Planning the dome

Planning the dome is quite exciting. My brother is putting pen to paper and searching geodesic dome designs and use on the net. I, too, am searching, dreaming and planning.

My husband sees the building process as something to look forward to, plus he knows all if the great things it will bring. He even has some fanciful ideas that won't eventuate because although having an entertaining area and fireplace sounds good, it simply won't be that big. And those things are best left for outside.

Mum and I look forward to the serenity of the space and my plant choices will be guided by her as well.

We plan for the dome to be well insulated, with some form of double glazing, probably polycarbonate. There will be a high opening window and some low opening windows, creating air flow, which is especially important to let out the scorching Summer heat. The south side will probably have a section that is thicker or painted or otherwise made to be a better 'heat sink' to keep it warmer in Winter.

I am so keen to start thinking about what I can grow. I have ideas about tropical plants, but it's probably just wishful thinking. I actually don't know what kind of temperatures will be possible to maintain in Winter.

A few degrees above the 0.9 degrees overnight that my current green house experiences would be good. Although that means I can keep some frost tender things alive (like my marigold seedlings), just a few degrees more and the possibilities are endless!

This year we ate the last of our fresh home grown tomatoes at the end of June. Perhaps we can have home grown fresh tomatoes all Winter next year...

I love planning!

Dreams do come true.

The past few weeks have been so full.

I went on a very affirming and interesting 'train the trainer' course a few weeks ago, which took me away from my family much more than they, or I am used to. Then my body succumbed to sickness and the last week of term was a write off. My Masters study is tantalizingly close to completion, with my Winter term subject drawing to a close and then just one more unit to go.

Yet, with my eyes bleary from work and my body aching from lack of sleep and bickering children, my heart and mind are overflowing with love and thanks. I have been so well supported by my family and friends. I feel so fortunate.

I actually feel like a dream is coming true. And quite literally it is.

My dreams of a biodome. The wistful thoughts that I spoke of mere weeks ago of building a biodome have been met with a resounding call of excitement.

My brother has also been coveting the idea of building a geodesic dome. With his study and impending career in architecture well underway, he is interested in designing and building a biodome. My husband, who is rather handy with tools, has found several potential places in the garden for me to selects from (even if we do need to move garden beds or shrubs to fit it in). And my Mum, well she is keen too and will be helping with the significant investment that it is.

As I said, I am so very fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life who make my dreams come true.