Tuesday, July 31

Not Cabin

Mickey transplanted the holly (again) to keep it safely out of the way of the water line excavation.


He also built two trellises for our runner beans -- an A-frame to the east, and a tepee to the west -- which are now happily climbing and flowering.


The ducks and geese enjoyed a spell of free-ranging.


They made themselves quite at home in our front yard.



Synchronized preening!



Ah, much better.


Meanwhile, Gerard found a cozy spot under a picnic bench.


*sigh, being lord of such a large estate is a tiring task indeed.



But such an estate!


Not a bad life.


Wednesday, July 25

We've got a hole in our roof!


And the plumbing inspection is scheduled for tomorrow!

Saturday, July 14

The Evolution of a Bathroom

 Thanks to our prospective trailer-buyer (George) and his dad (Don), the plumbing is nearly finished, both drain-waste-vent and supply.  The toilet drain and supply on the right, and the vanity sink drain and supply on the left.  (Pex is terribly creative, with blue for cold and red for hot).


Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the bathroom, Mickey has been working hard on the shower.  The first mortar bed slopes towards the drain.


Then Mickey added plywood, including a cut-out for a porcelain shelf. 


Then the next layer of waterproofing, followed by plastic up the sides.  He has been careful to keep every step waterproof along the way, and our shower pan passed its first test without a drip or a leak!


Ready for the second mortar bed and the curb.



Oh yes, and the floor!


The pebbles will also serve as the shower floor (once the drain plumbing officially passes inspection).



After we returned home from the Fourth of July family picnic, Mickey grouted the floor.




We finished that project by flashlight. (we = I held the flashlight while Mickey cleaned.)



Then back to the shower walls: plastic and cement backer board, to be completed once the supply plumbing passes inspection.





He also trimmed the window.


My contribution to the plumbing (attempting to unload the 10' PVC pipe from our Saturn "pickup truck").



Despite my "help," the kitchen is ready for the plumbing test.



As is the bathroom.


After the plumbing inspection, the only remaining inspection is the final one!


 We are looking forward to the Great Plumbing Parts Return, at which point we will use our Lowes refund to go out to dinner.  Judging by the amounts of parts left over in the basement, we should be able to order a drink with our meal!

Railings

With an eye towards convincing the building inspector to grant us a certificate of occupancy, Mickey has been working on railings.


We really enjoyed being able to sit on the edge of the porch, but were surprised how much we like the railing too.


Mickey has been putting his new table saw to good use with lots of angles to cut!


Having completed the porch railing and handrail, he turned his attention to the loft railing.


He installed the framing first (top and bottom).


Newel post.


Newel post shaped.


Newel post stained.



Newel posts attached.



We love having so many big timbers in our home!



Mickey then used his table saw to transform 5/4"x8' lumber into railing spindles. I wish I could have gotten a before-spindle, but here is the after!


Many drill battery charges later, the spindles were all securely screwed into place!







The railing has transformed the feeling of the great room and the loft.

Floor Chapter 1

The next big project is the great room and kitchen floor.  After some massive cleaning, sweeping, and vacuuming, Mickey began stapling down tar paper in the kitchen.  (The dust on the camera lens gives you a feel for what cleaning the cabin was like!)


Thursday was the big delivery day!


Roscoe watched from inside.



That is over 1600 pounds of unfinished white oak, cabin grade hardwood flooring. 


While waiting for the flooring to acclimate to our home, Mickey sorted it by wood quality and structure.


He also taped off our future kitchen on the tar paper -- pantry to the left, bar with sink in the center, and countertop to the right.


A few more days to acclimate, and then we will be in business!


Stay tuned for more! :)