On Task

by marjasisu, posted in Camp Many Moons

It’s a phenomenon I haven’t felt since retiring, this driving need to stay on task. Set daily priorities, accomplish them, evaluate, adjust. Next?

When we set out on this ambitious DIY building process, Jeff promised to give it a year. Is that even possible, I wondered, without a contractor? When I know nothing about building and resolve to pay-as-we-go? Well, we’re doing it. Jeff’s deadline is less than three months away. We might just make it — meaning, a completed house that’s ready for furnishings.

The ceiling wood arrived today. I hope to order siding soon and am working on the kitchen plan. Meanwhile, staining and more staining! I return to the East Coast in a few weeks for a month-long stay so am pushing myself. (Jeff always does.) The story in pictures below.

After staining 14 windows and doors and three home-made door frames, I have a system down. The pine window sashes are hardest–many different parts, and vinyl pieces to work around. First, a rough sanding and then a fine one. Then, conditioner. Wait 15 minutes, wipe. Then the stain. Wait 5-15 minutes, wipe. Clean up spills. Consider a 2nd coat. Pine’s quirkiness makes it harder. This is MinWax Oil-Based Stain in Early American.
The door frames (see left) were much easier! Jeff made the frames of oak, which he bought at a great price from a local guy and cut-and-sanded himself. Oak stains so nicely. Compare the oak on left to the pine on right, both in Walnut.
Hoo-rah! The ceiling! 1,500 sq. ft. of knotty pine, stained in Early American. (I wasn’t about to try staining this! Worth the $8,000+ to get it pre-stained and delivered.) It traveled 130 miles from Rhinelander, Wisc. to reach us.
We both love the look of the paneling, standing against the wall on right. I’m relieved, since it was a tough choice (in January), made after much research but sight-unseen. Knotty pine has “character” and the stain makes it warm. Imagine it on the wall behind, and on that ceiling, and…
…on this big ceiling, and the wall around those triangular windows! Yes, it’s a lot of wood. Well, I am trying to create a “cabin look” here, both inside and out. So far, so good.
The on-line tasks have been less fun and just as time-consuming…including replacing new items that have broken already, like this front door lock. Write to the companies. Send photos. Request replacements. Await delivery. I’m also ordering a ton of other stuff…towel bars, replacement vanity knobs, etc., etc. (And I haven’t started on the kitchen!)
One result of DIY construction is the need to burn your own garbage or haul it away since there’s no garbage pick-up here. After watching Jeff burn stuff in the driveway, I burned this box (filled with styrofoam) myself. It went fast. I’m used to fire pits and wood stoves, but this was a bit unnerving.
As always, we try to take time to notice nature. These tracks, which I saw several days ago while snow still (barely) covered the ground, were evidence of…
…these! They noisily announce their arrival each morning at about 8 a.m.
Last Sunday, I took Roscoe on a long group hike, wondering if he could make the distance. He did, eagerly. Amazing, considering he is 98 dog-years old! I think activity helps both humans and animals stay young.
And, some time for socializing. What a privilege to join this amazing family last night to honor neighbor Pat (in white) for her 90th birthday. She’s one of those awesome “older women” who never seems old, who inspires, who lives each day fully, who is well-loved. I’m proud to be her friend. That’s her brother Tom, a longtime sailor and boater, seated by her.
Did you notice, above, the shirtsleeves and lack of snow? I’d call it early spring, but this whole winter has felt much like spring. So much so, I took out the canoe today for a long paddle. Fishing boats are out, too. Cold air is coming. Just as well, since it’s easier to work indoors when the weather’s not calling me out! Stay tuned as work continues on the Cabin at Many Moons…

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