Sub floor and exterior siding finished

PLASTER!

 We put on the first layer of interior plaster! It looks so pretty I want to cry. It's just like I imagined my dream house looking!

 

 You can really see the difference between cob (bottom) and light clay straw here.

 

Siding! Insulation!

I'm starting to be able to imagine what it will look like when it's finished. I'm really glad I didn't build a big expensive house for my first one, because I am learning a lot of what NOT to do with this house. First of all, I need more windows. Second of all, I forgot a few features that aren't a big deal but I will change next time (electrical outlets further up the wall, larger roof overhangs, never do light clay straw in January!!). Third of all, a two story house is a big deal. Even if the second story is technically only a half story loft space. The farther you are off the ground the more dangerous it is to do anything, the less protection your roof provides, and the more of a pain it is to finish and maintain. And lastly, never build on a time constraint because you will end up making aesthetic compromises, and making choices that are more expensive because they are faster, etc. We made the decision not to install the wood burning stove. It took up sooo much room... like 20% of our floor space. I'm glad I have a stove I can install later, if the power grid blows up or something... but for now we will use a space heater on cold days.

 I can't WAIT to move into this thing. It's cozy and beautiful. I will have to get rid of at least half my stuff!! WHOOHOO!!!