Paint and Pine

With my going back to work in Barrie full time there has been little time to post, so a lot to catch up on. The weather has been amazing and the siding is finished, the garage door installed and one coat of paint throughout. Fred and Shawn started the pine ceiling this week and it looks amazing. Christine was out for a couple of days to stain the window trim and pine doors. Looking good! I'm posting some pictures, although the colours are not exactly accurate. There was one day last weekend when Fred and I were in the screen porch enjoying the sun, although the wind was cool. We looked around and decided that we could use the six sets of double hung windows there and after making some measurements, Fred found that he could make them fit. It is so wonderful to have an idea, bounce it off each other, then have him make it a reality!

"Pretty Stuff"

Again, a lot has happened since I last posted. While the drywall is going up, Fred and Sean have been busy with the soffit, fascia and decking. I have spent much of my time locating, pricing and picking out bathroom fixtures, vanities and most recently paint- the pretty stuff! Last weekend a group of friends came up for a party and helped decide which trees to cut. It has really opened up the view across the lake.
Fred has enjoyed taking the sled to work and can get there in 1/2 the time.

Warm Spring Sun

Although the day started out at -20, the sun in the afternoon was wonderful. I love the days when the sun has some warmth. I went for a walk down to the water and spotted the mink that has made his home on the pier. Even though he lets me get quite close, I'll need the telephoto lens to get a good picture.

The decking is up for the area by the mudroom door where the bbq will be. (Second pic) I suggested to Fred that a door to the screen porch might be convenient. I love when it can just happen! There is something about that space that feels so good- the sun, the view to the lake- like being in a tree fort. I can see us spending lots of time there. I love coming around the corner from the breezeway and seeing everything all laid out and can't wait for the first party.

Ryan came by to dig out the footings for the deck. We hope to get them started today. Although things are still moving slowly (Scott got another job) it is nice to take advantage of some mild days to work outside.

Off to Barrie for the weekend to finalize some fixtures and re-connect with friends.

Picking up speed after the break

It was a nice break over the holidays, but now we are starting to pick up speed again. It is great to have Sean back and Scott started this week.

The beam got lifted to support the screen porch and the floor is almost totally laid. The deck space underneath will be great for entertaining.

Last week we lifted the trusses onto the garage. We could have really used someone with more muscle than I have, but they guys did great. A tough day, although the weather has been very mild. The next couple of days were spent sheeting and shingling the roof.

A bit of extra time needed to be spent joining the main house to the garage since the trusses didn't come exactly as ordered. Good thing that Fred and Sean have the skill to hand frame and make it all work out. The Township was out on Thursday and passed the framing with only a few minor adjustments.

Bob Clarke was out for a visit and we put him to work helping install the top window and bedroom sliding door. Last time he comes out, I'm sure! It was a nice surprise to see him and go to his cottage for dinner.

The plumbing and electrical are pretty much roughed in and the insulation is started. We've been working with Tim from First Choice Kitchens to get the kitchen layout and cupboards picked out. This will be a different look for Fred, but I'm excited to see it all come together.

A home morning for me to get caught up in paperwork and get prices. A lot of things to price, order and nail down.

Basement Studs- and no, I don't mean Fred!

Shawn has been away supporting Theresa in the delivery of their second child, so it has been just Fred and I. I am working in Barrie Wednesday and Thursday this week to cover Christmas, so it has been a nice, long stretch here!
Yesterday the basement floor was poured. Rocky's guys worked until 2am to get it done! They are really an amazing bunch! Although it was -27 with the wind chill, we were able to work in the basement, which was toasty. My heart went out to Chris and Perry up on the roof.
Even though we had a slow start waiting for the delivery from Rona, it gave us time to lay out the lines for the walls and use up what we had on hand. Earl from Rona helped us out by passing the material to us into the basement. Daniel was a trooper being out at 9 am during the holidays.
Once we got a system in place the walls went up pretty fast. Since the cement floor hadn't had time to totally set, Fred was able to nail right into the concrete. Since there are a few interesting details in this home, we had time to discuss them. I think it will all turn out beautifully.
Merry Christmas to everyone.

Wind? NO! We have windows!!! or... How to stay warm in -20? Shovel out the house

It has been a busy couple of weeks, but seems that we are not making much headway. The snow and cold have really slowed progress. However, the windows came this Tuesday and they are slowly being installed. The addition of the front one certainly was welcome to block the wind!

We had a severe snowstorm last Friday that all but shut down Huntsville. A nice opportunity to stay home, decorate the tree and make some calls. The amount of snow did cause some extra work in that the roofers had a lot of shovelling to do before they could start with shingles.

I spent much of my time shovelling out the house- one way to keep warm as the temps dipped to -20. The basement level is sealed in and heat on to keep the frost out until the floor can be poured on Monday. That means we have hydro! They came yesterday after a long delay with lost paperwork and then cleanup after the storm.

On the weekend, after a quiet birthday party, Fred and I uncovered the windows and found a home for some. It is nice to see parts of the old Winoka being re-used.

First Snow

Monday and Tuesday, the bedroom end of the house got sheeted and the second floor and trusses were put in place. The loft will be a beautiful space. The septic tank is in place and has been inspected. I love the name of the system- Waterloo! Just too funny!

We had an absolutely beautiful day Wednesday- but no help. Shawn was ill and Andrew had an appointment. Only Fred and I were available, but we were able to get a few jobs done. We stayed until about 7:30, leveling the basement stone by spotlight.

After an early morning rain on Thursday, the day cleared. There were only three of us, but Shawn and Fred continued to work on the roof framing. My time was spent trying to get caught up on paperwork, running for supplies, gas and trying to keep the site as tidy as possible. John and his crew installed a new culvert to replace the one that was damaged by the heavy trucks. Now the water can drain under the drive, not over it!

Friday, the snow hit! It was quite pleasant to work for the most part, but the squalls were brutal. Andrew helped with the framing in the morning and then spent some time with me levelling the rest of the basement. I really felt for the Fred and Shawn up on the roof during those squalls!

John and his crew worked on digging holes for the sono tubes and Ryan dug the trench for the water line. Part of the process meant cutting some trees along what will be the path to the water from the house. It is becoming easier to visualize how the landscaping will look.

The plumbing system has been installed in the basement and is scheduled for inspection on Monday.

Although it is a beautiul cool, sunny winter morning, we are taking the day off to get some work done here then off to a party in Barrie! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again!