Lama Dome Dailies, Dec 11

From the laptop of Nicole Davis:

Yesterday was a day off (even though Bert and Jesse went up to the dome anyway, just for fun) and today it feels like we did as much work as we normally would have in two days. The sun was shining, the day was warm, and we were working high speed today. There is a lot to tell you about.

We found out yesterday that the permit inspection has been officially scheduled for Monday December 22. That means we have TEN WHOLE DAYS to finish the exterior of the dome. It's doable, but I don't think we'll be taking another day off until the 22nd, so wish us luck.

We were graced by visits from both Allison and Kat today. These two women are working every day to make sure we are well fed (and we eat a LOT), so lately they haven't had time to see the fruits of the project. It was great to have them up there.

The cob crew covered a lot of ground on the back of the dome, and Dennis and Viet did some more excellent rock work by the back door. Bert and Christine sculpted the front entry way and Luke installed the back door. It's gorgeous. It even smells good! No joke, you can smell it from 2 feet away.

The dome is about 19 feet high from the floor inside to the top of the last course. We brought up the skylight to try it out. The dome now holds heat. Yes, everyone, it is now a house!! We still have to seal the windows and doors, and install the skylight, and of course do the finish work, but the structure is DONE!! Well, probably - Bert and the bag crew (John and Ehrin) still reserve the right to add one more course tomorrow if they are feeling really nostalgic.

Yet another amazing part of the day was seeing Matty Gallup back in the dirt pits for his final performance. Singing operatas and other nonsense with his pit companion Ben Kramer, Matt pick mattoxed like a champ, as we hauled dirt to the top of the dome for what might have been the last time. Yes, we put on two more courses and these may be the last. Don't get too teary-eyed, we still have concrete to haul up there. And cob. And lime plaster. Oh, and a giant skylight. So don't think you've missed all the fun. Come on down to DM and join us - only 10 more work days left until the inspection!!!

Photos of the Day, December 11, 2008

.