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SUMMER OF 03:
THE
BIG WING FINALLY GETS FRAMED!
AUGUST 13,2003
WEDNESDAY
After waiting most of the summer to get our plans and work crew
together, we finally left for Missouri today to spend at least 10 days
on the house. Jon, Levi, and Sam drove in the car and I went
with Jason in a truck full of materials. Perfect weather and we
arrived at 5:30pm. Big changes at Jeff and Adrianna's since the
fire. Their barns and animals are still in place, but they opened a
new house lot in the land opposite our lane, way back in the woods,
with a long curved lane into the yard. It almost looks like a new
road and we nearly missed our lane. They have a nice new single wide.
Our house is just as we left it, but the yard is really overgrown.
Unpacked, and Sam and I started clearing the area after supper before
it got dark. Quiet night and early to bed.
AUGUST 14,2003 THURSDAY
Up early, cool and a bit cloudy. Jon decided to leave after
breakfast so he could visit his grandma on the way home. Jason and
Sam started laying out rim joists and Levi and I started cutting back
brush and weeds. Got the courtyard and most of the meadow clear.
Place is looking much tidier. Jeff and Adrianna came by to say
hello and check on progress. I gave Adrianna the box of books I
brought to replace the cookbooks she lost in the fire. Paul came
round to say hello and is going to bring us some fresh eggs and
tomatoes. Lumber finally arrived at 1:30 p.m. a bit late as the truck
had problem with its clutch. Unloaded and started setting joists and
the last post. By 3:30, it was really hot so we stopped work for a
siesta. Short nap, then Jason and I went to town for supplies. Back
at 6:30 and worked until dark. Finished cutting brush and half
the joists are set for the bedroom. We raised the floor instead
of digging out. It means a step up, so Jon will take the front
bedroom and I will take the back bedroom. We may have to change
the plan for the big window, as the posts are too close together.
Simple supper and so to bed. NB: News reports that the east coast has
had a massive blackout. NY, NJ, CT and parts of PA and west to
Detroit. NOT terrorist related, they think.
AUGUST 15,2003, FRIDAY
Dawned hot and humid. Just our luck that the weeks of mild
summer weather would disappear the minute we arrived. We got
started early to try to beat the heat. Jason and Sam continued
setting joists and laying the platform. Levi and I finally
finished clearing all the brush from the meadow. Work
progressing slowly because of the heat and some tension in the work
crew. Our newest worker is not all he was cracked up to be.
Nothing seems to suit him. "The hammer's too light, the lumber's
not straight enough, it's too hot, the water tastes funny." If
he keeps this up, I may have to do the boss thing and remind him he
was not hired for his brains. Luckily, Jason continues to work well,
despite the kvetching, and Levi has been a complete gem. I give him a
task and leave him alone and it gets done. Who could ask for
more? About noon a strange truck pulled in and it was Rockpile and
Tina, from the Homestead Board. Sat down in the shade and had a nice
visit. Trading stories about life in the Boonies. They took the grand
tour and loved the house. Had a nice visit and we hope they will come
again. Decided to go to Bennett Springs for a swim to beat the
heat. Levi and I rode in the back which was wild. Nice and cool
at Bennett Springs. Back home by seven to set more joists and
Levi and I framed the first bedroom wall. A late, late supper
and early to bed. With luck we will get back on schedule tomorrow if
the weather cooperates.
SOME DISTINGUISHED
VISITORS
AND
VARIOUS
BITS OF FRAMING
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