I always have a plan.

Each day when I awake I lay out a mental plan of all the things I will do that day. But each day things happen and it seems to take on a life of it's own. Today was no different.

My plan was to sand the edges and detail the vertical trim pieces in preparation for the paint and glazes that would follow. Before I had gotten through the first couple of pieces I was called to the house to answer some questions about the installation of the windows. Then my phone rang and I was asked if I could use a load of concrete that was left over from another job. The price was right, but it meant all plans were on hold. We would fill in the concrete block retaining walls. Steel for fence posts needed cutting and everything needed to be checked in readiness for the sudden concrete pour. We would use the tractor to do the task. The concrete truck was on the way. That project lasted until one o'clock.

The afternoon went by in a flash with a meeting, phone calls, and running for needed parts. The carpenters finished putting in the first batch of Innotech windows and doors. They look fabulous andoperate smoothly. The house is instantly a whole lot quieter - even with a few windows missing.

My lunch and supper were combined. After eating I headed back to the shop to finish what I had started first thing this morning.

Tomorrow when I wake up I think out a new plan and just maybe I'll pull it off. But first I'll have to finish off what I planned to do today.

-grampa dan

WINDOWS!

Today it was exciting to see the giant Innotech truck pull into the driveway. It meant the first batch of windows and doors was here at last. The driver and helper wasted no time in getting the windows out of the truck and placed carefully where they belonged. The windows were no lightweights - especially the front ones which were all triple glazed.

Harold's Contracting crew got busy prepping the openings with blue skin waterproofing, tar paper and caulking. Then they hefted the heavy windows into the openings and leveled everything perfectly before fastening them permanently into place. It was great to see a reflection in the window instead of a blank opening when we looked at the house this evening.

Tomorrow the last of the first batch of windows and doors will be installed. The balance of the windows arrive Thursday. It won't be long until the interior work begins in earnest.

-grampa dan

Cruising the right of way.

Back when we first started planning where everything would go on our small acreage I asked for a 'right of way' around the property edge. This path was to be nine feet wide. By the animal paddocks there is a double fence, one on the property line and another nine feet inside. The double fencing provides security and peace of mind should the horses or the goat somehow get through the first fence. The 'right of way' also serves another very important purpose of course. Our (my) plan was to build a train track (15" guage) around the property and run a 'grampa train' there someday. I've long believed every grampa should have an electric railroad to share with their grand children. Ours just happens to be a little larger scale.

I started work on the rail road about eight years ago. Progress has been slow, especially when I am super busy, as it is a hobby and so takes a back seat to many other priorities. But over the years I've managed to almost complete the engine and two cars. The track stretches about two hundred feet from the shop so far, waiting for the house to be completed before carrying on. The final track layout was to be determined by the size and placement of the house which is now in place at last.

One of the things Phoebe and I enjoy doing is cruising the right of way in our old golf cart or the little tractor. Along the way we pick leaves to feed the goat, or say hi to all the horses. I also use the time to survey the property, dreaming and planning where everything will eventually go. 

Today, for the first time since the house was started, the path was open all the way around the property. We had a great time cruising around and around for the longest while. It was a LOT more fun than working! :)

-grampa dan