The bird that used historic lime mortar to weave its nest.

Who would have guessed that an avian would learn to use restoration techniques at Howard Hall Farm? Ralph was moving an abandoned nest off the wall so we could get to work on restoring the corbels, and discovered that the bird had been stealing little beak-size clumps of lime mortar from the bricks before it had time to set! It had also added strands of golden thread, and little bits of wool from the shearing of our Shetland sheep! Thus proving that even the tiniest of creatures can surprise us with their adept integration of green restoration techniques, historic materials, environmentally friendly insulation, and style!

The gorgeous corbels about to be restored:

Inside the house, John tackles the parlor ceiling:

THREE COAT LIME PLASTER ON RIVEN LATHE:
Step 1: Scratch-coat on the main parlor ceiling

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And Nicky has been priming the doors and stairwells:



We've also had many great applicants for restoration internships.
Thanks everyone who applied!