Dec. 7
Winter is finally here with the first snowfall of the
season. It has been an incredibly dry summer…good for working outside but it
also resulted in very few days off from the project to rest and catch our
breath. That was maybe a good thing. The last of the heating system was
finished and hooked-up yesterday just before the snow. Had there been more
rainy days we might not have made this deadline. We are ready for the cold
weather and will be able to work inside now for the whole winter.
Interior partitions
are going up and door casings made and doors hung. Sam has begun to hang sheet
rock for eventual plastering in some of the rooms and the whole place is
beginning to look like a house…at least on the inside. We’ve moved most of the
needed building supplies inside for the winter to avoid having to drag them
through the snow. It is all still a daunting task and we probably have two more
years of work ahead of us before the project is completed. On the coldest days
we will be in the basement cutting stone for the arches that will go over each
window and fabricating decorative cedar shingles that will cover the second
floor exterior. Sam also has to strip many of the interior doors to prepare
them for stain or paint. I think we both look forward to the respite that the
holiday season will provide. Jim
Yes, winter is here. Work has not stopped, and there is more
to do than I remember yesterday. The insulator asked, and I agreed to do some
work for him a day or two a week. He too is pressed to finish projects before
severe cold really sets in. This house has really given me an interesting
perspective of the seasons. The seasons must dictate and kindly direct our
habits. Cold is to be prepared for as well as warmth. Each invites us to gather
what blossoms or withers with equal respect and measure. Many of my generation
live for the now. Now it is hot, or now it is cold. Rather I am broadening my
view to see that it may be warmer or colder. Cycles and patterns exist, and I must
observe, plan, and prepare. Gather the wood for heat now, for tomorrow will be
cold. Dress the stone today for it may be warm to lay tomorrow. There is more
planning that is to be done that I am not aware of. I observe and quiz Jim for
he has seen many more seasons than I. We have paced ourselves to each season.
Each dictates and directs. In each we build this structure to enjoy and prepare
for the next. Sam
