Feeling Like Grandparents

Loyal blog followers might remember the posting on our resident deer, Gimpi. (Monday, March 9) Gimpi was a fawn we noticed in 2006 with a damaged rear foot and looking pretty frail that autumn. We began to feed her each weekend, along with several of our neighbors. She is a very common sight around the immediate neighborhood.

So, the big news is that we spotted her with a new fawn a few weeks ago and Karen managed to get some pictures today. Now, like many grandparents, we will be showing them at every opportunity.

Shingle Staining and Application

The process of staining the shingles (2 coats) and stapling them on has begun on the balcony over the dining room. After a couple of trials we have chosen "Edelweiss Foliage" and had the first 20 litre pail mixed which works just right for dipping each shingle.

So far, 66 sq ft stained and installed - only 1900 sq. ft to go!

Bevel Siding Goes On

The great thing about the first day of summer is that photos under full light are still possible at 8 pm. Just wish I still had the energy to keep cutting and applying the siding. We've had the perfect weather conditions - no rain but not too hot - for drying and applying finish to both sides of each piece of wood which is followed by lots of fitting around windows, electrical outlets, ventilation blocks, and most fun of all, the rock work, but it is going well with the lower east side being completed in 2 1/2 days.

Board and Batten All Done

We've finally completed the last of the board and batten siding we need to do. The trim on the stairwell window involves a little diamond detail using the two shades of green we will be using on the shingles when we finally get to the garage. I didn't realize until I stood back for a look today, that the two greens also match the glass we have in the front door.

Drywall Boarding Completed

The drywall boarding has now been completed and is ready for taping and filling which is due to start tomorrow. We've had two beautiful sunny days which have seen the completion of all of the board and batten work on the house stairwell. Pictures to follow....

Drywall Delivered and Boarding Begins

Enough drywall boards to complete the house were delivered last Friday, hand bombed into the lower floor and craned in through the big west window for the upper floor. This morning our boardmen Lance and his brother Darcy arrived at 6:30 am and dove headfirst into the installation getting an excellent head start on the kitchen, TV room, lower bathroom and hallway.

Siding Progresses

In between whole and partial days of rain, I've been able to finish off the board and batten siding on the celestory and get a good start on the stairwell jut-out. Once complete, the horizontal bevel siding will begin on the house.

Our intrepid roofer, Pat returned for a few days to train me in the art of downspout design and fabrication so I can fill some wet hours in with that task from time to time.