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JULY 15, 2001, SUNDAY
Nice cool morning - stomach a bit wonky today, too many shrimp last night.
Jon finished the platform in his room and I started the framing. I forgot
to mention that we met a new neighbor yesterday. He's a retired truck
driver named Paul. He came on his 4-wheeler. He lives way up on Sunflower
Lane in the house that looks like it's underground. Actually, it was a log a-frame that
he built completely on his own. Unfortunately, it burned to the ground
last fall and he is now rebuilding. He is waiting on his roofing metal and
heard our building noise and came to investigate. He seems a nice fella
and hopefully will be a good neighbor. Jon and I ramped the kitchen to the
dining room and it works well. Worked by lantern light until 10 p.m. Most
of the dining room is framed. Simple supper and quiet evening watching
vids.
JULY 16, 2001, MONDAY
Up bright and early. Cool and partly cloudy. Resumed framing. Matt came
and helped us raise the big wall in Jon's room and stayed to chat. He's
such a nice kid and will be a handy to have around. A good worker. Went
into Lebanon for a late lunch during the heat of the day. Finished most of
the framing by supper-time. Jeff came by to discuss final plans for the
roof framing. He plans to finish the roof by the end of next week, which
would be really great. Agreed on a price of $750 for his labor on the
roof, which seems very fair. Half now and half when we return, plus a bit
more for supplies. This is our last day. I wish I could stay and do more
framing and see the roof go up. But when we do come back it will be fairly
quick to finish the platform and framing and close it all in. Better get
to bed, as Jon wants to leave as soon as we can finish odds and ends and
close things up.
JULY 17,2001, TUESDAY
Up by 6;30 and hurried to finish up a few odds and ends and tidy up the
site. Already hot and humid so we are going to leave as soon as we can to
get home early. Sure wish I could stay. Jeff came by to collect his check
and go over final details and to say goodbye. Packed up and left by 8:30.
Took few final pictures as we drove off. Uneventful trip home. I will
resume this diary when we have some progress to report.
EARLY FALL 2001
Been planning to get back all summer, but one thing or another has
prevented it. In October, I got hit by a car crossing the street in my
wheelchair. Totally the other
person's fault, but her insurance is fighting the claim. Insurance adjustor
says a man in a
wheelchair shouldn't be out in the rain and the damage looks like I HIT HER. SHEEESH!! Anyway, bumps, bruises, sore ribs, pleurisy, and my chair is a
wreck and I'm in a rental chair that's too small. What Fun!! Building on
hold while we start the law suit. At least Jeff got the roof done for us.
Pictures look great, can't wait to see it in person. Soon, I hope.
NOV.17, 2001, Saturday
Set off early this morning for Missouri with Jon, Jay, and Armando. Arrived
without incident to see the new roof for the first time. We had photos but
they really didn't do it justice. Just amazing. The space is huge, really
tall and grand. Of course, once walls and partitions are in, it will seem
smaller. Jeff did a grand job. Unloaded, cleaned up, and checked on the
new lumber that was delivered yesterday. Joists and plywood for the rest
of the platform and 2x4's and OSB for wall framing. Simple supper and a
game of cards in our new dining room. Comfortable night and so to bed.
NOV.18, 2001, Sunday
Up bright and early and started to frame last of the platform. With four
folks working it went pretty quick. Armando's English made it a bit
tricky, so we put him to fetch, carry, clean up, and he hammers nails
with the best of us. Finished the floor platform and started putting up OSB on the dining room and tall wall to cut the wind. Armando and I packed
insulation in all the soffit gaps. Jon and Jay got the soffit up in
the kitchen. Much warmer inside. Cool night so we had a warm supper
and early to bed.
NOV.19, 2001, MONDAY
NOT A GOOD DAY. Jon got sick in the night and by daybreak was vomiting
blood, his ulcer in full cry. He looked terrible and it wouldn't stop so
we decided to take him to the E.R. in Lebanon. Problem was he was in no
shape to drive. I can't drive, Armando can't drive a stick and so it was
up to Jay, who hasn't driven in 15 years and doesn't have a license. But
off we went at dawn with Jay at the wheel and me in back with Jon. Well
Jay came through for us despite the wild hills, dips, and two passing
log trucks at Twin Bridges. Got Jon to the Lebanon E.R. and they took him in
hand. It's a nice new little hospital and I was really impressed. Nice to
know that good care is relatively handy when I'm here for good. Jon
patched up by 2 p.m. and Jay drove us home and we put Jon to bed. Jay,
Armando and I finished framing the back wall and put up more sheathing. We
are covering over all windows and doors for now. A quiet night and early
to bed. All pooped, but thank God for Jay. He earned his keep today.
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