Potholes and Turkeys

On Friday, I was able to take off early because I worked some long days during the week. It was a pretty day and I hoped to get a lot of work done.

Speaking of work, here is a fine example of the importance of sequence. It seems to me like it might have been better to fill the pothole in the middle of the road BEFORE yellow lines were painted. But that is just my opinion. 

Early Saturday morning, I looked out my South-facing window to see a couple of wild Turkey scratching around in the leaves. I took a couple of shots out the window but because of the screen and 50 yards distance, I was sure the shot wouldn't be very good. So I tried to sneak out the back door to get a better shot. Those hens took off like their tails were on fire. I never even made it to the second step. So this is the best I have...

I cut up some scraps of OSB and began to close in around the window bays I had last installed. I made this video mainly for my grandchildren. The table saw was my grandfater's and the table itself was made by him. The original electric motor drives it though I fear it does not have many years left. Four generations of us have used this saw.

It turned out to be a foggy/misty weekend. No wonder thay call it Cloud Land. It is beautiful...

Window Framing, Gable Ends and Other Fun Activities

This weekend began with the best of intentions. I did get the last two window frames installed in their bays. And I started working on the gable end framing. Then I took a break to light the grill for some hamburgers.

A scrabbling noise on the back porch caused me to investigate and led to the discovery of a nest behind a folding table I had leaned against the back wall. I set a trap and the next morning, I had captured a healthy looking specimen of Ratus ratus (or one of its cousins). Being a soft hearted person, I found it a more suitable home in a hollow log. I cleaned the porch with bleach and relocated the tables to the workshop.

After I finally got back to work, I was up on the ladder at the back of the workshop when I heard the distinctive crackle of fire in green growth. Looking back over my shoulder, I saw a 20 foot pine going up in flames. Someone had set the woods on fire again!

I dialed 911 and got Ft Payne emergency. They transferred me to Mentone who transferred me to Cloudland who transferred me to Chatooga County 911. When I was finally convinced someone was going to come, I grabbed a lawn rake and some gloves and struck out to meet the blaze.

Some time later when I felt like I had it under control, I returned to the cabin whereupon I was back in a cell range. I received a voice mail that the fire department was at my gate (which was locked). I walked out to the gate and they were still there, kind of milling around. I apologized for not first unlocking the gate and explained that I had been raking it out and hoping they would show up soon. If I ever find out who is setting fire and walking away, I will bring charges of arson against them.

I did finally manage to finish the gable ends. Now I just need to find someone who can help me get some OSB up there and nailed down.

More Window Framing

This past weekend, I built and installed the large rear-wall window frame and a small one in front. The remaining two frames are built but not yet installed. Hoping for another nice weekend soon.

Next up are the gable ends and completion of the sheathing. Then the whole thing gets wrapped with Tyvek to await the day when I can put the siding on.