Raising The Roof – Pt. 3

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

Raising The Roof – Pt 2

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

Sunrise, Sunset, Roofs & Flies…

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…

The Roof-Raising Begins

"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

The Trusses Arrive

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

A Boy & His Toys

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

Scrubbing, Digging, Waiting…

While awaiting arrival of trusses later this week to continue construction of our waterfront cabin, we scrub the new concrete patio (repeatedly), dig out one dead tree and cut down others, and wait. We also take outings on the bay to remember why we are building here. Nature! When you're immersed in daily tasks, it's … Continue reading Scrubbing, Digging, Waiting…

The Patio: Concrete or Wood?

Next up, the patio, as we continue to create "The Cabin at Many Moons" on Huron Bay. Wood or concrete? Wood requires maintenance but concrete is boring...unless you "dress it up!" So we did. And now, we have the best of both: a concrete patio with the look of wood. At least I think it … Continue reading The Patio: Concrete or Wood?

A Visit to The Pit

The little dog was new. The men in ball caps were not new. I'm getting quite familiar with men in ball caps, and usually wear one myself these days. But I'm not so familiar with myself in this environment. Who is this woman, anyway? This week, I've been to "the pit" and I've been to … Continue reading A Visit to The Pit

That’s A Wrap

Before a house is roofed, it should be wrapped. So say the construction experts. So we did, pulling this light-weight but strong stuff across the walls and around the corners, then stapling it into the wood frame. Each roll was 9' x 100'. We managed it, between the two of us and with the help … Continue reading That’s A Wrap