Two years ago we decided to extend the house... and then we did this and that, and decided to look for this and that, and checked out this price of this and that... and well, not much happened.
I began collecting info on mudbricks when I was about 16, and slowly over many years have accumalated a heap of info, which all generally says the same thing and like many things attempts to turn a simple job into an elite one.
We have hummed and haa-ed about building this and that, and in the back of my mind remained the idea that one day, I would build a mud brick house down the hill.
Last week, I noticed I can no longer step over my kids. Actually the younger one told me she is now taller than me, but I just shook my head and practiced a bit of denial. Besides, the house really needs extending. So, back I went to costing this and that, and generally wondering how on earth I could afford to extend both the back and the front of the house.
Then I suddenly realised that I didn't have to wait and build a mudbrick house at all. I could simply put on a mudbrick extension!
And so it has begun. The pit went in yesterday and 4 trial bricks were formed. Luckily, my crappy soil is absolutely perfect for mudbricks, being high in clay and rocks. Upon eager inspection this morning - 3 were given the nod, and the other returned to the pit, to form part of todays activity.
Am so sore. Tis hard yakka. But oddly relaxing, as it doesn't require huge amounts of brain straining. It was a simple job I could just enjoy, and plod along with. I really did enjoy it.
Have given myself a simple daily quota. 2 bricks a day minimum, and we will be moving forward. Made about 15 today, so it is slow going, but heck - I wasted two years pricing stuff, so am sure it won't take that long.
Am just heaps chuffed... It is a wonderful feeling creating in the earth. I took some photos, and will post progress for those interested.
