Rico Loma

Eric hits a bullseye,  right on the mark , Osage orange is a phenomenal tree.  Besides quality fuel, it has other superpowers

It's also known as bow wood, reputed to make perfect durable bows for indigenous cultures in the US. Tough, flexible,  almost like spring steel

All of the strange green fruit is useful, according to a farmer I know in the Blue Ridge of Virginia.  He says it can dry out in a barn or house attic and prevent insects and critters..... flying squirrels,  mice, red squirrels........from living indoors.   Two or three years of prevention, amazing how our natural world offers gifts every day

Yes Henry, you got it in one

 Anyone here with a historical perspective that could provide a realistic context?  Buying a whole house solar system back in 1995 cratered my savings account ....... yet i dont regret that.....but with the inexorable march of time, solar quality and economic feasibility have been altered greatly.  I am intrigued and excited to hear a permie group reflection on these posts!

Sorry, I thought most of us were familiar with Popular mechanics mag, other publications like Smithsonian.  I admired Petra from afar before flying to Jordan, intent on exploring.  Most of our family were outraged that we risked travel in a Muslim country at that nervous time, but we had no major problems.  Even though we booked a tiny room in a guesthouse, a chance encounter with a band of nomadic Bedouins led to camping out under the stars with them.  Sage tea, roasted goat, laughter and music around a campfire. Absolute desert royalty, so kind.  Some of our new friends could trace their family trees back to the Nabataeans  times, unreal grasp of history for this New World Georgia boy.  

That is great prep work, you are on a good path to success.  Props for milling your own lumber, red pine and locust are great choices.  

New research uncovers an advanced water system in the Jordanian desert, and we are again amazed how this civilization prospered.  I did hike around Petra with my friend Genvieve, a month after 9-11, stunning.  Please check out their mastery of saving, organizing a complex society.

Your region is lovely, I once had friends there and joined them for alpine skiing, with some superior snow.  If I was walking in your shoes,  I would use a lime based plaster for flexibility
One question:  how long will the foundation be exposed to the elements after plastering?

A couple

Must say I'm not alone in my admiration for Mr. Chickadee and his instructional help.  It is a singular pleasure. They really embrace all   the hand tools, with skill,,,,,,,,, proving that a steady hand and a sharp edge can be superior to a machine finish.

Just last night I thought of  his stove builds, maybe three in total, and discussed with a friend.  Once again, he brings  focus on handiwork and tradition, it seems a gateway to stoves of iron/steel and also RMH. A pioneer style.  
Would you recommend one to a friend to build?

Opinions please,  we are  feeling curious,  the Mini stove looks almost impossible to fail.  The new builder could also buy fireclay and skip 3/5 of the labor. I can show two of the stoves here,
asking also for a friend about to rough it, monastic existence
in deep woods for the next 12 months , clay local, and traditional bricks nearby in a village.  I might stop by Lowes for my supplies.  Thanks y'all

Apologies, I should have said 'maggot bucket' from P Wheaton's comments

A bright idea that could be actualized,  best of luck.

For this effort.  

"So i am curious what other kind of containment might work well and how to make the system self harvesting. and how to arrange the seat and urine diversion. i guess my main question for those
in the know would be 1. would this be downright too stinky to attempt indoors? ......."

...I think you might use a compost bucket system with largish (1/2 inch?)  holes underneath (similar to Paul Wheaton black fly larva feeder for chickens).
For our chickens, that was close to self feeding.  Ask others please about size of drilled holes