July '14 Rest

     Last year's Squash Domination March nets one squash per state in the union, ranging from few to thirty pounds.  Many were gifts, many eaten, certain number winter freeze succumb.

     Vast expanse metal roof where once stood dilapidated, neglected Swett Lodge causes one approaching from north/west MLK park side pause: this the right 'hood?

     Yep, closer inspection reveals omnipresent wood pile conceals rebuilt Swett Lodge garage now valley joined to hipped back porch roof. 
      Last fall, stop gap linoleum scrap east side garage roof leak; in cool, wet weather strip to rafters, 1x4 purlin 2' on center to match reclaimed steel holes, roof.  Started, prefer cool weather roof work to hot summer work, proceed house east side roof.  Uncommonly cold (freezing) late fall weather, unusual six inch snow interrupt roof fully off; strip two layers old composite shingles, one layer shakes (burn against winter weather), roof boards; reclaim rough cut 1x4s as purlins 2' on center, steel roof.

     Glance down alley as one passes, reliable old Toyota wagon peeks from carport rightly placed alley adjacent behind garage.  Swett Lodge west is working, public side: garden, wood pile, transpo, solar laundry dryer when operable. 
     A later winter unheard of ten inch snow fells old east side carport, detached from house, lightly supported as roofing scaffold, obsolete now; with midnight whoompf.  Clears for Swett Lodge east private side!

    House half roofed, continue with west side: strip to rafters; purlin, steel roof. 
    Supply plumb, insulate, sheetrock garage.
    Now finished as west side roof stage, raze old lean to back porch, rebuild with reclaimed high carbon steel plywood mill rollers as posts, hip roof for clean house roof line.

    As spring rolls along, tear off west side garage roof, rebuild with new slope to include walk way garage side; then prep for back carport: set posts, build trusses/beams.  Put it all together Memorial Day weekend, using about all my juice to get those heavy trusses up on their posts: they went.
     Roof done, enough metal remained cover garage east side wall,

 

new bike/mower storage locker in carport corner,

south/front garage wall,

and house east side.  Current plan: replace old kitchen cabinet door gate (open here for photo op) with few neighbor donated evergreen shrubs planted in foreground dirt.  The shiny beyond east side door is full length thermal glass storm door (open for warm weather) that just clears

east side's 70% shade translucent patio roof framing.

     Swett art work at home.

     Approach Swett Lodge from west side, walk toward garage door,

look back and up at porch roof framing.  Craftsman took extra care keep framing clean, attractive

      Carport truss roof system with 20' 2x4/2x6 I-beam at left.  Brother-in-law Spud, having sis Kate's willing, able assistance wonders how I manage on my own.  Even looking back from close range, as it goes with some art work, can vaguely remember managing work but never in hundred years ably duplicate: artist's life.

     Enter garage, see opposite east/north corner ready for tape and plaster.  Close to next in line on the list, all work has halted for the month of July due to the proprietor's stupidity. 

     The garage floor required leveling to pass as living space, allow floor drain/shower combo (careful: that red flag hangs from the working shower control to keep you from bumping into it). 

     Prepare garage for 2 plus yard leveling concrete pour, all ducks in a row, right?  Wrong: most details well managed, fail to recall how caustic cement can be, don not (not Don Knotts) adequate protection.  Fortunately cement truck driver aids spreading concrete as we pour at ten AM, but finish work continues 'til 8 PM; ankles, knees, butt screaming in pain.  Severe chemical burns: TIME OUT.    

     Tub soak traumitized body, focus on restoring skin to 100% coverage: nearly there now.  Most capabilities have returned: even walking/sitting weren't easy at first.

     Step all the way in, look back toward door: there's the shower works left, wall tool rack right.

From south/east corner by door to east side.  Cozy, light feeling space.  Will be a nice addition for any of a variety of uses with its own shower, stool, washer/dryer hookup,

laundry sink under blue draped south window (when done).  Hang ceiling, hyper insulate.  Small, easy to heat: may live here!

      Little has changed in the big house, save kitchen window view.

 

     Collect surplus styrofoam for couple years to fill attic two feet deep, just getting enough to complete job.  Once done tape/plaster/trim/paint walls/ceiling; chemical strip,oil floor - interior finish - can commence.  Good winter work.  Floor requires insulating; scrape/power wash/paint exterior - though if vintage look vinyl siding deal appears I'd bite - will bring Swett Lodge to completion.

     Feel comfortable taking time now.  Three and a half years into four to five year project, heavy work complete: on schedule.   Purchase price included, invest less than 90K: under budget.
     Masculine of the fraternal twin guitars receives slimmer, faster flat black painted headstock neck from lower grade Fender Squier strat; becomes current ultimate guitar, getting daily play.

     This year's garden burgeons.

Winter squash, yellow crook neck, pole beans, beets, radishes, turnips, collards, tomatoes, jalapenos, sweet purple peppers, yams, carrots, lettuce, kohlrabi.  An eating garden, planted at four multi week intervals with similar crops to provide through summer.

     All in all Swett Lodge life continues well, relaxed.  'Twas shingles' year.  Sound, paid for roof over head.  Future thrill, spill prepped. 

     Be well.