June 21 - update

Catchy title, eh? :)

Since I last wrote we've been finishing up plans (seems like there's always another "layer to the onion" as we nail down successive layers of details), working on the yard (so we can manuver around in it without thumping into rocks or brush) and continuing to bring civilization to the barn/shop.

Today was a microcosm of the effort. I spent the morning dealing with the kitchen cabinet folks. They took me on a tour of the facilities, which felt a lot like home (my dad was a building contractor and kept a wood mill for cabinets, etc.). There's no smell like a wood shop. Then I wrote them a check for about half what my folks paid for their 3 bedroom house and 10 acres of land in N.J. in 1945. Whew! Biggest check I've written in a while. But these guys do quality work and have put a lot of effort into the planning and layout.

I stopped in the local burger joint and treated myself to a mushroom swiss burger, and half an hour in the A/C. Today was a GORGEOUS day, but it still felt good to cool off a bit.

Then it was on to Walnut Hill, to tackle the wiring in the shop/barn. I kept rough track of my time and it takes me about an hour to run wire and set a box. Sheesh! At that rate I'll be on Social Security by the time I finish the wiring in the house. ;) But there are now lights and eight functional outlets in the shop area. I will probably want to expand and upgrade that at some point, but it's something I can work with for now. I was able to use some of the existing wiring, but the connections were all weird so I ended up redoing almost all of them. Added box covers, added boxes, put in six new outlets and redid all the existing ones. Turned out I needed heavier guage wire than what I'd bought so I had to make a run to Lowes and stock up on more stuff. I figure it take 1.5 to 2 hours for a Lowes run. Whew.

I'd debated over whether to work outside today or do electrical chores. As it turned out, rain came through around 5PM and it was good to be inside and able to finish up my task.

I've got to research the code on securing the wires on block walls, but it's functional for now.

Hopefully next week we can get going on replacing the north door header. Once that's taken care of, I can build and install a barn door. Then we'll be able to move in a table saw, etc. and really go to town.

I priced windows while I was at Lowes and had a bad case of sticker shock. I think I'll go to a place I found about an hour away. They do "odd lots" of windows and other building materials. I don't need perfect nor fancy for the shop. I just need something to let in the light and keep out the wind and rain. The good news is that the window rough opening in the barn takes a standard basement window perfectly. I'd like to lower the sill on the eastern windows to let in more early morning light. I think I can take out a course of block and be in good shape.

Early next week I'll tackle the upstairs electric situation and make sure I can run the vacuum up there. The loft is full of broken glass, rat dung, etc. so I've been working at using the shop vac to clear it up before I store anything up there. Once that's set though, I'm going to pretty much empty my garage here at the old house.

This weekend I'm out of town and I'll probably spend most of Friday morning preparing for the trip. It will be good to spend time with friends, but I'll miss pressing forward and keeping the momentum up.

Well, it's late, I'm rambling and I need to get to bed. Thanks for tracking our progress!

Doug