I got a little dirty...

mmm...dirt

OK, I got a lot dirty. Probably the dirtiest I've ever been in my adult life, and possibly in my entire life. But it was for a good cause. I was helping friends and fellow housebloggers Ayse and Noel at Casa Decrepit with another demolition project. I was there back in March to help them tear down the lowered ceilings in some of their rooms and hallways. Above those most of the original plaster and lath ceilings were in good shape. But in the dining room, roof leaks over the years had not been kind to the original ceiling. Now that Noel has (hopefully) patched the leaks, it was time to tear down the damaged ceiling. We also took off the plaster and lath on two of the walls that was in bad shape. I hosed myself off before we settled in for a late lunch and beers, but I was still filthy. When I got home I had to wash my hair 4 times before it was clean. That's saying something considering how little of it's left.

More pics and description on their blog.

big-time clean up

original plaster medallion

Blog Action Day: Global Warming

Global warming. If you haven't heard about it, you've been living under a rock. If you don't believe it's happening, you're probably living under a rock. And even if you don't believe it's happening, the rest of the world does, and that's going to impact you when resources start getting short.

While small things won't save the earth, they're a step in the right direction. And here's some small steps you can take.

(1) Eat vegetarian one day a week (or one more day a week than you already are.) Raising meat, particularly beef and pork, generally have a horrendous effect on the environment. The good news? It's cheaper to eat vegetarian and better for your health.

(2) Stop drinking bottled water. Tons of petroleum products go into the manufacture of the bottles, and the water is less regulated than tap water. The good news? It's cheaper to use a refillable bottle.

(3) Walk/bike/take public transit one (more) day a week. The good news? It's cheaper and you'll get more exercise.

(4) Seal your home better with caulk and insulation. The good news? It's cheaper than paying the utility and you and your family will be more comfortable.

See? No messy mercury-based CFLs or buying hybrid cars or anything. All stuff that's easy and cheap and good for you. So even if you don't believe global warming is happening, you win.

World Habitat Day

Today is World Habitat Day, to remind everyone that adequate shelter is a basic human right. According to the United Nations, more than 100 million people in the world today are homeless. Even here in the U.S., one of the wealthiest nations in the world, millions of people are homeless or living in substandard housing. You can help by donating or volunteering with your local affiliate.