Pallets and Rusty Bits!

You know what they say about the many uses of pallets well we are believers of this ingenious way of recycling.

Before the word recycling appeared within the realms of being popular I was already living the life of recycle, re-use and re-purposing, pretty much due to how I was raised. My folks were of the part of the "make do with what you have" generation and they passed this way of life onto their girls. Even though my sister and I both went through some years of wanting more we have always held onto this simple philosophy.

Ironically I have come full circle back to this way of life. Hence why I wanted to share with you today the construction of my newest project my garden fence.

We live in an area of deer and elk so any fence has to be higher then most as well as filled with enough composition of garden and décor that the wild life will not dare enter. Well I am a habitual clutter nut so I am hoping that this theory rains true.

I have been a wee bit of a rusty bits collector over the years so I finally have the perfect place where I can incorporate this love of rust freely.

These included images are  in the beginning stages of construction and once I am done I will drop by once again to share more.

In the meantime use those pallets and rusty bits.

PEACE OUT!!! Patty J.

Rusty Bits Mandatory!

This is the start of one fence section.



Helping Hands

The weekend has finally arrived where Kurt and myself opened up our Earthship Pavo Natura project to the public. Yesterday April 18th. was our first of a two day work shop where all helping hands came together with beyond unexpected enthusiasm.

The weather was perfect and the guests were amazing.

PEACE OUT Patty J.

The Earthship

Our long awaited journey towards our dreams of independence, self sustainability, if you will, appeared on our start up date April 1st. 2015. Land is ready for the keen eye of someone to step up and get the levelling started, then the tire pounding begins.
This tire work takes the patience of a monk really, romantic notion best described as a Zen-like experience.


It begins.

Our earthship start was visited by a young man from Belgium, who stayed with us for four short days but he helped us begin. Thank-you Yannis.
The start of continued work finds us surrounded by a brother and sister duo who live within ten minutes away from us. Luke and Bree your youth combined with your energy prompts us to continue one day at a time. You two are awesome. We look forward to many days of working together especially when the warmer months are upon us.

Todays date April 7th. and we have 35 tires pounded, not bad. Here's to continued earthship guests arriving to help us aim towards the completion of 765 more tires. Yup approximately over 700 more tire dancing experiences ahead.

PEACE OUT!!! Patty J.

P.S. Thanks to all drop in neighbours up in our Mountain Ridge Community. You rock!!!




More tires done.

Meh March...

Wow the end of March is arriving soon and even though the calendar say's that spring has arrived I am trying my best to see the positive during the rain filled dreary days that this new season has presented to us.

With that being said the month of March has become best described, for me, as Meh Month. March is that month where the re-birth promise takes a long time to appear. So for some an apathetic, I don't care frame of mind appears instead, does this sound familiar?

During the weeks before the first day of spring arrived we were blessed with some sunny days and wow does a sunny day make a difference. We felt inspired and energized while tackling some of our outdoor projects. Then the low clouds and rain arrived.

So until the warmth and sun appear again the outdoor work can wait.

Here are some indoor projects that have helped me pass the day.
  

Yeah thanks Pinterest for this chic heat pack idea.

Pinterest does it again. Welcome to the world of banners.

The bed room has become my indoor studio due its warm cozy atmosphere. Currently there is only room for my sewing kit, material and myself as I dive right into the obliviousness of the grey day.

Hand stitching anyone?

Project #1: A DIY wheat bag. Once you complete this fun simple sewing project you will wonder how your home ever did without one.

Project #2: Here's another DIY sewing project, homemade banners with little bells stitched on the bottom of each one, so cute right!

These two small projects I started today have me feeling like it's less of a "Meh March" day. Once my sewing machine is up and running again I can then zip through more DIY sewing. I like to sew especially when it involves lovely material, bright colors and hey why not mini bells.

Three cheers for the end of the month of March!

PEACE OUT Patty J!!!





Farm Adventures...part 2...

 forgotten but beautiful...



lovely...

pump house... 

More pictures of the Scott Farms Knee Hill Valley Alberta. These pictures are excellent examples of the many hidden beauties of farm life in Alberta.
I suppose this is my simple way of paying tribute to a place that will always hold fond and happy memories for me.
As I write here today, I can almost smell that unforgettable prairie smell of wild roses mixed with an aroma of wheat being harvested. There is nothing else like it in the world.These are wonderful memories I share with you  on this rainy Sunday morning that will be re-visited soon.
But until that time all I have to do is look at this pictures so beautifully captured by my cousin Clive and feel like I am already there.

The old pump house is well depicted in this image I shared, till this day I am still in love with the barn red paint seen on so many Alberta homesteads.

The picture below of a cattail marsh has a very magical feel. So much so it has me sitting there right at this very moment. A red winged black bird just flew by and I watch in wonderment as he goes about his day flying within the secrets of this marsh.

marsh beauty... 

Good shot Clive...

I am in awe of these old wheels. I would love to have one of these in my garden here in the hills off Mountain Ridge Road possibly filled with succulents.


This has been a pleasant reminiscent time spent here today/
I hope you have a wonderful Sunday wherever you are.


Bye for now!!!  Patty J.






Almost time...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Earthship-Pavo-Natura/452801488159104... Its almost time to forge ahead into the exciting adventures ahead.  Check out the link I shared (at this stories start) and you will be witness to it all.
Excavation happens at the end of this month, once we begin there is no turning back. My life has lead me to where I am at this very moment. There are no accidents in life tis all about being exactly where the universe takes us. I am ready...Yup I am. So here we go.

PEACE OUT!!! Patty J.

Enter into our world of tires..
 

Farm Adventures.

Scott Family Farm Knee Hill Valley Alberta



Barn still standing. Isn't she a beauty.

Hello! Here I am once again sharing first of all some images of a time during my life which was filled with some of my fondest childhood memories and adventures.

When I was inspired to write some about these blissful childhood moments I remember contacting my one cousin Clive to ask permission to share his photos so I could connect them with this story.

Thanks Clive your photos are so beautiful!



I believe this was part of the original barn structures on the farm. Just look at the red and grey weathered wood that of which is so appreciated by some today.


One of the many acres of land owned by The Scott Family...ask me how much I miss these open fields and blue skies.

Photographs have a special way of having our minds journey back to specific memories, and man oh man the memories come flooding back to a much simpler time in my life whenever these photos are viewed. A happy time where Kathryn (my twin) and I felt some family roots for the first time ever. This was the area where my Mom was born and raised during the Great Depression. I presently recall a story my Mom used to share from her childhood of how herself and her family ate during some of their hard times. "When we served our meals we were raised to be grateful for what we had to eat. We often had bacon and eggs for breakfast, eggs and bacon for lunch and bacon and eggs for supper." They were considered to be more fortunate then some families during this time. Stories like this one our Mom shared with us usually when Kathryn or I would complain about any food that crossed our table. Thanks Mom, your personal sense of humor was always appreciated especially now that you have passed away!

Old Farm Truck

memory overload

grain truck

The old farm trucks pictured here were brand new at one time and I do believe the GMC was the first set of wheels I ever drove.

This story goes something like this.

I think it had to have been our cousin Pamela who invited Kathryn and I along for a ride in this truck. Each of us had their turn behind the wheel. How especially exciting it was to have this first time adventure of driving, where were the adults, no where to be seen as this was a private adventure we shared for many years.. Pamela being the oldest had experience driving but never a 5 speed, so when it was her turn to drive she flipped the old GMC into gear, after leaving I'm sure parts of the transmission on the ground, floored it and there we were flying across the farm yard in reverse. Kathryn, Pamela and I were laughing so hard, so much so Pam peed her pants. Yup she did, sorry Pamela I just had to share this part. After the truck was parked we made a bee line to the barn to somehow dry Pam's pants so her Mom especially would not find out, besides the fact that the teasing from all cousins would have been brutal.

There are more stories I would like to share but this entry ended up being delayed due to some unscheduled green house work and I want to post this sometime today.
Here's to the awesome memories that are yet so clear in my mind as some of the best times ever.

The End of story #1

Farm livin is the place to be!

PEACE OUT!!! Patty J.