January 2023 Update
Hello!
This month's email is slightly delayed because I was having too much fun during the ice storm. See photos in the thread below.
I had another meeting with our architect to hammer out details and scope the first two initial homes. He's working on the early schematic drawings.
I also had a call with our prospective builder and discussed building systems with him. He's excited about the project and we're hoping to make it work timing wise with his schedule.
The builder would do most of the construction himself rather than sending it out to subcontractors. I think this will improve build quality and make it easier for us to use innovative building techniques (like the 500 year wall). He would like another builder on site with him full time to speed up construction, so there will be opportunities to get your hands dirty and help build a home if that interests you.
One weekend we had some folks out to build steps from the hilltop to the front yard. I'm already putting them to use! We cut down two junipers that were crowding out oaks and used them to create the steps. We backfilled the steps with dirt. They were a little wobbly at first so over the next few weeks I collected coffee grounds from Mazama in Dripping Springs and used the grounds to shore up the steps. I also bought a grass mix from Native American Seed and spread it along the bare side to help prevent erosion.
In February we are gonna build a fence around the pool and maybe build more terraced erosion dams. The dates are still in flux but let me know if you'd like to be involved with them. I'm open to pitches if there's a project you'd like to build at Montanoso. Also this month I'll be cleaning up debris and pruning trees after the ice storm.
Also I'll soon be launching Montanoso Stories, so keep an eye out on Twitter for that announcement.
Regards, Andrew