It was February when we visited Ken and Adriane at Two Girls Yurts in New Hampshire and put the plans in motion for this yurt to be built and raised on June 22nd. It felt surreal to see them pull into the drive mid-morning with that truck loaded down and perfectly packed with parts and pieces, and to have them then pull out by mid-afternoon with a lighter load. Just like that! A home in our woods appeared. Of course, it wasn't that simple - there was much in the way of preparation of all kinds, and most especially all the handwork done by Ken and Adriane to build the walls, door, and on and on. Cutting and measuring and sewing and all the many things. We're so grateful to them for their expertise, attention to detail, beautiful handwork, and the way they share the joy of yurt living so generously with all of us! We couldn't be happier with the process with them, not to mention the beautiful result. And then there is the crew of friends who gave up a weekday to raise this baby with us! We are blessed indeed by their generosity and strong willing hands.
There is still lots to be done before it's year-round living ready. It's fully insulated (Floors and walls) so we'll need a wood stove (the center pipe coming down is for that). And then there's sorting out some kind of power and internet (it's a shady spot, solar might not do), and the small but oh so important detail of a composting outhouse. But those things will be coming along soon enough, and for now, we are all so very pleased to be at this point - Andy most especially, with a beautiful roof over her head!
We've talked about putting a yurt on this land ever since we arrived. The different reasons why one might be needed has changed over that time - for everything from my studio to a family workspace to guest housing. And I'm certain in the fifteen years (or so?) that this structure is standing strong, it will see many more incarnations we haven't even dreamed up yet (the teens are already talking about it being their summer home when returning from college, though I'm dreaming about that yurt full of fiber). But for now, we find ourselves full of gratitude for this beautiful yurt, and even more so, the special person who will be living in it for a while, as she fills the vital role of helper to farm and family.
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And with that checked off the list, I'm out the door once again (oh my!) to Boston, where I'll be at the first ever Boston Renegade Craft Fair with Taproot. If you're nearby, come say hello! We're in the Cyclorama building.
Have a beautiful weekend, all!