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Liz Konstantinov
Dacha
Not only is our "Dacha" (a Russian expression for a home in the country to get away to in addition to a garden to grow vegetables in the summer for use in the winter) a place to have fun, it is also a concept project for us. We are seriously trying to keep to our motto of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" in all that we do there. Very little electricity is used. We compost everything we can, including "humanure". For heat, we burn wood gathered from downed trees. We use low energy, eco-friendly flourescent light bulbs. Also, the farmed part of the 102 acres will, hopefully, be certified this coming year for organic crops. Check back once or twice a month for new progress notes!
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Dacha Progress 3 Storms blew through one evening, but they didn't stop us. We finished the slab for the workshop and began the foundation for the main cabin. We also put together a small pier for the raft on the pond which is teeming with life and stocked now with White Amur (a type of algae-eating carp) and Bluegill. The raft is made completely of reclaimed pieces of wood and the art house will be as well. Special thanks go out to the Huerters for donating many pieces which will go into the making of the art house.
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Dacha Progress 7 The larger cabin is virtually done! The rapidity of the work over the Labor Day weekend is thanks to many people, namely, Dave, Sarah, Kim, Rick, Amelia, Dec, Michelle, Maddie and Maya! Next weekend, we'll put the red roof and gutters on and then Marlin, our wonderful neighbor will do his "dirt work" to grade around the foundation. (You can see Marlin in the pictures this time. He's the one in the overalls!)
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Dacha Progress 8
The larger cabin is now done enough to live it! In addition, Andre picked up a wood-burning stove in Des Moines to get through the upcoming cool months. We may get another one to make the sauna. The small ones are enjoying the land, visiting Marlin's kittens, taking a ride on J.T. Next up, wiring the house and building water tanks.
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Dacha Progress 9 The latest pictures show Andre trenching to put in the electrical cable to the house, wiring the house inside, the addition of windows, a little warm spot for the kittens when they visit, our first crop of potatoes and garlic which was planted in mid-August, the new wood-burning stove and its chimney, the one finished loft, the bathroom, the library and the master bedroom. It's all coming along very nicely!
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Dacha Progress 4 The foundation is finished after three rows of concrete block and a skeleton of runner beams. Rural water was added this week in mid-July. Hallelujah!
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Dacha Progress 5 Electricity is about to be added to the compound. Andre fashioned the box and wired an outdoor plug for it. He also spent the weekend getting to know the dirt around the house and moving it to be level. The floor was finished and covered with plastic. Our neighbor, Marlin, will mow the encroaching weeds this week and we will all take a small break from "dacha-building" as children go back to school and off to college. Maybe I will even paint something!
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Dacha Progress 6 The rafters of the larger cabin are up and a few trees are planted. Here are a few nature shots, too!
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Dacha Progress 10 The main cabin has been stained, caulked, and trimmed. Marlin, our neighbor, is completing the dirt work around the compound so that the water drains where it should. Andre has chopped enough wood to keep us warm through the winter and Liz has built a wood bin to put it all in. We've come a long way! Now we can go there and enjoy it instead of only working on it! We're looking forward to a quiet family time over the Thanksgiving holiday.
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Dacha Progress 11 A few photos of the wonder of winter on the farm. You will also see Maya with an as yet unidentified fruit, the result of the beavers' work, and th venison chili made from the first successful hunting experience!
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The Art of Being Green is all about renewable energy and a green lifestyle. Visit this website for a feast for the eyes as well as some fun facts and easy tips on being green!
artofbeinggreen.ca