Slow Going

When last I wrote, we were ready to call the plumber to get the vent stacks installed so we could finish the ceiling. Well, we called - and called - but he never returned our calls so Rick has decided he is going to install the stacks himself. He has been collecting bits and pieces and water heater vent stacks in preparation for that project and hopefully it will be done in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, winter has progressed to spring and while we've had some really nice weather most days the thought of putting my hands in wet mud has not been a pleasant one. I have managed to get the first coat of mud on the walls in the office and bedroom, however!

Office

East wall and west wall.

Plaster on the window ledge to fill in holes and create a "flat" surface on which to lay tile.

One piece of tile placed just to see how it will look.

Trombe wall with tile placed, ready for instillation. The two big pieces at either end will be cut to fit. The tiling will have to wait until it's warmer.

Bedroom

Shower

This is the window in the shower. We will install blue board and set tile over that but we added tar paper and window tape at the corners to increase the protection of the straw.

This is the first coat of mud and cob which went a long way in filling in all the dips.

This is the plaster coat. It is level with the wood framing and ready for the blue board.

We also installed a door between the garage and house.

It has made quite a difference!

Garage
Then we decided to install the insulation in the garage.

This ceiling will eventually be covered with drywall.  The insulation has made a noticeable difference in the temperature in the garage which has made us very hopeful for the house!

Spring!

It has really felt like progress has been slow! A lot of that, I think, is that while the afternoons have been relatively warm, it's still only in the 40s in the afternoon! And the spring winds have started. Some days I just don't feel like braving the wind and cold and find myself snuggling up with a good book!

Also, I think we may have a touch of spring fever <g>  

We decided to have a community garden on our property this year and invited our friends to participate. We started that work this past week. It feels really good to have friends participating. It will allow us to have a garden AND work on the house - best of both worlds!

Well, it's warming up so I guess I'd better get myself together and get out to the house.

Happy Spring!!!