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AUGUST 19, 2003 TUESDAY
Up early. Sky a bit cloudy, but
humid and warm. Levi and I framed the big window. It looks
really sharp, although a bit narrower than planned. Finally, got Sam
to finish the last of the joists. Went on to putting up the OSB
on the bedroom and chimney stack. Levi and Jason went into town
to rent a big ladder from Bailey's. Sam and I stayed to wait for
the lumber from Sutherland. WAIT was the operative word. WAIT
AND WAIT. Jason and Levi returned from town and we began putting
up the bedroom rafters. Lumber arrived at 4:30 p.m. Boy dumped
it next to the first pile and managed to crack two of the long
rafters. I WILL complain. Finally had to tell Sam off as
every word was an argument and finally Jason said "It's HIS HOUSE,
he's paying for it. Just do it, NOW!!!!" So I stood over Sam
and told him each and every step. If he wants to be treated like
a child, I will treat him that way. Sam did more work in 2 hours,
after I laid down the law, than he did in the last 2 days on his own.
It won't last though unless I keep the pressure on. Finally
cooled down around 7:30 p.m. You could feel a front move through.
The main platform and the ramp up to the front bedroom are finally
done. We decided to do away with the second front door and changed
the stair hall. It now goes up a slope to the front bedroom rather
than down to the front door. We will use the double doors in the
dining room as the main entrance. Jason and Sam will get going on the
second floor tomorrow and Levi and I will finish the last of the first
floor framing. We are still about two days behind schedule, but
should make it to the roof by the time we leave. I'm hoping upstairs
will go faster. I set a lamp up in the big bay window and went
out after dark with Levi to look. Even unfinished, the house looks
the way I have imagined it all along. Its finally getting there!
VIEW FROM THE ROAD, DOWN TO THE POND
AUGUST 20, 2003 WEDNESDAY
We have done a lot in a week but are
still a bit behind. I am not sure the roof will get done but
feel confident we be framed to the rafter springings. Cloudy early
morning and we got a good quick start. Finished framing the living
room. The diagonal wall of French doors makes a wonderful space with a
long horizontal window on the short end wall. Room for a cabinet
or bookshelves below the window. The screen porch will be a great
addition and just big enough for a dining table, chairs, and some
rockers. We will need to plant a bit of shrubbery just at the
end of the drive to block the view to Jeff and Adrianna's, a small
detail. Jason finished the ramp up to my bedroom and the stairwell.
Plenty wide and generous and the wall of windows on the landing will
provide lots of light and air. Another good accidental design
change. About 11 a.m., Jason managed to stab himself in the arm.
A few minutes panic while we looked for emergency medical supplies.
Luckily, Adrianna came to the rescue. Went to town at 1 p.m. for
lunch, lumber, and to raid the bank. Bought enough lumber to frame
the second story to the rafter springing. Home at 4 p.m. and resumed
work. All the rafters laid over my room and we will finish the upper
platform tomorrow. It's starting to look like a real house and
we all sat for a bit at dusk and admired the work so far. It really
is a wonderful space. My bedroom will be bright and airy, but cozy as
well. A light pick-up supper and a night reading. My health is
excellent, but my leg a bit swollen. Must drink more water and keep
my legs up more. And so to bed.
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