BettsBerm

Behind the Red Doors

2009-11-15T08:53:00.001-05:00

There used to be a song - "Behind the Green Door", but in our house it is "Behind the Red Door". We decided to liven up the bedroom and bathrooms by painting the doors a shade of red. I like it, especially with the wood walls. Here are a couple of pictures which show how much difference the background can make. (ignore the odd door stop in the bedroom, ha)

Now, Dave is just finishing up the final woodwork and we are having a built-in utility sink made for the odd corner in the back hallway. It should be done by the first week in December. If our couch and chair actually show-up in time, we will be "finished" for Christmas. What a present!Technorati Tags: bermed, doors, sharonbetts

October Glamour

2009-10-18T15:17:00.003-04:00

A chill is in the air which means that the snow piles are not far behind. The garden is finished and just wasn't very productive with all the wet and cold weather.

Sophie and Milos are looking forward to cooler days and colder nights.

Even with the thought of short days, it is hard to not be impressed with Mother Nature in Maine. Whether on a walk or driving to work, the scenery is unbelievable.

More pictures from this week.

maine
sharonbetts

Cabinets nearly done

2009-10-18T15:09:00.004-04:00

We have been planning for our built-ins since we designed the house. Finally this summer, we got the designs to our cabinet maker, MidMaineFurniture. I posted when he set the pantry - which is now fully in use. This week, we finished the built-in bookcase, computer table and bathroom cabinet.
More pictures.

We only have one more "corner" to fill - the utility sink is now under construction!
The bedroom and bathroom doors can now be finished as well as the woodwork that abuts the cabinets.

midmainefurniture
sharonbetts

Blended stone

2009-09-13T20:50:00.003-04:00

Our front door has needed an entry for a long time. Not for guests (usually come through the garage or the study door), but for the dogs to rest, ha.

We decided that it was too difficult to make an even area with all natural stone. So, purchased some concrete patio stones in a natural color. Dave used a bed of sand - can't do much in that area since it is over the styrofoam around the foundation - but that same styrofoam keeps it from freezing and heaving in the winter anyway.

We did use natural stone to finish it off and hope to continue some work in this front with raised beds - maybe next Spring.
There are pictures in our Gallery - check here.

sharonbetts
patiostones

September already?

2009-09-13T20:25:00.001-04:00

I just took a quick look at the blog and discovered that it has been two months since our last post. We have been busy with the garden and outside chores, but are now slowing down as Fall approaches. It was a bad year for gardening - very very wet early and cool most of the months. The corn is small and just today we discovered the borers are starting to take their share. The tomatoes managed to contract the blight that has been infesting potato fields in northern Maine as well as tomatoes around us. They rot as they ripen and there will be no juice or sauce made from this poor crop. Dave planted pumpkins and they seem to be doing well - now, what to do with them to save for the winter?

Inside we did make continued progress with only some baseboard and trim to finish before saying, "Done!" The bathroom towel cabinet and end of hall bookcases are nearing completion. That will leave the table in the study and a utility sink at the back entrance. Who would have thought it would take this long to really finish this place?

We are thinking about ways to use renewables to supplement our hot water. Propane is our one fossil fuel use and it would be great to see it at least dwindle. Stay tuned.

I think I have some pictures on the camera and will see if anything is worth posting - hopefully, I can get back to this more regularly.
Technorati Tags: passivesolar, sharonbetts, tomatoblight

Pantry - day 2

2009-07-12T13:19:00.006-04:00

Larry, the cabinet guru, arrived around 8 am and set to work on the pantry. It isn't easy to get everything level and mounted in a concrete house. But, he did a marvelous job. From the first placement of an upper cabinet for measurement through mounting the doors and finally the hardware, it all went smoothly.

The glass inserts in the top doors came out even better than we anticipated. You can see what is behind them, but it is not as obvious as clear panes would be - just subtle hints of the goodies that lie behind.

We used the same hardware as is in the kitchen which, along with the hickory, ties the two together nicely.

The two end cabinets (wine rack, waste-can and dogfood bin) will have slate tops to match the counter in the kitchen. Those will need to be ordered now that we can make the templates.

Day 3 - finish the regular kitchen (faux top covering the rangehood pipe and trim around the hanging wall). I'll post final pictures then.

midmainefurniture
pantry
sharonbetts

from blank to pantry

2009-07-11T09:13:00.003-04:00

Although we have been happily (and environmentally consciously) living in our bermed house for a couple of years, there are a couple of things that have been on hold. The largest of these finalizing projects was our back hallway pantry.

We designed the cabinets and went back to Mid-Maine Furniture to build and install them. They will match the hickory in the kitchen and include some etched glass in the upper units. Hopefully, the glass will keep it from looking to massive and dark. Today, the transformation program began. Out went the open plastic shelves to open up the area .

Since the concrete floor and walls are not exact, it took most of the day to level and place the plinth.

Then we set the bottom units on for the night.

Stay tuned - tomorrow we continue.
passivesolar
bermed
pantry
sharonbetts

K9 Tribute on July 4th

2009-07-04T13:12:00.001-04:00

A video tribute to the Working Dog. Dogs have been by man's side in every major conflict since the Seminole Wars.
composed by datransitcop

Technorati Tags: k9tribute, 4thofJuly

New Adventures for an Old Dog

2009-05-31T18:07:00.005-04:00

Today Sophie decided that 10 was not too old for a Leonberger Lady to have a new adventure and make new friends. I just wish her new friend had not been so prickly and that she had not made such a close friendship so quickly.

Yes, the Princess got a snout full of quills - and I got an emergency trip to the 24 hour pet clinic (which is over an hour away - sometimes living in the hills of Maine has pitfalls). I was so upset that I forgot to take a picture - and I hope there isn't a next time.

We were walking with Milos on leash and Sophie moseying along behind when the boy went into full alert and the lady headed for the woods over my direct command! It only lasted a minute until she was back on the path with a full nose of quills. Of course, she had no collar and Milos was going crazy and she wouldn't walk and when I yelled noone heard me and.....

I managed to get her back to the house. We got most of them removed (needle nose plyers - a must have) before I headed down the road. So she was not in much discomfort on the way - but nevertheless............

I worried as she has laryngeal paralysis symptoms and I feared they would need to sedate her, but luckily that was not the case. We managed without - and she is presently resting after a good dinner.

Just another day in the life of a big dog on a big lot with big plans. And I am exhausted!

porcupine
sharonbetts
leonberger

In the Swing

2009-05-25T15:15:00.001-04:00

The swinging grill is back in operation! There is just nothing like grilled meat done over an open fire on a real swinging grill! We started the tradition learning from our friends in the Hunsruck of Germany - and have "carried the pole" ever since.

Memorial Day 2009 marked our first swinging meal at the solar homestead.
A beautiful day and a great meal. See the chef in action:

Springing into Action

2009-05-17T11:57:00.003-04:00

Wow - almost 6 weeks without a post. Things have been very hectic here in Maine as we move from winter to Spring, Mud and Summer - the black flies have appeared already.
Since the house is nearing completion - still some window trim and doors to install, there isn't as much to report or document. Our pantry is under construction - I'll post some shots when it is finished (goal of July).

Dave did get our oldest son involved with cleaning some brush - one of his first back-hoe experiences.

The latest project is a swinging grill pit - we have missed it so much since we moved. There is absolutely nothing like chicken marinated and then grilled on a wood fire while resting on a swing grill. We have the basics ready:

The other big project we are starting this summer is some "beautification" of the front yard. The plan is to install raised beds for small veggies and flowers, a picket fence and a small patio and entry way (natural stone or some man-made stone). We need to take care in design with the piles of snow in the winter. The material for raised beds is causing some consternation - what is best (natural, of course) but durable?

Any suggestions?
raised_beds
sharonbetts
swinging_grill

Earth Hour

2009-03-26T11:48:00.002-04:00

Switch off your lights for Earth Hour on Sunday March 28 8:30pm

http://www.earthhour.org/about/

Join the world in "voting" for energy policies and a future for the earth.
Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming

8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009

Technorati Tags: earthhour, sharonbetts, environment

Covered to the final corner

2009-02-28T16:14:00.001-05:00

The last tile is down!

There is still final sealing and grouting to take place - but Dave has managed to tile the entire house laying the final tile this afternoon. It seems a looong time ago that he started at the other end in the study. It certainly turned into a knee bruising challenge.

Everything looks great - we are anxious to get our room completely finished and start sleeping in our bed again.

The documented last tile:

slate
sharonbetts
passivesolar

Warm stove - blowing snow - enjoying bermed home

2009-02-23T12:15:00.001-05:00

Over 2 feet of blowing snow made a tunnel out of the front lawn. It has even overwhelmed the "snow-monster Milos".

Dave has been on the tractor for over 3 hours clearning the drive and now I hear him pushing snow off the roof. Obviously, no school today which expanded our winter vacation (due to snow, ha).
The Tulikivi is warm and the cocoa hot - things could be worse.

Technorati Tags: tulikivi, maine, snow, sharonbetts

Wonderful World

2009-02-13T14:13:00.000-05:00

To make my Friday the 13th end on a fabulous note - and usher in Valentines Day for all loves in our world. Here is a video to make you smile:

Thank you: http://www.youtube.com/user/saks61Technorati Tags: louis_armstrong, saks61, sharonbetts

Another bedroom floored

2009-02-09T19:23:00.005-05:00

It has been a long time since we have posted another step toward completion. But, today we move to only one room with concrete floors. The 2nd bedroom has been tiled - we used a grey slate which I think Dave did a great job laying. I am sure our guests will appreciate not waking up to concrete during their next visit.

One more bedroom (ours) and then window and door trim - it is getting close.

slate
sharonbetts
passivesolar

2 Leonbergers -more than twice the fun

2009-02-08T11:21:00.001-05:00

A dog post.
Tomorrow, my female leonberger turns 10! See Sophie's page.

Why is this important? Because giant breed dogs age quickly - she is in her mid-70's human years according to many "experts". I brought her home in the cabin of a United flight from Cleveland, OH to Portland, ME ten years ago. She was so quiet in her carrier (all 18 pounds of her), that many didn't even know there was a puppy on the plane. Since that day, she has stolen our hearts (see tribute on above page). Just wanted to say "Happy Birthday".

We also have a 4 year old male - Milos's page.
He is a lover and takes very good care of his "Queen". We celebrated his birthday at the end of December.

If you have pets, give them hugs tonight and remember they depend on you!

Technorati Tags: leonbergers, sharonbetts

Visual comparison

2009-01-30T09:44:00.000-05:00

Signing the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003

Signing the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009

Removing the countdown

2009-01-20T19:52:00.004-05:00

Today America experienced an event that made history. The inauguration of our first African American President. A man who is friendly to the environment and education, Barak H. Obama. The future will be difficult, but I have hope again.

image from http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com

Holiday Video 2008

2008-12-29T12:06:00.003-05:00

A short video to share our holidays with family and friends. If you are unable to view this, the pictures are also in our Gallery.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-23T09:28:00.000-05:00

from a cold blustery Maine - happy holidays to all

Computers and Energy

2008-12-12T14:43:00.002-05:00

I podcast this on my school blog and since it relates to energy - a main topic in this blog - I thought I would cross post here. Why don't we turn all our computers off in my school district?

energystar
sharonbetts

When is 62 degrees F not cold inside?

2008-12-08T11:44:00.003-05:00

When you wake up to 0 degrees F - no furnace running and one firing of the Tulikivi the night before - the wind howled all night (gusts to 40 mph according to weather men). This is when 62 degrees is really not cold!

Today the sun is to shine - although temps are to stay below 20 degrees. Oh well, sun means warmth in our house! Still loving the passive solar solution.

And the garage - also bermed but only on 1/5 sides - no heat at all was 45 degrees at 7 am. This can be the solution to a huge portion of our energy crisis.

Technorati Tags: sharonbetts passivesolar bermed Tulikivi

Pond in the Maine Woods

2008-11-23T09:31:00.002-05:00

As we approach the completion of our passive-solar bermed home (although a home is never complete), we have decided to concentrate on another goal - a pond.

Our hope is to have a medium sized pond (1/2 acre or less) close enough to the house to enjoy but far enough away for wildlife to feel comfortable. Our first choice of location was not possible when we had an inspection completed and discovered it was "wetland". Maine has many regulations about working in a wetland and we were not so set on the location that we wanted to start the 'process'.

So, we went to plan B -
The pond will be behind the detached garage and down the grade (to keep it lower than any house drainage). Of course, this ended up being one of the wettest Falls ever and it has been a muddy challenge to get it shaped in. But, it is presently in good shape for Spring. We hired the digging after David dropped the trees himself.
I will get a few more pictures as the surrounding area gets cleared (still this month if the weather cooperates) and then we will wait for the Spring thaw and keep our fingers and paws crossed for a full basin.
The full sized pictures are in the Gallery. Here is a slide show of the progress.

sharonbetts
ponds
maine
passivesolar

Election day - any questions

2008-11-04T08:22:00.002-05:00

Election 2008 Voting Information

Today, November 4th, is Election Day! Remember to vote

Where and when do I vote?

Find your polling place, voting times, and other important information by checking out these sites and the hotline below. These resources are good, but not perfect. To be doubly sure, you can also contact your local elections office
<https://vote411.overseasvotefoundation.org/overseas/eod.htm>.

* Obama's VoteForChange site: voteforchange.com
<http://www.voteforchange.com>
* League of Women Voters' site: vote411.org/pollfinder.php
<http://vote411.org/pollfinder.php>
* Obama's voter hotline: 877-US4-OBAMA (877-874-6226)

What should I do before I go?

* After you've entered your address on either Vote For Change
<http://www.voteforchange.com> or Vote411
<http://www.vote411.org/bystate.php>, read the voting instructions
and special rules for your state.
* Voting ID laws vary from state to state, but if you have ID, bring
it.
* Check out all the voting myths and misinformation to look out for:
http://truth.voteforchange.com/

What if something goes wrong?

* Not on the voter list? Make sure you're at the right polling
place, then demand a provisional ballot.
* If you're voting on an electronic machine with a paper record,
verify that the record is accurate.
* Need legal help? Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
* If you encounter a problem, try to videotape the situation and
submit it to VideoTheVote.org <http://www.videothevote.org/>

Now, everybody go vote!!!