Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL)

Isn't that how the willow bank sink works?  Or is it the willowonka?  I like that too.  

I suspect they're also trying to get around the issue of filling the water jugs the foot pumps suck from...

I can't recall the specifics of the willow feeder sinks, I'm guessing they are more simple and "just work". It is the dish stations and small handwash sink used for meals where I recall numerous situations where people would come to boots claiming something was wrong where it turned out the faucet handles had simply been turned off. A basic fix for that situation would be to remove the handles after they have been placed in the open position and make some sort of clever, decorative enhancement in that area in the same vein as the toilet water reserviors behind the willow feeder seats being used for planters.

It seems the proposed changes here could alleviate the need for boots to change out water jugs, at the possible cost of added complexity with access to the hydrant and numerous switches for flow along the routes, possibly hoses crossing walkways? It might also have been suggested to produce a more conventional experience for guests by tapping into pressurized plumbing, but seems to me actively pumping your water with a well designed foot pump makes the whole washing experience more biophyllic with activity and direct involvement as opposed to outsourced infrastructure.

Looking at the suggestions Catherine has listed, I think I'd need some sort of diagram to evaluate one versus the other. Much would depend on where exactly the splits and the nozzles for flow control would be placed...

Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL) #38

Why Taking a Day Off Matters

In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, taking a day off can feel like falling behind. But here’s the truth. Regularly stepping away from work, responsibility, and the daily grind is not a sign of weakness — it’s a smart investment in your wellbeing.

When you take a day off, you're giving your body time to recover, your mind space to clear, and your emotions a chance to reset. It's not just about avoiding burnout — it's about building resilience.

Should you decide to join us here at Wheaton labs on your next day off or ours. Here are few options to enjoy your day of rest:
Hike the Wheaton lab map
Walk complexity trail
Take a dip in the kiddy pool
Take a nap in dancing with pigs field
Have a cup of tea
Smell the flowers

Taking a day off is not slacking. It’s sustainable living. And it's one of the best things you can do to show up as your best self the other six days of the week.

Exodus 34:21 NLT 21 “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest.

Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL) #39

Composting

Today during the blitz I took care of the compost. I dug a hole near a tree and buried it.

What do you do with your compost?

Burying the food scraps next to the previous batch the worms are able to move over and remain in high numbers to process it rapidly.

Hans Quistorff wrote:Burying the food scraps next to the previous batch the worms are able to move over and remain in high numbers to process it rapidly.

Interesting. I had never heard that. Different people do the compost each week.  We usually put it in a existing hole that was not used during the week or dig a new hole. I'm not sure any of us put the compost in the same area. Thanks for sharing. Blessing

Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL) #40

@Mike Haasl and @Coydon Wallham thank you both for your feedback.

We landed on option 1. Below is a photo of the updates to the dishwashing station. I think Stephen was hoping to simulate  something similar to the shower shack sink which does not use a foot peddle.

The sinks in the Willow bank and Wanka both have sinks with a foot peddle. In addition the sink in the classroom in preparation for the tour and health week also has a foot peddle.

All the best.

Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL) #41

Changes abound!

Adjustments were made again on the outdoor sinks. You can now lift the handle on each faucet and water will come out just like an indoor sink.

You will see there is a hose attached to the pump. There is a splitter with hoses going beneath each station which is attached to each faucet.

There is a jug underneath to catch the grey water. This is the one area I think can be reworked so that the pipe and jug are seamless. One small movement and water will be on the floor instead on in the jug.

“If I had my life to live over again, I’d be a plumber.” – Albert Einstein

IF (big if) the jugs are all the same size, just screw some wooden cleats on the floor so you have to put the in the right spot and they can't easily move.

Mike Haasl wrote:IF (big if) the jugs are all the same size, just screw some wooden cleats on the floor so you have to put the in the right spot and they can't easily move.

Thanks you for the suggestion. I'm will endeavor to add cleats. Blessings