Got Clay

After hearing rain for half the night, we woke to sunshine.  The site is wet, but not unworkable.  Neal and Buck worked with a laser level to cut the area down to the correct elevation.

10:00
We just had our first serendipitous moment.  We had a conversation with Buck - the fabulous excavator operator - about the 'piles'.  We now have a pile of topsoil and a huge pile of topsoil/organic matter/clay saved on the site.  We also used some to fill in an area that we hope to plant with more fruit trees and berries.

Now, he was about to excavate the area for the foundation footings, which would be mostly clay.  Where to take it?

I called Sandy at the Lopez Community Land Trust (www.lopezclt.org).  I worked there during the last project, and we used mountains of clay for the plasters over strawbale walls.  I knew a new project was just beginning.  Would she like some clay?

Sandy laughed with delight, telling me that she and the building team were in a meeting at that moment, wondering where they would find clay for the plasters.  She'll put a stake with a ribbon to mark the location, so that Buck can drop the load with his truck later today.

3:00 Trouble with the laser level
They're trying to finish the work today, so Buck can head to another site on Monday.  His laser level just stopped working.  Who has another one that we can use?

The only person we knew with a similar level was our friend who owns a construction company.  He immediately offered his, which was with Tom, our neighbor across the street.  "He's either at home, or at one of two job sites.  Try his cell."

Tom answered right away, and again offered the level.  He described his job site location, and I headed off to mid-island.  Within 20 minutes we were back in business.

5:00 Off to See the Wizard
Uma is a munchkin in the local stage production of The Wizard of Oz, and this is the week of the performances.  She has to be at the theatre every night at 5:30, fed and ready to change into her first costume.

Since Neal is still trying to finish up with Buck, I'm on dinner/taxi/pick flowers to give to Uma/reserve seats at the theatre detail.  At 6:30, I'm back at home.  Neal has just finished, and we eat a quick dinner and change for the show.  We're sitting in our seats at 7:30, tired but proud that the big day came together.

Wish I had a photo to show of Uma in her various dances on stage!