Yesterday we put up the frame for a large tipi. It is about 20
feet high and went up in just a few minutes. The whole process
was so easy i wonder why we have not done this in the past. The
only question now is why did we do it. The original excuse was
to provide a support for some vines this summer. Ha! I'm having
too much fun for that excuse to hold water. Here are what i
suspect are the real reasons for making a tipi:
1. Art. Seeing a tipi in ones yard has an immediate impact.
2. Building a tipi triggers some ancient sense of survival.
3. A vine covered tipi is fun to play or sleep in during
the summer.
4. The materials are easy to grow and the final result
feels like a union with nature.
5. Vines like hops and scarlet runner beans prefer
a large structure to climb on.
The process of building a tipi is easy. Cut three poles and
tie the tops together. tilt them upright and spread apart.
That's it. More pole can be added by leaning them against
the original three.
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Today Julie made a passing comment about how nice it would be
to have a few Shetland Sheep. It was in the middle of a
conservation and she did not stop to wait for a response. I
know the signs. She plans to get some sheep and we are now
sneaking up on the idea. I can either stomp on the idea or
let it run us over.
A Shetland is about half the size of our present sheep and fits
small holdings much better than large sheep. This is probably
the trend for the future and is a good thing to explore. I suspect
many houses with a small lawn and garden could develop
a somewhat sustainable cycle with Shetlands.
The literature says they are friendly and even wag their tails
when petted. I'm skeptical of most of the claims about
how much easier they are to raise, but we will soon learn
for ourselves. One thing is for sure, Julie will soon have
some Shetlands.
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The question these stories introduce is something most of
us seek but seldom analyze. How does fun and play fit
into our plans and designs? Does it just happen or do
we plan and design it?
