Finally!! The foundation and sub-floor is done!!!!

Hi kids, I realize that I haven't been updating as often as I should but I've been a little busy in the woods. I've also made some more decisions about where this project is heading and finally have the time to stop and take a breath.

My idea about staying off-grid has been thwarted by my lack of funds for an adequate solar system. Also, I have found that drills and saws are much more easy to use when they have a uninterrupted power source (thanks Al!) and with as much work as I have to do, it makes more sense to give myself at least a bit of a leg up. I already bought a temporary power pole so Ill drag that down next week and get with the power kids about setting up a play date. So, the ever changing scope of the project has shifted yet again to simply being a small home that I built myself to avoid the mortgage game, but I assure you the long term goal is still self-reliance in terms of food and power, just cant get there all at once.

In other news, the floor is done. I repeat the foundation and sub floor (deck) are finished. For those of you who don't understand the amount of work involved in this, I can only assure you that it is well beyond what I expected.  I also realize that I don't have any pictures of me actually building anything so many of you might think I'm fibbing about doing all this myself, but I really am. My buddy Al has given me tons of guidance and help but for the most part what you see here in the ground was built by yours truly with strings and levels and squares.

Sleeping someplace level is really really nice...


I didn't get that many pictures this time, mostly because I was exhausted and needed to get north to start gathering my windows and a front door. Anyone who can help in that regard please feel free to get in touch. I should be heading down again this week to start framing walls and a roof. I still don't really know what I'm doing so the learning curve is taking a bit but I'm hopeful I can finish the exterior and roof in the next 8 weeks or so. Maybe I'm dreaming but it's a goal at least. I think one of my buddies grabbed me three nice new and HUGE windows this morning off the CL and is obviously my hero. I need only 6-7 more windows and that will be a done deal. Thanks Chris!!

I also wanted to thank those of you who have sent me cards and fan mail to my po box. (Rani, I love you too!!) You have no idea how much it means to have encouragement when I'm out there sweating and dodging the ticks, major love to you!!!

Next step is to get back down and start framing the walls and then the roof, after a few days rest and gathering more supplies.. More updates to follow!!


 Until then, stay safe and keep it Ozark!!