Give me a Home Where the Deer and the Antelope play

Dark skies

Earthship Post #13

February 16, 2017

 

We’ve had such great weather these past few weeks, I’ve gotten spoiled. Dave mis-judged the weather, thinking we could dodge another hard freeze. So, last time he filled up the water, he got double the amount we’ve been getting. We couldn’t use it all at once, so it sat on the trailer in the tank. Luckily, even though it froze overnight, it’s been warm enough to thaw out during the day. We don’t want to do that too many times, or it could damage our tank. Things you learn as you go.

Since the weather has been so warm, Dave and our son have started pounding tires again. This is a very slow process and I have to admit I was very discouraged about the lack of progress we’ve had so far.

Workers

The grandkids are here this week and are playing outside every minute they can. They’ve found a much more fun use for the tires, climbing and playing. Dave and I went to town and when we got home, both of the kids were sliding down the dirt berms while their daddy pounded tires. It makes my heart smile to see kids running like crazy, covered in dirt with their hair flying and dust covering their clothes.

As we pulled onto our “road” home, three does passed in front of us and quickly moved to higher ground. Later this afternoon, while the kids were playing outside, three more moved right across the ravine. So exciting for them. I think it was the first time they’d seen them. Our five year old granddaughter loudly proclaimed, “Deer are my favorite.” At least for this week.

Psalm 42:1

As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for you, O God.

earthship13

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4 Responses to Give me a Home Where the Deer and the Antelope play

  1. Dwayne Reeder says:

    I’m glad you explained pounding tires to me. It’s such a strange concept, but now that I understand the process a little better it’s a wonderful way to insulate walls.

    “Where the deer and the antelope play” and the children all say, “Deer are my favorite” today. 🦌

  2. If you’re looking for free help to pound tires, I recommend contacting any schools close by that teach building, engineering or architecture. These places often have environmental aspects to their programs and are looking for build experience. I know another earthshipper up here who hasn’t even started yet, but has had requests from a local college asking if they could send 12 to 15 students over for a week or so. Free labour is awesome.

    If you want a rough benchmark, when I was in Taos and did the Earthship academy, 40 students pounded all of the tires for a 2 bedroom global in the equivalent of 2.5 days.

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