Some affirmations

We're not going back to South Dakota! It took a lot of consideration to reach this decision. First and foremost: it's a huge commute. hahaha. We could have made it there on vegetable oil, but we would have likely left with diesel. Second: the pay did not seem to cover the psychological cost of an unorganized build. Third: it's time to build a nest. Oh, and a fourth reason might be that our truck has to be disassembled... All clear reasons to stay right where we're at in the happy hills of Berea, Kentucky. We do regret not being able to see our new friend Mahesh in action, but I trust everything will go well. Besides, he only lives in Iowa.
Soooo, I left out some cool details about the place we are currently setting up. The cabin is on Jessa, Nathan, and Mary Ellen's property. Instead of listing their names all the time, I will call the place Homegrown Hideaways. This is the name of Jessa's idea for a sort-of school that gathers people to learn about natural building and sustainable living. The concept is really exciting! They finally have enough land to let students and instructors camp-out and get hands-on experience building wonderful structures out of straw-bale, cob, earth-bag, or whatever element is appropriate for the workshops. Jessa and Nathan have had the long-standing dream of creating this non-profit organization, but there is still uncertainty about how it will all come together. It will happen, though! Jeff, Jessa, Nathan, and Mary Ellen have all worked together on builds before and they are chock-full of knowledge just waiting to be re-applied on-site.
Back to the details of our new nest... Homegrown Hideaways is 100 acres of mostly tree-filled hills and wildlife. It used to be at the bottom of an ancient ocean, so there are plenty of rocks and fossils strewn about. The driveway slopes down a hill to a bridge that crosses a creek (I'll take pictures when I get home). The long driveway curves around and passes a stage, pavillion, concession stand and firepit until you reach the garage and main house. The main house is where Jessa, Nathan, and Mary Ellen currently reside, but it will hopefully become a community house once some dreams have come to fruition.
One of the cabins on the property is at the start of the hill about 100 feet down from the start of the driveway. It has been abandoned for a few years, but it has huge potential. Jeff has been busy ripping out old flooring, and we just started screening in the porch. We're adopted a wild kitten, too! Without pictures, this is tough to explain. I'll get right on it...