Just some pics

After reviewing past posts, I notice there are a lot of pictures missing. I hope this helps give a sense of what has transpired.

100 year old wainscotting

Mac came up for a couple of days to help out sanding the wainscotting that we had salvaged from the original Winoka. Dusty, dirty work but Fred installed a few boards and it looks like we imagined. It was a great day to be outside working and we were thankful for the breeze to carry the old dust away! After lunch today, Mac and I needed a break from sanding so we worked on the property, clearing brush and transplanting trees. The blackflies are just starting to come out.

Last week Fred and I started installing the basement flooring. We are about half done, but enough that Sean could install most of the doors. It is starting to look finished.

Sean also helped Fred with the ceiling in the screen porch. The rafters were a mess, so it took a lot to figure out how it should be done. They are both such craftsmen and it looks great.

The granite came last week and the plumber installed the taps. The propane will be hooked up next week which will give us hot water. It is such a treat to have a functioning kitchen.

First overnighter

Last Saturday was our first night staying over. Notice I did not say "sleep". The air mattress sprung a leak and it was so cold, we needed to use the moving blankets just to keep warm. Notice my new decorating technique- toilet boxes as night tables. Somehow, I don't think it will catch on.

During the week week, Tim came and installed the kitchen. It looks so beautiful. I have been busy doing a lot of little jobs, but mainly staining the casing and trim. Tim's wife, Linda, came to help out for a couple of days. What a treat to have such great company.

The closets are all painted and we installed the wire shelf system in our closet on the weekend. It will be nice to have everything so organized.

Fred continues to work on the trim which is going more slowly without Sean's help.

The main floor is almost done and we hope to start the downstairs flooring next week. A lot of time is spent on all the small details- filling holes, installing switch plates, touching up the paint, so the pace is much more relaxed, but it is all the details that is making it feel like home.

Flooring and Fireplace

After my first full week at Winoka, it has been a treat to be there watching everything progress! The flooring arrived from the mill on Monday afternoon. We were a bit worried that it may look too distressed, but as it was being put down, the true beauty became evident.
Rocky's guys worked hard to get the fireplace stone in place and the top has been acid washed to bring out the colour. Again, I am amazed at the workmanship of such young men.
Bill Nunn was by on the weekend and finished the front porch. It is nice to have been able to use the beams that held up the old cottage.
This week Sean, Cory and Fred trimmed out most of the windows and on Friday, hung most of the upstairs doors.
I was kept busy preparing the trim and baseboard for the guys.
We were able to spend the weekend visiting friends in Meaford and picking up some material in Barrie. It was nice to have a break from the house, but am looking forward to getting back to it all tomorrow.

Winoka sign comes home

Last weekend we met Tom and Joanne Nowers, descendants of the original owners who mentioned they had a sign that came from Winoka. When Fred came to in on Monday morning he found they had dropped it off. What a treasure! We are sure it is the sign that hung on the original dock shelter. We saw it in a picture that was taken in the early 1900's. It is our intent to build a similar dock and structure and hang the sign there. We are so greatful for Tom and Joanne's generosity.

Since I have been back at work in Barrie full time, Fred has continued with building. The pine ceilings are going up and the snow has melted. I am looking forward to the time when I can be here full time to help. A long, busy day for both of us.

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.