September is Almost Here

We are entering the final push for getting as much ready as possible for the fall semester. It has been a bit stressful and very exciting. Kat and crew have finished the bagged earth cottage, we are almost done with the outdoor showers, and the bath house is looking real good. Time is going so fast we hardly knew it is almost September. In three weeks this place will really come alive.

On top of all this we are finishing up course 17, taught by Earle, and preparing for 18, taught by Susan.

Photos (I don't have any new photos so I figured I would offer up these taken by Michael Brannan in May):

Geshe Michael and Christie

Geshe-la and Chuck at teaching

Christie and Geshe Michael in the trees

This town ain't big enough for the both of us

A Nice Day

It's cool and rainy today, a nice change from normal desert weather. Plus over half an inch of rain does nicely for our water system.

Thursday we poured a concrete bond beam on the bathroom with great sucess. On the other side of the road the first bagged earth house is just about finished. Plaster has been added and it looks great.

Photos:

Shoveling concrete out of the tractor bucket

A look at the bagged earth cottage

How plaster is made

Akon and Michael applying the plaster

High walls and classes

We've really made some progress on the bathroom walls (images below). Pretty soon we'll start work on the inside. It is amazing how quick the adobe went up. Also, Kat has finished the first bagged earth cottage. They topped it off with a yurt dome and plaster. I'll put some pictures up as soon as I get over to see it myself.

We are also in the middle of ACI course 16 right now. It is being taught by David Stumpf. Every evening is great. Our group is small enough and bright enough to have some really wonderful discussions. I look forward to Courses 17 and 18 which are coming up.

Photos (more bathroom/ shower room images):

Full view as of 8/10/04

Doug demonstrates the now-famous shovel toss

A view of work from inside

Alan installing wire for the concrete form

David Stumpf teaching course 16

More Pictures

I finally got some more pictures of what's been going on around here. Check 'em out. We are moving along quickly on the bathroom / shower room. We are at about seven feet on wall height now. I hope to have more up to date pictures up soon. Enjoy.

Photos:

Earle and Douglas spooning joints on adobe

Eric and Alan laying mud

Me and Douglas working with the mixer

Mason Eric Brinkman

Three of us after a hard day of work

Me edging the temple foundation after pouring concrete