Just before Christmas we determined that we didn't need to ready the upstairs in the new house for guests. We instead managed to squeeze everyone into the old house one last time. The result is we shut the construction down over the holidays and simply relaxed and enjoyed oursleves. After Christmas we worked on the tree staircase as a priority.

But I was determined to finish the preliminary carpentry work in Phoebe's playroom before the New Year was upon us. Today I could put off the task no longer if I were to meet my self-imposed dealine. It took me all day but I managed to achieve the task.

The day's job was to install the panelling in the shelf area. Phoebe loves to create elaborate dioramas that take a 'long, long time'. With all the work she puts into them they are best displayed for a long while. Hence the need for some serious, adjustable shelving. There is almost fourteen feet of shelving and it stretches up to the ceiling. The adjustable brackets will be installed after the painting is done.

The room is now ready for the last of the painting. Flooring will be the next project and then final trim to finish off the job.

Now I'm ready to ring in the New Year.

-grampa dan