AUGUST 19, 2003  TUESDAY
Up early, sky a bit cloudy but humid and warm. Levi and I framed the big window. It looks really sharp, although a bit narrrower than planned.  Finally got Sam to finish the last of the joists. Went on to putting up the OSB on the bedroom and chimney stack. Levi and Jason went into town to rent a big ladder from Baileys and Sam and I stayed to wait for the lumber from Sutherland.  WAIT was the operative word. WAIT AND WAIT. Jason and Levi returned from town and we began putting up the bedroom rafters.  Lumber arrived at 4:30pm. Boy dumped it next to the first pile and managed to crack 2 of the long rafters. I WILL complain.  Finally had to tell Samm off as every word was an argument and finally Jason said "It's HIS HOUSE, He's Paying for It. Just do it NOW!!!!"  So I stood over Sam and told him each and every step. If he wants to be treated like a child, I will treat him that way.  Sam did more work in 2 hours after I laid down the law, then he did in the last 2 days on his own.  It won't last though unless I keep the pressure on.
Finally cooled down around 7:30pm. You could feel a front move through. The main platform and the ramp up to the front bedroom are finally done.  We decided to do away with the second front door and changed the
stair hall.  It now goes up a slope to the front bedroom rather than down to the front door.  We will use the double doors in the dining room as the main entrance.  Jason and Sam will get going on the second floor tomorrow and Levi and I will finish the last of the first floor framing.  We are still about 2 days behind schedule, but should make it to the roof by the time we leave.  Hopefully upstairs will go faster. I set a lamp up in the big bay window and went out after dark with Levi to look.  Even unfinished, the house looks the way I have imagined it all along. Its finally getting there.
VIEW FROM  ROAD AND DOWN TO THE POND
AUGUST 20, 2003  WEDNESDAY
We have done a lot in a week but are still a bit behind. I am not sure the roof will get done but feel confident we be framed to the rafter springings. Cloudy early morning and we got a good quick start. Finished framing the living room. The diagonal wall of french doors makes a wonderful space with a long horizontal window on the short end wall. Room for a cabinet or bookshelves below the window.  The screen porch will be a great addition and just big enough for a dining table and chairs and some rockers. We will need to plant a bit of shrubbery just at the end of the drive to block the view to Jeff and Adrianna's, a small detail.  Jason finished the ramp up to my bedroom and the stairwell. Plenty wide and generous and the wall of windows on the landing will make lots of ligt and air. Another good accidental design change. About 11am Jason managed to stab himself in the arm. A few minutes panic while we looked for emergency medical supplies.  Adrianna luckily came to the rescue.  Went to town at 1pm for lunch and lumber and to raid the bank.  Bought enough lumber to frame the second story to the rafter springing. Home at 4 pm and resumed work.  All the rafters laid over my room and we will finish the upper platform tomorrow. It's really starting to look like a real house and we all sat for a bit at dusk and admired the work so far.  It really is a wonderful space. My bedroom will be bright and airy, but cozy as well.A light pickup supper and a night reading.  My health is excellent, but my leg a bit swollen.  Must drink more water and keep my legs up more. And so to bed.
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