Jess and Lykke's Bale Raising

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!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Here we are in September and I am still mudding. But I had a group of neighbors and friends come pour the greenhouse floor. we worked hard and ate good. A friend and neighbor is building me a Rocket stove for work trade and I am at the point in the mudding project where all the patches are filled in and I'm ready to really finish the room.