Then: The 2nd Week of August 2008 Now: June 17, 2011

Building Rose Camp, August 2008

 Then: The 2^nd Week of August 2008

The crew arrived back up at Rose Camp Monday Morning and will be installing the front door and putting up the metal sides and roof this week. When they are done, we have to fill in dirt all around the house about a foot up. Eventually we want to have the dirt 2 ft up all around, to be even with the floor. It will insulate the crawl space and, hopefully, keep moisture out.

JB purchased a wood splitter, and I love it! This was a job he thought he would have to do, but it's all mine. He can slice and I'll dice. Since we do not have a wood shed yet, we are going to stack the firewood in the grove and on the porch, then cover it with tarps.

I really would like to get a dog or two, but JB is hesitant. We had greyhounds for more than ten years, and I really miss having at least one dog, even with all the bears, deer, squirrels and chipmunks. We made a list of the attributes our new pet would need, and we will check at the Humane Society maybe next week. Problem is, I have never walked into a pet shelter and walked out empty handed.

We are going to move into our house this weekend and set up under the loft. Yes!! It will all be enclosed with the metal walls up. And JB's brother needs his camping trailer back. Perfect timing! We are hoping that the crew will be all done, including the ceiling and porch, within two weeks.

Now: June 17, 2011

We did get the dirt two feet high all the way around the house in 2009, but with all the rain we have had this Spring, it is obvious that we need to install a french drain on the north and south sides. I am hoping we can get that done this summer. But we took yesterday off just to be retired. Today we hope to get the small gaps in the deck filled and the tar paper put on. And maybe even some of the decking.  It looks like another beautiful day and the wind hasn't picked up yet.

As far as the wood splitter goes, I can split wood all day and not get bored or tired.  It is fascinating the way each piece splits on the grain and how much the grain can change within just 16".  I am an artist at heart, and while I am splitting, I usually put a few pieces aside that I am sure can be used to make something with.  Problem is, I have boxes of wood and bark pieces set aside that I have not had time to do address.  One of these days. . .

And speaking of the weather, another thing I love about being way Up Here is that we can see the weather coming and prepare for it, rather than simply react when it arrives.  The clouds will stack up on the mountain peaks and look ominous, but then little pieces, like cotton balls, will break off and go floating gently by.  We just have to be concerned about the big, dark ones that break off, or if the whole mass continues towards us without breaking up at all.  Now we will be able to sit on our new deck watch the weather form.