Tiny House Ontario

Cozy

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Laura

This evening I noticed a small worm in the Tiny House, brown with antennas, winding slowly across the floor. I caught him a piece of tissue and set him outside despite the rain and cold. I think that the chance of survival is better in the natural conditions that it left. I realized when I let him out that it is my first evening since building Tiny House Ontario with circumstances the way they are.

It is different because it is cold enough that I had to turn on the tiny camp stove to heat the place. And I was curled up under the 12v light and reading when I noticed the peaceful travelling worm.

This year the cold left early in spring and seems to be starting early too. Last year, I was here at this time but did not need the heat. I left THO when it got cold and I visited here, during the colder weather only when my husband was able to come along with me. We used the heater last year too of course. Still, it was so dark, we just sat here with the dogs by candlelight. The half light always forced us to to either talk or to go to bed because the darkness does not allow much in the way of entertainment. In our case, reading or a game would be the favorite pass-time in the non computerized world of off grid Ontario. After dark, cold or rain light is a requirement for us and now we have it. Frankly, the light makes it so much more pleasant here.

Even so, the heater is a reminder that winter is coming and this Tiny heater will not do the job. Sadly, the time approaches when it is time to close up. I hope that a Dickinson falls from the sky!

Categories: Forest, Magical, Off Grid, Ontario, Simple living, Tiny House Ontario, Winter | Tags: camp stove, nature | 2 Comments

Preparing for Night

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Laura

This morning, the first talk I want to see is at 11:00. This gave me time to walk around this land before the drive to Kingston. The nights are colder now; falling in the single digits, but under the blankets I am cozy while I read Teja Cole. I slept well this past night, even so wake tired from the big thoughts that fill my mind. The words of all these artists at once is overwhelming but worth it. This freshness in air has forced the thinnest and most unprotected leaves to put on their brightly colored coats, the rest of them will not be far behind.

I walked over to my garden and was disappointed and surprised. I suppose I should not be. Powder mildew is taking over the squash plants. I had never seen powder mildew in all my years on the farm in the giant gardens of the women who grew all the food for their family. Now this mildew finds its way deep here, into the untouched forest to attack the plants. I wonder from what biotechnology hell it pounced out, ready to kill what we we want to grow for ourselves.

The days are too cold now for the tomatoes to ripen, but there are a lot of vegetables and herbs still there. These strong beauties are still a thriving food source, but I will have to cover them soon if I am to have the opportunity to enjoy them.

All through these woods, the small asters poke their small sunny purple faces up out of the forest floor. It is a beautiful time. As though nature is a fresh faced child being tucked in by mother nature for a winter’s night.

All reminders that I must prepare for the coldness that living brings.

Categories: Environmentalism, Food, Forest, Kingston, Nature, Off Grid, Ontario, Open your eyes, Sustainable living, Tiny House Ontario, View, Winter | Leave a comment

Laura at Night

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Laura

Arriving back at THO in the night after the Kingston Writer’s Fest evening events is nicer now because of the 12v lighting. I have lights installed outside, and as long as I remember to turn them on, I can see to put my key in the door which is great. Best thing though is that I can be sure that there are no wild animals right there on my heels looking for a freshly delivered organic meal.

There is a call for photos of people with their Tiny House so I thought after coming home from the conference that I was tidy enough that I might try an image.

Though they are not great for the purpose that I had intended, I like them. The lighting being what it is caused some bending in the images and so, I share them with you because I think that they warm and fuzzy, which is the way I feel when I am there.

Categories: Art, Forest, Kingston, Off Grid, Ontario, Open your eyes, Tiny House Ontario, View | Leave a comment

Fall Writers

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Laura

Fall is clearly starting to settle in at THO. I arrived there yesterday with my luggage, and left again immediately to go back to Kingston. The weather is getting cold enough that I have kept the windows closed added an additional blanket to the bed and switched my thin linen pajamas for my flannel ones. This said, I am not really at the tiny house heating it up with my own body temperature. You see I am attending the Kingston Writer’s Fest. I have seen Michael Ondaatje, Dionne Brand, Teju Cole, Andrew Westoll, Marina Nemat speak so far.

I had never heard of Teju Cole but I am happy that I now have. He puts words together with absolute poetic and wondrous purpose. Last night, I was so taken with the man’s presence and his writing that I purchased his book; I read about half of it before my eyes gave out after a long trip on the train, food, speakers, excitement and the chill at THO – it was a wonder I read at all. His words are just so good.

This morning, when I woke, I drove back into town, on the way in I saw an immature turkey vulture on the power lines. The creature allowed me to take a few photos before it lifted its wings with irritation and lifted off.

Now, I must get back to see the others who use words, speak about them.