Mmm...the smell of bread.

It's been a while in the making, but the big momma earthen oven is finally complete! Future site of delicious breads made by Matt and Maura. The oven, like the original one we constructed back in April (or was it March?), is made of a clay/sand mixture...only this time, it has straw added! The straw provides added strength to the structure and has resulted in little to no cracking. The oven is so big that a person can fit inside...kind of makes me think of the story of Hansel and Gretel where the witch tries to get them inside so she can bake them!

The other day I found Matt taking a nap inside...a six foot five? six foot six? guy in the oven?? With that size, it sure is going to make a lot of delicious bread. Anyway, if you're interested in getting your hands on some of his and Maura's delicious breads or would like them to teach a class on bread baking, please contact them via email (fancyanddelicious@gmail.com). The opening party for Fancy and Delicious breads will be held in the backyard of 153 Eaton on Sunday August 30th at 4pm with free oven-baked pizza samples and demonstrations on how the oven works. Come and join us, it should be a really fun and filling time!!!

ReUsing Water: Greywater Systems!

This past week, we taught a workshop on constructing a greywater wetland. I found a lot of resources online...the greywater guerillas website seemed to be the most helpful. The way our system is set up is that the water flows from the sink or shower out into first, a barrel full of sand which filters out any of the larger particles and soap scum, and then it drains into the clawfoot tub full of wetland plants, which interact with the water and provide a natural filter, so now it can be used on gardens! In addition to reusing water, this greywater system makes use of a 55 gallon drum (to hold the sand) and also a clawfoot tub that was destined for the garbage! Talk about material reuse. And it is such a cool addition to the garden!