Critters

These ugly looking bugs are Long Horned Asian Beetles.  They are an invasive critter making their way into the United States in packing material from Asia (wood pallets and crates).  They have slowly worked their way to Missouri and native trees.   A few have bored out of the wood (once the tree is dead) and I've reported it to the Missouri Dept. of Conservation.  You can read more about them here http://mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care/invasive-species/invasive-animal-management/asian-long-horned-beetle-control.

Lots of holes

 19 locust posts set in cement , in hand dug holes in solid clay - Hard work!   The holes are 24-30" deep.  I'll have enough clearance that if I want to move the cabin at a later time then all I have to do is cut support posts off at the floor joists and have a mover take it to where I want it - like if I build a big lake on the back side of the farm.

Gotta love free stuff

 Some friends gave me this little wood stove, it was missing a lid but they figured I'd find a way to make it work.  While cleaning out the ashes I found the lid. From what I hear on these little logwoods it's a good idea to burn them outside for awhile and seal the spots.  Sure don't want a cabin full of smoke.  The size of this one should be just about right for the size of the cabin I'm building.

Log Progress

 Out of 50 trees, we've got 125 4x8 ft long cabin logs - milled with a portable mill.  All sides are smooth.  The 2x4 boards are spaces between the logs to allow air flow.  These logs need to cure for 10 months and will lose about 30% of their weight.  Green they weighed 45 lbs a cubic foot and when dry should be around 30 lbs or so.