Our coal mine disaster, reported on last month, didn't have a huge impact in the greater scheme of things (but it did cost us a couple of extra thousands for engineering consultations, extra excavation, and disposing of the stuff - could have been much, much worse!) and we now have concrete footings poured and ready to receive the expanded sections of our building.

To review: these expansions allow for (1) a full sized zendo able to seat up to 40, and (2) a single unified entry area and two dokusan rooms. We were very grateful when the last pieces of the building design came into view. (Explore the full design here).

After that our contractor, Branden McCoy, and his crew had to finish other projects and we slowed down a bit at Cedarwood. We expect to back to full steam in the next weeks.

The Design and Build Committee (Bob Rose, Nomon Tim, and Talus) took advantage of the lull in the action to work on plans for flooring, the kitchen, and additional storage cabinetry in Cloud Hall and the bathrooms. 

We have some great news in these areas.

Flooring - the input we received was strongly in support of bamboo flooring in the Zendo. We'd paired that option with cork flooring in Cloud Hall when seeking input. Our sourcing research soon found an outstanding deal on bamboo which can save us back a few of those thousands sunk into our little coal mine, so we are now leaning towards bamboo in both Zendo and Cloud Hall. There are some unknowns still about the unevenness of the existing concrete slab in Cloud Hall, so that decision isn’t quite settled. The entry areas will be a blue-gray slate and the back hallway, kitchen, and bathrooms a warm tan ceramic tile. 

Kitchen - here we want to share a round of applause for Bob Penny who snapped into action as our consulting contractor. Bob came up with a beautiful kitchen design that makes great use of the small space available and dances skillfully with some regulatory requirements we have since we aren't applying to have a permitted commercial kitchen. This plan was looking a bit over budget but then the heavens smiled on us in the form of a 30% discount on the full set of cabinetry from Lowe's and we were able to move forward. Cabinets for kitchen, kitchen extension through a passthrough into Cloud Hall, a separate run of Cloud Hall storage cabinets and cabinets for cleaning supplies in the bathrooms have now been ordered. 

Countertops - another round of applause, please, for Ken Oates and his wife Julie Foort. Julie is a tile setter who will be laying some of our floor for us. Ken and Julie found a fantastic deal on remnant stone countertop material that will allow us to have stone counters in our kitchen instead of laminate or other lower cost options we were starting with to stay within budget. We're really happy about this development too - the material is natural, very durable, and just lovely.

Next work party - just a heads up if you've been intimidated by all of the talk of jack hammered and sheet rock disposal that there will also be a mailing / enevelope stuffing job at the January 18th Work Party at Sansui-ji. Come join those with the strong backs to be in community together working if you can.