Random Ramblings

It's been two weeks since we began framing and I am very pleased in both the amount of money spent and the progress of the job. The key is to continue to drive hard and dont let up. The goal for the next week is to complete the second floor framing, and to hang the first rafter. There are other items to complete also. Scaffolding needs to be set-up, and the piers for the mudroom need to be dug and poured. I dont have any help lined up for this week, so I am going to have to get-er-done myself. I do have a option of stealing someone from the store for a day or two, but well see how things go. The pressure of time is begining to show up. I need to have my influence in the store, but I had not been off of the mountain for 2 weeks until friday.  I was sick all of last week, and had no energy. So I am looking forward  to recovering and getting something done.  This is a crazy life, there are so many things to be passionate about. Focus is the buzzword, and I try to keep things at an even keel as much as I can. On sunday I plan to go into the gorge and cut down a couple of trees that are in the way of our view, we wil see if it makes a differance. Meanwhile, back at the ranch.  I am wrighting this and talking to Whitney and Robyn at the same time. Too many distractions, and not enough FOCUS . Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!

The Treehouse Emerges

Framing and Flowers

More Tall Walls

Lets try this again

Tall Walls

Sore Old Guy

First week of framing behind me and I am sore and tired. It feels good though, I always feel good when I'm making something happen. I only had help 2 days, but I am close to having first floor framed. Next week my goal is to have all walls and second floor up. I want to see a rafter! The highth of the walls is impressive, in the living room the top of the walls is 12'9" with a cathedral ceiling taking that to 18'. It feels like a church. Laying out the walls for the living room has been quite the challenge, there are 22 windows and doors in this room alone. This is the room that connects with nature, the seasons, the gorge, and the massive deck that surrounds it. It has been so cool watching my plan come together. I created this plan specifically for this site, and have agonized and revised over it for 2 years to get it just right. The inspector for the bank came out this week and gave me a semi-lecture about how everybody thinks they are doing good on thier budget until they are hit with the finishing costs. He then proceeded to tell me how people just did'nt understand how expensive flooring, cabinets, and countertops were. I tried to be gracious, but the cockiness in me could not contain itself and I made some brash statements in response.  He basically told me that he has been a builder for years, and that he felt sorry for people building their own homes. I told him that I will be building all the cabinets, and installing the floorin g I buy direct from a mill. I also told him I had friends in every building category and I will buy at cost. It will be a pleasure proving this man wrong every step of the way, although he seems like a nice enough guy.  Carve it in stone, we will be under budget and appraise at the top of the limit. I should thank him for providing extra motivation, nothing drives me like someone doubting my plan or abilitys.