Folks who have listened to podcasts about the burn-out we suffered after "20-month party" have been really super-respectful about Paul's and my privacy. They knock before entering the "fisher price" house at base camp, and leave right away, etc. This helps. We like it when they knock first.
Some folks haven't heard those podcasts and get confused about the fisher price house being community space after we have our
feast and shower nights.
The kitchen often looks like this on those nights, a happily feasting jumble of people and food:
So, on feast and
shower nights, the house is open for use from about 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On other
week days, when Paul isn't in bed recuperating from a herniated disc, you will usually find him in the
office, or the "
barony of bacon." People come and go in the office for tools, seeds, and to ask Paul questions all the time without knocking. For the office, this is totally fine, great even! There are currently three extra desks in the office, a couch, plus a table in the adjoining garage. Folks are welcome to use these spaces any and all hours.
NOTE:
Please help with simple things when using community/shared spaces: "leave no trace," close the doors, and turn off the lights! 
(sign and photo by
Evan! Leaf cutter bee house from
Crown Bees.)
So in general, when it's not a feast night, we've been relishing in having the fisher price house to ourselves. That's pretty delicious after the "20-month party." Please knock and respect our privacy here.
(Best pic I have of the fisher price house front porch IMOO.)
Currently, Paul is unfortunately operating from his back, in bed, in the master bedroom in the house. It's great if people come in and talk to him there. Folks have been super kind to knock before coming in. Though Paul often can't hear it, and I can't yell loud
enough to let you know it's okay to come in! Ha. So if we know you're coming, come on in after knocking!
One thing I pointed out the other night is that while we do expect to work with folks during week days in the house (especially these recuperation days), Paul would really like us to have the house to ourselves again after 5 p.m.
We often/usually work on the weekends, too, as do other homesteaders (gappers and
ants) here. Though if folks would treat the weekends like an evening thing, and give us a little extra space, that will also help with recuperation and a more healthy balance as Paul gets better.
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