tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61303215496323240042024-02-07T21:15:07.853-05:00Buffalo BasicsWe're turning houses into homes by hosting work holidays and providing FREE workshops to anyone and everyone who is in the spirit of learning! We're learning, you're learning, we're all learning together what it means to create a healthy, green home...what could be better than that?
...a healthier, greener vision for Buffalo perhaps?Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-56503879435912903082011-06-20T22:54:00.000-04:002011-06-20T22:54:08.536-04:00Work Day at Eaton StWhen my Granddad was not well a couple of weeks ago, I rushed to see him after working on a demolition crew all day...I was COVERED with soot from head to toe. Everyone was cracking jokes about my appearance, etc. but Caroline my 3 year old cousin walked into the room, took one look at my soot covered face and dirt stained clothes and her eyes lit up as she yelled, "Princess Girl Fighter!" Apparently she had told her mother that this is what she wants to be when she grows up, and so she carries around plastic tools in her toolbelt while wearing a sparkly princess dress!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRVzJVvQA8AU2GoenbBGJ1fZCbqz7xnc3W_fpLYdsKXywOm0Nm1XJZH1YP500HujnctGkGPatRG-_Iq74pVVQXYuIanor5s_vxOHomih4QMPlSKbaF_H6_tmvB1XBmsC2taRiiluNX_g0/s1600/PGF2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRVzJVvQA8AU2GoenbBGJ1fZCbqz7xnc3W_fpLYdsKXywOm0Nm1XJZH1YP500HujnctGkGPatRG-_Iq74pVVQXYuIanor5s_vxOHomih4QMPlSKbaF_H6_tmvB1XBmsC2taRiiluNX_g0/s1600/PGF2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRVzJVvQA8AU2GoenbBGJ1fZCbqz7xnc3W_fpLYdsKXywOm0Nm1XJZH1YP500HujnctGkGPatRG-_Iq74pVVQXYuIanor5s_vxOHomih4QMPlSKbaF_H6_tmvB1XBmsC2taRiiluNX_g0/s200/PGF2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="im"> </div><div class="im"></div><div class="im"></div><div class="im"><br />
I told some of my friends in Buffalo this story about Princess Girl Fighters...and they LOVED it. So in honor of a the EastSide HouseWorks work day I was having at my house this Saturday, my friends made some rad t-shirts! A huge thank you to all who came out...we fixed some windows, tore off a porch roof, sanded and re-mudded a bathroom, broke up some failed concrete radiator experiments, and SO much more. Couldn't have done it without awesome helping hands. If you live on the EastSide and are interested in becoming part of EastSide HouseWorks, please contact me ASAP so we can get you involved!</div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-2701496280957370342011-05-09T11:41:00.000-04:002011-05-09T11:41:16.196-04:00Mother's Day Bake!Yesterday was the first F+D baking day of the season in the oven in my backyard...and a mother's day bake at that! Everyone brought their mothers, enjoyed pizza and lounged in the backyard on such a glorious spring day. We made F+D's famous cinnamon raisin bread as everyone shared embarrassing mother-offspring stories and had a wonderful time. It was a great start to the baking season, and while F+D has moved on to a commercial kitchen and now sell at the Clinton-Bailey Market (congrats, you guys!), I hope they continue to utilize the earthen oven for community baking events for many seasons to come! Their breadshare season is coming up, so to learn more about the 12-week share and to get their contact info, check them out at: <a href="http://fancyanddelicious.blogspot.com/">http://fancyanddelicious.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Speaking of earthen ovens, there is a earthen oven replastering workshop at my house set for this Thursday, from 5:30-8pm. We will talk about various plaster concoctions, the pros/cons of each, and then we will re-plaster the oven (weather permitting). Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend!<br />
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Whew, lots of cool stuff going on these days...hard to keep up! I know I have to keep checking the barn raisers calendar to remind me of all the things I'm signed up for. Ha! Have you heard of it? Check it out here: <a href="http://www.buffalobarnraisers.com/">http://www.buffalobarnraisers.com/</a>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-78724456771799193662011-05-08T00:36:00.000-04:002011-05-08T00:36:01.052-04:00Work Holiday at SolRise Farm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuQZNyxZ4xMfZhBrn-14nGpLKwx3npHCYCTywbaFMvv2vfKfjoE6EYhD30RCdfiPK9Yp0P0x0sqm__fzidR2wX0Iv6vZNamW76t1g49oyAM_xpg1z_FNTQ1hjgsx70Tekg-TsKYiDGGAj/s1600/226EUtica2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuQZNyxZ4xMfZhBrn-14nGpLKwx3npHCYCTywbaFMvv2vfKfjoE6EYhD30RCdfiPK9Yp0P0x0sqm__fzidR2wX0Iv6vZNamW76t1g49oyAM_xpg1z_FNTQ1hjgsx70Tekg-TsKYiDGGAj/s200/226EUtica2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Today was the second work holiday hosted on the east side, at Josh and Emily's place, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1731684933693.97757.1285593075">Solrise Farm</a>! There were many enthusiastic workers there from morning until late afternoon/early evening, ready to rip out old basement windows, cut through sides of buildings and piece together "bottle bricks" for the new glass block/glass bottle windows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSI10uwn31mM7dYT3h_AHg9tzwlP1_msHLihpyd8Jzu4-u97dy0pQh0rP5eDV_qtQR2LmW_9zceB2OZnMkKdOQoNIJD6aY9oJrB65vVv8IfYueDyLgyJsEMZoW0hnF5GFdZG2VGYfUufI/s1600/226EUtica4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSI10uwn31mM7dYT3h_AHg9tzwlP1_msHLihpyd8Jzu4-u97dy0pQh0rP5eDV_qtQR2LmW_9zceB2OZnMkKdOQoNIJD6aY9oJrB65vVv8IfYueDyLgyJsEMZoW0hnF5GFdZG2VGYfUufI/s200/226EUtica4.jpg" width="200" /></a>Amanda headed up the demo crew in the front of the house in the AM, removing the existing door and prepping for the afternoon crew to come in and re-frame the walls and door entrance. Major planting progress was acheived...strawberries, raspberries...mmm! Marisa, Emily and a bunch of other folks rose to the occasion as they learned how to build with "bottle bricks," a trick I learned out west while working with the <a href="http://www.earthship.org/">Earthship</a> folks. And the windows look GREAT! (stay tuned for a description on how to make "bottle bricks")<br />
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Once again, lunch was a success...yummy salad and baked ziti. New people joined our crew of east side diyers, and we are glad to have them. Next on the list...Gloria's house. Stay tuned for siding, fencing and/or window replacement in 2 weeks!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-37041004504214963512011-04-17T19:14:00.004-04:002011-04-17T19:33:12.115-04:00East Side DIYersThere are no official workshops being held at my house in the near future, but I would like to announce a great way for east siders to fix up their homes, DIY style. From now on, this blog will primarily update on the progress of this group of east side DIYers, with the occasional announcement regarding continued work/bread workshops and neighborhood gatherings at 153 Eaton.<br /><br />The idea behind the east side DIYers is that many hands make light work. A group of people lend a hand to their neighbor on a specific day with the expectation that a few weeks or a months down the road, it will be their turn to receive help from their neighbors. Today was the first of many future DIY parties, and it was a total success!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiFo8pMHwN3TpjN5ZFGHwQTYA_Auac5zk-XbIYUfG71fBsRBSFu-0sl1HtIqCm7O7WQy6T3AKPfy97oVU3a2rhFNFlyQ5nmmINufIg5lFp-_9Jeq0z3Hkebquwcvaf4lD9FJ-rX-g122q/s1600/DSC00296.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiFo8pMHwN3TpjN5ZFGHwQTYA_Auac5zk-XbIYUfG71fBsRBSFu-0sl1HtIqCm7O7WQy6T3AKPfy97oVU3a2rhFNFlyQ5nmmINufIg5lFp-_9Jeq0z3Hkebquwcvaf4lD9FJ-rX-g122q/s200/DSC00296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596698967776365554" border="0" /></a>Creighton's house was the first guinea pig...at 10 this morning he had me grouting bathroom tiles, Gloria building a wall and some other folks drywalling and painting! A big hearty lunch was had by all (thanks Kiana!). Next up...Josh and Emily's house!<br />If you are interested in becoming involved in this work trade group and live on the east side, please email me at buffalobasics@gmail.comMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-84477749210287063792010-11-14T00:01:00.003-05:002010-11-14T00:16:47.480-05:00For those leaky toilets out there...Announcing: there is an official date for the workshop in December!<br />If no other requests for workshops are received (you still have time to submit a request by the way), the workshop will be on plumbing basics.<br /><br />We will talk about the various ways to construct, alter and repair plumbing systems, and there will be a discussion on the pros and cons of copper, pex and aquatherm as plumbing materials. The workshop will be very hands-on, so expect to learn how to solder, how to repair broken water lines, etc.<br /><br />Workshop details:<br /><br />December 22nd, 5pm-6pm<br />153 Eaton St.<br /><br />Free, open to all. Bring a jacket since it can be a little chilly that time of year! Hot cocoa will be served since that is my favorite winter drink (tea is also an option...). Hope to see you there!<br /><br />MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-48081532676485365202010-11-01T23:15:00.004-04:002010-11-14T00:00:03.231-05:00Resuming workshops (fingers crossed!)Haven't reported in a while, but there is some good news in the works: free home repair workshops are likely to resume at the house, albeit in a limited capacity. There are no scheduled dates as of yet, but look for a workshop happening in mid to late December, the week before Christmas. Also, the subject of the workshop is not decided, so if anyone is looking to gain home repair skills in a specific field, please email buffalobasics@gmail.com with requests for workshops. The deadline for requests is December 12th.<br /><br />As always, you are welcome to stop by the house to talk to Pat and Brendan about future workshops or for tips in home repair, and you can chat with Maura about baking on Thursdays and Fridays. Happy Halloween everyone, and hope to see you soon at a workshop!<br /><br />MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-87289561632103022232010-11-01T22:54:00.001-04:002010-11-01T22:55:56.232-04:00Finishing wood...cuckoo for coconut oil?<p class="MsoNormal">First post since settling in at Yestermorrow (in Vermont) for six months...</p><p class="MsoNormal">Lately, I am into learning about different treatments for wood, especially for wood that will be used in eating, such as cutting boards and spoons.<span style=""> </span>I have learned that once again, it is simply a matter of common sense; if I would not eat the oil, I should not put it on the wood I will be eating off of.<span style=""> </span>Seems self-explanatory, no?<span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""></span>Then again, susceptibility to rancidity must be taken into account.<span style=""> </span>For example, I should not treat wood with olive oil since it is much more susceptible to rancidity than say walnut oil or almond oil.<span style=""> </span>…but walnut oil is not extremely common, is it?<span style=""> </span>I opted for coconut oil…I read it is a good way to treat wood due to its low rancidity…we’ll see how it works out.<span style=""> </span>Secondly, something I did not even realize, which may be an extremely important topic to consider if giving wood gifts as a present, is allergies.<span style=""> </span>If someone is allergic to walnuts, don’t treat the wood with walnut oil.<span style=""> </span>Same with coconut.<span style=""> </span>Makes sense, but if you are not allergic to any foods, it is not something that would immediately come to mind in choosing finishes.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-12834069681456991652010-07-20T17:55:00.000-04:002010-09-24T18:04:30.512-04:00Moving out and moving inSo I'm off on my 3 month journey around the country, but replacing me at the house will be Pat and Brendan...two awesome guys who will be continuing work on the house! They're open to learning and willing to share any of their own knowledge, so if you're interested in learning a bit more about their ideas (think living walls, woodburning stoves, etc) or have a question about home repair, stop by and say hello!<br /><br />Wish Maura a fun trip (she's finally taking a vacation!) as the bread for this season is over. Don't fret though! Its all starting up again come September. Look on <a href="http://fancyanddelicious.blogspot.com/">her blog</a> for details on upcoming baking workshops, and please contact her if you'd like to help in the baking coop.<br /><br />Until next time,<br />MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-79398433789205130882010-06-25T01:59:00.000-04:002010-06-25T09:27:43.078-04:00Coughing and wheezing be gone!Have you ever had the experience of going to the paint store, picking out your <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">favorite color</span> of <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">p</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">a</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">i</span>n<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">t</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span>JUST for this one room and (knowing it will match perfectly and all the people in the paint store are envious of your dream room with its <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">dream color</span>) getting home and popping off the lid only to be greeted with a fit of nausea from the toxic smell?<br /><br />Maybe not, but think hard about the contents of paint...why do you have to dispose of oil paints in a special way? Why does it smell so terrible?? You think there must be something not natural in the mixture, you say? Hey, we must be twins because you just thought the same thought that I did only days ago! Instead of choosing to suck it up and stomach the fumes, I experimented with natural paint recipes with ingredients I could count on one hand <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> pronounce! The first (and only) that I tried is casein paint. Basically all you do is leave milk in the sun to curdle, combine it with some clay, water and lime (not the fruit) and voila! Oh, and add some pigment if you don't want the whole house to be a brown color. Maura and I were really afraid of the results, thinking it would smell of spoiled milk and stay the odd puke-yellow that it started out as...but no need to worry, there is NO smell and the puke yellow turned to a beautiful/bright earthy yellow! I experimented with my own ratios, but I generally followed the recipe at <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/2006-10-01/Make-Safe-Natural-Paint.aspx">Mother Earth News</a>.<br /><p><strong>Casein Paint with Lime</strong> (Yields about 1 quart)</p><p><em>1 gallon nonfat milk</em><br /><em>2 1/2 ounces “Type S” lime (dry powder available at hardware stores)</em><br /><em>2 1/2 cups water</em><br /><em>Natural earth pigment (more or less depending on desired color)</em><br /><em>6 cups filler (usually whiting, I used clay because it's free)</em></p>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-39589770206955141492010-06-20T10:34:00.000-04:002010-06-20T10:46:05.985-04:00Countertops and Orange Sinks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>301</o:Words> <o:characters>1718</o:Characters> <o:company>Barnard College</o:Company> <o:lines>14</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>2109</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_erxUy71XRM41_vadYfwty4dYtIf28448IJ8GX1xMROgXN3Gpg5o8TCCsTtdhs5YcR5i3lHC3SGVMkSXUvaPQXJnynv5JO8X8k-_1yNSqhPEyeVz-0PsLffgD2SNwzUQNk173hTc7yIp0/s1600/accordion.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_erxUy71XRM41_vadYfwty4dYtIf28448IJ8GX1xMROgXN3Gpg5o8TCCsTtdhs5YcR5i3lHC3SGVMkSXUvaPQXJnynv5JO8X8k-_1yNSqhPEyeVz-0PsLffgD2SNwzUQNk173hTc7yIp0/s200/accordion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484866105802231794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Because the kitchen is a priority for Maura to be able to teach baking workshops in during stormy weather, we have been working on finishing the cabinets and countertops.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Speaking of workshops, the baking workshop on prefermenting went really well.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">See photos <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/buffalobasics/FancyDelicious#">here</a>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">We even were audience to a great accordion performance!</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">For the countertop we chose is an oversized door.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">We wandered <a href="http://www.blogger.com/buffaloreuse.org">Buffalo ReUse</a>, looking for something that was countertop-like.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Originally, we thought we might just get the corian that they had hidden in the back, but why go boring?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The door used to be a swinging door, presumably in a kitchen somewhere.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">What better reuse than restoring it to its original location?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Perhaps it won’t serve as an entranceway, but it will serve an equally (if not more) important role in the kitchen.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThWMvOoG9WJFo80qZW6OM_ZFKb2SB2d1QQ45PREl2_LK0SvYIbToEeBexF4ttGZAU3BaYSTnaQGdnTZD-iFuDBCDrinmPv0fVtqiE6AQP8OZnf750FJk088va9gO-ZfwSpIMMTKVQl8UB/s1600/countertop.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThWMvOoG9WJFo80qZW6OM_ZFKb2SB2d1QQ45PREl2_LK0SvYIbToEeBexF4ttGZAU3BaYSTnaQGdnTZD-iFuDBCDrinmPv0fVtqiE6AQP8OZnf750FJk088va9gO-ZfwSpIMMTKVQl8UB/s200/countertop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484865434414115906" border="0" /></a>Like a normal countertop, we had to cut the sink hole with a jigsaw, and then we threw the crazy orange-red sink into the mix!</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The two problems that remained were: a) it was a paneled door and b) wood + water = icky combination.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The first problem was addressed by adding tiling in the middle of the panels, raising the level of the panels to be even with the thicker part of the door.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The second problem was solved using a product suggested by my friend Carrie.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She told me about this super effective polyurethane that is used on boats that keeps all moisture from entering into the wood.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Now, I admit polyurethane should be avoided in most cases, but when it is a countertop that encounters water CONSTANTLY…I think it is ok to use.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Perhaps not, but anyone know any other solution to using the polyurethane that keeps the wood from getting ruined?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This week we will be working on shelving and cabinets, maybe starting work on the flooring in the side entrance, installing a bathroom cabinet, etc.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">If you’re interested in learning any of these things or other things, let me know!</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">We can always set up a last minute workshop.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">For now, I am taking a day off.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Swimming at the beach in Canada, enjoying Father’s Day with my Dad and both of my grandfathers!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Megan </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-56263827027448124702010-06-06T22:03:00.001-04:002010-06-06T22:31:30.840-04:00Baking Workshops and Tiling KitchensNow offering baking workshops!<br />Ok, so they're not home repair workshops, BUT Fancy & Delicious is offering baking workshops at the house! If you want to learn, please RSVP and come to the baking workshop on<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sunday June 13th, 12 to 5pm.</span> There is still no serious workshop schedule because I'll be leaving mid July, but we are furthering the vision by continuing to experiment with reused items and setting up the kitchen so that <a href="http://fancyanddelicious.blogspot.com/">Fancy & Delicious</a> will be able to offer baking workshops inside during the cold, winter months! If you are interested in learning to build cabinets or install a kitchen sink, stop by the house sometime this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHMlb87L-ccJ3xXgCJsINvgrXI3c4jtQ9YRd4ZV_v6wISq8uQBCg-rKpis_Z1iM_5CZqAoicJnmRs2nbCbUuaEvK2UthkYLymsnJJhhGnM2DWKyANwmGWvnjV9TMcKdL9uGE35HxkTT50/s1600/kitchen1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHMlb87L-ccJ3xXgCJsINvgrXI3c4jtQ9YRd4ZV_v6wISq8uQBCg-rKpis_Z1iM_5CZqAoicJnmRs2nbCbUuaEvK2UthkYLymsnJJhhGnM2DWKyANwmGWvnjV9TMcKdL9uGE35HxkTT50/s200/kitchen1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479853380486622034" border="0" /></a>Yes, a lot of progress has been made in the kitchen. Namely, a frame for the cabinets and sink...AND tiling. An example of reuse: we used electrical outlet covers as tiles! It's hard to see in the photo, but they turned out looking super cool. I'll report on how they hold up...<br /><br />Good news: Despite my leaving, Maura has been talking of inviting others to teach an increased range of workshops. We all have our talents and we all should share our knowledge with others! Whether it be gutter replacement or bee keeping or playing the sousaphone! Keep this in mind if you'd like to share your talent with others...Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-79567676370154140152010-05-09T19:38:00.001-04:002010-05-09T20:06:16.011-04:00Hard-Hatted Women<span style="font-size:85%;">I was looking through the used books on Amazon the other day and found a book that I thought I'd share: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Hatted-Women-Life-Molly-Martin/dp/1878067915">Hard-Hatted Women</a>, edited by Molly Martin. Now, usually I am searching for "how to" repair books or green design books to add to the library, but I just happened to stumble on this one and thought I would read through it since it somewhat pertains to me...<br /><br />If you hadn't guessed, it's a book of true stories about women in the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiXpy55aFz5irgqBwnQzDRqEr7BeO5-fHiCS-rq85j1K57CslPL_JU2hUHk2YJbjAYY8iUWpUAkvfV3Z5OAGwHrq9EardmmPhuleMe6rAp_s2W2_f41O72YGWeZnX7rTfDLx7eHUBdc6k/s1600/hardhattedwomen.jpg.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiXpy55aFz5irgqBwnQzDRqEr7BeO5-fHiCS-rq85j1K57CslPL_JU2hUHk2YJbjAYY8iUWpUAkvfV3Z5OAGwHrq9EardmmPhuleMe6rAp_s2W2_f41O72YGWeZnX7rTfDLx7eHUBdc6k/s200/hardhattedwomen.jpg.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469420875873200818" border="0" /></a>trades. It was published in 1988, so a little outdated, but I was surprised how many things in the trades are still the same! Of course it talked about sexual and verbal harassment from co-workers/superiors/customers, but it also talked about the idea of women entering into a man's domain, how difficult it is mentally to traverse that path, and the excitement of possessing a useful skill.<br /><br />Anyway, all this to say that I am reminded time again of the need for training women for entering in building trades. With the high drop out rates here in Buffalo, combined with the high rates of teen pregnancy, it just makes sense to give a young woman a skill which she can use to support her new family. (Of course it is equally important to engage young men and teach them skills as well, but that is not the topic of this post, nor of the book...)<br /><br />If you're interested in reading this book, there is a copy of it in the library at Eaton St. that you can pick up any day of the week. Just stop by and ask!<br /><br />Yours in hard-headed and hard-hattedness...<br />Megan</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-83347764009739981742010-05-06T18:45:00.000-04:002010-05-09T19:36:16.015-04:00Newton's Law of Cooling and several heat equations later...Thankfully I turned in my thesis on the concrete radiators this week! Can't say the experiment was totally successful. I discovered many flaw in the design and included may variations in my recommendations section for future trials. If you are interested in reading a 50 page science paper on heat equations, green retrofit, and what factors the successful heat output of a radiator are dependent on, email buffalobasics@gmail.com for a copy. With my thesis done, it is now just a week of finals before I graduate from college (long time coming). <br /><br />Probably due to the constant questioning (what will you do after you graduate? Do you have a job lined up?) I have been thinking about how this project got started, where it progressed and where it will go in the future...<br /><br />For that last one, I can say with perfect honesty that I don't know. What I do know are the following:<br />1. This project started out with an idea, a conversation over coffee. ...but it evolved into so much more! It became a connecting point for neighbors and friends. A place for people to meet other like-minded people, to share frustrations, and to learn from each other. I can say without a doubt that I learn more from people who stop by to visit than I could ever possibly hope to teach. This is inspiring to me since it demonstrates to me the power and potential of collective knowledge and reminds me everyday of the strengths that we all bring to the table. This project, though small, has made me think of continuing this collective energy somehow into a "bigger picture" project! With the same goals of connecting people, networking, self-empowerment through skills-building, etc. What exactly that project is, I cannot say, only that I need to think on it more...<br /><br />2.The volunteer room will be decorated the minute I get home. So if you have ever donated money, donated knowledge, been to a workshop, donated your time, or--like my parents--volunteered your sanity, your homework is to sign your name on a broken piece of tile, a funny-shaped spindle, an old window, or anything reused! Even feel free to make some furniture out of recycled materials or write a long note (on recycled paper, of course)! Those items will be hung or placed in the volunteer room as a tribute to the many wonderful minds and caring hearts who have helped on the project. There's no real deadline on submitting something, though I would love it if you gave it to me before mid July.<br /><br />3. The house, regardless if it is not constantly a center for workshops or does not host monthly parties in the future, will always have a door open for anyone willing or wanting to learn skills. So keep my email handy in case you have a question on repairs. Whatever you need to learn, we can figure out together.<br /><br />As it stands, I will be returning to a summer full of workshops and get togethers. Maura and Matt will be out back baking, I'll be inside tinkering around, and you are always welcome to stop by and browse through our library, sip a cup of coffee/tea, and pick up a few home repair/gardening/baking tips along the way. All the events held at the house will be listed on the calendar at the top of this page, but also on the Buffalo ReUse website (under community calendar). <br /><br />Signing off as a soon-to-be-graduate,<br />MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-61725270925152333222010-03-24T12:53:00.000-04:002010-03-24T13:01:08.577-04:00March updateSo the radiators work, but are they hot enough? Depends what temperature they're run at. Unlike radiant floors, these babies need to be hotter in order to have a better heat output in a concentrated area. Question is...how hot does it need to be?<br /><br />I have been able to keep the house at a steady 59 degrees. Not particularly comfortable, but certainly not freezing either. And that was only with 4 radiators in the entire house (compared to the original 7 on the first floor). I'm hoping that the additional radiators will keep the place toasty...but only time will tell. And unfortunately it's already March and I will not be able to accurately test them any longer! Perhaps next year...<br /><br />In other news, Maura is back on the job with Matt for the earth oven and backyard garden! After a 6 month stint in Europe she is ready and raring to go! We have many plans for summer events (think free pizza and movie nights, coffee breaks, playing board games or twister)...you name it and we will try and host it! We want 153 Eaton to have a very low-key, inclusive atmosphere so please help make that possible (through volunteering, coming to events, donating, asking about bread baking, etc)! Also look out for future fundraising events. More updates to come soon...Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-16753802443853501792010-02-22T11:57:00.000-05:002010-02-22T12:13:58.807-05:00Eureka!The radiators are working! I connected a concrete radiator to the heating system and...eureka! Well, not really...it was hours of poking and prodding before I got the system up and running with no leaks, reliable pumps, correct connections, etc. but when I heard the system click on for the very first time it was a glorious moment. Unfortunately there was no one around to share this big victory with, but if you had been walking by you would have seen some crazy girl in carharts running back and forth through the house, jumping for joy. Probably a good thing you weren't walking by...ha!<br /><br />I have yet to test the efficiency and compare it to the efficiency of a regular copper fin baseboard radiator...that is for this coming weekend. Any other ideas of what I can easily compare it to? (cast iron is out because the heated water that circulates through the radiator circulates through the domestic hot water system as well) I was thinking of an electric radiator perhaps?<br /><br />As I was walking out the door last night though, the radiator was already up to 75 degrees F and rising! Next in line is experimenting with pigments and shape and textures and adding different aggregate. I'm also looking into different designs for spiraling the tubing as well as making a lighter concrete so that they are easier to move. The possibilities are truly endless! I only have limited space though...is anyone curious enough to have them installed in their own home and act as a second testing site?? Ha!<br /><br />If you're interested in getting a tour of the house, how the heating system works, the avantages/disadvantages/costs. I will be in Buffalo again next weekend and can walk you through it.<br /><br />Until next time,<br />MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-5228127276711963922010-02-10T23:01:00.000-05:002010-02-10T23:13:58.209-05:00Thesis workIn it for the long haul. My thesis is due in April, so I am traveling back and forth every weekend in February to finish testing, generating data. Stressful, but necessary. Plus, I get to enjoy the perks of Matt's bread baking!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbT7Q2_KmycNpvYm_oTrSeS2ZYXoSh6LwM9yXkxM0oGXMwmQ2727neX04gZZMp08vsdyXsUOHOi5p3bDF7vWv10lX5XcfG9gBI55lr_G2Rxg9C91chY1UJtTQvQkerYgJhxP2dQdl0KVgF/s1600-h/Radiator+in+kitchen+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbT7Q2_KmycNpvYm_oTrSeS2ZYXoSh6LwM9yXkxM0oGXMwmQ2727neX04gZZMp08vsdyXsUOHOi5p3bDF7vWv10lX5XcfG9gBI55lr_G2Rxg9C91chY1UJtTQvQkerYgJhxP2dQdl0KVgF/s200/Radiator+in+kitchen+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436833794293027842" border="0" /></a>This weekend (Feb 12-14th) I will be working non-stop on the thesis-specific parts of the project. Meaning, solar air collector and a concrete radiator. The week I left Buffalo (mid January), I had just finished the prototype for the concrete radiator. Now I am working on how to run hot water through it in a loop to test its efficiency. Any ideas? If you care to stop by and learn about either, I will be at the house quite often. Give me a call or shoot me an email if you're thinking of stopping by!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-546970217269315172010-02-09T00:19:00.000-05:002010-02-10T23:01:19.312-05:00(Re)Collection: Wasted in Buffalo<span style="font-size:85%;">I presented on this project at school last Monday (2/1), a compilation of my work in Buffalo as well as the experimental work on turning found items (dumpsterdived in NYC) into functional furniture. My hope was that through talking about the house as well as talking about waste, I could start some inspiring conversations in and around campus...<br />Read below for a description of the presentation.<br /><br />As you exit the elevators on the 17th floor, there is a big pile of junk. Yuck! On the wall, there is a sign with all kinds of negative words (waste, dilapidated, ugly, worthless, blight, etc). You are instructed to both take a bird hanging from the ceiling and pick out a piece of junk!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dgbXb5uOXPu9lX8Vj_iaLw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tEnTV6Fh1GQ/S2hjsHqvNDI/AAAAAAAABuo/CI5eniegjRg/s288/P2010070.JPG" /></a><br /><br />You take a bird representing the ever present seagulls around trash and unravel it to learn a fact about waste in Buffalo. Waste of resources, waste of housing (vacancy), waste of knowledge (drop out rates), etc. You read the label on the trash you just picked up and find out which NYC borough the item was found in! You need this for a later activity, so you keep it with you as you wander through the exhibit...<br /><br />You continue past the entrance and arrive at a collection of <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/buffalobasics/CentennialScholarPresentationFeb12010#">photos</a>. There are three sets of photos: waste/dilapidation in Buffalo (the before photos of the house), volunteers/progress, and into the future. You look more closely and realize that some of the photos with people in them have anecdotes attached, stories about volunteers, workshop attendees, and how they have each contributed to changing this idea of waste.<br /><br />You enter a room and the presentation part begins. I briefly speak about the project and how it got started, but mostly about our perceptions of waste and how we can seek to change it. Then, the activity! I asked people to turn and introduce themselves and start talking about their piece of junk in front of them. Where did it come from? What was it originally? What could they use it for now? Could you combine it with anyone elses object at the table and make something neat?? Everyone gets into groups, not sure what to expect. A moment of silence...and then a burst of chattering. You can hear snippets from other tables...<br /><br />"This looks like...a pipe. I suppose you could use it as a weapon?"<br />"No, it'd totally be an awesome cane!"<br /><br />"Hmmm...an old piece of a coat rack?"<br />"Woah...definitely a future chandelier!"<br />"I was thinking we could combine this cool looking table leg with it and make a rustic/stylish new coat rack!"<br /><br />You look down at your own object. You chose a piece of neon green Styrofoam that looks like a gigantic lego piece. Piece of styrofoam? Useless. Until wait, maybe you could use it as a stencil in the new bathroom design you are creating...someone else suggests simply reusing it for packaging/keeping another item safe in the mail...<br />Or, say you picked up an old wooden seat piece...hmmmm. You've always wanted a new cutting board...cut the seat down a bit, and voila! Also looks like a good sign...paint something on it and hang it in your room!<br /><br />As people shared their ideas with each other they realized they are totally into this! They wanted to take items home with them and actually turn the ideas into reality. The audience reconvened for a minute as I wrap up, connecting the activity to a larger message. What you immediately labeled as waste when you first exited the elevators, now seems potentially valuable...you think about the people who are immediately written off as waste or worthless...perhaps its all in perceptions...<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L8IbL1Orrob32jgfdn-BAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tEnTV6Fh1GQ/S2hjttYajFI/AAAAAAAABuw/KpZ4cter-rE/s288/P2010072.JPG" /></a><br />The presentation is over, but there's more to come! In the other room, there is an exhibit featuring many pieces of furniture that I made from trash. There are other activities to engage in too! You find the food table and...there is SO much food! Cinnamon raisin bread from Fancy and Delicious Baking Co, squash soup made from squash saved from the garden in Buffalo (actually, it's combination of farmer's market squash and squash from Kathy/Lar McNally's garden...shhhh), cheese/apples from the farmers market, fresh veggies, and a HUGE carrot cake made by a family friend! There is a canvas in the corner...there's a demonstration going on, about painting trim! It is an example of what I've been teaching at my house. <br /><br />Anyway, that's pretty much the gist of the presentation. It was a wonderful and inspiring day, and there were so many great conversations that I'll probably never even know about! Until next time...<br /><br />Megan</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-71089578711346798502010-01-19T22:08:00.000-05:002010-01-19T22:19:29.127-05:00Solar heat collector<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYQeC34VOkw5rSBY4Da2G-88fI0AookQ8K1eY8XF2MDFURJ0cMVhWmaPKBY4EoHFt98a2cgVH7uy_3GPzoBaQ8gvORP3hO4rc69hWrpjWE35G55GY6D2Z7bPMtbYXNxr7sMPAtbdpChrv/s1600-h/Solar+collector+nearly+done.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYQeC34VOkw5rSBY4Da2G-88fI0AookQ8K1eY8XF2MDFURJ0cMVhWmaPKBY4EoHFt98a2cgVH7uy_3GPzoBaQ8gvORP3hO4rc69hWrpjWE35G55GY6D2Z7bPMtbYXNxr7sMPAtbdpChrv/s200/Solar+collector+nearly+done.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428656330125161330" border="0" /></a>Apparently the 3pm time was inconvenient for many people wanting to attend the solar heat collector workshop. I got many emails telling me to switch the time, so next time I know later is better. In any event, I built most of the solar heat collector in one day...and it looks great! Had to stop because I ran out of cans, so if you have a bunch of soda or beer cans (or would be willing to host a party to get some) let me know! Materials reused include an old storm window, empty cans and some odd pieces of wood lying around. Total cost will probably be about $20. If you're interested in getting directions for making your own or would like to reschedule a workshop...email <span style="font-weight: bold;">buffalobasics@gmail.com</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-38452842236261774822010-01-03T20:04:00.000-05:002010-01-03T20:25:10.216-05:00Frozen pipes and frozen toesIt was in the <span style="font-style: italic;">negatives</span> today with the windchill factor. Eek. I found myself shivering even with the battery powered self-heating socks and a few extra layers of long johns I threw on in the morning. Despite the cold cold cold weather though, inside the house the mood was warm and cheery! I smiled as I came through the door, hearing the sound of the gas heater going and hammers pounding. Several volunteers were busily working away, only stopping when I brought in my aunt's "very berry" pie and Micki brought in her award winning lasagna to share! We gobbled it up as though we were at Thanksgiving dinner and then got right back to work.<br /><br />Working yesterday, Jason learned his fair share about drilling holes in 100 year old wood. Today Tex learned how to break out the rest of the corroded cast iron pipe/vent. More work is going on tomorrow and all week in fact (I'm working on building green innovations for my thesis, tiling the bathroom, etc), so if you'd like to learn...be sure to stop by!<br /><br />Last bit of news: my pipes froze overnight...looks like I'll have to find a better method to keep them warm. Luckily, nothing exploding, so I didn't have water pouring in my basement...knock on wood! I'm working on finishing the insulation, so hopefully then it won't be a problem. In the meantime, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it doesn't happen again. More updates to come, but if you're interested in green design/build, come to the workshop on the 13th at 3pm to learn all about offsetting your heating bills with DIY solar air collectors!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-10006178037583108582009-12-18T16:52:00.000-05:002009-12-21T10:09:07.068-05:00Spray Foam Insulation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgZrEFYluD9U62WW3ZTabcZfaGAyOFBkkuq-xwuQ6FJB2QjnBYDfvi-zIQXDFA9JIzam_76y_CLZLf6BTaNUE8b94HlG-xqczKTRQQ0GK4E_okywhLHuQXd2cIVJdkDmoetjs7zDxYlVt/s1600-h/IMG_0475.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgZrEFYluD9U62WW3ZTabcZfaGAyOFBkkuq-xwuQ6FJB2QjnBYDfvi-zIQXDFA9JIzam_76y_CLZLf6BTaNUE8b94HlG-xqczKTRQQ0GK4E_okywhLHuQXd2cIVJdkDmoetjs7zDxYlVt/s200/IMG_0475.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417706499065266994" /></a><br />I was in Buffalo last weekend and worked on the spray foam insulation (sealing the gaps between the rigid foam and the joists) in the crawlspace. It's very simple...after installing the rigid foam (see previous post) and securing it, you just need to run a line of spray foam from the can all the way along the seams. You can buy it for ~$3/can.<br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBsFkeyJM6hbBB1G0MsDnJuVKFU98PJmnM0gzVrWoPfwMoeV5pdqQiuA7NS71uBr9NRJhllqMZDDFzcFv2mlknRxe6xt9qhzNFHkbxQ0gH0d-ZNvrA7ytndjJAs7Shu6motp8fgqVCIfV/s200/IMG_0477.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417706638060447986" />A word of caution: WEAR A RESPIRATOR! The chemicals from the spray foam are very bad for you to breathe. You <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> get sick without a mask. My uncle has a sprayfoam insulation company out in Long Island and he says that he's gotten terrible asthma-like breathing attacks...so please be careful. Spray foam is amazing stuff, but not worth sacrificing your lungs!<br /><br />This month coming up...look out for <span style="font-weight: bold;">DIY solar air collectors</span>! For my thesis I am measuring the efficiency of air collectors I build out of trash. These collectors will be attached to southfacing windows to capture the sun's energy and heat up the air in the house. Keep checking on the calendar above for workshop days. Remember, it's an experiment...so the first solar air collector may not be perfect, but at least it has the potential to heat your home! If you'd like to get involved in general, please feel free to contact me...there will be lots of work going on January 2-16th. Learn a new skill and meet some awesome folks!<br /><br />Happy Holidays...<br />MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-39570200739011745412009-12-07T22:53:00.000-05:002009-12-07T23:59:25.548-05:00Crawlspace InsulationI was home again for Thanksgiving weekend.<br />No, I did not work on Thanksgiving...<br /><br />Friday through Sunday was spent insulating the crawlspace underneath the first section of my house. I am unfortunate enough to not have a full basement like some of the other houses in the area, so I was inching around on my stomach using my feet to move me along! Though it is proven that the majority of your money spent on heating (something like 42%) is lost through an uninsulated attic, an uninsulated basement and crawlspace can also contribute to heat loss...especially if it is not sealed off from outside winds. So I decided to get that out of the way before the weather turned.<br /><br />To insulate your basement/crawlspace you first need to measure the area. Figure out exactly how much space exists between joists (usually 16 on center...so you'll need insulation about 14 inches wide) and multiply that by the width of your house. This gives you the area of one open space...now you need to figure out how many joists span your house and multiply the area for one open section by the number of open spaces that exist in between your joists. This calculation is a bit confusing, but once you start doing it you should be able to figure it out...<br /><br />ORDER EXTRA.<br /><br />I decided on ordering rigid foam from <a href="http://www.thermalfoams.com/Default.htm">Thermal Foams</a>, a local distributor on Kenmore Ave. They were very helpful and for a small fee they delivered directly to the doorstep. Once you have your insulation ordered and set to be installed, follow the step-by-step below:<br /><br />1. If you ordered pre-cut 8ft strips (ex. 14" x 8ft), then skip to step 3. If you ordered large sheets and want to cut them yourself for greater precision (the differences in my widths varied from 13" to 15+"), measure the spaces between the joists and cut the strips to fit. I used a table saw to cut the strips, much faster than any other method, but it is doable with a handsaw. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A NUMBERING SYSTEM so you know where the strips will go.<br /><br />2. Rip long 1" strips from 2x4s or from any scrap wood lying around. You will be using this to hold up your insulation against the floorboards, so you need to make enough to keep the insulation up. An alternative to this would be to tack nails into the sides of the joists...although this may be a faster method, it also seems like a more flimsy method.<br /><br />3. Go into the crawlspace (bring a headlamp and goggles or you'll inevitably get dust in your eyes) and start securing the insulation in place. If you have a nail gun, GREAT! If not, insulating will not be quick and easy. Shove one strip of insulation up into a space between the joists and secure it by nailing the 1"x2" strips just under the insulation. Do this for every exposed space.<br /><br />4. You're almost done...now to the foaming. Because rigid foam does not conform to the shape of the space, it can leave unsealed air gaps. In order to decrease air infiltration, you need to foam the spaces where the wood and rigid foam meet. The easiest way is to buy spray foam in cans from any major hardware store (Dibbles, Home Depot, etc). You will need a lot of foam, but it'll be worth it in the end!<br /><br />I have yet to completely seal the space by adding the spray foam, so if you're interested in seeing it in action, contact me! Unfortunately the foam is only useable in 40 degrees or higher...so I may have to wait until a warm winter day, or even springtime to finish this project. Meanwhile, I'm losing heat! Ah! I will be home this weekend and working on various projects around the house (namely insulation...finishing the insulation in the basement and in the attic). Definitely call me if you would like a demonstration...of insulation, of drywalling, anything!<br /><br />Hope you're all staying warm this season.<br />MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-67554347526819573592009-11-06T19:10:00.000-05:002009-11-06T23:59:22.439-05:00Election weekend, windows and weatherizationColumbia/Barnard gives us the weekend off so we can go home and vote. I took advantage and went home to work on the house all weekend! I was working alone, then suddenly VOILA! I find myself working with 1 then 3 then 6 other people! Matt's mother taking a day to learn about bread baking with her son, Jason learning the precision of cutting drywall, Micki and Bryan helping out in the upstairs bathroom, Vince and my mother tearing out lathe, Dave offering expertise on insulation, Ken showing how to fix minor roof leaks, my father fiddling with the leaky toilet, people stopping by to pick up bread...A community atmosphere and a constant desire to learn has become a part of the house. It's wonderfully refreshing to be in such an atmosphere in comparison to living in the Big Apple.<br /><br />Work continues on the house, slowly but surely. It's hard when I'm not there to<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SzHSOgzjrUR3Km8WZSS-3RWu3CdN5uqx_E1D7By0G8aiWHBoo1_14rDGM5S7KuXTse-PBs2kbbSOhrTSK1AgZUMyChcvdaypaQo6mbzijtNNMijstG3fySbL19C2JLoRTCAL54c2_RXu/s1600-h/Kale+tree.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SzHSOgzjrUR3Km8WZSS-3RWu3CdN5uqx_E1D7By0G8aiWHBoo1_14rDGM5S7KuXTse-PBs2kbbSOhrTSK1AgZUMyChcvdaypaQo6mbzijtNNMijstG3fySbL19C2JLoRTCAL54c2_RXu/s200/Kale+tree.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401152490657406242" border="0" /></a> coordinate. The first floor is looking really great--almost all of the drywall is complete! It's almost looking like a real home. The weather is getting much much colder, so we closed off all the entrances to the upstairs to increase the efficiency of the gas heater that heats the downstairs. Also because it is cold, we put the garden to bed for the winter...covering all the beds with dead leaves that will add nutrients to the garden beds for next spring. It looks odd considering a month ago we still had tomatoes and salad and beans and beets! All that's left is the lone kale...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">To note</span>: If you have a house with somewhat leaky windows, a temporary fix is using the plastic covers that seal tight your windows, not allowing air infiltration. Super helpful because you can lose a lot of heat this way! It's a quick an easy fix. Although, I should say...do not rely on this. Plastic is not a good material--it is harmful for the environment! Fix your windows and you won't need to do this temporary solution. Call/email me if you would like more information on fixing and weatherizing windows. Also, I'm home in a few weeks for thanksgiving...working on insulating the crawlspace and basement with rigid foam. So if you're interested in learning about insulation, would like a workshop or a five minute demo, contact me as well!<br /><br />Last update: Research continues on DIY green technologies. I'm looking at a solar heat collector, building it out of aluminum cans painted black and channeling the hot air in through a window. Sort of like a forced air system, only it only works during the day and uses no fossil fuels. Also thinking of trying to capture some of the heat from the oven and channeling it into the house? If anyone ever has thoughts or suggestions...anything would be appreciated. The beauty of this house is that I'm willing to try anything and everything! So bring the craziest ideas to the table and I'll try it...given it's not outrageously expensive.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-61417647490483956532009-10-18T08:56:00.000-04:002009-10-18T09:08:40.934-04:00Hooray for HeatMatt has been suffering in the October cold weather, but there has been a report that the heat is now on. Hooray!!!! A small victory in the grand scheme of things, but we're all glad our favorite neighborhood baker won't freeze to death.<br /><br />In other news, research on green technologies for the house has been <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9053OFikydzJG2UEYU6-xescTIaECJSzbvnknJbY_08MUCh9wjcagFqpU1t3hhu_PVBxt9EietwKx-G7OB-13lpuwyNnmJGl0BD8QdDZ2W11gLn7yBKoZ2QjEyV9ML4hoFKpL-N6jcqm/s1600-h/solar-water-heater-howto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9053OFikydzJG2UEYU6-xescTIaECJSzbvnknJbY_08MUCh9wjcagFqpU1t3hhu_PVBxt9EietwKx-G7OB-13lpuwyNnmJGl0BD8QdDZ2W11gLn7yBKoZ2QjEyV9ML4hoFKpL-N6jcqm/s200/solar-water-heater-howto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393926045296018690" border="0" /></a>progressing. If you're interested in trying to supplement your own hot water by building a solar thermal panel, check out this <a href="http://www.thesietch.org/projects/solarthermalpanel2/index.htm">website</a>. It has a great set of instructions, and this is similar to the panel I will be constructing. The output (amount of water heated) will be measured over a long period of time to see how much heating you would save just by building this. The guy on the website said it cost him less than five dollars! An investment of five dollars seems well worth the time it will take to construct it.<br /><br />Worst case scenario, it doesn't work. Okay scenario, I use it only for heating water for an outdoor shower in the spring and summer. Best scenario, it can be integrated into the hot water heating system in the house!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-38420050705329661902009-10-06T08:55:00.000-04:002009-10-06T09:08:11.435-04:00"Greenery" in WinterI met with my thesis adviser this week to finalize my thesis topic and...it's going to be studying low-cost green upgrades on houses, using recycled materials! How fantastic, right?!? <br /><br />Research on the topic is being conducted now with the intent of installing things at 153 Eaton in December/January. So look out for updates on future green workshops! How to make your own insulation, heat your house more efficiently, maybe even how to construct a solar thermal panel to heat water for your shower! Why buy expensive technology when you can do it yourself??<br /><br />Updates coming...Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130321549632324004.post-40508112654633287782009-09-21T18:21:00.000-04:002009-09-23T11:08:29.139-04:00Creepy Crawlers!There are few things I like less about home improvement than slithering around on my stomach in a dusty, spider ridden crawl space.<br /><br />False.<br /><br />Truth be told, there is a bit of satisfaction to be had when you emerge <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cmwRlmUDYyoIJAnfFD26POrquzB2VBxP73kLr11HTeIVmDx1o4XpD7MPBKLrHOWUrYRHQVkz05Im80BQE2EwoUZ0EYmPRq4k6ZY6RJX2nea3acORmpybaXujqhGtsqMcbY8wVnwFJKAj/s1600-h/August2009+020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; float: right;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cmwRlmUDYyoIJAnfFD26POrquzB2VBxP73kLr11HTeIVmDx1o4XpD7MPBKLrHOWUrYRHQVkz05Im80BQE2EwoUZ0EYmPRq4k6ZY6RJX2nea3acORmpybaXujqhGtsqMcbY8wVnwFJKAj/s200/August2009+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384678557530773234" border="0" /></a>from the darkness, headlamp covered in spider webs, a soot mark extending from your forehead to your chin and clothes <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> dirty you hesitate to sit on furniture for fear of ruining it! At least that's what I feel. It also gives you a sense of legitimacy...I'm dirty, so I must be getting work done, must know what I'm doing! The thought that spiders may be in my hair is a little unsettling, I will admit.<br /><br />This weekend I had my fair share of fun in the dark spaces underneath my house. While doing some work, I also found some neat objects! Of course the typical animal bones and the discarded wood, but I also found a small wheel, an old (rotted) wine barrel, and some object that is made of wood, has two handles, and looks like a buoy, but weighs over 100 lbs (I will post a photo when I go back and take one in November)! Wonder where it's going...inside? Or in the sculpture garden in the backyard?Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16719339420496068232noreply@blogger.com0