Don't mind the mess, but enjoy the view

Our view to the west.

A good stand of alfalfa/clover hay.

And to the east:

A white pine that was only 5-6 foot tall three years ago.

Number One Son and I took time to sit and enjoy the views from all four directions on Sunday afternoon. We finished what we could for the day since there wasn't enough time for a round trip to one of the Iowa City box stores for supplies. A little quiet time to reflect on what we have accomplished so far, and some planning for the next couple of years.

To my regular readers, when you get a chance to stop by and visit, we set aside a chair for you:

Hopefully, we'll have the place cleaned up a bit, but if not, please don't mind the mess, we are a work in progress.

Wednesday wildlife, same doe, different week

If you notice the discoloration on her lip, it would seem this is the same doe as last week but from a different angle.

If our bow hunter was there, she would have been walking towards him.

Cabin fever, home stretch

After a major storm system came through the area last Wednesday, we lost several boxelder limbs along the fence. Unfortunately, the one tree I'd like to fall is still standing. More importantly, the cabin still stands despite high winds that blew in from the south.

We had a good day on Saturday and a couple of hours on Sunday and we were able to get a lot of work done. Daytime temps in the 50's and fighting the wind to get the last metal sheets up. All four walls are up. our door installed and corner and gable trim attached.

 

 

The eaves need to be finished before calling it sealed up for the winter but no mice should be able to get in unless they chew through metal. We put some insulation fabric up around the eaves to keep the birds out as a temporary measure.

We should be able to complete our last tasks this coming weekend if the snow doesn't keep us away. The forecast looks to be in the 40's so we look forward to a chilly but productive day.

Wednesday wildlife, evening doe

This doe graced our small orchard in the SE corner of the acreage, but if she visits very often during the day, she's in danger of a hunter's arrow. Our friend missed his chance this week.

Cabin fever, windows and walls

Some cold days because of the winds and interruption due to rain, we did get a windows and walls up on the north and west sides.

Our progress:

We leveled a 2x4 and nailed flashing own. This is to be a shelf that helps us to keep things straight (for at least as much as I can make it) and the steel sheathing can be placed upon it and help keep the mice out.

You can see how that worked out on the north wall:

The west wall with an audience as I attach the corner:

As the sun shines down upon our small efforts...

We have more work to complete the east and south walls and then flashing and complete the eaves.

And of course, more bracing!