Update
We had our first significant snow storm on December 3rd with more on the 5th. Not only are things under 4 to 5 inches of snow, it has been insanely cold. Today is the first day in the last 4 or 5 that the temperature has gotten above freezing. At least it's sunny!!! All this has pretty much shut down building operations - however I'm hopeful that it will warm up by the weekend so I can get back to work soon. (I even went out and swept off the foundation in the hopes that it would dry out quicker). This is the first stretch of time since June (other than a trip to NC in September) I've had where I haven't been out working at least a little each day and I'm starting to feel my shoveling/lifting muscles melt away :-( I have gotten pretty used to and addicted to the work !!!
So I'm practicing patience and thinking about the next steps and what we need to get together to proceed so I'll be ready when the weather warms.
Some Thoughts
The many hours I've spent shoveling dirt and gravel and lifting adobes over the last six months have afforded me a lot of time to muse on things. I realize that there are many, many things I've done in my life over the years that have prepared me for and brought me to this point. It's very interesting.
I spent many hours watching my dad and brother build things when I was a kid. Some of my most vivid memories are of building projects that took place at our home or in my dad's workshop. The smell of wet cement and fresh lumber are perfume to me - due in large part, I'm sure, to those wonderful memories. (I now add the smell of wet mud to the list).
I also spent many hours watching my mom sew. She taught me how to sew when I was about 6 (to keep me occupied while I was recovering from chicken pox). For most of my junior high and high school years, I made most of my clothes. I got pretty good at figuring out complex patterns.
Then, five years ago I spent a year taking some wonderful adobe building classes where I learned that I really love slinging mud! AND am pretty good at it!
I've been around building and construction of one sort or another for a good part of my life and I now feel like all the pieces of the puzzle that is me are finally coming together to form a pretty clear picture. I have always loved to make things: jewelry, yarn, clothing, knitwear, etc. But I have now discovered that I LOVE building things!
I'm really enjoying this adventure!!!
Oh, the smell of freshly cut lumber and the ringing of hammers - my dad was at his best with a nail apron on, and I will never forget how excited Poppa was when he bought a whole truckload of lathed table legs that he spent many happy hours turning into plant stands, stools, candle holders and whatever else he could imagine. We are so lucky to have these memories, and the impact they have on our lives.
ReplyDeleteI've always known those things were a part of me and who I am but building this house as brought them all to the surface. It's a wonderful experience! Those furniture legs will always be a part of the story of our lives, won't they? In one of my boxes I have a couple of items he made out of them and we use one of his "leg" lamps daily. Makes me smile!!!!
ReplyDeleteFound your blogsite serendipitously during search on rubble trench foundations. Great info on that here! Will be following updates on the blog.
ReplyDeleteWe will be building an adobe home in the north Chihuahuan desert of Big Bend, TX. (http://desertspaces.wordpress.com/)
Visited your web site - lovely! Good luck with your building! We are currently trying to be patient until the weather warms, snow melts, mud dries and we can get back to building!
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