Progress - and some things are done!

We are, perhaps, rounding the final turn to use a horse-racing analogy. The first picture is of the courtyard (barnyard) wall with the stonework now complete. The next pic is of the pool - waiting for the gunite to cure. Next week the tile and coping will be installed, weather permitting. Later, we'll add a picture of the wall behind the pool, from a new vantage point. Third today is the lower floor room in front of the pool. You have to like the wood - we certainly do. At the rear of the barn, the masons are 1/2 - 2/3 done with the stone facing. And finally, here is a look at the wall by the pool from the side of the barn. The curve is a welcome break to what otherwise are all rectangles. We are aiming toward completion in late August, early September (prior to landscaping). We may even get in a few dips before the fall frost.

Cool doors

Well, it has been over a week since the last blog, and all have been working (carpenters, masons, electricians, and pool people). This week the addition of doors provides the main attraction. The first two pictures are doors to the "potting shed" in the first floor - from the courtyard (barnyard) and from the pool patio. The next doors are to the lower level "pool room" and in that room. I love the look of the big beams holding up the barn (Douglas fir, BTW). Next are two shots of the barn doors at the rear of the barn (facing the road). Check out the "door within the door" that will allow us to enter in the winter without sliding open the big barn doors. And finally (lots of pictures this week) are two views of doors on the upper level, looking out. That's all folks!

Stone work

Our second post today is on the stonework for the barn. Last week, the masons were working on the corner and the stone pillars out in front of the barn. Notice the steel poles holding up the front of the barn. This week, you can see the masons and pool people working nearly side by side and the stonework in front of the barn. The project is getting better and better.

Pool post

We have not had a post in a week, and lots has occurred, so we'll make two today. The first, this one, documents the pool construction. Last week, the bulldozer arrived to dig the hole for the pool. Here are pictures through the rebar stage: We had a downpour on Monday, so no gunite until today. First, we saw our driveway filled with pick-up trucks (America runs on pick-up trucks, at least for small businesses). Then the gunite trucks arrived. Then, you can see the mud-hole the workers faced. Then the gunite crew went to town. Wow! Basically, the bones of the pool done in one day.

Moving along

Today there is not any really "new" developments, but progress everywhere. Here are lots of pictures. The first is from our wetlands area. The large leaves in the foreground are not hosta - they are skunk cabbage. The next three are different views - from the pond, the stream, and just the barn. The drains to the storm water system were being installed - all this for rain off the roof of a barn! The walls are going higher. And finally, the lower level is taking shape. Next week the pool digging starts, depending on the weather. Yeah!

Windows, walls, and a "room with a view"

Today, the workers put in the windows for the front of the barn. In addition, the framing for the insulation on the first floor was installed. Pictures follow: Climbing to the top floor, you can see the view out the front window - the pool will be where the "cherry picker" lifts are now, and further is the pond and woods. Clear and dry forecast for next week - more progress coming.

Work in the garden

While the barn workers are raising the barn, Pop Pop has been spending lots of time in the garden. Here are pictures of newly planted beds (and some rows of lettuce that were "hooped" over the winter for early spring harvest). Look at the greems and purples of the lettuce! Other than the lettuce beds (all grown from seed) most of our plants are grown by our local CSA, which delivered on their plant sale this week-end. It has taken Pop Pop the last five days to get all the plants in the ground. Good for future salads, not so hot for the back.

Doors and roofing

Today the rear (inner) doors were put up, and finishing work on the roof was done, at least on one side of the cupola. Here are pictures: In addition to the more conventional doors, there will also be two sliding "barn doors" facing the road. On the front view, you can see the finished tin work on the left, no "ridge" cover yet on the right.

Cupola, board and batten, and courtyard wall

Today was beautiful - warm and sunny. And the barn workers, as they say, "make hay while the sun shines." The cupola went up - here are pictures of the workers firming up the base, the top sitting on the platform above the roof, and the final look. In addition, progress was made on the board and batten on the front wall of the barn. And finally, the stone masons are working on the wall to the courtyard.