Let it snow let it snow let it snow

What a great week, we are moving right along. Shawn (the mudder) is just finishing up the mudding part and started the sanding part, so I decided to give him a hand. This is not a job for the weak that's for sure. Paul and I tackled blowing the extra insulation in the attic, what a interesting job. We rented a hopper that you insert the insulation, then it chews it up to a fine snow like consistency. Attached to the machine is the long hose that blows out the pink snow. You evenly distribute it until you have the right thickness. Finally we are out of the dirt! We now have a a garage floor, Yeah! Will be nice to have a few days away from the house.

Merry Christmas, and Blessing for the New Year ahead!

Day # 114

Have you meet my Mudder!

 Meet the Mudder! This is Shawn, he started on Monday and worked 5 days  this week for at least 8 hrs. I Have been talking to other people that have had to hire  a  drywall taper( Mudder) and Apparently this is a rare thing! We are so lucky! He is a great guy and am enjoying his company when I am at the job site. Paul has been busy doing anything and everything. Installing  the garage door was a big job. I have spent the week painting and painting and painting! Roughly 700 ft of trim... colonial door and by folds.2 coats. My daughter Amber came to help me, enjoyed her company for the day.

Day # 109

The Show Must Go On!

Due to my mental health  my Father will no longer be part of the house build. You know that old saying ," there can only be one foreman!"....Have enjoyed the time together , learned alot and coldn't have started with out him. Family sticks together through the good and bad and I'm sure he is cheering us on from the sidelines!

Day # 105

Pack away the longjohns!

Wow, how fast the week goes when your busy! The last piece of drywall was screwed into place today...YEAH!! What a BIG job! I have learned allot about drywall,the different sizes that are available, the different types for special  areas (like the bathroom), but one thing that they all have in common... they are not to forgiving. If you cut a hole a  little to big or a piece to short if you cut on the wrong side well you might end up with a pile of rejects like the one I was responsible for. What I have learned is... measure twice cut once!... Moving on, we had the water heater installed by our friendly neighbourhood technician, the  last of the electrical wiring was put into place into the main panel , the furnace installation is done , the propane tanks were installed  and we are so excited!.... we finally have power and heat, and with no time to spare as old man winter has arrived. For a brief few days my eyes opened up  and I could just imagine to what it must be like for people in countries that during the winter months  are rationed on the electrical usage, we definitely take the ability to stay warm for granted , there is nothing worse than being cold. As I arrived at the house this week I stopped  at the door, something was different, it took me a few minutes to figure out what it was... It was the sound of silence. You see we have had the annoying  sound of the 2 generators  blasting away  for months...Silence is Golden.Dad was able to get the a few loads of gravel on the driveway and working on preparing the garage for the cement, has to run water on the ground to pack it down before the cement can be poured . We hired a drywall taper(I like to call them mudders) who will start on Monday. I see a light at the end of the tunnel! Two weeks today is Christmas Eve and we are right on schedule.

Day#98

Busy Busy Busy

 So this is Sunday November 27th, as I am typing this entry I am watching the sunset over  the Gulf Of Mexico in Punta Gorda Florida.Current temp. is 81', no snow , no cold  and no freezing rain... feeling bad that my partners are no so lucky. I have not been able to update my blog until now , its been a crazy few weeks! Lets recap...the last entry was made on day   72 we are now day 86 . Finishing all the framing for the walls upstairs has allowed us to start the electrical wiring. For this we have a licenced electrician come to assist us, definitely a good idea, there are just some things you can't do. Paul and I assisted were we could and was very proud that we ran the  wiring for the  plugs and ceiling lights in the basement. After that was done we required an electrical inspection from Hydro before they would come and bring power from the road to the house, and after the second inspection it finally passed.(see everyone can make a mistake).During the waiting time for the inspections we were able to get started with the installation of the propane furnace. Lucky for us my nephew Brandon works in that field and my son-inlaw Steve also had a back ground in heating and air so they got the job. Getting cold in the house so  we were huddled around the small kerosene heater  trying  to warm up when we could. While all this is going on we decided to have the water well drilled, and once again lucky for me I have a relative (my Brother Troy) who is in that business. My Brother has been drilling wells since he was a young boy with my Dad , when he retired Troy took over the business. Surprisingly enough I never actually  saw a well being drilled up that close so I was quite intrigued by the whole process. At 168 feet down water  was found. Yeah!! Getting the pump to the bottom of the well is an interesting process. Dad measured off 168 ft of tubing and electrical wire  attached the pump and we began the slow process of feeding the tube into the well casing, ran the pipe from the well to the house and viola water!(wasn't that easy, but you get the gist) Moving on ... time to get that insulation in. Spent the day stuffing insulation into every space available and within hours the temp. in the house already seems warmer.I knew enough about insulation to dress properly but that didn't stop the constant itching and burning of the exposed skin . Now we Wait for another house inspection before the drywall can go on. Left for Florida last Wednesday inspection done so we can now move forward with drywall. Back on Thursday... looking forward to getting back at it but not getting back to the snow... Oh well , soaking up all the sun I can for the next few days.

 Day # 86

For Sale

  So we decided to plop a for sale sign at the end of the property, because you know you just never know. Dad was able to get the septic system in place and ready for the final  inspection  and we are almost to the end of the backfilling required .By the end of  the week we able to finish up the wall framing for  the upstairs and part of the basement. Needed to make a quick trip to Rona for more wood  so we could continue. When I arrived back I noticed a car pulled over to the side of the road in front of the house and two woman standing at the front door talking to Paul. Thinking they were friend or relatives stopping by to say Hi, I commented, " Are these ladies here to buy the house?", maybe he replies. They were driving by saw the property and came to check it out. After a tour of the house and many questions they inquired about the price of the  house. Unfortunately we had not talked about what   we were going to be asking ...so we followed up a few days later to discuss price . Will follow up  with them next week. What we learned this week is... expect the unexpected!

Day # 72

Missing Sunny South

Finishing up  last week we were were able to completely frame in for all the rooms upstairs. Really starting to look like a home now. The tub is in and ready for plumbing. Paul worked on the front deck, will be great to get rid of those planks we have been using to get into the house. I had the best job.... putting on the last coat of parging on the exposed basement.This needed to be finished before we can  finish the back filling. Touch enough job, but doing it in the rain  and snow made it 1000 times worse. Thought I had come prepared but by the time I had finished I looked like a drowned rat... And felt like one too. Both of us were drenched to the bone, I remarked to Paul that I don't think I have ever been so cold. Will  be glad when the outside work is done,praying that the snow  will hold off  for awhile yet.

Day #66

STRAP IT DOWN!!!

So the last thing I said to the 2 young men loading our new  tub enclosure for the house was...".don't you think you should strap that down?"... They looked at each other (as too say, dumb blonde) then back at me, Oh no mam, that wont be going anywhere.. Driving westward  to the house on the main 4 lane hwy way  (417), I herd a thump... Looked in the rear view mirror and to my horror our new $900 tub encloser was airborne!!!
Quickly I pulled over.I have learned that your mind automatically goes to the negative thought not the positive, so immediately I assessed the situation. Thank-you God that there was no one  behind me when it bounced once  on the road before landing in the ditch.  As the traffic whizzed by I slowly drove in reverse on the side of the road till I made my way back to the box, then hopped out to acess the situation. I am sure you know that  an all in one tub enclosers are made of fiberglass... do you know what happens to fiberglass when it hits the ground  after it flyes off the back of the truck when your going 100km/hr??... I'm sure your picturing it right now... OK the tub is ruined... but its was there fault.Now what, I am  far away from the original store of purchase... probably a good thing for those 2 guys... and  Being only 2 exits from another store ( better not say) I called to see if they had the same tub encloser, which they did. Ok one problem solved, number two.. how was I going to get this huge box on to the truck?! Stood there for about 5 min. watching traffic zoom by, no one stopped . Ok God send me someone to help me ! Wasn't long before I vechile pulled up, he was shaking his head as he made his way too me, must have saw the look in my face and decided not to comment. Need some help? Wasn't long before the mangled box was back on the truck and I was on my way. As I entered the  lumber yard I was meet by staff who inquired about my situation... this tub is cracked, I said.. here to get replacement.The tub was cracked! Just didn't divulge why. They never batted an eye, removed the box off the truck and replaced with a new one. Now that's customer service! For the second time that day I said to the men putting on the tub.."shouldn't you be strapping that down?" ... it won't be going anywhere mam.... my reply this time was " STRAP IT DOWN!!"
Never a dull minute!

Day #63

Marshmellows Anyone

I'm Back! It was great to be  on the job site today  and ready to move forward with build.  I'm sure my body will be feeling it tomorrow, two week of lying in the sun  certainly  didn't do  my muscles  any favors.Spent my time today cleaning up the yard because today is the day we have been waiting for... we can finally put that burn permit to good use. What I learned today was ... tires are not just for driving on, they can be used to start a big fire.  So I must admit I have be concerned about this day, wondering how we were going to burn this huge pile  of Green  trees and brush  that's so close to the house without burning down the house.Well found another use for that backhoe!
Finished threading the rope through the pipe for the hydro line and bell wire ,  now  its ready to back fill.

Day # 61

Silence Is Golden

Wow , I am so excited  to receive pictures from Paul from the house... they have been busy! The shingling is done the windows are in and the siding is complete. Funny... things seem to move faster when I'm not around...perhaps I ask to many questions and talk too much!?  Dad, has dug  the trench for the hydro and when I get back we will get that going. Enjoying my time in the sunny south... but anxious to get back at it.

Day# 55

Extra Large Decaf 3 Cream 2 Sweetner Please

It has been a week since my last blog , so I have lots to share. Paul  went moose hunting for a week, but  he was able to shingle half the roof prior to leaving. Building inspector made his appearance so we could proceed with back filling around the house (yeah no more ladders). Prepping the basement for cement required shoveling  allot  (Tons) of stone through the window and  raking into place... who needs piloties, I guarante a workout with this job! So you might be thinking... why so much stone... well stone is about $10  a ton and cement is $120 a ton, saved some money  but the trips required to the message therapist  will make up the difference I'm sure..  note to self.. some things are not worth it! With the assistance of "Jimmy" the block layer we began the task of making a basement floor. Starting in one corner we made our way around measuring and leveling about every 2 ft. . I think  I mentioned that Paul got 1/2 the shingles on...well it rained on Thursday, so like rain does it drips and drips eventually making its way  through the aspinite onto the wet cement... BIG problem. Quick trip to Canadian Tire for some tarps for the roof..note to self again, tarp before the rain...Dripping continues. If you have ever had a leaking roof and needed a quick fix I am sure you solved the  problem with this age old remedy... put a pot underneath to catch the water. Well  I'm not carrying allot of pots or buckets with me these day I have to think fast, what did I have allot of lying around that could catch water? Who ever thought that coffee would be the answer ! (the picture speaks for itself). I am sure the guy running the cement truck had a good laugh.So Paul's back today, sorry no moose burgers in store.  I'm heading away to Myrtle Beach tomorrow for 2 weeks, I know I will see a big change when I get back, Paul and Dad will have to hold down the fort while I'm gone, sure they will enjoy the quiet... Dad say I talk to much, you think he would be used to it after having 6 daughters!

Off to the Sun and sand!

Day #45

Tared & Feathered

 The last few days have been busy as you can see. Donning  thick yellow rubber gloves and  rubber boots I began to coat  with tar the cynder blocks that makeup the basement  this  prevents moisture from entering . What I realized after is.. that tar doesn't come off your cloths and actually doesn't come off your skin with out gasoline! Enough said I'm sure...The frames for the walls were built  and then raised into position , Paul and a few other guys were able to construct them with such ease I guess they all had Lego sets. Roof trusses were delivered and set into place, they are actually  made very flimsy, I am surprised that they can bear the weight of a winter snow storm, I was told that is all has too do with the
design and the way they were engineered..... kind of reminds me of
building a  house of cards, alone a card can do nothing but  put them together you can build
almost anything. Waiting for the next inspection from the building inspector before we can
proceed to back fill around the house, will be great to walk right up and in
to the house with out a ladder... good thing I'm not afraid of heights..

Still smell like tar!
Day #37



A Recipe For Success

 Jimmy I think  is the last of a dying bread as a cynder  block layer, because I don't know anyone who would want this back breaking job! Approximately 1700 block in 3 full days, He arrived before I did and was still there when I left. Never saw him sit down and I think he ate some lunch standing up with a trowel in one hand. You know the old saying about building your house on a solid foundation... well that's why we have Jimmy doing the work. Sun was setting as I pulled off the lot tonight, long day but a good day.I realized that everyone should have a backhoe... you no there not just for digging. After the centre beam was build we were able to use the trusty backhoe the maneuver  it into place.We filled the bucket with leftover cynder blocks from the basement and even used it to retrieve  much needed water for the cement from the neighbours in the oil drum. Jimmy parged the walls( covering with cement) so I can tar them on Wednesday(rain Permitting). Paul quickly  installed the floor Joyce's and was able to move in and around the high walls like a kid  walking on a curb... Dad and I weren't so agile, thought a trip to the emergency was coming a few times, a few trips, spills  and tumbles along the way but lucky for us no major injuries. (sure we will  be feeling it tomorrow) Trying to learn how to make cement from my Dad reminded me of my Mother-in law. She would make great home made bread so wanting to please my husband I inquired as to the the recipe. Unfortunately there really wasn't  any precise measurement of the ingredients, she would say, well I can tell by the feel of the dough theres enough floor..Needless to say many loafs were uneatable before I mastered the technique. Dad tells me that a good cement has a green color, that's how you know its ready.. What!?I can't rely on years of hands on knowledge to make cement so...What I learned today was... that 3 scoops of sand.. 3 scoops of gravel  1 scoop of mortar  powder(give or take) and a little water, and Viola.. you make cement! Well actually I just scoop it in.. the mixer does all the work... still didn't look green!

Needing a manicure.

Day #34

You need a little Bait!

 As a kid I would  find hammer and nails and head out to the wood scrap pile at my Dads  workshop  located next to our home, once there I would begin to construct  the most amazing (atleast I thought so) forts.

Many hours were spent by  my sisters Shelly &  Angie, me  and the neighbours, but eventually we had to tear them down.That was never a fun job... Like today! So the cement  hardend over night enough to allow us to remove the footing forms. Crowbar in hand we pryed the wood frame away from the cement, then we proceded to remove all the nails from the wood and scrape off the hardened cement. Guess all the years of fort building came in handy. What I learned today was... that bait isn't just something you put on the end of a fishing pole.  Watching me Struggle to pull the nails from the wood Dad  hollers over to me .. use some bait! Apperantly " Bait" is anything you can use to place under the hammer  and the wood to give you more leverage. Who comes up with this stuff!? Needing to top up the gravel in the basement  we had a visit from the stone slinger, He is like a gravel Terminator... He saved us many hrs of work and I am sure visits to the Chiropracter.Before the rain chased us away the cinder blocks to build the basement walls  arrived  and if it stops raining long enough we hope to have that done by monday.

Day #30

We are in a Slump!

Footings received the OK from the building inspector yesterday ,  so time for the cement. Talk about  being in a slump... no really we were in a slump, 2 inches actually. Slump for those who are not aware( that was me a few hours ago)is the degree of thickness or density of the cement. Filling our forms  in the corners we started with a 2 slump...this  is  very thick and heavy, it will harden fast and be stronger. Then  we moved to 4 inch slump, a little easier to spread but don't fool yourself this is a  very labour intensive  job, at least for some of us.( see pictures). I has really surprised how quickly cement can dry. Guess I was standing  talking to much in one spot and  found myself unable to move and had to be rescued... I realized what it was like to really be in a slump! But you know I loved every minute of it.

Day #29