Notes from Windward: #66

Jacki's Update

      Hey Everyone!

      I've been here at Windward for about a week now, so it's about time that I wrote a post.

      I came into this internship thinking that I'd be focusing on the Sustainable Social Structure side of things here. Very quickly I found that attempting to focus on one project is simply impossible. Windward is full of opportunities, literally around every corner. One can't help but develop a desire to learn everything possible...especially when encouraged to do so.

applying caulk before installing a window
  


      The progress on the yurt is moving along smoothly. Sarah and I helped Walt install the windows a few days ago, and just today Walt was able to test the stability of the roof without the supports. Y'all can see how that turned out by checking the Yurt Blog.

      Along with doing work on the yurt, Walt hooked up the summer showers today. Since I came along to observe, I got a quick rundown of not only how the showers work, but also of how the entire water system at Windward works. It's amazing to see such a water system and know that Walt directly helped develop that.

gathering weeds to feed to the sheep
  


      Sarah and I have been working jointly on several projects. Today we spent some time weeding the beds in the garden in hopes of soon transplanting the plants currently growing indoors. We were glad to be able to get outside today. The weather here has been rainy and dreary as of late, so this afternoon was a welcome change.

working grout into the tiles
  


      Since the weather the past few days hasn't been quite so favorable for outdoor work, Walt, Sarah and i have been working on laying tile in the kitchen. We're about ready to seal the grout, and the only bare floor left is now found under the sinks.

      This morning, Sarah, Walt and I all had our first experience with capturing and transporting peacocks. There are several peacocks that roam around the Windward property, and some of our neighbors (the fire chief and his wife) expressed an interest in acquiring a pair. Since the peacocks like to mooch off of the feed we throw the ducks, we were able to lock a couple in the duck pen. Walt went in and swiftly deposited them into a large dog transporter that we had set up. We're all proud to say that the young male and female are no longer Windward residents.

Jacki and Sarah bid goodbye to the peacocks
  


      Everyone here is looking forward to more interns arriving. Being still interested in the social aspect of Windward, i can't wait to see the new traits and abilities that each person brings to the table. The dynamic here is going to change with each new person. I'm convinced that each change will be for the best.

      New people means a new Windward. We, as a group of 20-something interns, are the future of Windward. Regardless of whether or not we're all looking to become full-time members, the work we do here determines whether Windward becomes the premier sustainable community that it could be, or, as Walt puts it, "a retirement community." This is our opportunity to make a difference based on the work of a previous generation. I don't know about y'all, but I'm excited and grateful.

      From my point of view, physically developing a community is one thing, and developing a functioning community of individuals is another. I hope that we can all take Windward forward in both departments!

      I wish you all happy and safe travels, and good luck in your pursuits!

~Jacki

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