Hi All,

Hi All, for those who know or do not know, our home suffered a minor burn. Though the burn was minimal, the smoke damage was extensive. I started this blog to keep friends and family informed on work parties and supply lists; and updated on the progress of rebuilding our home.

You can reach me by Phone 918-704-1330, by e-mail jessicaberbaum72@gmail.com, message me on facebook or comment here. I have friends willing to go pick donations up for me, a drop off place, or feel free to drive it on out to the mesa.

In the first and second pictures of this slide show, you can see how it smoldered in between the bales where there was some loose straw. Straw bales are pretty hard to burn when they are compressed tightly because there just isn't any oxygen. Basically the stove was burned so hot it was scalded white and either the straw ignited or something else more flammable, like a mouse nest, caught fire.

The straw bale walls were covered with an earth plaster, so we are talking about a seriously hot fire. In the picture of the corner beam, you can see how very close I came to losing the whole house. That beam is attached to the bond beam and roof. Most of the bales were thrown outside so it was a bit worse than it looks but isolated to a small section.

Most of the damage was from the smoke. The house is not livable and I don't even know yet what will need to be replaced. The beds are toast and this entire room will need to be re plastered. Possibly the whole house will need new plaster and I do not yet know if the ceiling insulation in the rest of the house will need to be replaced as well.

Asking for help is not always easy, anything you can think of is greatly appreciated. I am the kinda gal that likes to re-use/recycle. So, anybody who has stuff collecting dust, feel free to donate. I am still in the process of supply list writing but more immediately, we need clean plastic containers with lids to store all of our clothes and belongings in after they are washed. We will definitely need lathe, chicken wire and concrete. We have already been given all the straw bales needed and a pallet of adobes for the interior wall.
So, here begins the Bale Raising!

Monday, August 5, 2013


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Starting where I left off.
 This is a picture of me, my niece, and daughter headed out to the benefit. Thanks to Taos Mesa Brewing and Monotone Productions! Monkey Feeders, Kevyn and Kan, Lenny's reign of terror, Colin Brooks, Christina and Shawnee! Aaron and Heath for Helping with the door! And ALL of you who showed up to support us! It went great and was a lot of fun!




So, all of the money from the benefit is going towards this room and for food and beer for everyone who comes and helps! This was one of the walls that was burned, I used a kiltz smoke primer, replaced and wired the bales and the first of many coats of mud plaster. As you can see in the next picture, there is a smoke line on the ceiling. I'm going to primer the ceiling with more smoke cover up. Unfortunately saying good bye to the clouds, for now.
 
 
 
 

The next two pictures are ferrous cement made to look like wood boards. Concrete has been Colin's passion, he is doing all of these planters. I sold an old school bus I had on my land and bought a pallet of concrete. We are having a bit of creative fun with concrete.
 The next two pictures are of the soon to be bathroom, a poured concrete floor with drain.



 
 Next is the whole process of pouring a concrete countertop. Forms, trinkets for inlays, troweling and then grinding and buffing to sealing. Finally a gorgeous shiny, fancy finished kitchen countertop!



















 Here is the center island. Built with scrap wood that has been nice and seasoned by the New Mexico sun! Colin and I poured the top piece while making a sink this winter.

Last is Colin building removable stairs, also out of scrapwood I've saved, for Lykke's first room! Removable, so I can finish the mud plaster and floor.

 I am still in need of people who can help on Sunday's! Colin is leaving soon and this whole BIG PROJECT WILL BE ALL ME. Which I must say is very overwhelming.

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