Musings on being a pragmatic activist

Technically speaking having a baby is one of the least eco-friendly things you can do this over populated, under resourced world.

But this was probably not the first thing that came to mind when realising we were going to have our own – dazed shock at the unlikelihood of it was closer to the reality.

Four or so months later it’s still surreal but a gift – of the change-your life forever nature.

Beyond the usual trials and tribulations of preparing we’re going to join thousands of other parents who are looking for ways to reduce the impact.

Ours will be a ‘pragtivist baby’ approach. The idea of pragmatic activism – being thoughtful about looking after our planet and society, without beating yourself up for all the things you can’t/didn’t do – should translate into child bearing and rearing, I hope?

Should be fun finding out.

Thanks to my amazing father in-law, Greg, we are lucky enough to have a flash new outdoor fireplace and pizza oven.

Has been used for a variety of pizza’s as well as twice-cooked pork hocks and ditto lamb shanks.

No country retreat should be without one.

It’s 2014 and we’ve been living in Valley Cottage for about eight months and are well and truly settled.

So it’s about time to put some of the ‘ta-daaaa!’ pics up. We’re so very lucky and now it’s summer getting to share with visitors who are adventurous enough for a little trek to the country.

Jan 18th marked 8 months since the ground was broken on our eco-dream… and we’re nearly ready to move in. Just two more weeks and it should be finished. Mind you we’ve been saying this for a couple of weeks now…

Lots of decisions to be made about the finishes like tiles and lights and switches. Am trying to make sure we balance all the earth and wood with some modern elements so it’s not too rustic. Would like the VC to be contemporary looking even though our concept is as old as the hills (literally).

The roof went up a few weeks ago and the team have now installed the solar hot water heater – along with the wetback on the woodburner this will help keep our water heating bills down.

After patiently working through the kitchen plan (& my angst about the diagonal pantry door!) Kevin and his team are now building this from the beautiful macrocapa (sourced from sustainable local forests, of course) wood that will be used for our joinery too.

Click on this image and go through to the picture gallery on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76611172@N04/8191368907/in/set-72157631149582282/

Roof trusses for the most expensive garage north of Auckland are now up and should have the roof next week. Verandah concrete to be laid later in the week, Auckland spring weather allowing.