Wet Summer

It's been a reasonably wet summer after what I would consider to be a fairly dry Spring. Nature is making up for lost time, and it has been sticky and moist for several days on end. I can't say I enjoy it too much, and we spend a lot of time trying to beat the heat. Yesterday, July 9, was hot and humid, and the thunderstorms really rocked our area. The rain was unbelievable at times, and the biggest casualty in it all was our garden. We lost several bushes, the tomatoes really took a hit, and some other plants were lost. I tried to fix things but we'll see. It's supposed to be drier today.

I've got more tools, a miter saw and a sander, and I'm ready to build. Clapboards and shelves are calling me. Gave my first try at staining. They're only footstools, but it's a start. I'm learning a lot about stain, and the quest to find the perfect color. A lot of trial and error involved. Thankfully, lots of good and competent people all around to advise me. I'll make a trip to the lumber yard soon to get our wood. Wish me luck.

Looking forward to some dry days in the sun. So much to do, so little time. Until the next time, thanks for reading.

A New Week

One thing I've learned about being a homeowner and a real man in training is that the projects never end. While living in the city the standard M.O. is to pay people to do things for you, which unfortunately means every damn thing under the sun, life out here is so much different. People out here really make an effort to be self-sufficient, or at least capable. For the most part, they are very successful at it, and I admire and respect them for it.

So much so that I want to emulate them. For me, who is completely clueless about most things in life, it's a big step, if not huge. When you're at the bottom, you've got nowhere to go but up.

Our garden is slowly coming along, though slow is the key word here. Ruth has been working hard and I think she's doing a great job, though again, we're new at this and there is a lot to learn and incorporate for next year. It's exciting. My current projects include woodworking. I seem to be leaning towards that, except now, instead of just functional stuff, we want to make it look nice. I'm going to make some shelves and stain them so they match the furniture. Staining is something new to me and it's going to take some time getting my colors straight.

I find it all so intimidating, especially working around all the guys at the lumber yard. I get a sense they find me amusing, though they are incredibly helpful and very cool. They sense my helplessness and in the end, they're just doing their job. Also going to replace clapboards, which scares the hell out of me.

New tools are a miter saw and a orbital sander. Now I have no excuse, I have to start building. Need to get some wood.

Thanks for reading and have a nice day.

Happy 4th

We had a great 4th of July, all based on the fact that we live in a small town. Our town is an eclectic mix of small town rural Vermont and cosmopolitan former city dwellers, and somehow we all manage to coexist peacefully. Though I'm sure the native locals have some thoughts on us flatlanders, they have welcomed and embraced us, or at least faked it, and it makes the town great.

It boils down to the people, all very cool. The 4th celebration was awesome, there was a small-town parade that the kids loved, it was so cool, they threw candy to the kids and Audrey and Nicholas were besides themselves. It was crowded as heck, though, and I was told that people from all around showed up. So much so that they ran out of hamburgers and sausages, but it was a fun time. The party afterward was a bit manic with so many people, but again, people are really nice.

We were pretty wiped out and the kids went to sleep before the fireworks, though we got to see them the night before in Quechee, where we used to live. Have to admit that it was depressing being back there. There's something sad about that place, as if a huge migration of people we know has occurred and now they are all gone. It made me sad to be back and not want to return. I guess it's all part of being a part of our new home.

Last night we were watching a movie and kept hearing sounds at our door and patio window, a frantic scratching sound that freaked us out a little. I turned on the lights and it was a small dog! A Lhasa Ahpso or a Shitzu. Don't know for sure and can't spell either, but I kind of recognized the dog as our neighbor's whom we've never met. It was late and people around here own guns, so I was wary of knocking on any doors at this late hour, but something had to be done about the dog. So I drove over and sure enough it was theirs. Must have gotten spooked by the fireworks. A happy ending to a great day.

Spring continued

We've managed to get the garden going in full swing, though it's been a cool and shady summer thus far. I'm not complaining, but it is causing our garden to grow slowly. Either way, we've had a few days of blistering heat, very unseasonable, mind you, but overall it's been great.

We managed to score our firewood, and that's all stacked, and overall summer maintenance is now taking place. Trying hard to get the barn going, but so many roadblocks.

Things Might Be Moving

In a state where you couldn't spit without hitting a capable real man, I feel like I've got to take some initiative and make things happen. It helps to have friends who are real men. We need to finish this barn.

We have an unfinished barn that we want to make into a livable space, which is pretty huge undertaking. Now if it were any of my contractor friends the job would be a no-brainer. Just do it, but of course, I'm not them, and have no clue where to begin.

But there is a glimmer of light. My friend Gary said he might be able to help walk us through the process of designing, building and getting permits. It would be killer to have some help, though I feel inadequate that I'm incapable of doing myself, but what else is new. This could get interesting.

The first step is resolving the septic system issue. This has been a thorn in my side for the past six months, the first step to making this all happen and it's a giant one. Paul Dirksen has told us that nothing is going to happen until this gets done, which I think is kind of lame, but he calls the shots.

Now getting a septic system design and approval requires an engineer. I contacted one group and they said that it can pretty much be done in any situation, almost as if it wouldn't be a problem. He said this sight unseen, and seemed pretty sure about it. The engineers do the consulting, file the paperwork and do the design. The price was steep, though, and I've been told that there is a lot of work involved.

Either way, Gary said he might be available to consult, and I'd jump at the chance. Not sure what he's charging, but he's a great guy, and I trust him.

Ruth has been painting walls, I need to keep peeling wallpaper and get more walls ready. I also need to think about getting the shelves made. More to come. Thanks for reading and take care.

Firewood

The saga continues, but in a good way. I bought six cords of wood and now have four massive piles in our yard, but man am I glad to have it. I've got plenty of time to stack, and it's one less thing to worry about. I understand why people are so protective of their wood sources. Could use one or two more cords, not to mention a half dozen pallets, but one thing at a time here.

Frustrated

This whole firewood thing bums me out. It's so damn expensive, what's the deal? We might have to buy more propane, after all. This one guys is blowing me off hard for our wood. He said we could get six cords and I called him to say we're ready and I haven't hear from him since. Meanwhile, our friend Rich has already had his wood delivered. I'm so bummed. I called the guy yesterday for a second time and will wait to hear. If not I can be a pest, but he might get pissed. Then again, when you got nothing, you got nothing to lose.

Either way, we'll get some firewood. We need it, even if I have to get a chainsaw and cut the stuff myself.

On a happier note, Spring is here and it's beautiful. We're finally getting some needed rain, so of course everyone is complaining about how gray it is outside. It's been chilly, actually, and we've been burning lots of wood - damn. Got to save the stuff.

I need to get the lawnmower tuned up, but am wondering if I should just fire the damn thing up and use it. Since we don't have a truck, it ain't easy transporting the thing, but I may have to get creative. We'll see.

Until the next time, thanks for reading.