Flooring

Next on the agenda is flooring. The flooring I had planned to use has turned out to be a lot more expensive than I expected. We have been debating vinyl - practical, inexpensive... - but heart really isn't into it. So... I'm looking to source some hardwood. I found a good deal on some Hickory but they only have about half of what I need. I'm also considering the laminated floors...

Hopefully I can get this done before the end of the month. I want to get another load or three of cabinets, wall finish and trim delivered and installed before the weather turns. Good problem.

A sad note

The wife of a good friend passed unexpectedly. She was quite a gal, all 96 pounds of her. In that tiny body was one of the biggest spirits I have known - unique, vibrant and strong. She recently battled cancer but the fight took its toll and left her body too frail to contain that amazing spirit. I don't have a photo but conjuring up the happy image of her flyfishing in a dress, fishing vest accessorizing with a Super Blackhawk (it was in Bear country) holstered crossdraw at her side makes me smile - even with a heavy heart.

More September Pictures

This blog's main focus is the destination, but the journey is pretty nice too...

The view just east of Washington Pass. This is the gateway to my little piece of Heaven on Earth.

One of many breathtaking peaks along the way.

This time of year the Elk Bulls gather up their harems. I stopped to get a few pictures of this band. I gave a few calls hoping to get him to come closer but all he did was stand up and bugle and chuckle back - he could see I was no threat to his girls and had none of my own that he could steal. A bit further down the road there was an even bigger herd bull with a harem of about the same size. He was a lot more agitated so we didn't stick around and let him go about his business. Just another part of why September is my favorite time of year.

Last month there was a 10,000 acre fire that burned right up to and across the Highway. The firefighters did a good job saving structures, orchards and livestock. There were a number of spots east of Loup Loup that the fire was very evident and spectacular. Would have liked to had more time to stop for pictures.

http://www.methowvalleynews.com/story.php?id=1954

September

Just back from our most recent visit. The weather was AMAZING - more Indian Summer than Fall. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped - hurt my back on the third day, major bummer.

I did get the screen door installed. Its the roll up type, bought it at Home Depot ( http://www.homedepot.com/Doors-Windows-Doors-Exterior-Doors-Screen-Doors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh8Zbaed/R-100656621/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 ) and so far it has been Labrador and bug proof. Easy to install and looks good too.

One of the chores that has been neglected has been the underlayment for flooring, so I put that in before I get too many cabinets to work around. Next trip I plan to do the flooring.

We also hauled over and installed the Murphy Bed, I like that a lot too. I built it using the Create-a-bed hardware and it works as advertised. The directions are good and the construction very simple. Might try to jazz it up more if I had it to do over - the rush to get it over there before the weather changes limited the time I had to do it and of course, it was a top priority on the HDL. ;^)

Cabelas had some outdoorsy cabinet hardware. This one has wolf tracks but the picture doesn't do it justice.

Had to replace a post that had warped on the front porch. It went smoothly despite having to pull up some decking and framing hardware. I've found that any lumber that isn't dry enough or firmly anchored in multiple directions will twist-warp-distort into some pretty amazing shapes in relatively short spans. Fasten it securely or bundle it tight or end up with a bunch of wood better suited to build Viking ships.

I'll post more about this trip later. Can't wait to get back!

Keeping the Boss Happy

Building in a remote location has many challenges. Clearly defined priorities and a logistical way to make it happen keep things on track... This "goes out the window" when trumped by the dreaded "Honey Do List" (HDL). Even though it is a "recreational" property I have discovered I am still within the jurisdiction of the HDL. Despite my protests the HDL is the priority no matter what I think... Even after nearly 30 years together I didn't see that one coming... Dooh!

What is on the HDL? You know she's serious when she hands you a manila envelope that says "TOP PRIORITY" and there is a tape that self-destructs after I listen to it. Then it is up to me to figure out how can I get done in this amount of time? What will I need? Where will I get it? How do I get it there? How much can a take with me on this trip? This might be an angle to get a new (bigger) truck ... Hmmm.

I had hoped to have the exterior completely finished by now but it doesn't appear I'll have the opportunity to make much more of a dent on our next trip either. Probably get the Horizontal siding done to the top band, but shingling the gable ends is out. The post wraps and soffit trim? Nope. Finish the rail and build the stairs? Sorry...

It's a "good problem" and I will comply willingly with one stipulation -Caveman code clearly states I have to come up with some way to go fishing and leave at least one item on the honey-do list un-done. Any ideas? ;^)

Life is good!

Looking forward to September

Fall is my favorite season.

The fishing picks up.

These guys appear on the menu

The weather is great! Not too hot, not too cold - just right. The Air is clear and crisp. The leaves begin reflecting the golden rays of sunlight. Everything adding up to an invitation to be outside. I can hardly wait to get back to the Yonderosa!

Time does fly...

A year ago this month our permit was approved and we began building. Our plan was to finish the floor so we'd be out of the ground come Spring 2009. It doesn't seem that long ago... time does fly, especially when you're having fun.

The girls watching the free range cattle out in the meadow - Puppy TV.

We've come a fair piece since then. Still plenty more to do. I was hoping to be 100% with the exterior by now but the boss decided the interior needed some upgrading to make it more useful. Every month we get a little more done. Every visit is that much more enjoyable.

August Visit

We managed to escape and enjoy a weekend at the Yonderosa. Not a lot to report other than nice weather and relaxation. Here are a few pictures of some of the highlights.

These guys are everywhere on the Yonderosa. Very bold and love to torment Yarrow.
Yarrow the Huntress - The chipmunk would tease her relentlessly. It was very entertaining.

Good Eats are par for the course. This is NOT the place to go if you want to lose weight...



The weekend was not completely without accomplishment- I did manage to insulate and sheath
the underfloor.
Sheathed and critter proof - I hope...
Mountain Chickadees are a common sight during our forest walks.