Monthly Archives: February 2012

The Weather Is Still Giving Us Problems

We are working on the piers that hold up the porch.  These are columns that are cement block below ground and brick above ground with a concrete core.  We have had rain and snow all week.  This has not helped … Continue reading

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We Made Fire

It has been one of my son’s goals to build a fire with the flint style sparking rod.  We did have a wad of paper about the size of a softball, but us two city boys were successful!  Oh Happy Day! … Continue reading

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Three Sisters Garden – Results

The results from our three sisters garden last year was favorable.  The squash went nuts so we ate a ton of that.  There were almost no weeds as the squash leaves caused a dense shade at ground level.  The green … Continue reading

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I Want A Greenhouse

Michigan State University is starting to promote high-tunnel or hoop houses as a way to extend the growing season here in MI.  These are un-heated structures that are simple and easy to construct that is basically a series of semi-circles (or hoops) … Continue reading

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Funny Video Of Our Cat Missy

Now for something funny.  For some reason our cat Missy decided she had to fight to the death with an un-moving ankle weight.  I find it amazing how fast she strikes with her left paw, it is almost too fast … Continue reading

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Winter Has Arrived In Michigan!!!

So my plan was to build my chimney this weekend so I could use the wood stove to provide some heat to the house.  After 6 weeks of fighting mud because when the ground should have been frozen, the weekend … Continue reading

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One-Match Fire

My son is starting to get interested in bush craft/outdoor skills, mainly around building fire and shelter.  Of course what boy (aged 5-95) doesn’t love fire, especially a son of mine.  So far we have been starting fires at our property … Continue reading

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Getting The Chimney Figured Out

I finally had to talk to the manufacture to determine how to install a chimney.  I can install a ceiling plate against the bottom of first floor floor trusses.  This can support up to 50′ of chimney pipe, I will be installing … Continue reading

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Moving The Wood Stove To The Basement

The wood stove I bought weighs about 350 lbs and it is in the back of my pickup.  I have to go down a muddy hill to an opening in the basement that will be getting a sliding glass door. … Continue reading

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Our Windows & Doors Are In

Almost all of our doors and windows are installed.  We are holding off on the big front door so we still have a way to get materials in the house, not to mention we don’t want to risk breaking it. … Continue reading

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