Sauna?

The site plan shows a structure where there is very little remaining, and we were trying to figure out what it might have been.  After all, we wouldn't be allowed to build anything new within the 100' line from the water, but we can always rebuild/repair. 

Unfortunately, what is there doesn't give much of a clue.  We were thinking maybe a gazebo or tent platform from when it was a camp.  It's built into the side of the hill, faces the water, and has a pretty nice view.  Plus this rather cool looking stump remnant.  (Guess the plot plan is a little dated)

Then it was pointed out to us that no self-respecting Finnish group would be anywhere near a pond without a sauna.  Aha!

Now, I've enjoyed a sauna a few times in my life, but I'm not sure my own private sauna is high on my Christmas wish list.  And I haven't actually convinced myself (or anyone else in the family) to go in the pond beyond wading, so that dip in the pond after the sauna is still questionable.  So I think we'll just let this linger on the 'possibilities' list a while yet.

Stuff

WOW we have a lot of it. In spite of the dumpster we filled, multiple porchfuls of Freecycle goods, and several carloads to the goodwill, there's still more than I want to think about in storage.  And some of it has come back to us.

I think Jonathan was on to something when he dreamed that they loaded up the pod and drove it off a bridge. 

Sure, the outdoor patio furniture is handy to have back, and the kids were excited to have their fishing rods (hopefully we'll test them out soon), but all in all I think it's a good thing that the dumpster is between the pod and the front door.  Gives us a second chance. 

Red Tailed Hawk

I did recently buy a bird book (it turns out our old book was from our time in Albuquerque, and thus was, appropriately for the location, titled 'Western Birds of the US' or some such. Helpful at the time, now not so much).  However, I didn't need it when this fellow (lady?) swooped over us.

He was carrying a small black/brown lunchpail.  A hairy one.  Perhaps an ex-mouse or chipmunk.  At any rate, he must have been pretty excited about it as he clearly wasn't paying attention to the noisy family wandering around in the yard marvelling at the siding and shingles, and he flew in so close I actually ducked! 

Once he took the edge off his hunger, and realized the nearby threat of his new neighbors, he flapped his way a little bit farther away, and we saw his dark red tail.  I was suprised at how vibrant it really was.   

Siding

With all the excitement inside, there is visible progress happening outside as well, as the siding is starting to go up.  They started on the back (pond) side. 

On the one hand, I can understand that as any errors will be hard to see so far up.  On the other hand, perhaps it would be good to get 'warmed up' and perfect the ability to hold heavy planks and attach them at the same time somewhere closer to the ground. 

There is a scaffolding in the picture, but I say that because I've seen it in person, not because you can actually see it in the photo.

The end is completed up top and underway on the first floor.  Unfortunately the designers missed calling out the siding in the middle where the slider used to be and where the closets are now.  That's one to negotiate.

On the front, this was the view at the beginning of last week.

Progress a little later in the week.  

And by the end of the week the front was done as well. 

Wallboard

Funny how projects seem to go in spurts of activity - things seem to happen quickly, then no apparent progress is made as little pieces incrementally fall into place, then a dramatic change seems to speed it up again.  I know this from my own experience, but for some reason it's always surprising.  

At any rate, I'm glad that with the insulation last week and the installation of wallboard starting this week, we're back on the "wow, look what happened while we were out today" track for a little bit.

I'll start with the view from the entry hall. Here it is this evening.

And here it was about six weeks ago. 

I realize it's not practical, and in fact downright draftly, but I miss the ability to see through walls right out to the pond.  Like here in my future little office. 

Sure, it'll be great sitting at a desk looking out, but just last week I could see all the way down to the beach.   Not that there's room for any additional glazing.

Ok, just a few more quick photos - really amazing how much can get done in a day.  And I haven't even seen the crew, so I have no idea if it's two or twelve.  

Here's a kid bedroom -

Something very appealingly abstract to me about having the wall done, and a solid door, but just the frame of the closet.  I blame architecture school.

Master bedroom this time, but you can still see through to the porch, and the beam still shows, which is another thing that makes me happy. 

Speaking of things that make me happy...

Looking at this I realize they have a ten foot drop on either side, yet are managing to jockey for position as they smile.  Well, the yellow tape would probably slow the fall at least.

Two more shots - one is that old familiar angle looking through the rafters.

And the last is looking down at the chimney. 

It really is starting to give the sense of what it will feel like when it's done!  Just need to hold on to that patience for a little while longer...

Break from Construction

We take a break from construction today to bring you a Swedish gymnastics group from the turn of the century.  This was a found object from my own parents, rather than something that came out of the walls here.  I suppose having reached the halfway point (at least!) it's reasonable to think about what goes on the walls once we're done. 

Not Finnish but Nordic at least, and probably neither group would be pleased about the display of the Swedes in the former Finnish Hall, so that seems about fair.

My great-grandfather (from whom Aidan's middle name comes) is in the photo - although we're not quite sure which fellow, I'm guessing it's one of the really tall guys in the middle. 

Insulation

Going upstairs this evening felt like stepping into some sort of inverse snow storm.  If a blizzard were to explode in your barn, miraculously leaving the floor relatively clear, and wedge snow into every cranny, it would have to look like this.

I just started to feel all warm and cozy thinking about all that great insulation and the lack of drafts. 

Or, it might be the 95 degree weather outside today. 

At any rate, the bathroom will be nice and cozy as well, as seen from behind the tub. 

I really love the half-timbering look, although I'm sure that thrill would wear off pretty quickly. 

Upstairs, the evening light also makes it look as though the insulation is translucent, although it's just the setting sun coming in through the window.  Tomorrow they'll be back to finish, and then we're on to board and plaster!

Pulleys

There are multiple pulleys along the ceiling.  If you look closely you can see one in the middle of this picture.  Gyp board and plaster is scheduled for next week, so you have to look quickly.

While a couple seem to have been used to pull a boat up into the rafters, we knew there had to be another explanation. 

Recently, after a spate of looking at light fixtures for the ceiling, Jonathan suggested a plausible explanation - to raise and lower any lighting (whether it's candles or bulbs you're replacing, it will take a long ladder!) 

Porch

Well, after a brief respite we're back.  Now, don't think we haven't been busy - first there was an important parade to attend, and some crustaceans to devour, and of course the ever important quiet time for reflection.

What's even better is that while we were doing all of the above, progress was still being made!  Going to focus on the porch and entry today since that's what greeted us on our return.

 Just as a refresher, here is what it looked like in April

Then the beginnings of a deck in early June.

Followed by some columns and the beginning of framing.  I like this angle, maybe it's the clear perspective or it could be that the orangeness of the photo reminds me of those Christo orange gates....

And further progress since arriving home, in the form of siding.

And one more shot of further siding progress - this is one of those weeks where it feels like things are coming along quickly!

Snake!

But in a cool way. I guess we're getting quieter because although we startled the snake, she (he?) didn't leave completely.  And we were awfully close.

 

I will admit I was kind of hoping we could see the capture of dinner, but I guess I was loud enough to scare away any prey.  Leaves me something to look forward to.