January2
Welcome 2008! – which began with a resounding fizzle. The sound of my melting lap top.
So… gone is so much work from 2007. At least I have a clean slate with the Novy Mlyn project plan again. Redoing my accounts for tax return was no fun. It really isn’t the sort of job you should have to do twice. Maybe next year I will have an accountant.
With the temperatures hovering around minus 5 degrees c (daytime), there have been all sorts of good reasons to knit rather than undertake any arduous DIY (like the paint doesn’t work at such levels of cold). Knitting by the fire has been more on the cards. I think that having spent 12 months living (as much as we can) at the house will give us a good perspective on our priorities for the reconstruction.
I am praying for inspiration, and motivation to get through the next year. It’s been a tough few months with many disappointments… but soon it will be spring.
December27
Scope of the project:
A cost effective reconstruction of a countryside house embedding sustainable principles to provide accommodation for business and leisure visitors.
Elements of the project:
- Roof based solar electricity generation
- Roof based solar hot water generation
- Rain water harvesting for use in toilets, washing machines & dish washers
- Wood burning winter time heating & cooking
- Reed bed system to clean grey water
- Ultra low flush liquid only toilets alongside dry toilets for solids
- Highest standards of insulation
Necessities:
- Replacement of the existing asbestos roof
- Rewiring
- Plumbing
Principles
- Refurbishment & reuse wherever possible in prefence to replacement
November12
There has been a sudden drop in temperature. I needed gloves which were quick to make, warm and practical. The solution was to knit a glove that is made in one piece with no sewing required; and for speed, knitted horizontally instead of vertically in a chunky wool.
Because of the cold, I don’t personally like fingerless gloves or mittens, which have to be removed every time you need to do anything with your hands. These are a good compromise. Read the rest of this entry »
