Heartwood Colorado Cohousing

The Cacti are flowering at Heartwood

2010-06-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Took a walk today and noticed that the cacti had big beautiful yellow flowers. Particularly in the King's Highway area.

Here are some photos.

Animas River Days

2010-06-12T15:05:00.001-07:00

I took a few of the neighbor kids and a couple of my own into town today to see the Animas River Days.

We watched the Slalom races in the rapids and the dog fetching "competition" in the river.

New Well Drilling Pics

2010-06-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

We recently drilled a new well out here. It is just East of the Housing Cluster.

The well is installed and is in the process of waiting for state approval. (At least as I understand it)

Durango Ironhorse Weekend Pics

2010-06-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

If you are a bike fan then the Ironhorse weekend might interest you. (Even if you don't want to ride the 2 passes) Here are some pics from the races downtown on Sunday.

Staked Out a New Trail at Heartwood CoHousing

2010-05-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

I walked part of a new trail tonight with Sue. She was showing me the trail that she and Mac staked out along the Eastern edge of the property. It follows the fence line for part of the way then drops down to a sage meadow and then back up to the property line.

It provides an awesome view of the cluster and views to the valley towards the south.

We didn't follow it tonight but it continues and will have a spur trail that summits of of this hills on the property. I've been there too and it has great views both east and west.

I'll post pics next time I get up there.

Invest in Heartwood Farms

2010-02-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

The Vision
At Heartwood Farms, we practice bountiful, regenerative farming that is healing to the land and to all who are touched by it. Through Heartwood Farms, you can become the change that you want to see in the world! And you'll feel good because you'll be making it possible for us to raise local, organic food and nurture the land.

So Far, So Good
As expected, our first season was full of many wonderful successes and plenty of learning opportunities as well. Some of the successes included:
• providing over 14,000 pounds of extremely high quality, organic, locally grown food to Heartwood residents and the larger community
• establishing 70 garden beds and building the soil in those beds
• establishing a 2 acre potato field and building the soil in that field
• establishing an orchard of approximately 150 trees
• establishing 3 bee hives
• building LOTS of deer fences, irrigation systems, a root cellar, intern living facilities, a seedling house, a food washing shed, and small animal facilities
• enriching the lives of 4 interns who got the chance to learn about and experience organic farming and community living
• establishing a seed bank specifically adapted to our environment
• promoting microorganisms and soil fertility throughout the pastures and growing beds
• bringing farm workers, Heartwood residents, and visitors closer to Nature and the food they eat

Wow -- big year!

All of the lessons that we learned in our first year have to do with making the farm more sustainable. We need to have enough labor so that the farm work is joyful and doesn't burn people out. The farm operation is complex and we need good communications and systems in place to make it all run smoothly. Although lots of up front investment was made last year, in the long run, we need to bring in as much money as we spend. The soil is our most valuable resource and we need to continue to build it and help it become ever more fertile. All of these lessons have been incorporated into our 2010 work plan for the farm.

A Very Bright Future
At Heartwood we have a unique combination of resources that support Heartwood Farms. We have extremely experienced and talented growers, namely Bevan Williams and Kris Hill. We have plenty of pastureland and great water rights. We have a very supportive community that helps the farm in so many ways -- from providing the land to lending management expertise to giving love and friendship to the farm interns. With all of the achievements of 2009, the exhaustive work to learn from our first year and adjust our plans accordingly, and the support of our community, the farm is poised to continue to grow and flourish. Our long range vision is to create a beautiful and nourishing integrated food system. We're on our way.

Won't You Join Us?
To reach that bright future, Heartwood Farms needs cash investment. Investing in Heartwood Farms Co-op entitles you to membership in the co-op, voting rights, and a proportional financial stake in the cooperative. While dividends and increased share value are certainly possible, investing in Heartwood Farms is really about investing in your values.
• Do you value healthy, organic, local, fresh, convenient, and affordable food on your table and at common meals?
• Do you value making that wonderful food available to the larger local community?
• Do you value minimizing your environmental footprint? (Did you know that food from the grocery store has traveled an average of 1300 miles?!)
• Do you value the development of innovative organic farming practices and sharing them with interns who will carry them far and wide?
• Do you value bringing health and vitality to the land?

If you hold any of these values, please consider joining us in making this vibrant food system a reality by investing in Heartwood Farms.

Investment Details
Voting Rights
All member-owners, regardless of how many shares they own, are entitled to one vote at the annual meeting where we'll elect a board of directors and possibly make other decisions.

Financial Stake and Selling Shares
All member-owners have a stake in the cooperative in proportion to the number of shares they own. They will receive a proportional share of dividends distributed. They are free to sell their shares whenever and to whomever they choose at whatever price they can get, although the cooperative and Heartwood members will retain a first right of refusal in order to keep ownership of the co-op close to home.

Purchasing Shares
Shares will be offered at $100 per share. In the future, share price will increase as the value of Heartwood Farms increases. When you're ready to invest, please contact Mac Thomson and let him know how many shares you want to buy and whose name to put them in.

If you want further information, please don't hesitate ask. Here is some contact information:

Mac 884-2196 mac@heartwoodcohousing.com

Sandy 884-2196 sandy@heartwoodcohousing.com

Scott 239-1066 scott_fallows@yahoo.com

Zita 884-7003 zitaxavieris@gmail.com

Bevan 884-4069 bevanis@gmail.com

Kris 403-4665 hillblueclouds@yahoo.com

More Ways to Support the Farm
In addition to investing in Heartwood Farms, you might also want to consider supporting the farm by purchasing Farm Credits or volunteering to work on the farm. Buying Farm Credits means prepaying for farm food that can then be purchased at the Heartwood Store or at our Common House Farmers Markets. It's like a CSA, but you can get whatever farm food you want when you want it. There's another email fully describing the Farm Credits if you are interested. If you'd like to volunteer to get your hands dirty and work on the farm, give Sandy a call or send her an email and she'll let you know how to get started (884-2196; sandy@heartwoodcohousing.com).

We invite you to become part of this dream to create a more sustainable world and a more secure local food system. Come visit, see what we've done in only one year. If you'd like, volunteer to come play in the gardens. It won't be long until the scent of the first orchard blossoms, the sound of happy bees, the smell of healthy soil, and fresh strawberry shoots poking up from garden beds return to the farm. Remember, vibrant, radiant health comes from the farm, not the pharmacy!

We need to raise $4700 by March to purchase soil amendments, green house supplies, irrigation equipment, and seeds. If you share in this collective dream, we need your help to manifest it right here, right now. Please join us by calling Mac at 884-2196.

With deep appreciation from all of us,

The Heartwood Farms Board and Staff

At Heartwood Farms, we now have our first successful season under our belt and we're ready to welcome friends of Heartwood to become members of the farm. This letter will review what we've done so far at the farm, what we'll be doing in the years to come, and how you can help support Heartwood Farms by becoming a member and investing in growing nutritious, organic food right here at Heartwood. The Vision At Heartwood Farms, we practice bountiful, regenerative farming that is healing to the land and to all who are touched by it. Through Heartwood Farms, you can become the change that you want to see in the world! And you'll feel good because you'll be making it possible for us to raise local, organic food and nurture the land. So Far, So Good As expected, our first season was full of many wonderful successes and plenty of learning opportunities as well. Some of the successes included: • providing over 14,000 pounds of extremely high quality, organic, locally grown food to Heartwood residents and the larger community • establishing 70 garden beds and building the soil in those beds • establishing a 2 acre potato field and building the soil in that field • establishing an orchard of approximately 150 trees • establishing 3 bee hives • building LOTS of deer fences, irrigation systems, a root cellar, intern living facilities, a seedling house, a food washing shed, and small animal facilities • enriching the lives of 4 interns who got the chance to learn about and experience organic farming and community living • establishing a seed bank specifically adapted to our environment • promoting microorganisms and soil fertility throughout the pastures and growing beds • bringing farm workers, Heartwood residents, and visitors closer to Nature and the food they eat Wow -- big year! All of the lessons that we learned in our first year have to do with making the farm more sustainable. We need to have enough labor so that the farm work is joyful and doesn't burn people out. The farm operation is complex and we need good communications and systems in place to make it all run smoothly. Although lots of up front investment was made last year, in the long run, we need to bring in as much money as we spend. The soil is our most valuable resource and we need to continue to build it and help it become ever more fertile. All of these lessons have been incorporated into our 2010 work plan for the farm. A Very Bright Future At Heartwood we have a unique combination of resources that support Heartwood Farms. We have extremely experienced and talented growers, namely Bevan Williams and Kris Hill. We have plenty of pastureland and great water rights. We have a very supportive community that helps the farm in so many ways -- from providing the land to lending management expertise to giving love and friendship to the farm interns. With all of the achievements of 2009, the exhaustive work to learn from our first year and adjust our plans accordingly, and the support of our community, the farm is poised to continue to grow and flourish. Our long range vision is to create a beautiful and nourishing integrated food system. We're on our way. Won't You Join Us? To reach that bright future, Heartwood Farms needs cash investment. Investing in Heartwood Farms Co-op entitles you to membership in the co-op, voting rights, and a proportional financial stake in the cooperative. While dividends and increased share value are certainly possible, investing in Heartwood Farms is really about investing in your values. • Do you value healthy, organic, local, fresh, convenient, and affordable food on your table and at common meals? • Do you value making that wonderful food available to the larger local community? • Do you value minimizing your environmental footprint? (Did you know that food from the grocery store has traveled an average of 1300 miles?!) • Do you value the development of innovative organic farming practices and sharing them with interns who will carry them far and wide? • Do you value bringing health and vitality to the land? If you hold any of these values, please consider joining us in making this vibrant food system a reality by investing in Heartwood Farms. Investment Details Voting Rights All member-owners, regardless of how many shares they own, are entitled to one vote at the annual meeting where we'll elect a board of directors and possibly make other decisions. Financial Stake and Selling Shares All member-owners have a stake in the cooperative in proportion to the number of shares they own. They will receive a proportional share of dividends distributed. They are free to sell their shares whenever and to whomever they choose at whatever price they can get, although the cooperative and Heartwood members will retain a first right of refusal in order to keep ownership of the co-op close to home. Purchasing Shares Shares will be offered at $100 per share. In the future, share price will increase as the value of Heartwood Farms increases. When you're ready to invest, please contact Mac Thomson and let him know how many shares you want to buy and whose name to put them in. If you want further information, please don't hesitate ask. Here is some contact information: Mac 884-2196 mac@heartwoodcohousing.com Sandy 884-2196 sandy@heartwoodcohousing.com Scott 239-1066 scott_fallows@yahoo.com Zita 884-7003 zitaxavieris@gmail.com Bevan 884-4069 bevanis@gmail.com Kris 403-4665 hillblueclouds@yahoo.com

More Ways to Support the Farm In addition to investing in Heartwood Farms, you might also want to consider supporting the farm by purchasing Farm Credits or volunteering to work on the farm. Buying Farm Credits means prepaying for farm food that can then be purchased at the Heartwood Store or at our Common House Farmers Markets. It's like a CSA, but you can get whatever farm food you want when you want it. There's another email fully describing the Farm Credits if you are interested. If you'd like to volunteer to get your hands dirty and work on the farm, give Sandy a call or send her an email and she'll let you know how to get started (884-2196; sandy@heartwoodcohousing.com).

With deep appreciation from all of us,

The Heartwood Farms Board and Staff

#19 For Sale: 4 Bedroom Home

2010-01-30T14:16:00.001-08:00

#19 is a Single Family home with 4 bedrooms and an office.

$465,000

Large corner lot with terracing, drought tolerant perennials, more than 20 trees, yard planted with buffalo grass, 3 raised garden beds, drip irrigation system, pergola over back patio
Wood shed that holds at least 2 years supply of wood + storage of garden tools
Two car ports, side by side, with shelves in both units, over head flooring for increased storage
2,600 sq ft passive solar house with 4 bedrooms, study, and den on three floors, E-Star rating = 5
Hickory wood floors on main floor and hallway upstairs
Solid wood doors to all rooms
Skylight in upper hallway
Whole-house fan -- sucks out all of the hot air in about 10 minutes
Aspen ceilings in study and master bedroom
4 plumbed bathrooms, only 2 are full bathrooms with tubs and shower, tile in both bathrooms, no plastic
Wood stove -- we heat the two upper floors with wood only, high efficiency, low emissions ( 3.0 gms/hr)
Overhead fans in living room and two upstairs bedrooms
Hot water baseboard heat if needed in the whole house – we use it in the basement
Mexican tile in the kitchen, southwest mountain rustic design, gas stove for cooking

Contact us at dave (at) dave-austin.com or 970-884-2757 through the heartwood cohousing website. http://www.heartwoodcohousing.com

2009-10-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

We had a Great Harvest Festival yesterday here at Heartwood. There was food, music, games, garden tours and harvesting. Plus and amazing Harvest moon!
Bevan always happiest in the garden.

2009-08-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

We had or first EVER Farmer's Market here on the common house terrace last weekend. All the produce was grown down on the Farm and baked goods were donated and sold. We sold more produce here at Heartwood than we have at the Bayfield market! And it was a LOTmore fun. Let's do it again.

2009-06-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's been almost 10 years since we moved into Heartwood Cohousing and our dream of life in community became a reality. In those 10 years Heartwood has developed into quite an amazing little village. Our relationships have deepened immensely, the children are thriving, our ability to make wise decisions together and resolve conflicts continues to improve, the gardens and landscaping are flourishing, and I think it's safe to say that we've all grown individually as a result of living together in community. We are living the dream.

I don't know if it's the times that we live in or the reputation that Heartwood has developed, but inquiries about Heartwood and visits by prospective members are at an all time high.

If you're interested in realizing your dream of living in community, Heartwood's Phase 2 might be a great opportunity for you. I'd suggest you check out our extensive website (www.heartwoodcohousing.com)where details on reserving a place in phase to can be found. And maybe schedule a visit if it's been a while since you've visited. We've really grown and evolved. I've also set up an email chat just for people interested in Phase 2. To join, send a blank email to: HWP2-subscribe@googlegroups.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or call (970-884-2196). Note that I will be at the national cohousing conference in Seattle from June 20 - 29 so if you try to get ahold of me during that time, it will take me a while to get back to you. Unless of course, you're at the conference, in which case, please make a point of connecting with me there.

I'm looking forward to co-creating Heartwood Phase 2 with you.

Yours in Community,

Mac

Mac Thomson

Heartwood Cohousing

Southwest Colorado

http://www.heartwoodcohousing.com

Farmer's Almanac

2009-05-22T07:16:00.001-07:00

We had a beautiful Mother's Day morning down in the garden

A couple of weekends ago.

Lots of good food, laughter and celebration.

The gardens looked great and much has happened since we were down there.

Heartwood Farms has been to the Farmer's Market in Durango twice.

The soil in many of the beds has been amended.

Beets, onions, onions and more onions have been planted.

Four kinds of lettuce are growing.

Also planted since then are green beans, peas, melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, brocoli, garlic scallions, cooking greens, radishes and 2 kinds of cabbage.

The upper garden is two thirds of the way planted.

Lettuce will be ready to harvest in 3 weeks.

The 450 strawberry plants that got planted are doing well.

The fruit trees are leafing out.

The crab apple trees are blooming.

There are 9 baby goats. All girls except for Cassanova the only billy.

The bees are doing what bees do.

Birds are nesting in the bird houses.

The interns now have running water.

Pam has found us a handicap van with a lift to

transport produce and people to the markets and

make deliveries for $100. Thank you PAM!

Dixie has goat milk for sale in the store.

1 QT for $2.50

1/2 Gal for $4

1 Gal for $8

Please bring clean jars back to the store so she can reuse them.

There will also be some of Dixie's raw herb cheve made from milk from her goats and herbs from Heartwood!

They will be planting 8,000 potatoes over the next couple of days. If you have a spare hour or two please show up at the garden Thursday or Friday and drop some potatoes in. It's easy, some of the older kids could definatley do it.

Things are moving right along at Heartwood Farms where all the trees are strong, the bees are good looking and the amount of potatoes that need to be planted in way above average!

2009 Heartwood Retreat

2009-05-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

The retreat task force was comprised of seven people participating at different levels. The four core players were Anne, Beth, Lyn G. and Fran. Others who contributed were Maddy, Shannon & Jeroen. Their contributions were immensely valuable, each in their own way.

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Gong Show

2009-05-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

Fun Gong show co-hosted by Al & Addy!! Great team hosting!! The photos will only give you a clue…..

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Dinner

2009-05-04T18:18:00.001-07:00

The food was spectacular and nurturing prepared and served by Martha, Ted & the kids. Ending with a great Chuck-wagon dinner complete with wagon built by kids, Ted & Chester!! Yumm Yumm!!

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Saturday 4

2009-05-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

We finished the day with Kinesthetic Modeling led by Beth. We used sacks of ‘holy scrap’ and built models first in small group and then as one large group. The project was done in silence and then debriefed. Most people felt most comfortable in the small groups and eventually found their place in the larger group. The debriefs were very informative.

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Saturday 3

2009-05-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dynamic Continuum is a process choreographed and led by Anne to help us see where we are on the ‘continuum scale’. It’s similar to the horseshoe model we’ve used in the past where each person lines on the horseshoe one end being comfortable and the other end not comfortable with the concept presented, such as ‘conflict’. Anne’s movement based exercise allows room for the concept that all situations are dynamic and can change moment to moment. The middle of the circle is where we feel connected to the situation or each other…..and the outer edges of the circle is where we do not feel connected. Anne presented concepts such as you’re at a common meal, you’re at a common meal and you’ve had a hard day, you’re cooking a common meal. It was fun the see the visual of where people feel connected and where they do not.

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Lunch

2009-05-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

We shared a nurturing and delicious lunch! Thanks Ted, Martha & the kid cook crew!!

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Saturday 2

2009-05-01T12:47:00.001-07:00

Next Fran presented her ChoiceCards; a visual, auditory & kinesthetic representation of the language of compassion. It’s a way to bring to awareness of our choices and with every choice we can play with the distinctions of what unites and what separates. We can choose from a framework based separation, domination, life-alienating, power over/under & violence. Or a framework based on unity, life-enhancing, life-serving, power with, contributing to the well being of people and planet. ChoiceCards was developed and presented through her story of being mis-understood and her quest for integrity and to be understood.

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Saturday 1

2009-05-01T12:20:00.001-07:00

Saturday March 7 opened with Beth presenting ‘Our Stories’. In order for our minds to compile the vast amount of information that comes our way we form ‘mental models’ based on images. Most of these mental models are formed by the time we are 6 or 7 years old. And we all have different mental models, kind of like ‘different languages’ even though we all speak English.

From these unique mental models we create stories. Some of these stories unite us and we acknowledged that these exist and are working well in our quest of collaboration and community living. And some of these stories separate us. These are the places we bump into each other, feed frustration, lack understanding and generally create conflict. We chose to look at the stories that separate us in small break-out groups and then shared the stories with the larger group. This is what separates us.

We discovered that what is underneath these stories is usually a deeper story like I’ll die, I’ll be kicked out from the tribe and left alone to die, I be disconnected with life yet remain among the living in the tribe. Frightening and scary stuff!!

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Friday Evening

2009-05-01T11:52:00.001-07:00

March 6, Friday Evening a yummy potluck began at 6:00 followed by the 2008 Heartwood movie, this year produced by Shannon Walker, age 15! It is lively and entertaining, great job Shannon!! We then did an exercise of movement and gratitude. We put our names in a basket, drew the names and then looked for that person to put our hand on their left shoulder and form a large circle. Ironically we ended up in small pods instead of one large circle, a theme that continued throughout the weekend. We are part of the whole, Heartwood Community, we are part of many smaller groups, and we are individuals. Gratitude was expressed one on one. We ended the evening by lighting candles and placing them on the terrace as a beginning of ‘finding our place in community’.

2009 Heartwood Retreat - Intro

2009-04-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Welcome to the 2009 Heartwood Retreat! Celebrating and sharing a bit of our experience!

Coming Home: Where is my place in Heartwood?

Where do I belong? Premise: Everyone has a place and every place is important! Our voices help us to find our place. Together we make up a 'system' called community. Any system perpetually seeks to be in balance. We continually shift and change personally and as a community. How do we dance this dynamic continuum? And it all boils down to......We're all Bozo's on this Bus! Where's your place?

Let's Pay Ball

2009-04-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

This Sunday May 3rd

May pole at 1:30 on the play field

2:00 whiffle ball game for the whole community plus other family and friends.

Kids will be selling peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks Hot dogs and Beer

Get your beer here !!!!

to raise money for playing field improvements

There will be a BBQ at 6:30 on the terrace

It will cost $5 per person

which includes hamburgers, brats with all the fixings and salad and side dishes contributed by families with kids.

We are asking anyone with kids who will benefit from the play field to contribute a salad, side dish or dessert

and still pay the $5 per family member.

Hope to see you all there!

Sandy

Tree Planting Party

2009-04-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate with us. This Sunday we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony down in the pasture. We will plant a lot of apple trees and offer apple treats. Come see the bunnies and the new baby goats!

Heartwood Cohousing in Top 10

2008-12-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Heartwood Cohousing has been selected at one of Natural Home Magazines top 10 Green communities. How Cool!

Here's some of their list.

Common area includes guest rooms, laundry and exercise rooms, library, game room, kitchen and dining room.
■ Solar-powered pump and gravity-fed water system move irrigation water to landscaping around homes.
■ Residents grow food and raise animals.
■ Two natural gas wells
■ All community and private homes are Energy Star-qualified.
■ Straw-bale workshop uses sustainable lumber.
■ Pathways and roads increase water permeability.

http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/People-and-Places/Natural-Home-Top-10-Green-Cohousing-Developments.aspx

Heartwood Food Sustainability

2008-11-23T17:15:00.001-08:00

Several of Heartwood's members are working on building out the food sustainability of the neighborhood. While this video is not about us, it is a great video showing what is possible.

Garden Common Meal at Heartwood Cohousing

2008-08-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Bevan and Mimi have spearheaded a push to have food grown on site here and recently celebrated a successful start to that effort. They hosted a common meal that included locally grown food from Heartwood and LaBoca Ranch.

Great weather and a great meal.

Natural Building

2008-08-15T17:47:00.001-07:00

Heartwood has seven alternative construction home. Three straw-clay, four strawbale, one straw-clay & strawbale hybrid, and one pumice-crete. Some features of these homes include earth plasters, timber-frame, earth floors, breathable walls, deep window seats, wooden ceiling.

Draft Horse Soil Preparation

2008-08-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

Eric Husted and his team of draft horses preparing the pasture soil for reseeding, May 2008. A group of dedicated people reseeded the pasture, revitalizing the fields. They are green and beautiful!! Eric loves working the land and is spending the summer at the LaBoca Center for Sustainability growing food. (photos by Mario P. Manzo)

And Tennis Lessons too

2008-07-29T20:46:00.001-07:00

After some delay... (Cough Cough)

The Tennis court is now up and running. Recently we have had some Tennis Lessons start for the kids. I stopped today and took a couple of shots for all to see.

New Chicken Fence (More room for the Ladies)

2008-07-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

We expanded our Chicken Enclosure recently. We probably doubled our number of chickens by adding a bunch of chicks.

We probably quintupled the area available for the chickens to roam. Here are a few pictures of the hard working crew who showed up on Saturday to put up the fence. Now the chickens are happily chasing grasshoppers all over the ET beds.

Passing Thunderstorm with Rainbow at Heartwood Cohousing

2008-07-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Just last week we had a passing thunderstorm to the south of us. It created this beautiful Rainbow that I was able to catch from my front deck.

It is "Monsoon" season here. That basically means that we have bright sunny morning (often cool and crisp). Then it warms through the day and there is then a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon.

New Fence Posts for the Chickens

2008-07-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

One of the ongoing projects here at Heartwood Cohousing is an expansion of the chickens. Right now there are about 15 chickens is a small pen. The "yard" is next to an ET bed (evapotranspiration bed). So we are expanding the outside yard to include the ET bed as a place for the Chickens to roam. Ultimately the ET bed area will be compartmentalized so that the Chickens will be rotated through different areas of the ET bed.

So yesterday We took an auger and cut about 15 post holes into the clay around the bed. Next step is to get the fence up and let the ladies roam.

Kite Flying at Heartwood Cohousing

2008-05-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

We have started a new group here at Heartwood that is focused on he boys and dads. Not to oversimplify it, but we get together to interact in an organized way.

So a couple of weeks ago we got together and built kites. I have to say I was worried about it myself. I didn't really think I was going to be able to build one successfully.

Well I was wrong. It was awesome and all the kites flew. None survived the flights, but they all at least flew well once.

Check out how much fun this was.

Willie Wonka in Durango

2008-05-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Durango Arts Center has a children's program called "Applause" This season, Nichol, Robin and Kate all took part.

CandyMan, Grandma and an Umpa Lumpa. (How the heck do you spell that anyway?)

Massive Work Party day at Heartwood Cohousing

2008-04-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Was this one of the biggest work parties we've had? Don't know, but it was big.

We

Cleared huge amounts of Oak Brush
Pulled 100 year old Barbed wire
Replaced Irrigation Pipe
Cleaned the Common House
Seeded some of the pasture and
Fixed fence

On top of it all we had breakfast prepared by another resident and lunch was a hoot too.

Foxy Resident

2008-04-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

Where is the camera when you need it!??

Running this morning down Heartwood Lane, 7 am ish, the sun just coming over the ridge. Out of the corner of my eye I see a henna colored critter scampering out of our preserved wet lands, across the pasture and across the road right in front of me!

I stop, the henna colored fox stops, we look at each other. Off he/she scampers on to the neighbor's property, stops and looks at me again! It took my breath away.

What a magical moment.

Reseeding the Heartwood Cohousing Pasture

2008-04-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Lots of work going on down in the pasture. More to come on that as we just had a HUGE work day that was a blast. Food, Fun and work.

Back to the Pasture. One of the big projects we are working on is reseeding large sections of the pasture. Right now we have a group of people working several hours a week getting the field turned over so it will be ready for the seed. This is part of our 5 year plan to get the pastures up to our standards.

Flip Flops and Sun (At least for now)

2008-04-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

No pictures. Just me LOVIN' a 70 degree day. Flip flops and jeans. I love Spring here.

March Greenhouse

2008-03-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a beautiful site? Thanks to Bevan, one of our newest members and his partnership with La Boca Ranch we have lots of life in our greenhouse.

Don't Touch My Stuff

2008-03-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Just another day in llama world at Heartwood.

Thank goodness the snow is melting and by the way, keep away from my stuff.

Oh really says white boy Kiowa. I don't want your darn stuff!

Whatever........

Bald Eagles over Heartwood

2008-03-14T14:35:00.001-07:00

Caught these photos as I worked this afternoon. Right out my back window.

Four Legs or Two?

2008-03-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here is one cute female who insists she is a two legged creature (like us). Daisy is her name.

Daisy has done an excellent job of wrapping us around her little paw(s). But this day her cuteness was to no avail.

She is requesting that she come into the retreat room with the rest of us so she can put her two cents or four paws in the conversation. No go.........

Getting to Know You..........

2008-03-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Remember the song: Getting to Know You, Getting to Know all About You?

Well, last weekend Heartwood had their annual "retreat". We've been holding these weekend marathons since sometime in the mid 90's and they always bring us to a deeper understanding and acceptance of each other and ourselves.

Our first home was built in 2000 and last year, 2007, our neighbors finished their home, the last one in our cluster of 24 households. Now that we are up and running, we were investigating the possibilities of how we could take ourselves to a new place in expressing and sharing Heartwood Cohousing with the rest of you.

It was a full and rich weekend, with lots of great ideas. Watch the blog and we'll keep you posted on what we finally consense on. Soon you will be able to Get to Know Us a little better.

Cabin Fever?

2008-03-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited that our slowly melting snow will soon reveal spring time, my most favorite time of year.

It's been a banner year for snow accumulation in the high country in Colorado and something that is greatly appreciated even though the digging out and the soon to be pools of mud can be a real pain.

We still have a few feet of snow at Heartwood, but each day as the sun shines, I see a little more of the fence tops, a little more of the sleeping shrubs, baby trees, gardens and the birds.

Enjoy the picture of my front garden, it is a joy to have that a part of our summer viewing here at Heartwood. It is one of my gifts to our community.

A Different Kind of Neighborhood.

2008-02-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

This from someone who lives here at Heartwood Cohousing.

It occurred to me the other day just how much interaction I have with
my neighbors that I usually take for granted. Here is how my day
went. Could this happen in any other sort of neighborhood?

It was snowing-again.

Our car is no good in the snow and I needed to get to Durango.

I asked to borrow Ted and Martha's little four wheel drive car.

First I used it to take 2 of my kids and kids from 2 other families to
school.

While this went on Beth was taking Hugo to the high school for me and

Teresa was taking Al to the elementary school.

While I was in Durango I dropped off the cardboard recycling that was
in the back of the Pasternack's car.

After my time in Durango I picked up the same kids I took.

Beth brought Hugo home and Teresa brought Al home.

I headed over to the common house to help Sondra with the meal because
the other cook was sick. She already had help from Aurora and Sue so
I went home.

On the way home Aurora stopped me to give me some homemade soup
because I casually mentioned I didn't feel well.

I went home and ate that, felt better and then went to a fabulous

common meal that was cooked and cleaned up by more of my neighbors.
If you ask me the give and take that happened in that one typical day
is utterly amazing.

Thank you to everyone who lives here and contributes to my life
everyday in a thousand small but significant ways.

Love,
Sandy

Heartwood Cohousing Greenhouse pictures

2008-02-19T16:51:00.001-08:00

Exterior of the Greenhouse

Here are some photos of the Heartwood CoHousing greenhouse. We have a bunch of starts that are in or are "starting" to go in. I'm going to try to get over there and show the progress of the starts /seedlings and then when we begin planting the garden I'll get photos of that as well.

I think Many of these starts are destined for LaBoca.

Common Meal and Visitors

2008-02-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

We had our usual Wednesday common meal tonight. Yum....Fajitas

Visitors included Raines from www.CohousingCoach.com and the Lippers (Who also helped cook).. Way to go.

Following the meal the kids played a game in the main room.

And we don't want to leave out Jeff, and remember that there is "some" work to be done. He did a bunch of the cleaning. Thanks Jeff...

Cross Country Skiing, Elk and Dogs

2008-02-06T16:54:00.000-08:00

Sue and headed out and skied Al's Tree loop and then the main loop around the hill. As we came down the hill and then passed the Peace pole, we noticed the dogs were alerting. We looked left and saw 7 Elk wading through the snow. This was our first real good look at Elk on the property.

A Cohousing Community Moment

2008-02-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

This from one of our members...

I just gotta share this "community moment" with you all. . .

Yesterday, when we came back from Bayfield, we noticed that llamas were still stuck up at the top of their pasture, even though Barry had just put out hay in their corral. They were obviously agitated and upset, but seemed unable to get down to the corral though the snow.

So Jack climbed into the corral, and then proceeded to "drag" a path with his legs (snow up to his waist) all the way up to the top of the pasture where the llamas were stuck.

It took him more than 20 minutes- pretty grueling work-out. Then when he got to the llamas and encouraged them down the path he had made, they still wouldn't move. So he then turned and walked them all the way down to the corral.

I realized belatedly what a wonderful picture this would have made- Jack with 5 llamas following on his heel- and didn't get back with the camera in time. So I am sending you all this mental picture of what it means to care. . .

More Snow Pictures

2008-02-05T17:44:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Party at Barry's

2008-02-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately my Patriots couldn't finish the season with a Super Bowl win. I will not hold that against them. They had a great season.

We all gathered at Barrys' and did kind of a potluck snack thing. We all had a great time and it was a Great Game. Lots of ups and downs for sure. So Congrat's to the NY Giants.

Sledding Bonfire today

2008-01-28T21:41:00.000-08:00

So what do you do when you get over a foot of snow and school is closed? Hmmm. How about a sledding party with hot chocolate and a small bonfire.

That's exactly what we did today at Heartwood.

Snow and Cohousing

2008-01-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

Boy did we get another big snowstorm overnight. It is still snowing too. Over night we got at least another 12 inches of snow. This is unusual for us.

But everyone pitched in and cleared away parts of the community. We had people

shoveling walkways to the common house and the hottub,
operating the tractor to clear the parking lots and walkways,
using a snowblower to clear paths,

Later we're going to the sledding hill for a bonfire and fun. I will hopefully get some pics up of that too.

Snow, snow and more snow

2008-01-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I sledded with my son and some of the neighbor kids. Way cool. It was Friday at Noon and I took a break from working at home and went out. Great fun Sunny day. Except my son says I hate skiing?!?! huh. Where did that come from?

Next... Sunday we head up to DMR (Durango Mountain Resort). We put my son in a lesson for the day. And hope for the best. :) What happens? He is totally jazzed about skiing now. He couldn't stop talking about how he had gone all the way up to the TOP of the mountain and skied down. He wanted to show us.

Maybe Wednesday... It's locals day at Wolf Creek.

Electrifying experience

2008-01-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

So last night around 10pm I headed out to the hot tub. Mac was there and we got to talking about a bunch of things, but he mentioned that this snow we've been having is perfect for rolling in. (Nice powder). So I'm thinking, you mean I'm supposed to sit in this hot tub all comfortable (while it's like 20 degrees outside) and then get out and roll in the snow?

Yes was his answer.

So I did.

You're allowed to get back in the hot tub. In fact it is recommended. :)

Definitely invigorating. Almost Electric.

Our Holiday Trip

2008-01-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

This was our first Christmas in about 13 years where we were not with family. We celebrated Christmas here (the day after the Posada) let the kids play and then set out on a trip to southern California. The brief summary is that we drove for 1.5 days and got to San Diego, spent 2 days there and then spent New Years in Joshua Tree National Park. We then drove back here and got back on January 2nd.

We were pretty psyched to be able to take the holiday time and see these new areas of the country. (New to us at least). While we were gone, Heartwood celebrated the New Years here with a party and games. I'll let one of the other bloggers here tell you about it... :)

If you are interested in the details, then you can read about the trip here: New Year's Trip to California

Happy New Year.

Heartwood's Christmas Posada 2007

2007-12-26T14:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve we had a 3 house Posada with Hors d'œuvres (That's hard to spell) served at Eric and Laurie's and then over to Sue and Dave's for Soup and the main course and then over to Liz's for deserts and coffee.

Lots of smiles and laughter. The food was great. And of course...Pictures here to follow.
At Eric and Laurie's:

Nicely Done Kelly!!!

At Sue and Dave's:

At Liz's:

Heartwood Solstice Bonfire

2007-12-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday Night we headed up to the bonfire pit just up the hill from the cluster. Not everyone was there at 7pm. I wandered in with a few other people, kids and dogs around 8:30 (I think). I ended up staying till around 10 or so and Jen Kelly and I put out the fire and headed home.

Happy Holidays... Happy Solstice.

Fort Lewis College Dance Performance

2007-12-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Brought this over from the previous blog.

A few days ago we brought 2 of the kids in to Durango to see Mirabel perform in a dance performance at Fort Lewis College. It was pretty cool. The particular piece that she was in was choreographed by another resident here, Anne. We had a great time and enjoyed all of the pieces.

Here is a link to the particular event.

http://www.durango.org/calendar.asp?action=eventdetail&eventid=1591

Columbine Christian's Christmas Pageant

2007-12-20T11:52:00.000-08:00

Last Night was the last night to see the Columbine Christian School's Christmas Pageant. A number of the Heartwood kids were in it and they did a superb job. They even had to cover for a technical glitch that suddenly stopped all the music. India and Nichol had to ad lib few about a minute... I bet it seemed like an eternity to them..

A few pictures for you to see them in action..

Cohousing Movie

2007-12-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

I got an email today telling me about this movie/documentary on cohousing. It's basically a cohousing video. It looks to me like it was filmed in Europe. This video was NOT filmed at heartwood cohousing here in Colorado. Thought is was interesting though.

Here is the email I received

Hi, we just published a documentary on the cohousing phenomenon. It won an award at the 34th Ekotopfilm festival 2007 and was designed to show what is cohousing “from within” as a complement to the existing books.
The trailer can be watched at http://notsocrazy.net/video.html
Enjoy!
Matthieu
Director of “Voices of Cohousing”

Holiday Party

2007-12-18T12:32:00.000-08:00

Sunday we had a holiday party here at heartwood cohousing. This is an annual event and it starts off with people performing songs and playing musical instruments. Many of the kids here took voice lessons every Wednesday after school. So we had a parade of songs both group and individual.

We also had songs played on the Piano and Violin by a couple of the kids as well.

Then ( and not necessarily in this order) some of the adults with talent got up and played songs on the guitar and piano topped off with a performance by a group of three guys here who got together and played the violin, guitar and flute.

You think we're done yet? Nope. The evening went on to include a sing-a-long that just wandered through a dozen or more christmas carols. Does anyone really know the words to the "Twelve days of Christmas"