2Coyotes

Anyone still listening

2020-11-25T07:39:00.000-05:00

Just checking in...

Coolest New Equipment Announcement you need to know about

2012-11-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

This is something big, in a small package! I just heard about this from my wife who saw it on a news program yesterday. The newest old technology married to new technology to create a super efficient camp stove that serves hot water in just over four minutes and can charge your cell phone or other USB devices. How cool is that! Look at the BioLite stove!

I have shamelessly lifted this image from their web site for you. This little beauty sells for $129 on the BioLite web site and they have a home model, not yet available for sale, that is being developed and distributed in third world nations where over 3 billion people are cooking on open fires and suffering from the effects of smoke as well as the inefficiencies of wasted fuel, etc.

The ordering process is very long because these things have proven so very popular, but I want one!

Finishing the remodeled bar room

2012-09-19T12:40:00.000-04:00

Laura and I have been remodeling a lot of different areas of our home and this has provided us with opportunities to divest ourselves of many things that have been squirreled away and forgotten in remote closets and storage areas. This down-sizing will continue as we work toward completing our latest remodel project: the BAR.

Yup, we've made a bar from the combined areas of a fourth bedroom/sun room. That area had been almost lost to storage of "stuff" and we have reclaimed it for a more entertaining use. The walls have been cleaned of wallpaper and repainted and the window trim has been repainted. The exterior door has been replaced, as has the flooring with new vinyl.

I still have to build the actual bar, but the plans have been settled and we are working towards an old west style with some modern flavor; including the use of ice and electric lights. I have been collecting posters and things that will add to the ambiance to enhance the atmosphere. It will definitely be a fun place and we hope to add a dart board and maybe a pinball machine, someday.

I found this really interesting article online this week about another person who is going lean and getting rid of stuff in his life. I encourage anyone to re-evaluate the hold some of your possessions have on you and look at getting rid of some your stuff. I find that the best part is getting rid of so much stuff that had been clogging the space. It's so open and light and usable now. This is going to be great!

Wow, lot's of NO activity

2012-09-16T20:43:00.001-04:00

I just realized that I've not posted for a long time. However, life has intervened and we have been dealing with a lot around here. We have managed to finish laying floor in the remodeled sun room, soon to be bar, in the community area of our home. This is the first time that we've managed to remodel an area for purely selfish and fun reasons. The area will include an actual bar with a dart board, bar stools, a lounge area, as well as neon sign and a sliding glass door to the outside deck. The deck may not survive because it's age is pretty advanced and the wood is pretty split and cracked. However, we think it may be possible to replace the poisonous treated wood with a better synthetic composite material that will age better, tolerating the sun and extreme conditions.

I also realized that there are more people following this blog than any of the others that I've started and feel an obligation to those of you that have recognized that maybe there may be value in reading some of the ramblings of a confused mind. Sorry to have left you for soooooo long without a post. I will try to be better prepared to encourage the minimalist in us all. Sadly, many of the bloggers that I had been reading have fallen by the way side and are no longer posting their contributing opinions of which I found so much impetus for motivation.

No matter. I forge ahead, solitary figure on the landscape of minimalism, fixed on the goal of divesting my life of the many "treasures" acquired during another period confusion and aspiration. Most recently, I have been trying to convert a saddle and a outside/weather proof sound system that I've found no real purpose in holding on to, so I am hoping to offer on the alter of minimalist divestiture.
Wish me luck. Hey, thanks for stopping by and checking in to keep me on task. Hope to see you again.

Opps, too long

2012-05-26T11:54:00.001-04:00

Been way too long since my last post but we have been struggling with some health care issues here at home, including a broken tooth I suffered last Friday night at 10:00 pm, while eating popcorn. I have scheduled periodontal surgery June 1st to correct a problem. THAT'll be fun.

When I told my daughter that I'll have to quit eating popcorn, she compared my popcorn addiction to a crack head needing a fix, and joked that I'll have trouble keeping my pledge. Oh well, I hate the dentist more than I love my popcorn. Actually, I like my dentist, because Dr. Joe is great. But, I hate what he has to do for me when I have problems. So, Dr. Alfred will do the prep work for a new crown that Dr. Joe will finish. I am pleased to have such a great team to fix me.

Sorry to have been absent from here for so long, but life happens.

Plans for the changes around here have not progressed very much. We are still planning to remove the back deck in preparation of working towards the tiny house. And, we'll be replacing all of the fencing around our fields this fall as well as an automatic waterer. Lot's to do...

Family Blog?

2012-02-29T06:57:00.000-05:00

I'm still waiting for the last panel to the shower enclosure that I broke last week and it should arrive any minute/day. I double checked all the caulk lines and everything else is ready for installation of the final panel. Hey, it's not like I'm standing at the front door, wrapped in a towel, waiting for the UPS man!

My sister texted me yesterday with a great idea. She was thinking about starting a family blog that would enable each of us to post news about our lives, post stories from our youth-growing up together, and maybe share recipes and other fun stuff. I'm pretty psyched about this because this would be a perfect use of blogging, in my opinion. It is unclear if she would make this a public blog or "by invitation-private" blog. This will be fun.

Tempered explosion

2012-02-20T19:58:00.000-05:00

On Saturday last, as I put the last screw into the frame of the shower stall, I twisted the screw hoping to drive it flush to the metal frame. Instead, I succeeded in driving the last screw into the corner of the tempered glass panel behind the metal frame and that was when the glass panel exploded into a million bits.

In that last frozen minute, while the sparkly diamonds of glass were still suspended in the air, all I could think about was, "I didn't just do that!?" Glass in my hair, glass in my shoes, and all over the floor-shower-hallway...what a mess. After sweeping up the mess and vacuuming everything to be sure I had every piece of glass, I found the phone number for customer service.

I called them today and was informed that the replacement panel will be shipped from mid-Ohio in seven to ten days. So we wait,...I had already pressure tested the plumbing and everything is set. As soon as the panel arrives, the bathroom will be complete. Boy, do I feel like a big fat dope. Just one little turn of a screw and everything changed...

Last pieces of the puzzle

2012-02-07T15:29:00.000-05:00

I have procured the remaining hardware and fasteners for completing the installation of the new shower as the remaining parts of our remodeled bathroom. These little shopping trips can add up fast, even with a list of materials, for just a few screws, etc. It was educational to visit Lowe's to actually see the shower enclosure assembled, since it's been almost three months since we selected and ordered the fixture. Seeing the final product makes it easier to complete the installation when you know what the final product is supposed to look like. I should be able to have the base installed this evening and set the shower walls tomorrow evening. That leaves the shower doors to hang. That will take the remainder of this week because it's a little touchy to get them straight and true.

made a bathroom

2012-02-06T09:28:00.000-05:00

I have almost completed the remodeling job on the second bathroom in our current home. This project has been the toughest yet, considering that we have installed all new windows, laminate flooring, and completed the remodeling of the master-bathroom. The second bathroom included moving the toilet and adding a shower-only, instead of a bath shower combination, to the room. I have to stud in a short wall for the new shower and completely change all the plumbing. It has been a fantastic education in construction and is preparing me for building our Tiny House, planned for this summer. I still have another project to complete because we want to convert our existing sun room into a bar. That should be easy compared to the bathroom redo's. The big part of the bar should be replacing the carpeting with vinyl flooring and then building the bar itself.

Lost my bid for the 518

2012-01-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I've lost my auction bid for a Sony Ericsson W518A on eBay so I'll be sticking with my W580i for a while. That's ok with me. After 48 hours of use, I still have 4/5s of the battery power available. Although texting is a little tough with the tiny multi-key keyboard, I did find myself able to respond to three different text messages. And, the volume of my calls is far superior to my smart phone. I am encouraged, after one day without my smart phone, in rebellion to the monster AT&T sur-charges for tethering, I'm holding onto my decision. NO SMARTPHONE FOR ME!

Disgusted with AT&T and smart phones

2012-01-28T16:07:00.001-05:00

Two years ago I bought a smart phone with plans of using the advanced technology to enable me to log onto the Internet using my Chromebook or laptop from anywhere that I wanted because I could employ tethering while creating a mobile WiFi hot spot. Well, I have used this feature for almost two years with great satisfaction. On one occasion I managed to save the day, while at work, because AT&T lost a DSL transmitter in our area that severed service to portions of a five state area. However, I could still provide a wireless connection point to many of my co-workers and we were able to complete our business transactions when many of the other businesses in our town were off line waiting for AT&T to repair the problem.

I have become very unhappy with AT&T while using my smart phone. I have received an email from AT&T stating that they can tell that my data rates are in the top 5% of their client usage. Therefore, as stated in my contract, they are requiring that I subscribe to a DataPro tethering plan for $50/month, or cease use of the tethering feature of my phone/computer.

This type of strong arm business tactics infuriates me and I've checked around for the rates of competitive wireless service providers. My research shows that the rates are the same or nearly the same and don't warrant a switch of service. Therefore, I have terminated my "unlimited" data plan with AT&T and turned my smart phone off. I have activated my phone number on a handset that is two generations old version of wireless telephones that we have saved as backup equipment. My old reliable Sony Ericsson W580i phone includes an FM radio receiver that will replace my IheartRadio app from my smart phone and I will be reduced to carrying a regular book if I want to read anything. My W580i phone still holds all of my music, transferred from iTunes, and I can listen to my personal music collection from my phone.

I plan to upgrade my old Sony Ericsson from the W580i candy bar configuration to the W518i flip phone because I like the clam shell design of a flip phone better. It's pretty tough to find a flip phone these days. I guess it's because the equipment manufacturers have decided to reduce this configuration in their product lines. Funny thing is that both of the phones that are my "favorite" or first choice have already been discontinued. Seems that there is some harmony to the fact that I've decided to quit using a smart phone, to be replaced by a discontinued phone. Makes me smile. No more data charges for me...thanks AT&T. Anyone care to join me?

Poor excuses or none at all...

2011-09-26T14:11:00.001-04:00

Wow, who's been conspicuously absent for a very long time? A couple of coyotes, maybe? Ya think?! Just realized how very long it's been since I've posted on this site. I suspect if anyone had ever begun following this blog that I've probably lost everyone. Serves me right for allow things to dry up like I've allowed.

I have not been active in the Tiny House research as I'd planned because so many things have changed in my plans for construction. The Lumber Log idea has consumed my mind for actual construction method and as a result, I've quit collecting building materials. The building method hasn't change and I still intend to use the post and pier method discussed on here previously, but I've run into a complete loss for sources of reusable lumber. Therefore, I've decided to capitalize on the lumber that I'll be removing from my own worn decking as well as supplementing those supplies with new pine for the interior of the walls.

Well, that's about all for now. Please accept my apologies for the break down in posting/communications on this blog. I throw myself on the mercy and grace of those of you who may still be watching. I have no excuse except boredom or laziness. Neither of which is of any value, except to assuage my guilt.

Until next time,...Let me know you're here by your comments.

Major changes in the air

2011-02-23T10:03:00.000-05:00

Yup, spring is comin' and I'm excited. The grip of winter has been broken and the green grass is just around the corner despite the 23' morning we enjoyed today. The frost was heavy on the windows of the truck as I came out with the dogs to start the motor to defrost that icy mess. I know that it's still February and I know that we have another month of cold temperatures that will be infringing on our summer hobbies but I'm tired of winter so I am officially declaring that it's almost over.

But the real reason I was posting today is that I've decided to make a major change in the construction method that I was planning. I want to build my Tiny House from the used treated lumber that will be coming out of the deck on the back of our house. Turns out this wood is pre-1986 materials that your not supposed to burn it. It has been alleged that burning one piece of this old treated lumber can put enough arsenic in the air to kill about six people. I checked on the disposal methods that are recommended for this material and the local land fill doesn't have a clue that it's supposed to be handled differently. Therefore, I have decided, with Laura's blessing 'cause I don't just do stuff without asking for permission (yes, I have been married that long), to use the 2 X 8's in construction of a Tiny House from "Lumber Logs." This is a method of construction that I discovered in October of last year. Kent Griswold, author of the TinyHouseBlog, originally posted an article about Keith Stonebreaker and his method of creating a log from standard dimension lumber. Since we will have so many 2 X 8's and no good way to dispose of them, I simply recycle them into the Tiny House!

Of course I will have to place a untreated plank on the inside of the Tiny House to prevent the possibility of contact contamination, but that will still yield a clean tight attractive structure with a much higher thermal mass than what was originally planned using recycled pallets. And besides, I was having a lot of trouble getting enough pallets to complete the project. (I probably wouldn't have be have been able to start construction until sometime in 2013 at the current rate.) So, we're changing our direction to reduce, reuse, and recycle the materials that would have been sent to the landfill.

Tiny House Heater

2011-02-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

I received a email packed with information relating to Tiny Houses from Tumbleweed Tiny House today. Included in the product information provided was stuff about a Tiny House Heater that looks pretty neat. The size and capabilities look pretty good but the fuel source is the thing that caught my attention. This is a propane heater for a small space.

So, here's my thinking: if'n you've done a good job building a tight house with good insulation, this heater could be a good source of heat for those nights when things get a bit chilly. I was hoping to stay "off-grid" in terms of utilities and this little gem will go far to achieve that goal but allowing anyone to heat a small space like a Tiny House like the Hide-a-way Tiny House that I envision.

Thought you'd like to know. Thanks to Jay and the guys at Tumbleweed for the heads up on this one.

Long time since my last post

2011-02-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

I confess that it has been a long time since my last post. If you have been reading here, you don't need me to tell you that I have been lazy, but if you're new, then this place looks stale. Sorry, but there just has not been any real progress made during the last month of harsh winter weather.

The reason I'm posting now is that I noticed that my pallet supplier has presented a load of pallets that include some of the monster pallets I have been collecting for building materials. I need to run over there before the neighbors get there and take all the good stuff.

New Google Chrome Cr-48 netbook

2011-02-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

Today I received my new net book from Google: Cr-48. I have started a new blog to document my testing of this new net book machine that features the Google Chrome operating system at the heart of this machine. You can read my new blog at Google Chrome Cr-48. Tune in for the amazing new net book experience and review!

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

2011-01-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

I am an HUGE fan of this saying and have been working hard to keep it active in my life. I have also been working to reduce my stuff as well as my carbon footprint and anything else in my life that I can effectively reduce. So, when I read a post from my bloggy friend, Rachel, over at her Minimalist Mom blog about closing here Facebook account, I had to stop and reflect on that idea.
Actually, I have terminated my Facebook account at least three times in the past that I can remember. I have managed to stay away for almost three months this last time. I was sick of the expense in time required to just "keep up" with everyone and the drama that seems inherent to the social network scheme. Some people just have no perception of boundaries or sense of propriety for what should be shared with the general public. Sometimes, people just don't need to know everything about your life because, well, mostly, they just don't care to know, even if they don't have the courage to tell you they don't.

Anyway, I have been dragged, kicking and screaming, back to Facebook because it has proven an effective method for staying in touch with our children, now that we are officially "empty-nester's." However, I have been forces to review my use of computer and the time required and I have included this blog in that review.
What I have been considering is that lack of feed back from almost all readers, if you're actually out there, and if the time I spend writing this inane dribble is worth my time at all? I am considering terminating this blog because of the drain on my time.

I started out posting here because I intended to document the building of our Tiny House. Well, it takes lots of materials to create a Tiny House and I don't see construction starting for the next few months at the earliest so I am forced to consider that I could wait to post when I have something specifically related to that construction project and stop spending so much time on topics that could be considered irrelevant and silly.

I don't normally post on the weekends so I will be watching to see if any of you comment about my pending decision.

Hey, thanks for stopping by. Let's get out there and make it a great day!

Ride a Bike to Work Week

2011-01-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

Bike Month for 2011 is in May and the Official Ride a Bike to Work day is Friday, May 20th, 2011. Unfortunately, this is extremely unpractical for most employees who commute what I would consider an extreme distance that is unrealistic for riding a bike, to work. An unofficial ratio of office staff to production staff is about 3/7. That means that 30% of your employees, the ones that actually greet and meet the customer, would be a little on the rank or smelly side after riding an average of 18 miles to work, one way.

So, why am I telling you this? Well, it's simple, I dropped my bike off at the bike shop for a health inspection and installation of some new handlebars and it's ready to pick up today. I'm pretty excited because I love to ride but my handlebars were pitching me over the front of the bike and placing so much weight on my hands and wrists that I was suffering neck pain as well as hand and wrist stress after about 15 minutes of riding. Turns out that I could replace the neck of the bike with a taller neck that would raise my riding position a few inches. Then I decided to add some new handlebars that lifted another two inches so I could achieve a much more upright riding position. All this fine work was completed by Danville Bike and Footwear for a modest investment. I decided that it was time for a new riding helmet, since my old helmet had met it's demise a few years ago, and they provided that as well. I know, I probably paid more to have the work done instead of doing it myself, but I look at it this way. I have been completing all my own maintenance for the last five years and it was time to have someone else check my work. I like to send my cars and trucks as well as my bicycles and animals to another health care provider periodically to just to be sure I haven't missed anything. This is kind of a "check the checker" deal that helps maintain all my stuff. It works pretty good, especially since I am not afraid to work on my stuff, even if I don't know what I'm doing, and I want the experts to tell me if'n I screwed something up. As in this case, I needed to modify the setup but didn't know exactly what needed to be changed.

I probably won't be riding to work anytime soon since I am someone that perspires a lot when I exercise. Some people glisten, I sweat like a pig. Therefore, even if I wanted to ride to work, my co-workers would probably bar the door to prevent me from getting too close once I arrived.

Thanks for stopping by. Let's get out there and make it a great day!

The storm is late...

2011-01-11T16:29:00.000-05:00

True to form, the weather forecast has been less that accurate. I've always wondered if there were another profession wherein you can be wrong 70% of the time and not only still get paid but are invited to come back tomorrow?

OK, enough bashing of meteorologists. I know that some jobs are harder than others and I don't pretend to know the weather. Well, actually, I do pretend to know the weather but the people to whom I am speaking don't see me when I stick my arm out the window just before I declare "rain."

We did get some snow earlier but most of our actual measurable accumulation is going to come tonight. See, there I go, making weather predictions again. I don't know about y'all but I am ready for spring and summer and getting out riding again. In addition to my motorcycle, for as long and I keep it, because I would be willing to sell it, I will also be riding my bicycle. I pretty psyched about reducing my carbon footprint as well as reducing the traffic jam in my garage. I have posted my motorcycle for sale online but this is THE absolutely worst time to sell a motorbike, so, it sits, and sits. Waiting for a potential buyer. But I can be patient when required as well as when I don't have any choice any way.

Call this sacrificial move in selling my motorcycle a grand gesture and a selfless act if you want too but truthfully, it's just another selfish move away from the stUFF THAT OWNS ME! So, there I said it and, and I proud of it. I need to reduce all my stuff as posted earlier but I'm not having any real luck unless I give things away so I've resorted to permanently sharing some of my things to begin the reduction.

I intend to continue this reduction to a more manageable level of ownership. I haven't actually set a number of items that I will claim as my own. Unlike some people that have actually targeted a specific number like 100 things, "that's all I need is..." 100 things. Well, I don't think I can do that but I am going to reduce, reused, and recycle to a more manageable level.

Hey, I gotta go sort some stuff. Thanks for stopping by. Let's get out there and, get rid of some stuff and, make it a great day!

Waiting for the storm

2011-01-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

I have been stuck in a rut waiting for the weather to break to continue stripping the wood pallets that I intend to use for building materials. However, we are currently waiting for the next wintery weather system to blow through here so I may be holding my breath in vain.

What I mean is that this weather pattern, like a normal 7 day cycle, may not get out of here for a few months. That won't work well with my plans for breaking ground in the spring so I guess I am gonna have to just get out in the cold and get things done anyway. Now, now, now; don't feel too bad for me. I know that there are those of you who would love to simply jump in the car and run over here to help out. Rest assured that I will take proper care to stay warm and take breaks as needed. I might not work through the snow storms though...

I am on the look out for more materials because my supplier has all but dried up on the bigger pallets that I had been collecting. There have been quite a few of the smaller (normal) sized pallets but I'm holding out for the biggin's. They will work better for wall studs and rafters. Of course there will be some places where the smaller pallet pieces will work, but those will be few and I do have quite a few stringers from the larger pallets that will suffice in those locations, so...I wait. But hey, it's all good.

Well, thanks for stopping by. Let's get out there and make it a great day!

Mini of Louisville

2011-01-08T16:09:00.000-05:00

I am compelled to make a rare Saturday post about a fantastic experience that I had at the Mini of Louisville dealership. Laura and I dropped "Alice", our Mini Cooper off for an annual service checkup and wandered into the showroom to check out the new stuff just because we were there. Within minutes a salesman swooped on us like you might expect.

What I didn't expect was the grace and expertise with which we were escorted around the showroom to see different cars with different options and all the fun car toys that were available. Mike Robinson is the BEST sales person I've have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Everything about Mike's demeanor is professional with an abundance of personal experience as well as courtesy mixed in just the proportions to create a wonderful experience. Mike is the type of salesman that everyone deserves when you shop for vehicle. Even Mike's title as Motoring Advisor sets him apart as a professional.

Can you tell we liked our shopping experience? I highly recommend a Mini Cooper to anyone interested in purchasing a new vehicle and can enthusiastically recommend Mike as the man from whom I will purchase my next car.

I quit television

2011-01-07T12:06:00.002-05:00

Not really. I don't have the guts to actually unplug like that, but I want too. I have been wrestling, or Wraslin' if'n your from our house, with the idea of prioritizing the things in my life to get a better grasp on what I spend my time doing. It has been one of those things that haunts my thoughts and pesters me until I just sit down and work it out; i.e. careful reflection. I have been procrastinating a personal review of my use of time because I have a sneaking suspicion that I don't really want confirmed. Read on...
Well, lately I see myself every evening following the same agenda:
1. feeding the livestock
2. finishing dinner
3. being very responsible and cleaning up the kitchen (we don't want those stinking insects back, do we?)
4. collapsing in front of the television to enjoy the latest movie from the "group" of movie friends with whom we share disks between.

Now, this is not so very bad, really, is it? Well, it is glaringly apparent to me that I have been spending waaaay too much time watching television and not getting productive things accomplished. But hey, I've cleaned the kitchen and the laundry is finished, so I've "earned" the right to relax, haven't I? Well, to be honest, I'm not really relaxing because these stinking projects that I've identified as something that I really wanted to do, so I began collecting the information, compiling the research, and stocking the materials, etc. to complete aforementioned project, that now the pieces, parts, and stuff have a life of their own that includes a nagging, SHUT UP IN THERE, voice of their own that pesters me to "get on with it already."

And then, as if on cue, one of my Bloggy friends, Rachel Jonat, over at the Minimalist Mom adds to the cacophony of motivational chorus of my nagging stock pile that what I'm doing is outlined in a book titled: The Art of War. Thanks a lot. I really needed another kick in the butt. Secretly, I know I really do need the motivational impetus, but just wasn't thinking that I'd get it in such I timely delivery. In any case, I know that I'm watching too much television and am reminded by my Dad, who has long since departed this earthly plain but remains a constant companion and mentor, that the "Boob Tube" will turn your brain to mush. So, Rachel, you're in excellent company and perfect harmony too.

All that being said, I wish I had the fortitude to quit television because I know that is it a tremendous time waster. However, it is one of those things that I really love to do. Maybe I should attempt to ration my TV time as suggested by Dr. Robert H. Lustig; USFC Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology in his You Tube video: Sugar: The Bitter Truth. In this video, related to high fructose corn syrup, among other things that are actually killing us, Dr. Lustig outlines a clinical recommendation for a lifestyle change that includes "buy your screen time minute-for-minute with physical activity. This sounds like an excellent compromise to me instead of actually quiting TV totally. It would seem that then I could accomplish more and still see reruns of NCIS or some of the movies that my film sharing buddies are offering. Hummm...

This still doesn't get at the core of the issue that Janet points out from The Art of War: fighting the resistance. Some psychologist may refer to this condition as "fear of success." What ever you call it, it's still procrastination and it's a debilitating thing. We all do it in some form or another, in some part of our lives. I believe it may even be referred to as a coping mechanism. But it still can't be a good thing. (Where are those tricky tax receipts. I'm gonna...)

I think that this whole experience is based on our ability to be honest with ourselves and accurately verbalize "the resistance." It may not actually be necessary to overcome the enemy, but in naming "the resistance" we expand our awareness of the problem and take the first step to improve the efficiencies with which we process different elements of our lives. (Ow, that hurt my head, too much thinking...)

Anyway, I do intend to try to control my screen time as part of my wasting time that prevents me from doing some of those projects that I really do want to accomplish. Oh, yah, I'm getting my bicycle fixed too, but that's another story entirely. Sorry for confusing the issue.

It's gonna be a great year! Thanks for stopping by. (I hope I didn't scare you too much.) Let's get out there and make it a great day!

Design phase re-designed

2011-01-06T08:46:00.000-05:00

I've been searching the Internet for interesting things relating to Tiny House design and I've not seen anything significant and new to include here. I know that the Internet is vast in scope and resource so the problem must be with me. However, Laura and I have begun talking about re-designing our design. What I mean to say is that since we are not restricted by the 120 square foot rule, the sky's the limit. Of course, we wouldn't want to just go crazy because then all we would be doing is trading one monstrosity for another. Remembering why we started this project...
helps to keep us focused on the objective of creating something cute, Tiny, and efficient in terms of resources as well as sustainability. I still want to keep things small and maintain hope to incorporate a passive solar system for heating/cooling because I still want to keep this project "off grid." I also am considering the best way to accommodate the sleeping arrangement without growing too large. I like the idea of a loft so we may retain that element of our design and simply include a stairway as well as a ladder for access. These are some of the questions that we are considering.

Well, I have an important meeting in Lexington so I have to get moving. Thanks for stopping by. Let's get out there and make it a great day!

Laundry Pod for use in a Tiny House

2011-01-04T11:02:00.002-05:00

Here's a new idea that you might like. The Laundry Pod. I found this on Facebook because the Tiny House Blog posted it on their Facebook page. It's a hand powered/man powered washing machine for washing tiny loads of laundry. It's pretty cool for light use.
I have to wonder how durable the unit would be in extended use like a Tiny House. I can guess that lot's of people don't want to be bothered by the manual requirement of actually washing their own clothes, but this sure would be easier than beating them on a rock. This unit is available for sale now, online only, for $99.95. The other question I have is this: Why wouldn't I just hand wash my laundry in the sink? I guess this may produce a cleaner garment with less mess and still not require any electricity as well as very little water. I'd like to try this out! You just gotta like the idea of saving resources. I wonder how many calories I'd burn spinning this unit? Maybe this could be part of my workout routine (combine two activities for more benefit)? Just an idea...

Hey, gotta go,...thanks for stopping by. Let's get out there and make it a great day!

Resolutions

2011-01-04T09:04:00.000-05:00

I'm not much into New Year's resolutions because, as most people will agree, most people fail miserably at keeping any resolution. The general idea is to change a habit or behavior but that is a real problem for most people including me. I'll admit to having as much trouble as most people keeping any resolution or goal. It is generally agreed that most resolutions have faded into a dim recollection by about March, IF they make it that long. Here are the top ten suggestions for how to stick to your resolution or you might check out Yahoo's suggestions for success.

I have resolved to undertake a better diet. By that, I mean to eat better foods. Much of my reasoning has been stated here already because I have chosen to support the Marksbury Farm Market and attempt to adhere to the Cave Man Diet, a.k.a. The Paleolithic Diet. The premise is to consume fewer chemicals and highly processed foods thereby purging your system of all of those extra toxins that are included in our food chain to achieve a cleaner healthier body. Of course I'm also looking to drop about 20 pounds in the process using an Android App on my phone that will allow and encourage accountability. You are welcome to join me in my quest for a leaner healthier lifestyle. The makers of Calorie Counter, Fat Secret produce the app that I'm using, encourage sharing of information to create a support group. That app is free, and that I love free stuff, and takes a little practice to get good at using it but it works pretty good and the data base of information is pretty impressive. Jump on the band wagon if'n you want to share and support each other.

How does this fit into the Tiny House Blog you ask? Well, I guess it doesn't fit very well, except that maybe you could classify it as a part of sustainability because if I can sustain this resolution and diet plan, I will manage to sustain a longer healthier life. And THAT has got to be a good thing. HA!

Hey, thanks for stopping by. Let's get out there and make it a great day!