Most people don't talk publicly about doubt, but I believe it's common on a big project or adventure. (And, for some of us with busy minds, it's a constant companion.) Doubt, like embarrassment or shame, is a natural emotion that is lessened by sharing. So, I'm sharing. I have doubts right now about this building … Continue reading Doubt
In the far north, the cabin's superstructure is done. That is, the big bones which give it shape and integrity...trusses, beams, roof. Now, work proceeds on the smaller bones...interior wall structure, loft, stairway. Things have moved along while I've been in Virginia! In fact, I can't believe how much we've done in four months. (Posts … Continue reading The Inside Bones
It's another big milestone in DIY building because (1) it means the house shell is almost dried-in and (2) at least that decision is done! Choosing shingles was almost as hard as choosing windows. And I never even thought about roofs or shingles before! For weeks, I looked at every house I drove past, watched … Continue reading Shingles Are Up 🙂
The east porch is going up. The concrete floor is polished. And I'm not there. It's strange to be away while work continues on the Cabin at Many Moons. I write this from my townhouse in Arlington, Va. and am off tomorrow to Roatan (Honduras) for a scuba trip. Is it weird that I'm heading … Continue reading Porch, Polish, Priorities
In the 1800s, "raise the roof" meant to make a ruckus. In the 1990s, it was a hit song. But in 2023, on the 46th parallel at Huron Bay, we are literally raising a roof. It's moving right along. The house trusses are all up and sheeting covers them. A weatherproof layer has been added … Continue reading Raising The Roof – Pt. 3
Recipe for DIY roof-raising: 1 part materials, 2 parts flexibility, 6 parts helpers. (Notice, no heavy equipment.) It reminds me of an Amish barn-raising, not that I've ever seen one. Prepare the materials, put out the call, watch the weather, and hope. Voila! It worked! It's still only trusses, and just 1/4 of them so … Continue reading Raising The Roof – Pt 2
The musical "Fiddler on the Roof" includes a catchy song called "Sunrise, Sunset." (If you know it, the refrain is playing in your mind right now.) In between some beautiful sunrises and sunsets, we are fiddling with a roof...but not yet on it...while fighting flies. Ticks in June, wasps in July, black flies in August … Continue reading Sunrise, Sunset, Roofs & Flies…
"It's a go," Jeff said while I was getting my first cup of coffee. "What is?" I asked. "The roof. We start today." His eyes were alive with excitement. Well, I woke up fast! An hour later, Jeff had put metal scaffolding in place to make it possible. (I don't even know where he got … Continue reading The Roof-Raising Begins
They're here...57 pieces of lumber, designed by engineers in various sizes and shapes to match our house plan, delivered 115 miles to Camp Many Moons on a flatbed truck. Soon, they will become a roof. It looks complicated to me as Jeff studies the design to plan his approach. We wanted a distinctive shape to … Continue reading The Trusses Arrive
Jeff has a new toy. A big one. It weighs about 14,000 pounds and its tires are as high as me. It's called an Iron Mule. It hauls logs. (In the winter, it can also plow snow.) Did he really need a log-hauler? He already has a tractor, bulldozer and backhoe! I guess so, because … Continue reading A Boy & His Toys
For Many Moons 