFMooM4MY5YLWKou35hM/s1600/vardo+graph+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHSLkXm9n7wFxyN-BTC1XQ-aVF2dm3Tcz9eNq-gL-wtS4k5rPv83Gd6qJrKTijlz9ZTTVNi7J_O1Eor7ng_b7388dv04hvFAckGc6NB3QzgxVNEP8p8mQt2HrFMooM4MY5YLWKou35hM/s320/vardo+graph+paper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to make bigger, so you can see what I'm talking about. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the woodstove, I was thinking a <a href="http://fourdog.com/two-dog-stove-dx/">two dog</a> or a <a href="http://www.unforgettablefirellc.com/">kimberly</a>... the space I gave it is guestimated because I didn't have internet to look things up.<br />
The stove is, as I have mentioned before, a two burner alcohol stove a la<a href="http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1%7C406%7C694%7C1066022&id=1065851"> link.</a><br />
The water would be a water crock... the bottles would have to be refilled occasionally, either from a neighbor, an artesian well, or, if all else failed, from a water dispenser in a store.<br />
The sink, I'm thinking, would have no plumbing. It would just be a pretty bowl set into the counter which could be removed to dump the water when needed. <br />
Light would be provided by a few olive oil lamps. <br />
The drawback of this model is the absence of a shower and bathroom, both of which i would really like to have. Also, it might be a wee bit crowded for two people and a dog.<br />
<br />
So next I drew a cob or strawbale house. It's 10x20 giving it a footprint of 200 square feet.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3D-j2YHtSvd0c-TeoQW4N93tGWU1brHzCd7_qMRNCobr7Vwsha_mS_iQcF0TeWXU546L7YX8BfA7D79yZGfzB8bgJGqWA5sED9FTmhcVNDiSBWES8Bt5Tt8tRKtN2fjerevxzOo-cp4/s1600/Cob+house+graph+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3D-j2YHtSvd0c-TeoQW4N93tGWU1brHzCd7_qMRNCobr7Vwsha_mS_iQcF0TeWXU546L7YX8BfA7D79yZGfzB8bgJGqWA5sED9FTmhcVNDiSBWES8Bt5Tt8tRKtN2fjerevxzOo-cp4/s320/Cob+house+graph+paper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to make legible</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This one was a bit frustrating because I wanted to have more room and to be able to change it's orientation or the positions of the rooms on a whim, which pencil and paper do not really allow.<br />
Quick aside: Does anyone know any good free architect software? <br />
I feel like I haven't thought this one out as thoroughly as the vardo. The heat on this one is provided by a <a href="http://www.richsoil.com/rocket-stove-mass-heater.jsp">rocket mass heater</a>. (of all the links click on that one it's awesome!)<br />
I couldn't really decide if I wanted a loft, for sleeping or if I would prefer to have another bedroom off to the side, but having things asymmetrical like that bothers me because I'm a little bit OCD. <br />
The stove would be a little (probably propane) galley stove with an oven. There would be a nice big farmhouse sink, and and a propane on-demand water heater. There would be a mini-fridge under the counter, probably also propane. <br />Water... I am not sure of. Clearly it would depend on the resources where the house was located. Spring water is of course preferred, with well water coming in second. City water is sneered at. With well water, I would want to make sure I could still have water without electricity. I haven't really researched that very much, but I know lehmans sells hand pumps... pretty sure those wouldn't work with an on-demand water heater though. Hmm.<br />
The toilet would be a composting toilet.<br />
The bathroom has a small Japanese style soaking tub... because I like to soak in hot water. <br />
<br />
So, there you have it. The saga of there being no power and how it made me very cold which made me think even more about having a house where I wouldn't even notice if the power went out. Where I would be toasty warm as long as I remembered to keep the fire going.<br />
Until next time,<br />
-Zay<br />
<br />Zaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-92090828919878892572012-01-04T10:52:00.000-08:002012-01-04T10:56:50.376-08:00some news is better than no news, right?I finally got to see the Gypsy Wagon in person, during a quick trip to Utah to visit family.<br />
The outside is completed, and it's truly a work of art, and my father gave me a tour of the incomplete inside, describing where everything was going to be.<br />
His brother, one of my many uncles, has a cabinet shop and business, which has been slow recently because of the economy, and is going to give a quote for the cabinets and everything to finish the interior.<br />
Right after the tour, I arranged to have the same tour again, but with a camera on so I could post a quick video tour of the Caravan on the blog. Everyone agreed this was a good idea...<br />
...but then we went and played on the frozen lake, and did so many other family activities, since we hadn't all been together since the previous December... and then the Partner caught the flu, and then it was New Years Eve, and then I caught the flu, and then it was time to go home and the tour was never filmed.<br />
- as a quick aside, let me just say that 18 hour car trip + sleep deprivation (following newyears) + flu is a very bad combination. I hope to never experience it again.<br />
I know my uncle with the cabinet shop was at my parent's house on Sunday, seeing my brother Seth off on his religious mission. I am told he got a tour of the Caravan. I have no idea if they talked business at all... and since my father is at work until next Tuesday I'll have to wait until then to find out anything more.<br />
I'll keep you posted with news when I know it,<br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-17288240539002381922011-11-30T09:33:00.000-08:002011-11-30T09:38:38.088-08:00A Beautiful video.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DsVxgOjNLbA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>I enjoy a lot of <a href="http://www.faircompanies.com/">faircompanies</a> videos, and this is no exception. I think this woman's philosophy of life is so simply beautiful.<br />
I think this is what I'm getting at when I want a Gypsy Wagon. This is what I want. <br />
<br />
In other news, I am not sure of any progress that is going on with the Gypsy Wagon my father is building. I know my parents have been very busy and traveling a lot getting everything ready for my brother Seth, who had been <a href="http://tinyhousedreams.blogspot.com/2011/06/foundation-finished.html">helping</a> my father build the wagon, to serve a religious mission. <br />
I will probably be visiting them in late December, my first time visiting since last December, before the wagon project had begun. I know the agenda will be full of family time, but I will do my best to document the Gypsy wagon in person and maybe encourage some work on it while I and my partner and my two married brothers and their partners are all home to help. <br />
Well, enjoy the video, and I'll update again in early January at the <u>very</u> latest. <br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-91969522895784000622011-11-03T13:29:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:41:44.977-07:00dutch doors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPegn1Kky4wvDI2E626axZmTtnXekYukOocvImgnQ3GJiZzis9CKQxTebfE17CRd8eSsrPdb-hXZlfFjFnlh6irH75Gmhyphenhyphen0VxC_KVkGCZN2CQs3X27_bMuqDnIpMZZVWV1Yg7nrkcSuG_-/s1600/Play+and+Shop+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPegn1Kky4wvDI2E626axZmTtnXekYukOocvImgnQ3GJiZzis9CKQxTebfE17CRd8eSsrPdb-hXZlfFjFnlh6irH75Gmhyphenhyphen0VxC_KVkGCZN2CQs3X27_bMuqDnIpMZZVWV1Yg7nrkcSuG_-/s320/Play+and+Shop+032.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddyumv_EbmptslUlJYT-47bRe_m3KYD31RHpW4zL-DNnU_VuYpPJlQVwY2cvY5pxUlzpMOLNUuZOZpV0JD77893bJta87jlfDgiaiDVOsRGyKF2pP4PD_6pQxRvtlURUqP5m8Bf4FhBqP/s1600/Play+and+Shop+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddyumv_EbmptslUlJYT-47bRe_m3KYD31RHpW4zL-DNnU_VuYpPJlQVwY2cvY5pxUlzpMOLNUuZOZpV0JD77893bJta87jlfDgiaiDVOsRGyKF2pP4PD_6pQxRvtlURUqP5m8Bf4FhBqP/s320/Play+and+Shop+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwVA9iIvP0KTDNs9Is0Mbv4Lhx2u0ADaUU2Q7JjHdYXOd0YyPEX1__DRK3tN7hsV7_0fCNF6Iqnh-CrTDMkzihtV_jbEayMF1DKFvgDtVx1-7VhXUYMNka4nqCt0KVlYlWudpv8dsnhmw/s1600/Play+and+Shop+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwVA9iIvP0KTDNs9Is0Mbv4Lhx2u0ADaUU2Q7JjHdYXOd0YyPEX1__DRK3tN7hsV7_0fCNF6Iqnh-CrTDMkzihtV_jbEayMF1DKFvgDtVx1-7VhXUYMNka4nqCt0KVlYlWudpv8dsnhmw/s320/Play+and+Shop+035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjDGJxvNv7TJZvXPpzeiM3BmzaPROChyphenhyphenbQiZQ7cT2avFTnC8KIW8ZnoQ1kBMRhTffkbu7pmbCRDz6NMa4t1AWTkToI9XzgqcSOnoblWgTFHA7zLrz9IWTmVz7EjQm_y54hA_DZha0Et_2/s1600/Play+and+Shop+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjDGJxvNv7TJZvXPpzeiM3BmzaPROChyphenhyphenbQiZQ7cT2avFTnC8KIW8ZnoQ1kBMRhTffkbu7pmbCRDz6NMa4t1AWTkToI9XzgqcSOnoblWgTFHA7zLrz9IWTmVz7EjQm_y54hA_DZha0Et_2/s320/Play+and+Shop+030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Hi again.<br />
I've installed the dutch door on the front entrance of the caravan, with it's window. I had planned to use a solid wood door I had in my shop, which already had a window installed. When I went to carry the door up from my storage shop, (it used to be a working shop until it got full of stuff,) I found that this door was really heavy. Don't misunderstand, I can still lift and carry a door, even a solid core door, but this door was going to add significantly to the weight of the caravan. I decided it just wouldn't do. I went to town - an hour away, and purchased a hollow core door without a window. This new door was made of luan plywood which matches the plywood I used on the caravan. I cut an opening where the window should be, slid framing inside, and glued and nailed it in place. After that it was a simple matter of attaching the outside frame and cutting a piece of glass to fit. I've learned that the secret of cutting glass successfully, is tapping along the cut after running the glass cutter across it. The tapping is what encourages the cut to go from surface scratch, to full depth cut.<br />
I also like the dutch door look, and cut and framed the middle of the door accordingly<br />
It's good to finally have the outside finished and varnished. The weather is turning cold, and the new shop, though water proof is not sealed to hold heat yet. I put a tiny portable electric heater in the wagon one morning, and in five minutes the whole place was very warm. That's the advantage of the insulation in the roof. Once the wood stove is installed, I think that even sub-zero weather will not be cause to run that stove at full blast.<br />
I got the bed frame installed last week, and will get the wood stove in this week. I suppose I don't really mean last calender week, but rather the last week I was home. I work now as a wilderness guide in a program for adults, most of whom have substance abuse challenges. I love that work, and I love sleeping under the stars eight out of fourteen days.<br />
Next time I write I hope to show some pictures from the inside of the caravan. <br />
Have a good week,<br />
MichaelUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-1816713384827576392011-09-10T13:06:00.000-07:002011-09-11T14:05:35.070-07:00Exterior Detail Beauty ShotsMy father has been very busy finishing the exterior of the Gypsy Wagon, any my mother sent me some pictures. His work start date got pushed back a few weeks, so he has really committed to finishing the wagon. <br />
Also, at this point, he is definitely looking for a buyer. If you are at all interested, please contact us. If you think you know anyone who would be interested, please forward this blog to them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF73ZJlqC-vpUrHVjPRW04hifTB2fFWo7vH4gEqSIY4AutjJbq6hWREASPV6iKf1GhsXQ8nQ0IrtV8FbwUfwpWagk5UBRkXnR8YT6fLIZ3S8wC5x9IYaewaC4zYdDoANzTX3SedMwiFNw/s1600/Exterior+Details+912011+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF73ZJlqC-vpUrHVjPRW04hifTB2fFWo7vH4gEqSIY4AutjJbq6hWREASPV6iKf1GhsXQ8nQ0IrtV8FbwUfwpWagk5UBRkXnR8YT6fLIZ3S8wC5x9IYaewaC4zYdDoANzTX3SedMwiFNw/s320/Exterior+Details+912011+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUHvSvkZuOWvkBsuxZD-QF-sBxoEMeYYAuc-maeUK7Z4hUFsI2Lbeh1Yt2U8D_jBQbX0t2aQRVg-gzxTxt7GeOgFBeHU8MKfjgeeMmCdrp1stg8-7uLDLXvIsK6VDXrhM9e5SgaxKihI/s1600/Exterior+Details++912011+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUHvSvkZuOWvkBsuxZD-QF-sBxoEMeYYAuc-maeUK7Z4hUFsI2Lbeh1Yt2U8D_jBQbX0t2aQRVg-gzxTxt7GeOgFBeHU8MKfjgeeMmCdrp1stg8-7uLDLXvIsK6VDXrhM9e5SgaxKihI/s320/Exterior+Details++912011+029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-uLDDgAEqWq7_Si7CbiPbNRawA6XRWWiU6e4qrL0mfV1b7riaIBopL3tOoPntQNb-zq-pBokCrcynTUFKt7ErnRozJpINCSQeyNmJiOGuTejcjcIJiOV68y1SuFbTanD4WEXI6j-eSw/s1600/Exterior+Details++912011+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-uLDDgAEqWq7_Si7CbiPbNRawA6XRWWiU6e4qrL0mfV1b7riaIBopL3tOoPntQNb-zq-pBokCrcynTUFKt7ErnRozJpINCSQeyNmJiOGuTejcjcIJiOV68y1SuFbTanD4WEXI6j-eSw/s320/Exterior+Details++912011+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2lJxOs0qBhcIVv_2plWC8W3Qm6foPmX8K9QYkzn4YwetWao1rOlgXAVUjSQIch2qUEuHCMrneJTExqOhJKU70BJgXrqeyin-X78tIyL30psrzFT8htutt-IZncZFO1VMqaZkvqIS-7A/s1600/Exterior+Details+912011+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2lJxOs0qBhcIVv_2plWC8W3Qm6foPmX8K9QYkzn4YwetWao1rOlgXAVUjSQIch2qUEuHCMrneJTExqOhJKU70BJgXrqeyin-X78tIyL30psrzFT8htutt-IZncZFO1VMqaZkvqIS-7A/s320/Exterior+Details+912011+025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0ptF1f9uDw1vqD4f9KJRr_WuLff6iMGrsqLTeR_cZh3tdLXH19N5-p8ElUk83-0Dyg5YcQ_ODcbUaJuHWSGcoWWbBCoOwHdOjMzY91qhm-aMmUBeniIg6bVlXrP8qR5GiiTUyr4h4es/s1600/Exterior+Details+912011+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0ptF1f9uDw1vqD4f9KJRr_WuLff6iMGrsqLTeR_cZh3tdLXH19N5-p8ElUk83-0Dyg5YcQ_ODcbUaJuHWSGcoWWbBCoOwHdOjMzY91qhm-aMmUBeniIg6bVlXrP8qR5GiiTUyr4h4es/s320/Exterior+Details+912011+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> That's all I've got for today Folks!<br />
-Zay<br />
<br />
-mini update-<br />
A few people were asking about the selling price. My father has to go over the numbers on his expenses again before he can give a solid number, but it's looking to be between $8000 and $9000.<br />
He's going to be putting on the roof soon, so we should get pictures of that and a solid price up on the blog in the next few days.<br />
Thanks for all your interest!<br />
-Z<br />
<span id="goog_121794324"></span><span id="goog_121794325"></span>Zaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-65821846110652131052011-09-01T15:37:00.000-07:002011-09-02T12:36:20.204-07:00I'm ba..aack<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NQ3R4A3mJPNB9eQ0lqFdFsJu2mIzsVzq9J_jMv2ODv0Hc5osDO136jDooLGDlhlilj2f0dzYImelMvkfrW0rbDR8RXq3U-uEkjj4GwPqVGt2StZk9LNRiomv0QWEjsLrEJBccgYxbKYO/s1600/home+canning+and+shop+912011+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NQ3R4A3mJPNB9eQ0lqFdFsJu2mIzsVzq9J_jMv2ODv0Hc5osDO136jDooLGDlhlilj2f0dzYImelMvkfrW0rbDR8RXq3U-uEkjj4GwPqVGt2StZk9LNRiomv0QWEjsLrEJBccgYxbKYO/s320/home+canning+and+shop+912011+012.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Well I'm glad my daughter finally wrote something, otherwise there would be too much catching up to do. I'm really enjoying the work on the outside of the gypsy caravan. Of course it's not purely estetic, the upright exterior studs are just that - wall studs. They add rigidity to the walls, and help support the roof. the window frames are necessary, but the decorative part I did just because I could. I had planned to build my own windows, but couldn't think of a way to fasten them closed tight enough to keep the dust out if the caravan were to be traveling on a very dusty road. I like the way the store bought ones turned out . I'll use that style again.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiztu8GAFh7A2Vbf79qGTSen8P1KL4QDatjkEREKcUrMavQUeT0nrsqaxVy0nbTRKO_ZjIt77zEPgo2WBwmUaKahZMFzGHWTmnah3D7B9IDrToGFMqRuJHoxCKSX54kE-OmHrcnlJzeaTd/s1600/home+canning+and+shop+912011+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiztu8GAFh7A2Vbf79qGTSen8P1KL4QDatjkEREKcUrMavQUeT0nrsqaxVy0nbTRKO_ZjIt77zEPgo2WBwmUaKahZMFzGHWTmnah3D7B9IDrToGFMqRuJHoxCKSX54kE-OmHrcnlJzeaTd/s320/home+canning+and+shop+912011+016.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCrXgffo2cl2QeTt2HSPmxIB6nn2ffcZXIJiBLx_iv9GYVT3-kCe_2uaknioYMkY2Wx85BIdw-xjadq9a6Fvt123wQhpgt-Cq6WK9QO6cnmeG47mSy7SmxEN1IbrhSOWe1Z6oemka8qRE/s1600/home+canning+and+shop+912011+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCrXgffo2cl2QeTt2HSPmxIB6nn2ffcZXIJiBLx_iv9GYVT3-kCe_2uaknioYMkY2Wx85BIdw-xjadq9a6Fvt123wQhpgt-Cq6WK9QO6cnmeG47mSy7SmxEN1IbrhSOWe1Z6oemka8qRE/s320/home+canning+and+shop+912011+017.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02cZgyvvauT6JroDlwxgqczzOQ7FJZuclpL2ZEq7EWL10dbuiqIoI9qHvN5lLgUhfzlQvD7C8URuBTxxOwLIFyX5gVg7kb5OUrC-rNIb5V1oW_y-GH_Srgwiem28XZVEoaCQ8NMi6f6bL/s1600/home+canning+and+shop+912011+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02cZgyvvauT6JroDlwxgqczzOQ7FJZuclpL2ZEq7EWL10dbuiqIoI9qHvN5lLgUhfzlQvD7C8URuBTxxOwLIFyX5gVg7kb5OUrC-rNIb5V1oW_y-GH_Srgwiem28XZVEoaCQ8NMi6f6bL/s320/home+canning+and+shop+912011+013.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NQ3R4A3mJPNB9eQ0lqFdFsJu2mIzsVzq9J_jMv2ODv0Hc5osDO136jDooLGDlhlilj2f0dzYImelMvkfrW0rbDR8RXq3U-uEkjj4GwPqVGt2StZk9LNRiomv0QWEjsLrEJBccgYxbKYO/s1600/home+canning+and+shop+912011+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I'm very pleased with the cieling. As you can see in the pictures, the 2X2's rafters stretch twelve feet from front to back. My idea was to make two arches, one as a cieling under the 2X2's, then lay in styro-foam insulation between the rafters, and put another arch on top of that, both glued and fastened to the rafters, with the insulation in between. I was convinced that with a laminated arch like that, though light weight, it would be strong enough for me to stand on. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxcelpSxuCdmAsKIJ8GgKhNyOfB5qtCNe-PNT9N-6Iad4vymdV2iQRAsITiGTX8CrKCsZ200FIWkq7xFVQC3cMjFv5wclTObWl7W8_Vo_FKJeiizatoKGzqCsRtja4x_oglftlOf-Etpa/s1600/home+canning+and+shop+912011+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxcelpSxuCdmAsKIJ8GgKhNyOfB5qtCNe-PNT9N-6Iad4vymdV2iQRAsITiGTX8CrKCsZ200FIWkq7xFVQC3cMjFv5wclTObWl7W8_Vo_FKJeiizatoKGzqCsRtja4x_oglftlOf-Etpa/s320/home+canning+and+shop+912011+020.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
I was right about the strength, well partly right. I could have stood several persons my size up there. It didn't even creak. In fact nothing on the whole caravan creaks. Everything is so tightly glued and screwed that though it moves when I try to rock it, it moves as a single unit, with no creaking.<br />
I plan to finish sanding the outside this week, and get a few coats of marine varnish sprayed on. Then I get to put in the cabinet work. I look forward to that because I'm a little more familiar with it. Though it will be different than regular cabinets. I will build them on the same principles as the caravan - very light and very strong. <br />
Take care. I hope to write again soon after I spray the outside.<br />
MichaelUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-58595193189786977852011-08-22T14:40:00.000-07:002011-08-22T18:54:55.537-07:00A little new news! (not much, but some!)My father has been busy with other things (like family reunions and being temporary head cook at the local guest ranch) for the past little while, but he has been working on his new shop and is today working on the Gypsy Wagon, he plans to have the exterior finished by the end of the week <br />
Interesting story about the new shop: previously in Garfield county, you only needed a permit for buildings with a foundation. This apparently changed recently, and my father was surprised to find a red ticket on his new shop telling him he needed a permit for it. So he called, to find out they were going to charge over a hundred dollars for an inspection! He argued that he had only spent $400 on the whole thing, so why would they charge over a quarter of the building's price for an inspection? Surprisingly, they relented and he got an inspection $25. Now he is inspected and permitted, completely legal and above board, and can build the Gypsy Wagon in peace!<br />
Also, beginning in September my father will be returning to work as a Substance Abuse Counselor. The company he worked for before closed it's local branch at the beginning of the summer, but many of the fired employees banded together to build their own company doing what they used to do, but able to pay themselves better (aka, liveable) wages since they are no longer paying for the massive corporation they were previously attached to. Long story short: he will be away half the time (8 of every 14 days), but the remaining time will be building the Gypsy Wagon (and if it sells, more Gypsy Wagons).<br />
I'll see if I can get anyone over in Utah to send me some pictures of the new shop and how the wagon is coming along... or maybe I'll be able to get my father to post an update or two again!<br />
Slowly but surely, the Gypsy Wagon will be built!<br />
-Zay<br />
<br />
UPDATE 2!<br />
More pictures. It seems my father got some work done on the Gypsy Wagon today! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s1VHbgu8UTBd8r2FZxMlGF23uEJ9_oVRNHymR6oGgptF5Zsw37vrSmxZbXRWvPVAokhVORkOFUwnoPHP7qlOGxaScblMcfDSNLgjseW8DOXjj6hkb9QfI5RnrTykbyowC1uy8hNOfe8/s1600/birthdays+and+shop+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s1VHbgu8UTBd8r2FZxMlGF23uEJ9_oVRNHymR6oGgptF5Zsw37vrSmxZbXRWvPVAokhVORkOFUwnoPHP7qlOGxaScblMcfDSNLgjseW8DOXjj6hkb9QfI5RnrTykbyowC1uy8hNOfe8/s320/birthdays+and+shop+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that window frame! My father is an Artist!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusnYRY2h-QlZuuaFcYj3CS-1hOmsDohKuc7s8-gALI_HFAC6Z8oms32ACS9Jz39uJoYdNnYxPQnq-x2eN-5AznxuHCI6owlOrZJ7wy4uQ7ap2zZZkigbO_fWs1yXJFPXItXmMQplxNh4/s1600/birthdays+and+shop+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusnYRY2h-QlZuuaFcYj3CS-1hOmsDohKuc7s8-gALI_HFAC6Z8oms32ACS9Jz39uJoYdNnYxPQnq-x2eN-5AznxuHCI6owlOrZJ7wy4uQ7ap2zZZkigbO_fWs1yXJFPXItXmMQplxNh4/s320/birthdays+and+shop+024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj4Z08CRDwKVEBe0uhSXQdQjEJaW_NB_Q5m8F5hXUzcMA-aTueDiFbn9pCQS1KunBVDVmAJG78uKjM9qdj-NDxcB84y6qZkidWWqebU-966XGFZGaiWnhb7CYKTvkBU_mInhEkAQ5ldU/s1600/birthdays+and+shop+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj4Z08CRDwKVEBe0uhSXQdQjEJaW_NB_Q5m8F5hXUzcMA-aTueDiFbn9pCQS1KunBVDVmAJG78uKjM9qdj-NDxcB84y6qZkidWWqebU-966XGFZGaiWnhb7CYKTvkBU_mInhEkAQ5ldU/s320/birthdays+and+shop+022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the completed shed. Rough but serviceable. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks for joining us for this special update. I am very pleased with it.<br />
-Z<br />
<br />
UPDATE! I managed to get a picture of the Shed in Progress.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s5ckmG26zex-wyS50_QaliLnu5H7Ulgk-kSq9meNzkePmL6VMVi3X-bONbx6OR6_G_fDzWyuwdegLgDIbP2kWm1GFKgVpfcraJ2QyrYhNv_bHF-FZT3XDJMYAbIubLr_40db7NrPvjc/s1600/Shed+in+Progress.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s5ckmG26zex-wyS50_QaliLnu5H7Ulgk-kSq9meNzkePmL6VMVi3X-bONbx6OR6_G_fDzWyuwdegLgDIbP2kWm1GFKgVpfcraJ2QyrYhNv_bHF-FZT3XDJMYAbIubLr_40db7NrPvjc/s320/Shed+in+Progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My youngest brother (the famous <a href="http://tinyhousedreams.blogspot.com/2011/06/weve-started-building-caravan.html">wagon puller</a>) has scaled the shed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It has since been worked on more and is (I believe) complete, but they didn't have any pictures of that and were busy making chiles rellenos for dinner and canning pepper jelly... so we'll see if we can get pictures of the completed shed some other time.<br />
-ZZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-84144624213584366942011-07-12T08:48:00.000-07:002011-07-12T09:08:26.614-07:00Lots of Rain<div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry"><div class="post-body entry-content">I always knew I would have to build a shop to continue working on the gypsy caravans during the winter, still, I believed I could make it through the summer without a shop in this arid place. But, surprise! It's been raining nearly every day here. This is the dryest place I've ever lived, and after 12 years here I was kind of getting used to it. I certainly won't complain about getting more moisture, but I can't work out in the rain with unfinished new wood either. So, it was either put up a shop or postpone the caravans indefinitely. <br />
Last week we went up Cottonwood canyon and brought down some fire killed cedar poles. This week my daughter Tishel and I set the posts, ten of them, three feet deep in the rockiest ground that exists anywhere. We tamped in the last one yesterday just before five. We're still tired this morning, but those posts are immovable. Today we will put up the top bands of the walls and hopefully install the rafters. The system of construction I'm using is called "pole barn construction" It's a variation a timber framing, in which all the framing is connected directly to the posts instead of resting on the wall. This shop should outlast both myself and Tishel.<br />
Last week I also received delivery on the wood stove for the caravan from <a href="http://www.fourdog.com/">Four dog stoves</a> It's well built, and only about 50 pounds, it comes with a side shelf and an attached hot water tank.<br />
I'll post pictures of the stove, the posts, and one of my daughter Tishel using the tallest post as a climbing wall.<br />
That's it for today. It's time to start on the shop again. Wish us luck.</div><div class="post-body entry-content">Michael</div><div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4aoxC25_7Vpqj_IZu5kkamTCFb1TR81NydB4Wu1vfym7aDp04uNdaYkx1CvixPWZT2siUL_dfM_MyrwNd3OPO9B_z3zWscgVML-2KZ_QquC6PXAhJ_ojSukDcUMMVCMCkoiRPFCXgMGi/s1600/rainbow+and+shed+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4aoxC25_7Vpqj_IZu5kkamTCFb1TR81NydB4Wu1vfym7aDp04uNdaYkx1CvixPWZT2siUL_dfM_MyrwNd3OPO9B_z3zWscgVML-2KZ_QquC6PXAhJ_ojSukDcUMMVCMCkoiRPFCXgMGi/s320/rainbow+and+shed+010.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZl6BC0Ba5BNyvKrvtyUVcCCMWdFUDcv3cDDp_Nod1dxxOzxc6jiIMxzh8swzwfkQ4VZIZQaWl-CGEFDyrIlc15nqnALoRJQZFj_cDtkLLrj9sRBPUjgtAyYGJOleEhQfz7c3VsCYUKtp/s1600/rainbow+and+shed+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZl6BC0Ba5BNyvKrvtyUVcCCMWdFUDcv3cDDp_Nod1dxxOzxc6jiIMxzh8swzwfkQ4VZIZQaWl-CGEFDyrIlc15nqnALoRJQZFj_cDtkLLrj9sRBPUjgtAyYGJOleEhQfz7c3VsCYUKtp/s320/rainbow+and+shed+011.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsaF2z7g-auY7pEJ5nyRX77nFzzsoWvKLHl5JrUe4p0TanHXy3xoY0HYZaOqosQ5pfrKv2F8QHhVIUlyE7dwmH9ogvj6zDM1GYMYK2k12ZAhRcDttDsbfJWoBCTHFHPWgi5DBZlHcGyWv/s1600/rainbow+and+shed+012.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsaF2z7g-auY7pEJ5nyRX77nFzzsoWvKLHl5JrUe4p0TanHXy3xoY0HYZaOqosQ5pfrKv2F8QHhVIUlyE7dwmH9ogvj6zDM1GYMYK2k12ZAhRcDttDsbfJWoBCTHFHPWgi5DBZlHcGyWv/s320/rainbow+and+shed+012.jpg" width="320px" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLO9QwT-UuHII_cuscTAHtPf5uQR9X-3DTp-KfKD9H9BYyM0whBp-_4Anx9oa4v9F7PDKm9xlTcKaB5Cx3_4wP6Str3XmiW-T8xBnMf-anzLow1Tz7ktMIe1kHoc3JF2-QYBHMQyG6oz4/s1600/Unit+6+%25235.+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLO9QwT-UuHII_cuscTAHtPf5uQR9X-3DTp-KfKD9H9BYyM0whBp-_4Anx9oa4v9F7PDKm9xlTcKaB5Cx3_4wP6Str3XmiW-T8xBnMf-anzLow1Tz7ktMIe1kHoc3JF2-QYBHMQyG6oz4/s320/Unit+6+%25235.+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TzLyhHbuUYK71Ds63yAqVXD_dZwcRdzbUN8OxS9ezLVHG4pHRqRLB3dScdVnufH_2fgIW6AYfoRXy1QoeY3dtiYWXuqVqJb9AHJCkXRTPnAF-9-rW1X055uxiqCZ3M-AVgfiIHHwtTlz/s1600/rainbow+and+shed+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TzLyhHbuUYK71Ds63yAqVXD_dZwcRdzbUN8OxS9ezLVHG4pHRqRLB3dScdVnufH_2fgIW6AYfoRXy1QoeY3dtiYWXuqVqJb9AHJCkXRTPnAF-9-rW1X055uxiqCZ3M-AVgfiIHHwtTlz/s320/rainbow+and+shed+002.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hQII4OHY0FFltPXLHfwWYCg2rrh0bDZqxrRS6-GKypwRoTnBvWVukhx44kC8-zq53XPoLOgVwuq5Iqgd55VU-94YfmcMsvX0RPUYoZMA4C0A8zyZr8T3yphaoQ8ylhB4EpcVmJXUoj8/s1600/climbing+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hQII4OHY0FFltPXLHfwWYCg2rrh0bDZqxrRS6-GKypwRoTnBvWVukhx44kC8-zq53XPoLOgVwuq5Iqgd55VU-94YfmcMsvX0RPUYoZMA4C0A8zyZr8T3yphaoQ8ylhB4EpcVmJXUoj8/s320/climbing+girl.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OB6067FxTCMwIA-U_KBfDRfUcYj0ZJXP7O8JAjwyPqX70t3hxDsL7XEfM7x01M2fi-AzRI9Q9NOdpK-iY0EENLly4kr0jc-6n_fotv2XDnZlKPCYyx_OG4VrI0gLdOO92uz0WUyUdRy9/s320/Unit+6+%25235.+012.jpg" width="320px" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDgvkUhsSUkM0G_SlDsGeSR_YwPCxnl-otDbfmrgRVsVmvPo_x9YVWBt9QgBAL9TJpx4kpbleWiIAjfiWcEHLflcBs2Hj38Tza7QvMtPqcj10LCC1lGFrrCqSr1fDHbP8Ae76Gxi2oCIL/s1600/Unit+6+%25235.+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDgvkUhsSUkM0G_SlDsGeSR_YwPCxnl-otDbfmrgRVsVmvPo_x9YVWBt9QgBAL9TJpx4kpbleWiIAjfiWcEHLflcBs2Hj38Tza7QvMtPqcj10LCC1lGFrrCqSr1fDHbP8Ae76Gxi2oCIL/s320/Unit+6+%25235.+014.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4GTCT4i4voZafSBOwWR_qgboGAxFc-s4iAdlyAFuoC_APRxWDXFxDfmQlkCX5jbM5CKuRqfL_62IJKESBEVwCPdOU8oV8dq95u06QvbEINrVxetJxQgqyDOzSmQhWJYKUCekpQMgOUoM/s1600/Unit+6+%25235.+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4GTCT4i4voZafSBOwWR_qgboGAxFc-s4iAdlyAFuoC_APRxWDXFxDfmQlkCX5jbM5CKuRqfL_62IJKESBEVwCPdOU8oV8dq95u06QvbEINrVxetJxQgqyDOzSmQhWJYKUCekpQMgOUoM/s320/Unit+6+%25235.+013.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-89516998132957706232011-07-01T17:07:00.000-07:002011-07-01T19:10:00.807-07:00Standing up the walls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlrquw1W0lRW5g-65wvBtjQfvb-uglIMSA3ulVIlJJ8L6oa_6is2pVHEFMUNRI9_2PmP5LYpm2y35z-1qE0gNzhYw3ti6E0B9Bqd747LxINto6hhzt6Yt3d6-YtmW2VLzqiFQXCGD2yD-/s1600/summer+2011+038.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlrquw1W0lRW5g-65wvBtjQfvb-uglIMSA3ulVIlJJ8L6oa_6is2pVHEFMUNRI9_2PmP5LYpm2y35z-1qE0gNzhYw3ti6E0B9Bqd747LxINto6hhzt6Yt3d6-YtmW2VLzqiFQXCGD2yD-/s320/summer+2011+038.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT0P7M-t52IfnSUJbqlCFr4YuFJAAC3X758bgmXJgy3Vy8rD0iY70ulWzwEC3ZIhDcRE7Su9hB5K_bxBq2a5kmjTn2_zcMvVhHTJtMuhT6aZJmqmu70fiTh-sUqn__PivseueUSAoQc7_/s1600/summer+2011+041.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT0P7M-t52IfnSUJbqlCFr4YuFJAAC3X758bgmXJgy3Vy8rD0iY70ulWzwEC3ZIhDcRE7Su9hB5K_bxBq2a5kmjTn2_zcMvVhHTJtMuhT6aZJmqmu70fiTh-sUqn__PivseueUSAoQc7_/s320/summer+2011+041.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-6wD6RQgC0kMdDahw46ebbGllEXtMxmlDnNRX_FggWLcOYkoMTdcoQ9r_3959oavqZNLKQhWhkMKEYJo9LZYW63kZQPve5aS8feXMc-RZ46AUuWt-Xont5fZZqTUPlZ6kVPPm8FPBR1e/s1600/summer+2011+037.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-6wD6RQgC0kMdDahw46ebbGllEXtMxmlDnNRX_FggWLcOYkoMTdcoQ9r_3959oavqZNLKQhWhkMKEYJo9LZYW63kZQPve5aS8feXMc-RZ46AUuWt-Xont5fZZqTUPlZ6kVPPm8FPBR1e/s320/summer+2011+037.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Today we stood up the front and end walls, and put on the rafters on the gypsy caravan. We have been held back by wind and rain (not at the same time.) But today felt like summer, and Seth strongly suggested we put up the walls today instead of going up the canyon to get lumber for building a new shop, (for the purpose of keeping us out of the said wind, rain, and also blazing sunshine.) I don't know if Seth was more excited to get the walls up, or if he was just looking for a reason to avoid hand carrying fire killed logs out of the canyon.<br />
I like the way the gypsy caravan is shaping up. I like the way it doesn't creak at all when I push on the walls. I like the solidness of every joint glued and screwed. I like how it feels roomy inside both sideways and headspace wise. I like seeing the finished caravan in my mind, looking like a finely finished piece of furniture.<br />
Well, we're taking a few days off for the long holiday weekend. Hope everyone has a good one.<br />
Michael<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note:</i><br />
<i>I was talking to my mother, and apparently they need to build a new workshop because their previous workshop, the tent Gigantor, blew away. It may seem surprising that a tent that size blew away, but then I must explain something about the wind in Antimony. In Antimony, the wind blows so hard that the pressure differential causes windows to explode. In Antimony, the wind blows so hard that roofs blow off. A few years ago, the wind blew so hard my parent's greenhouse blew away. The neighbors have a wind speed meter that reads up to 90mph... and it tops out. My father was aware of the wind problem, so had buried the poles deeply in the rockpile that passes for soil in Antimony... the poles are still standing, but the ropes broke and Gigantor took to the sky in what I can only imagine was an awe-inspiring sight. </i> <br />
<i>Also, work has been slow on the caravan because they managed to sell (and therefor had to build) another picnic table. Since any money for the project helps, I can't really fault them for it!</i><br />
<i>Enjoy your holiday weekend everyone (who is in the US)</i><br />
<i>-Zay</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-90892626867189969402011-06-24T16:20:00.000-07:002011-06-24T16:20:14.214-07:00End panels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix66kv0zFODH1beQAO6BWp2K7o4anOjKSPwJVTbqsYJHk4KBbv7EDUrHCdQXpfC5ClyI4cdckY9b0aWeK8XLjuSKhWUCKwECwZ9YQZ4frZ1cMVkVZAHo7ZrwXMHtcYdRL55k2iGW4EXQES/s1600/trailer+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix66kv0zFODH1beQAO6BWp2K7o4anOjKSPwJVTbqsYJHk4KBbv7EDUrHCdQXpfC5ClyI4cdckY9b0aWeK8XLjuSKhWUCKwECwZ9YQZ4frZ1cMVkVZAHo7ZrwXMHtcYdRL55k2iGW4EXQES/s320/trailer+026.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVDpZYQYjTm2TNXVQNhSiRR2Usr4DcH-tXAxO3twwR5f9iJgzIy-JlUZCerFSbnkFMrScv72hSRToy8E9VsG1V37218Nfsr71yiaBMX-dEDf7WK3y8ye-6EPBegSGTZoW2MYE5862Rp_H/s1600/trailer+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVDpZYQYjTm2TNXVQNhSiRR2Usr4DcH-tXAxO3twwR5f9iJgzIy-JlUZCerFSbnkFMrScv72hSRToy8E9VsG1V37218Nfsr71yiaBMX-dEDf7WK3y8ye-6EPBegSGTZoW2MYE5862Rp_H/s320/trailer+027.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div>The end panels are mostly done. I really wanted to attach them to the wagon and put up the roof rafters today, but I also want to go on a date with my beautiful wife Natalie, -- so, I'll put up the walls tomorow when Seth is home, and Natalie can be here to tell us all the stuff we're doing wrong before we do it. I wish she would have done that a couple of times today to save me from some re-dos. It's got a long way to go, but I'm pleased so far.<br />
MichaelUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-1699276733640549522011-06-22T16:42:00.000-07:002011-06-22T17:12:00.842-07:00foundation finishedAnother productive day today. I had hoped to finish the bottom platform on the caravan today, and guess what? We did. We used some long pieces of quaking aspen wood for the overhanging sides. I like aspen because though it is very light in weight, it is very resistant to bowing or sagging. We also used aspen for the corbel blocks that support these side pieces. Every part of the caravan base has been glued and screwed together for added strength. No nails so far. I will use some staples on the wall panels, but they will also be glued.<br />
Tomorow I hope to build the two end panels or walls. I'd love to go as far as notching the curved tops of the panels for rafters, and standing it all up, but we'll see.<br />
My son Seth was a great help today. He amazes me with how fast he can learn something he has only seen once. I was cutting the curves on the corbel blocks with the jig saw, and asked Seth if he would finish cutting out the next six corbels while I sanded them. Without any further instruction, or coaching, he not only cut out the rest faster than I could sand them, but did it better and smoother than I did. And that's saying something. I have a pretty steady hand at that sort of thing.<br />
We cut off the extra foot and a half of the trailer that stuck out past the wood structure this morning. The whole thing is so much more easily handled now. As a result of the metal cutting, there was a lot of metal shavings left on the plywood. I sent my nine year old wagon pulling son to the house for a couple of magnets, and he was entertained all day with what you can do with metal shavings and magnets. I didn't realize how many different hair styles a magnet could wear.<br />
That all for now.<br />
Talk to you tomorrow.<br />
Michael<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note: </i><br />
<i>Pictures again!</i> <i>I highly recommend clicking on them so you can see the great details. </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj36DkA8NN-FppdX3AcPh9b30lTLinKzwAhiucibnfI9wCdeOkdis1orbvnSuSuCrlXC-tUg5ZoHUX-y2qAsUwsvqdCLTVB2xyQeoWkD1Ro0XSQioEvvIFHsqSFzw1qFITQob6Jo4WiRw/s1600/trailer+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj36DkA8NN-FppdX3AcPh9b30lTLinKzwAhiucibnfI9wCdeOkdis1orbvnSuSuCrlXC-tUg5ZoHUX-y2qAsUwsvqdCLTVB2xyQeoWkD1Ro0XSQioEvvIFHsqSFzw1qFITQob6Jo4WiRw/s320/trailer+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful curved corbel blocks. The details are what really make a Gypsy Wagon!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIJxj0u0jBGQ24rxLImL1hgPmkckiZRrg13u9GudZFGJsrvsQb4uKh30hsz1q2zZNUjXyPAoK-YN9XBHhTB7CN2fgry17s_AHqt1ifXnt3dmw2_qv6UpLxDQbCBJjZAv3m7GMlFZ9-Zc/s1600/trailer+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIJxj0u0jBGQ24rxLImL1hgPmkckiZRrg13u9GudZFGJsrvsQb4uKh30hsz1q2zZNUjXyPAoK-YN9XBHhTB7CN2fgry17s_AHqt1ifXnt3dmw2_qv6UpLxDQbCBJjZAv3m7GMlFZ9-Zc/s320/trailer+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Foundation</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gXCPiBNsUUj0XgrAuq55J8J7jhmuJ-96rZ3IeK1T-FP_ZiyuEEfLn3RMOf1gNWgF30LrHHNhZbVMP8us7IFHl8J7vYxWKGkyvuI5-r60BXSkAfFHbtlbxtmEV20IGZT2LfhJHRAxQjg/s1600/trailer+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gXCPiBNsUUj0XgrAuq55J8J7jhmuJ-96rZ3IeK1T-FP_ZiyuEEfLn3RMOf1gNWgF30LrHHNhZbVMP8us7IFHl8J7vYxWKGkyvuI5-r60BXSkAfFHbtlbxtmEV20IGZT2LfhJHRAxQjg/s320/trailer+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Magnets and Metal Shavings: 9-year-old heaven. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><i> </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-87664054891789712672011-06-21T20:44:00.000-07:002011-06-21T22:36:26.616-07:00We've started building the caravan!I've been itching to start on this project for two months now. Finally the time has arrived. Some of the tables we made have sold, an industrious son has invested some funds, another son is helping with the labor, and today, we started the framing on our first gypsy caravan. <br />
It didn't go as smoothly as I had unrealistically hoped, nor was it as difficult as paranoia had painted. It was just work. Some things came up that I hadn't anticipated, like moving the tail lights back to the end of the trailer because we lengthened it by three and a half feet, and then there was the realization that it was now too long, and we would have to cut off a foot and a half, and move the tail lights again. We've done a lot of customizing on this trailer that I hope to avoid in the next ones I'll have made from scratch for our purpose. The next trailer will be completely flat, and higher off the ground. But that's alright, we had to start somewhere, so we could learn what we want in the next ones.<br />
We got the flooring bolted on today, and tomorrow we plan to put the corbel blocks on the sides, finish the platform, and be ready to start raising the walls. Building it heavy and sturdy would take very little thought, but our aim is to make it super sturdy, and extremely light. That's taking a little more thought, and planning, and some waiting for inspiration.<br />
So far it's nice and light. My nine year old son is able to pull the trailer around, both up and down hills, (very gentle hills) If when we're finished, a compact car can pull it without endangering it's transmission, we will call it a success.<br />
We really hope to have it closed in by the end of the week. I admit, I'm pretty excited about it. I can't wait to take it on the road for a test drive.<br />
Oh yeah, my son did a bit of a CAD drawing of the wagon so we could see how things would fit inside. It will be much more ornate than the CAD drawing, but it does show the general location of the components. I welcome feedback on what you think should be inside.<br />
Thanks,<br />
Michael<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note: Pictures! Click to make them bigger so you can actually see what's happening!</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeMmKfp4w8uIgKGuWp63T_jvC2JqVwtEMuZHrLAEiW2N59Yv-AGIzBYOCixNsp3SjGUUfozZusSJBKQajlDckp1-sphC-MiiT4pQMDV6C3UckdSIGei9ajRLJt7Ah1LIZnGyFGR3XG4c/s1600/sheep+camp+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeMmKfp4w8uIgKGuWp63T_jvC2JqVwtEMuZHrLAEiW2N59Yv-AGIzBYOCixNsp3SjGUUfozZusSJBKQajlDckp1-sphC-MiiT4pQMDV6C3UckdSIGei9ajRLJt7Ah1LIZnGyFGR3XG4c/s320/sheep+camp+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>CAD drawing of the interior. I'll try to get a hold one of the exterior. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hTg9P0xbtW6Dh8kOaSPKKwf7mZDZVGJ8iCkwyTijIsiqtafRCkG-LwMdmztf0mFdUwXnewxNRkeviHTKeOkxltYVDfQ34v6aYnwjadD0ehfpUiZIW9xmB8pMcUhz4lVOuWyDsuWka5I/s1600/nauvoo+sewing+camp+trailer+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hTg9P0xbtW6Dh8kOaSPKKwf7mZDZVGJ8iCkwyTijIsiqtafRCkG-LwMdmztf0mFdUwXnewxNRkeviHTKeOkxltYVDfQ34v6aYnwjadD0ehfpUiZIW9xmB8pMcUhz4lVOuWyDsuWka5I/s320/nauvoo+sewing+camp+trailer+081.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trailer with flooring</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVFkyryE2hUYi_B1tahcewsSsGSGZDSuJEwqYM1rayL4ATh9g7xEPEvJdO22TvyYOTF8MUNk6sC3yiCo2ePorwhOmNVWscdJma8aUShu5Bn312xBa7pwIGziFMfgVTC1qANFGdIYTr8g/s1600/nauvoo+sewing+camp+trailer+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVFkyryE2hUYi_B1tahcewsSsGSGZDSuJEwqYM1rayL4ATh9g7xEPEvJdO22TvyYOTF8MUNk6sC3yiCo2ePorwhOmNVWscdJma8aUShu5Bn312xBa7pwIGziFMfgVTC1qANFGdIYTr8g/s320/nauvoo+sewing+camp+trailer+076.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>9 year old brother, Michael on the back corner, Gigantor the tent behind. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcnaudpMQCWZEi91WT1284pd4uzw95NE6pZeb-FQieRRg3IC3657VyE6s0U6z_0XN2SmhvmnQpxIk7Mtwak1DEbmfSWX7Ue5wBJe3_s3BHx1fUaa2hqcT-tI2F43s9FeZyGHnaXIh-z4/s1600/nauvoo+sewing+camp+trailer+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcnaudpMQCWZEi91WT1284pd4uzw95NE6pZeb-FQieRRg3IC3657VyE6s0U6z_0XN2SmhvmnQpxIk7Mtwak1DEbmfSWX7Ue5wBJe3_s3BHx1fUaa2hqcT-tI2F43s9FeZyGHnaXIh-z4/s320/nauvoo+sewing+camp+trailer+080.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pull! (No children were harmed in the making of this picture.) </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><i> </i><i>That's it for this exciting installment. Stay tuned for more!</i><br />
<i>-Zay </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-71682519860305570632011-06-17T12:42:00.000-07:002011-06-17T12:47:25.268-07:00progress on the Vardo and stove musingsMy father is making progress on the first Gypsy wagon. I was talking to him on the phone just yesterday. He doesn't want to post an update himself because my little brother borrowed the family camera for a trip... which I think might just be a handy excuse for a man who is far more comfortable working with tangible things than with any sort of technology.*<br />
In any case, the trailer has been purchased, and I have it first hand from my little sister's facebook** that the giant wall tent (mentioned <a href="http://tinyhousedreams.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-father-and-gypsy-vardo.html">here</a>) has been erected as an impromptu workshop so he can build the Vardo out of the weather. <br />
As soon as the camera returns, you can believe I will be hounding every family member I can get a hold of to take some pictures for the blog. So there might be pictures early next week, but no promises. <br />
<br />
I have also been thinking a little about cookstove options for a tiny house. I had previously been thinking about a tiny propane marine stove a la <a href="http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1%7C406%7C694%7C330372&id=60426">link</a>, only because I am familiar with the technology. However, I recently ran across a tiny house article about <a href="http://2cycle2gether.com/2011/01/origo-6000/">alcohol marine stoves</a>, and I must admit they have a few good points. I think I might have to reconsider my position, particularly if I could find a good local source of alcohol made from non-food sources... because using food as fuel is a whole other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_ethanol#Environmental_and_social_issues">can</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_ethanol#Economic_impact_of_corn_ethanol">worms</a>. <br />
<br />
And that's all for today folks!<br />
-Zay<br />
<br />
* He doesn't understand the computer. He doesn't WANT to understand the computer. He is not shy about saying so. <br />
** The poor girl was the only one home to help put the tent up when he decided it was time. My father named it Gigantor, and it fell over on her twice. But despite the ever-present wind, they got it set up. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Also, Yay for Terry Pratchet and Ursula Vernon style side notes! I feel so special!)</span>Zaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-81514519284532601022011-06-08T07:50:00.000-07:002011-06-09T14:14:42.730-07:00Moving toward building gypsy caravans.Hi, I'm Michael Porter.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago, the company where I worked as a licesnsed substance abuse counselor, was closed by the corporation that owned it, along with six other companies. As I considered options for the future which included working for an oil company, (not an attractive nor desirable option) it came to me to build gypsy caravans for people who like to travel in style, and like the feeling of being self sufficient wherever they go. Kind of like the feeling I get when I go backpacking and know that everything I need to live and thrive, is on my back.<br />
Though I've been a professional counselor for quite a few years, I started my working life as a custom cabinet maker, and have kept wood working for all these years, (and at 51 thats been a lot of years.) My daughter Hanna put the idea of gypsy caravans in my brain, along with the idea of contributing to this blog. Thanks Hanna.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxyMvcHgYdnujKBvYFQgnvwFVa58PZIarTxUbWBWB74jyisPYjyvAWMof_qeyEs_W2FF7a0RXsVKbLySWIqHxjgm9Biaujv9oznnVSEbvquEIvvKaH3nyBqkpSqXluPI6PezAZr5K8ItC/s1600/picnic+tables+138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxyMvcHgYdnujKBvYFQgnvwFVa58PZIarTxUbWBWB74jyisPYjyvAWMof_qeyEs_W2FF7a0RXsVKbLySWIqHxjgm9Biaujv9oznnVSEbvquEIvvKaH3nyBqkpSqXluPI6PezAZr5K8ItC/s320/picnic+tables+138.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb46f7FP6rnsqKTyMhoGJHw7j3qmmFRRP6PBS1HYPlp4f-xUlyt3H84HQAeVg8XnsgYU86Vfml9ZsnnkgjzvH4n9EtmVQZ9s7aI_34c3o72IaBlGTTr5BUEkMohvLEnruRVs6_ZFIgV1Q/s1600/picnic+tables+136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb46f7FP6rnsqKTyMhoGJHw7j3qmmFRRP6PBS1HYPlp4f-xUlyt3H84HQAeVg8XnsgYU86Vfml9ZsnnkgjzvH4n9EtmVQZ9s7aI_34c3o72IaBlGTTr5BUEkMohvLEnruRVs6_ZFIgV1Q/s320/picnic+tables+136.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div>To build up some capital my son Seth and I are making designer picnic tables from some galvanized steel table frames that I was given years ago when I worked for a trail crew at a state park. We took off the old wood, (and it was really old,) and milled our own boards from some standing dead quaking aspen that was killed in a forest fire several years ago on the mountain above were we live. Aspen is very light and strong when it's completely dry. We left the natural edge on the outside of the top and bench boards, then planed and sanded the wood. We bolted them to the frames before putting on the varnish. I checked out a lot of kinds of varnish for exterior use, and settled on marine spar polyurethane. It is supposed to last a long time on boats, and has UV protection. We've made four of them, and two have already sold right here in our small town, so I'm pretty encouraged.<br />
We'll be starting on the gypsy caravans this week. In this area people are familiar with a similar type wagon called a sheep camp cabin. The sheep camps sell for about thirty six thousand, and are very heavy. I am aiming toward a single axle, ten foot long caravan that is light enough to be pulled with a regular passenger car, and costs between seven and eight thousand to the customer. It will be a "reading type" caravan, with the straight sides, and instead of brightly painted colors I plan to use the natural wood color with contrasting woods to make it interesting. There will be a bed, (full size), a basin sink, and a three dog wood stove. Also lots of shelves, storage and benches. A table will pull out from under the bed frame. <br />
It is my hope that a lot of people who would love to own one of these cool looking and functional caravans will soon be able to afford to. We will be limited in the number we produce per year. We're aiming at finishing one caravan per month.<br />
I welcome any advice you have for this project.<br />
<br />
Michael Porter<br />
<br />
<i>Editor's Note: The stove Michael mentions is the Three Dog model from <a href="http://www.fourdog.com/">Four Dog Stove</a>. Check it out, it's pretty cool!</i><br />
<i>-Zay </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-79549894389762074082011-05-22T18:08:00.000-07:002011-06-06T18:14:23.189-07:00A New Author Approaches!So,<br />
Today I was talking with my father, and he agreed to co-author here on Tiny House Dreams with updates on the gypsy wagon(/s) he plans on building this summer. Both of us are new to this thing, so to test to make sure we know how to let him co-author I expect we will have a post from him very soon, just outlining the basics of what he wants to do.<br />
So, my imaginary faithful readers, give a hand to Michael, who will be building things!<br />
-Zay<br />
<br />
Update: We are having growing pains with this 'co-author' thing. My father has put forth a serious effort to post an update of his plans, but we have been thwarted by unfamiliar technology, shoddy internet connections, and ancient computers. However, I am confident that we will be able to have an update quite soon.<br />
-ZZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-60707045748173709312011-05-15T16:03:00.000-07:002011-05-15T16:36:17.714-07:00Whittled Down Gypsy Wagon and Homemade SpaceshipAs I have mentioned before, My father is thinking about making a tiny gypsy wagon, light enough to be towed by any car. I happened to run across a blog where a couple made a gypsy wagon with the same goal, and I thought it was pretty darn awesome.<br />
<a href="http://www.whittleddown.com/2010/04/whittled-down-house.html">Here</a> is their first post about the gypsy wagon, where they discuss their goals for it. <br />
And <a href="http://www.whittleddown.com/2010/07/grand-tour.html">here</a> is their photo tour of the completed wagon. Isn't it cute!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SyjVRMaq_5H0W5ZXoSsxaWhZeZAVUE5MxX2DzO7TUziCGd0gfVP5LDyIWvjvl42oD6BThnNed9zg3jNRc1z8LZPt_7B7D31HA97gc6NqG8YpBMCeMRg9553F-5r94lyA3vjb52OsL4c/s1600/IMG_7329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SyjVRMaq_5H0W5ZXoSsxaWhZeZAVUE5MxX2DzO7TUziCGd0gfVP5LDyIWvjvl42oD6BThnNed9zg3jNRc1z8LZPt_7B7D31HA97gc6NqG8YpBMCeMRg9553F-5r94lyA3vjb52OsL4c/s320/IMG_7329.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bOBXsmqIUw93jI-WqnE-Jw?">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You can read all about the journey of the Gypsy wagon, from newest to oldest, <a href="http://www.whittleddown.com/search/label/gypsy%20wagon">here.</a><br />
<br />
In other news, I would like to link to another article from the Tiny House Blog about the <a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house-video/homemade-spaceship-a-tiny-american-dream-house/">Homemade Spaceship</a>, which a couple of artists are living in out in the desert somewhere. It's a very cute video, and shows a lot of good adaptations people can make to make a tiny space their own. <br />
<br />
Anyways, this is a pretty short entry, <br />
latter, <br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-51930273894328072262011-05-09T16:52:00.000-07:002011-05-10T11:32:02.343-07:00no-fridge alternativesOk<br />
If we all agree that the expensive part of building a tiny house is the appliances, and you don't have any money, the logical solution is to figure out ways you don't actually need the appliances.<br />
For example: Fridge.<br />
A tiny propane fridge will cost you out the ear. Therefore, in a fit of panic, I googled "living without a fridge" and came up with some very comforting solutions. I feel better now.<br />
Let me help you feel better too. <br />
The first I found was a blog about someone choosing not to use their fridge. <a href="http://ditchyourfridge.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html">Living Without A Fridge</a> is definitely worth a look. <br />
Poking around on her blog is interesting, and she brings up a lot of good points. Using the outdoors in the colder months is a good idea.<br />
Mother earth news has a good <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Modern-Homesteading/1976-07-01/We-Make-Do-Without-A-Refrigerator.aspx">article</a> or<a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/how-to-preserve-food-zm0z71zsie.aspx"> two</a> as well. <br />
My curiosity piqued by what I found on <a href="http://www.wanderingdona.com/?p=863">this blog</a>, I started to wonder about evaporative coolers, and hit on something that would work well for the warmer months. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeer">Zeer</a> (seen in more detail <a href="http://practicalaction.org/zeer-pot-fridge-2">here</a>). It is definitely something I want to try to do. While wikipedia says it costs about a dollar to make... I have no idea how much a large terra cotta pot like that would cost here in the US. Definitely more than a dollar. Still, if you were to improvise with a large planter or something of that sort, which might cost as much as $50 (I'm totally guessing here), and it worked, it would still be a lot cheaper than a refrigerator.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE5Tnza8lrCoX2g1sQA5vmtMu9IQVRcwYuVbhJm-w0lQd4ekePjP1pvdD9Ei_9f0ZvjzaZ4gzYFseezaHEeZvrVvka9SOAmA2nFGqQaEWvIaLxFJISLdf7xMLl39RokBVM-Pwf9KBH0g/s1600/zeer6-fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE5Tnza8lrCoX2g1sQA5vmtMu9IQVRcwYuVbhJm-w0lQd4ekePjP1pvdD9Ei_9f0ZvjzaZ4gzYFseezaHEeZvrVvka9SOAmA2nFGqQaEWvIaLxFJISLdf7xMLl39RokBVM-Pwf9KBH0g/s1600/zeer6-fresh.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of a Zeer </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another option, if we were going to be in one place for a while, would be to dig a hole in the ground, put a tightly closing container in it (5 gallon bucket maybe?) and cover it with something (old carpet maybe?), for a sort of redneck-mini-root-cellar. <br />
So, I guess in conclusion, the more I think about things, the less things I think I need.<br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-43805030892763382852011-05-02T16:19:00.000-07:002011-05-03T10:21:28.461-07:00The fine line between 'camping' and 'home'In designing a tiny, moveable, totally-off-grid house, I think it's important to really understand what 'home' means. Specifically where, to you, the line is between 'camping' and 'home'.<br />
If you are planning on sharing the space, there needs to be a consensus. Some people go 'camping' in a cabin with showers, televisions, refrigerators, sound systems, and all sorts of gadgets. Some people aren't 'camping' unless you hiked everything in on your back and there are no other people for miles. Some people are at 'home' in a tent, or a van. <br />
The Partner and I have talked a little about where the line is for us. If we're building a tiny house to live in, we won't be happy if we feel like we're permanently camping. These are some of the things we decided were necessary to make a theoretical tiny house into our home, approximately in order of how easy it is to describe what I mean. <br />
<b>Temperature Comfort</b><br />
I get cold very easily. If I'm putting on thermals, a two sweaters, and a wool hat to get up in the morning... it's not home. If it isn't easy to keep the temperature at least 65* during the day, and above 50* at night, then I can't live there. A tiny house needs to have an easy, effective heating system. <br />
Conversely, If it's over 95* in the house at ten at night and we're laying on the bed with all the blankets off sweating and trying to sleep, we suffer, the Partner more than me. With a small house, with windows open, this shouldn't be a problem in most climates, especially if it is shaded during the afternoon.<br />
<b>Sleeping Comfort</b><br />
I touched on this above, but it gets broader. If it's too loud at night, or there are too many outside lights, we cannot sleep. If the bed is too small (smaller than double/full), we cannot sleep. If the mattress is lumpy or uneven or too thin, I especially cannot sleep. If the ceiling is too close to my face, then I definitely can't sleep, because I know in some small part of my brain that I will suffocate. (Yay for claustrophobia!) <b></b>Part of this is dependent on where you situate the tiny house, but part of it is design. It should be moderately soundproof, and have the sleeping area comfortable, airy, and with a good mattress (no futons!).<br />
<b>Cooking</b><br />
Cooking is a big deal for me. <b> </b>I cook everything from scratch. I do not believe in pre-packaged foods. If I cannot cook, then it cannot be home. That said, I don't need much to do my cooking with. I can be very adaptable. The minimally adequate kitchen for me would have a <a href="http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1%7C406%7C694%7C330372&id=60426">galley stove</a>, a dorm-sized fridge, a few feet of counter space, a sink, and lots of cabinets. It's pretty bare bones, but I have found that almost every kitchen is inadequate in one way or another, but after I've cooked in them for a few months I hardly notice. This would be no different.<br />
It would also be good to have a table to eat the food at, family-meal style. <br />
<b>Lounging/Hanging Out</b><br />
A home has to be a place where you can relax. The Partner and I are pretty quiet, we like to have a comfortable space to read, play board games, cuddle, and occasionally have a friend or two over. This space is ideally separate from the bed. A small couch-like area would be perfect... but if due to space constraints it had to be somehow combined with the table area, we could adapt.<br />
<b>The Dog</b><br />
We have a dog. He lives with us. He doesn't need much, just a clear piece of floor for his blanket and food and water dishes, and also enough space so it is possible for him to not be underneath our feet at least some of the time. He likes to be outside, but when the weather's bad, he would be inside a lot.<br />
<b>Hygiene</b><br />
This is a tricky one. How long can we be ok using a little camp shower or a dr bronner's style sponge bath? (I'm not the only one who's ever read the bottle, right?) Would this feel more like camping than we are comfortable with? On the other hand, we definitely wouldn't want to have rv style water tanks and utility hookups and all that extra weight and garbage. If we go for some sort of intermediate, it brings up the question of greywater disposal.<br />
Also, while I am comfortable with the idea of the simplest kind of composting toilet, and I'm sure it could be designed carefully into the house, it also brings up a lot of questions about disposal. I will (maybe) write another post about those issues another time.<br />
<b>Essential Technology</b><br />
There are some things we wouldn't want to leave behind, that we feel strongly and positively affect our quality of life, that unfortunately eat electricity. There are not a lot of these things, fortunately.<br />
Cellphones. We use them to talk to people. They are useful, because you don't have to go through the hassle of a land line and new number every time you move, and can be used at any time. We have lived places without cellphone reception, and it's a huge pain. I could conceivably leave my phone off all the time and just check my messages and talk to my mother once or twice a week, but then I would be completely cut off if there was a family emergency, or if the Partner was just calling to say he would be home late. Also, if one of use had a job (that being the ideal situation), they would need to be able to communicate with their work. Cellphones are a necessity to our modern lives.<br />
Laptops. These are slightly harder to justify than cellphones, but we do use them all the time. They can play movies, music, and games, providing endless hours of entertainment. They can be used to write, edit images, and keep track of anything under the sun. Even without internet they are useful.<br />
How do we keep these electronic gadgets fed without being hooked up to the grid or buying an expensive solar array? Apparently there are <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/e193/">solar charger/batteries</a> that are strong enough to power laptops. It might be worth our time to invest in one of these, as well as upgrading our laptops for more energy efficient models.<br />
<br />
Ok, that's what I've got for today. It got a bit... less concise at the end there, and I'm sure I've missed at least one important thing, but that's what I personally think I need in a tiny house to make it feel like home. Everyone's list will be different. What's yours? <br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-33107983737809987112011-04-24T20:10:00.000-07:002011-04-25T19:58:53.999-07:00What Trailer?One of the first roadblocks I see in the making of a tiny moveable house is the trailer. What kind do you use? The standard a-la-tumbleweed seems to be a sturdy duel axle trailer. Almost every tiny house build I've looked at seems to use one. <br />
They are, however, expensive. Even used ones on craigslist are usually well over $2000.<br />
There are those who have bought an old decrepit camping trailer, demolished it, and <a href="http://www.togetherweareone.com/building">salvaged the underlying trailer</a>, but that's a lot of work... and craigslist says that people selling old decrepit camping trailers still want good money for them. <br />
My father thinks he could build a small house much lighter, so light that it could use a single axle... and those do seem to run a bit cheaper. Another thought he had was to build one on a trailer made out of an old truck bed <a href="http://sweptline.com/blog/2009/01/20/how-to-build-a-truck-bed-trailer-from-an-old-pickup-truck/">like so</a>.<br />
My first thought with that plan is that truck beds are quite small, though I have found myself evaluating them more shrewdly as I pass them driving around, and some of the older ones are quite roomy.<br />
Another problem could be the height. Most trucks seem to be higher than most trailers, and since you can only go up to 13ft (I think) and be road legal, and since the lower you are the better I imagine your aerodynamics would be, it could be a real problem to be starting so high up. The height could also be a problem if you planned on towing it with a car.<br />
Still, if searching the local craigslists and newspapers and putting in a word with the local mechanics and junk yards didn't turn up a usable trailer at the right price, it might be worth asking the local mechanics and junk yards how much they would charge for a truck bed trailer. <br />
If nothing else, it would at least make for a very unique tiny house build.<br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-37142743483686349752011-04-21T23:37:00.000-07:002011-04-25T20:19:55.639-07:00Tiny Light for a Tiny House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span id="goog_2099404867">Today, since I am exhausted, full of painkillers, and generally useless for anything, I spent a fair amount of time researching things on the internet. (oh internet, what would we do without you?)</span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">I was thinking that any tiny house we got would necessarily be very simple and inexpensive, no fancy solar panels, probably no shower, just the very bare necessities. It also occurred to me that we might have to, at some point, go 'stealth', camping on public lands, if we couldn't find anywhere else to live. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">These musings lead me start thinking about how to comfortably live in a tiny house without the electrical hookups, plumbing, and other luxuries that seem common to them. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">The only thing I can really see us being unable to do without electricity is our computers. I am unashamedly a child of my generation, but I am adaptable. I think we would end up spending a fair amount of time patronizing the local library for internet and a free laptop battery charge. (and cellphone charge too I guess, because I just can't see us affording a <a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/beb8/">solar phone charger</a>)</span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">For cooking, what I would really like is something I have never yet seen. A tiny propane stove, two burner, with a tiny oven underneath... about the size of an electric toaster oven. It would be completely adequate and take up very little space. Someone needs to make these, or if someone already does, they need to advertise themselves more loudly so I can find them. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">For storing perishable foods, there are many very<a href="http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-refrigerators/lp-gas-propane-refrigerator.htm"> tiny propane fridges</a>. Since I currently only use up 1 drawer of a normal sized fridge, I think I could adapt to one of those. Unfortunately they cost moneys... I might have to learn to do without a fridge at all for a while. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">Drinking water would be probably the easiest. We use something like <a href="http://www.watercrockshop.com/embossedchilipepperwrapmidicrockset-1-1.aspx">this</a> for drinking water in the house I'm in now. We use less than 15 gallons of filtered water per week for drinking for 4 people. With two people including dishwashing, it would probably be a little more. Also, some places you can fill your water jugs for free from artesian wells. That would be nice. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">For showering, I think a small <a href="http://preparedness.com/te5gajucasos.html">camping solar shower</a> would be adequate, and on cold days or in winter, it could be filled with stove-heated water and even used indoors, maybe by standing in a rubbermaid tote, which could then be dragged outside to be emptied on plants. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">The problem of showering solved, I moved on to light. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">As a child I lived in a house without electricity. We did very well with sunlight in the day and candles at night, with a few hurricane lamps around just for kicks. (though we eventually upgraded to a single solar panel, a single car battery, and a few twelve volt lights.) </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">I started looking at candles and candlemaking, which was good entertainment for a few hours, but all the info is for people who want to make scented and decorative candles, not candles for light. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">Then I recalled seeing something about <a href="http://www.lehmans.com/store/Lamps_Lights___Olive_Oil_Lamps?Args=&view_all=&sort_by=">olive oil lamps</a>, and I hit the jackpot. Turns out the things are <a href="http://www.judyofthewoods.net/lamp.html">stupid-easy to make</a>... that being my current brain function level, I made one. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA4Yqf5E232SOc3ScQXmVqm0t5CjHEDmSJpO1kPnQlhMv9SgcFOG9CuM7cmXScS8ihqILuKRkqjrjCqzZ0hdGs4nOay1X_9CuLGmfTkrPNeDC3U8JmPSJGNPLBTgGfORlr1_kUr1hju8/s1600/DSCF1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA4Yqf5E232SOc3ScQXmVqm0t5CjHEDmSJpO1kPnQlhMv9SgcFOG9CuM7cmXScS8ihqILuKRkqjrjCqzZ0hdGs4nOay1X_9CuLGmfTkrPNeDC3U8JmPSJGNPLBTgGfORlr1_kUr1hju8/s320/DSCF1984.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Library books and a home made lamp</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="goog_2099404867">It burns so pretty! You can comfortably read by it if you sit near and tilt your page toward it. Two of these little guys would probably be plenty for board games or other quiet night time activities. </span><br />
<span id="goog_2099404867">To make this, I used a short piece of jewelry wire I plied together to make thicker, a thin strip of thick cotton fabric for the wick, a wide mouth half pint jar, and about 2oz of olive oil. Here is a less artistic picture where you can see a few more details. Not many, but a few. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvlUnX9qUMaAIHkJhkb79ha37hARg-ydFUlgZl-xfaJxZOpAybDLXNyISJPvlNU2N976tOhltfmu2tyS5fu72ZWw0cJmruJc-in8pSH49EEbtitd9XNgTDit00N0P5xRm69CIKP0fe8E/s1600/DSCF1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvlUnX9qUMaAIHkJhkb79ha37hARg-ydFUlgZl-xfaJxZOpAybDLXNyISJPvlNU2N976tOhltfmu2tyS5fu72ZWw0cJmruJc-in8pSH49EEbtitd9XNgTDit00N0P5xRm69CIKP0fe8E/s320/DSCF1988.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think a few of these could easily provide the light for a tiny house... and they can also burn many other vegetable oils besides just olive... so when I someday buy my <a href="http://www.piteba.com/eng/index_eng.htm">hand crank oil press</a> and make all my own oils I will be able to burn them for light too... but that is more of a "when I have my own land and am homesteading on it" plan than a "living in a tiny house" plan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also feel myself very drawn toward the <a href="http://www.victorie-inc.us/oliveoillamps2.html">historical replicas</a>. They are so pretty. Unfortunately they cost moneys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyways, I feel very strange because the painkillers are fogging my brain. I have nothing else to say, but if you click on no other link in this post, click on <a href="http://www.judyofthewoods.net/lamp.html">this one</a>. It's the one for the instructions on making the lamp. It's awesome. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love you all, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Zay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">EDIT:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">bwahahahahaha! I forgot to mention <a href="http://weblife.org/humanure/chapter8_2.html">toilets</a> and <a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/heaters/tinyhouseheat/">heaters</a>.Those are useful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The end for real this time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Z</div>Zaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-11525646914847479492011-04-20T10:18:00.000-07:002011-04-21T20:11:13.466-07:00My Father and a Gypsy VardoA few weeks ago, I wrote my father an email asking him about the feasability of building a Vardo or Gypsy Wagon. My father is skilled in woodworking and construction, unlike my partner and I. He told me it would be fun, but not something that would be quick or cheap, and I gave up on the idea. <br />
Yesterday, however, I was chatting with my mother on the phone and she told me that my father was seriously thinking about building a little Vardo... a cheap, simple, light one. Light enough to be towed by a normal car, and furnished with all the decorations that make a Vardo so desirable. <br />
Thinking about that makes me feel full of squee.<br />
I'll have to talk to him personally, but if he does decide to make one I will apply serious pressure to get him to be a co-author on this blog and keep it updated with his progress. If I can't get him to do that, I'll get my mother to take pictures occasionally, send them to me, and I'll write the dang updates myself.<br />
In short: If there is Vardo, there will be Vardo Updates.<br />
My mother wasn't sure what would be done with the Vardo, if they would keep it as a camper or guest room, or if they would sell it. If they were to sell it, I would scrape together every last penny I have to try to buy it. I would use all my food money until my diet was just rice and beans to be able to buy it. I told my mother if I had any money I would PAY him to build one for me. <br />
While he wants to build one, and is more than capable of building a beautiful one, I'm not sure if my father will be able to build a Vardo. The company he works for is closing, leaving him unemployed... and my mother works for the elementary school and will not have work at the same time. They have all their savings budgeted out so they can continue to pay for house/car/food/children while they are out of work. There is nothing to spare for fun projects. Everyone wants the Vardo to happen, but I'm just not sure it can.<br />
Anyway, I guess I'll close this blog entry with the email I sent my father that got all this started.<br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hi Papi, <br />
I have been thinking a lot recently about acquiring some sort of movable home, the theory being that it would be easier to find some place to park than to find some house to rent. Since you have the most carpentry experience of anyone I know, I was wondering if you could share your thoughts on a few of my ideas. How difficult would they be to build? How much would they cost? How long might it take? <br />
My current favorite idea is the Gypsy Wagon, and this is my favorite example. <br />
<a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house-concept/wandering-book-artists-gypsy-wagon/" target="_blank">http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-<wbr></wbr>house-concept/wandering-book-<wbr></wbr>artists-gypsy-wagon/</a><br />
Here are some pictures of the construction process. <br />
<a href="http://www.baymoon.com/%7Eukulelebooks/Gypsywagon_construction.htm" target="_blank">http://www.baymoon.com/~<wbr></wbr>ukulelebooks/Gypsywagon_<wbr></wbr>construction.htm</a><br />
If I were building a Gypsy Wagon, I wouldn't expect it to be as fancy as that one.<br />
While quite a few people on the internet seem to build gypsy caravans, they don't tend to feel the need to share the plans. The best I can do with plans for a gypsy wagon, after hours of searching online, is this one<br />
<a href="http://www.amvardo.com/caravan/" target="_blank">http://www.amvardo.com/<wbr></wbr>caravan/</a></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
But it isn't pretty, and doesn't seem to be very livable. On the plus side, they say it can be built for $1000. On the other hand, If I want to feel like I'm living in a tent, I might as well buy a wall tent. (which is another thing I have considered). <br />
Of course, the all-around luxury model for tiny movable houses are the tumbleweed houses. My favorite is the Fencl<br />
<a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses/fencl/" target="_blank">http://www.tumbleweedhouses.<wbr></wbr>com/houses/fencl/</a><br />
It would probably be a lot harder and more expensive to build, and also probably not as light, which would mean it would be harder to tow, which is a serious consideration since I don't want to own a huge truck. <br />
Anyway, I look forward to hearing your thoughts, <br />
Love, </span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Z</span></span><br />
<br />
And his Reply<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I got your email a few days ago, and I've been thinking about it since. I very much like the Gypsy wagon, I've wanted to make one of those myself. Also there is what's here called the "sheep camp" I like it because of the wood burning stove they usually have, and because of the rounded sides that give more room. I think they are more widely known as sheep camp wagons. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The first Gypsy wagon on your email looked very heavy. I can see why they needed a double axle. I think I would use an eight foot bed of a pickup, made into a wagon to start with. then I would line the box with 3/4 inch plywood, and have it stick out the back another two feet to make it ten foot long. The sides could be framed over the edge a foot or two also, because you can go up to eight foot wide before a vehicle is considered oversized. I think the straight sides of the Gypsy wagon would be easier and less expensive than the rounded sides, though the rounded ribs could be made by clamping two 1X2's together with wood glue around several small chunks of wood which are screwed to a wood floor in a circular pattern. The rounded frame could then be covered with cotton canvas, and "sized" with a mixture of water and white glue like they used to do with theater flats to tighten them up. and then painted with an exterior paint. I would use 2X2's for the framing instead of 2X4's, or even 1X4's for the door frame. The whole thing, whether with rounded or straight sides could be covered with either translucient or metal roofing panels, though if I did the straight sided Gypsy wagon, I think I would use 1/4 inch plywood, probably Luan, it's about the cheapest, and is good quality, and looks something like mahogany when varnished.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It would be a fun project, though not a fast nor simple one. still a good sheep camp will last a life time.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On Wednesday I was at my work when some of the workers were cleaning out a storage shed in preparation for the big shut down next month. I mentioned that if they had any canvas tarps that they were getting rid of, I would like them for making sweat lodges. They said there were some, and to take them right now because otherwise they were going to the dump. We loaded two huge wall tent canvases into my little truck, which was about all it could hold, in fact I had to tie then down to keep it all in. It took four of us to lift each canvas in, and it was all we could do to lift them into the back of my truck. One of the tents they told me was in good shape. Having helped set one of these monsters up this fall, I would guess it to be at least 15X20 feet, and probably at least 12 foot at the peek. I don't have the poles that go with it. If you wanted the good one you would be more than welcome to it. I'm not sure how we could get it to you. I'd love to drive out and deliver it and visit with you, but I know that the gas would be a lot of money. I don't know what it would cost by UPS. It doesn't come with a wood stove, but it does have the chimney hole with the liner. Perhaps you could even use parts of the canvas and the chimney hole for a Gypsy wagon.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I think you could make the Gypsy wagon for around a thousand dollars, depending on how much the truck bed costs you. That's a lot of money, but on the other hand, if you pay $500 or so a month in rent, you could make up for it pretty fast. If you wanted the monster tent, and it cost you $400 to get out there and another two hundred to get the poles etc, you might be ahead that way too. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have fun with your plans and let me know what you decide. I'm glad to help in any way I can</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Les amo,</span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Papi</span><br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We decided against me taking the monster wall tent because it would be way too big for one or two people to put up, and we might need a crane to get it up on top of our car. It just wasn't practical. I'm thinking the canvas might be useful in building a Vardo... even if it wasn't used for the outside, it might be able to be used as the interior walls, covering the insulation (because insulation is imporntant). It would probably be a lot lighter than having wood or plywood or sheetrock interior walls. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway. These are my thoughts for the day. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Zay</span></span></span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">P.S. If you want to see some of my father's woodworking expertise in action, check out his blog. He never updates it. </span></span></span></div><a href="http://justputmeinapinebox.blogspot.com/">http://justputmeinapinebox.blogspot.com/</a><br />
-ZZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-48059632036235031732011-04-19T12:22:00.000-07:002011-04-19T12:26:06.734-07:00Why do I want a tiny house?Right now, my housing situation is precarious, to say the least. This has been the case since my partner and I left college 5 years ago. We have traveled back and forth across the country, looking for work and places to live. In the current economy, finding work isn't easy... and when you're out of work, housing quickly becomes unaffordable.<br />
More than once we have been forced to move back in with parents, which is hard on two people who are more than ready to be an independent family. <br />
In my search for solutions, I ran across the tiny house movement. <br />
It struck me as the perfect answer.<br />
Tow around a Tumbleweed-style house or a Gypsy Vardo, or build a yurt, and have a house you can take with you wherever you go. Surely it must be easier (and cheaper) to find a place to camp than it is to find someone willing to rent a cabin or guest house (heck, right now we're in a basement room) for an affordable price, right?<br />
The huge, glaring, problem with this plan is that of initial expense. Right now we (just barely) have enough to sustain us until the end of the semester, when my partner has secured a good-paying summer job. We don't have the capital to even replace the ticking-time-bomb junker car we're driving, much less buy a tiny house and a vehicle capable of towing it. <br />
I see blogs about people building their tiny houses for free from scavenged materials, but the two of us don't have the skills necessary to do this. My brain goes into panic mode and shuts down when confronted with numbers, and am lucky not to injure myself if handed a hammer, not to mention the fact that I am very very small and non-athletic. The partner is a bit better, physically capable of feats of strength far beyond me, he once took a basic woodworking class and spent three months making a simple bookshelf, but he is busy taking 18 class credits this semester. He has no time to spare.<br />
And so I stay awake at night, worrying about housing, and money, and the partner's school, and the junker car, and if I'm somehow overlooking an obvious solution.<br />
And I can't help think that it would all be better if we had ourselves a tiny house.<br />
We would find someone, maybe on a farm, willing to let us camp on their land for minimal rent. With the money saved on rent, we would be able to buy ourselves a car that wasn't a death trap, with this car we would get better gas mileage and be able to save more money. With our minimal living expenses, and our savings, we wouldn't have to worry if we were temporarily out of work. We would be able to take our house with us if we found a job in another state, and I would never again have to be terrified that I was going to end up homeless, living under a bridge somewhere. <br />
Seriously. Tiny House = Everything is better. <br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093820325514982303.post-76684174811088189312011-04-15T13:18:00.000-07:002011-04-15T13:18:58.286-07:00A community of Tiny HousesPeople dream.<br />
Some people say that only humans dream, but when my dog runs and yips in his sleep I tend to disagree with them. <br />
Some people dream of wealth and fame, a mcmansion and ten cars, but I don't. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I dream of being a hermit, just me an my partner, a few animals, tucked away hidden in the woods.<br />
Sometimes I dream of living in a community, sharing everything, and never being alone.<br />
I always dream of living in a little house.<br />
Once for nine months we lived in a 500 square foot house, and closed up one of the rooms because we had no use for it, and it wasn't worth heating with the wood stove. Why would we ever need more space?<br />
I dream of living a sustainable life.<br />
I dream of growing my own food.<br />
I dream of living a life that hurts no one, not those living in the developing world, not my neighbors, not the children of the future, not the ecosystem, not animals shoved in battery cages. No one.<br />
...even though I know that is impossible.<br />
<br />
I have been thinking recently of a tiny house community, or a township founded to make a place for little houses, to serve as an example of what can be safely and beautifully done. I have a lot of questions about what it would look like.<br />
-Where would it be? My personal preference would be somewhere warm, where there is a long and beautiful growing season, and plenty of rain. It might be easiest to do it somewhere ideologically liberal. It would also be good if it was someplace where land is cheap. I don't know of a place that fits all these criteria.<br />
-What sort of organization would it have? Would it be a typical township, with elected representatives, rules, taxes, utilities? Would it be more of a commune-style approach? both have advantages and disadvantages.<br />
-How big would it be? do you tow ten tiny houses into a circle, set up a big garden around it, and call it a town? Do you plan for hundreds? thousands? Again, there are advantages and disadvantages to any option.<br />
-How sustainable <u>can</u> you make it? How sustainable <u>do</u> you make it? Do you outlaw all motor vehicles in town limits? Do you make composting toilets mandatory?<br />
<br />
All these questions, and many many more, I plan to muse over on this blog. <br />
and now, my imaginary readers, adeu.<br />
-ZayZaylindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03817147810214117674noreply@blogger.com0