To summarize the purpose of this blog, a little background may be useful to the reader.
Currently, our family of 4 people and 3 animals live on a 5.2 acre property in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Our current home is a geodesic house, which is presenting many challenges to "standard" living. Things previously taken for granted were 90-degree corners, linen closets, automatic dishwasher, standardized storage, etc. . . things that didn't bother us terribly when we were renters, nor for our first home, a "split level" house on a 2/3 acre property in an "urban community" designed development (that is, a big loop street that has cul d' sacs throughout it... we lived at the end of one of the sacs.
It is because of the many challenges we face that I am motivated to get information available to others, whether it's because they just want some new ideas, want to be creative, or whatever. Our awesome home and property is quite a lesson-giver, and I want to share our experiences in the hope that others will benefit.
The blog title of Odd Living comes not only from living in a geodesic house, but also because we're not. . . "normal." We are each independent, usually stubborn, strong creativity. . . and a whole lot of procrastination! As the economy continues to wreak havoc on people, and more people are in need of "DIY" projects that fit their unique needs, I figure my experiences might be able to help them along the way, just as those who've chosen to share have helped me on my way.
So here's the gist: As previously mentioned, we live in a geodesic house (about 1,600 sq. feet) built around 1985 on a 5.2 acre property that's "out in the country." We bought the place in April 2011 (and haven't finished moving yet!), and have been taking time to do repairs and minor remodeling (as in toilet replacements, new kitchen sink and faucet, etc). On this property, the previous owners (who built the house and barn) planted a wide variety of flora-- fruit trees and berries too regular trees and beautifully flowering bushes. Lilac 'trees' older than I am, and a green house and ginormous lawn.
This means there is a whole heap of stuff I need to learn (such as how to prune the variety of food stuff-- grapevines, strawberries, raspberries, apple and pear and fig and kiwi trees, gooseberries and currant, and of course, the ever-present and invasive delicious weed, blackberries. We also have a huge barn, the lower part of which we've been transforming into a workshop with the help of contractors; the upper part is an unfinished bonus area of about 1,200 sq. feet, but the gambrel roof makes for less standard usable area.
Our other house is a split-level (about 1,800 sq. feet, including UNFINISHED basement) and two car garage that we are hoping to rent out as soon as I get healthy enough to finish the move. We still own both properties, so I'll probably cover projects on both properties.
I'll try to post as many before/after photos as I can for larger projects, as I do not write "tutorials" or such. This is primarily for informational purposes. I still have to figure out what "projects" mean, as I seriously do a wide variety of activities.
Yes, this entry is far from the "professional" appearance that I prefer, but it will have to suffice for now.
