Master Deck Appears

We had a great 4th of July, hope everyone else did too. Spent time at the river and the lake, and even with the boat, I do prefer the river. I am just a river person, and I feel so lucky to live so close to the 1st National River in the country. It was awesome watching fireworks from our neighbors just over the horizon, and we also did our own. Matt lit all of them, even the big daddys.  It was good to get back to the task at hand though. Did not have a full crew, I'm getting used to it. I will refrain from any comments. Making progress just the same, and it feels like when we built the cabin becouse today Scott Jones came to work with David. He seems like a good hand, now if he will just show up everyday. Today I ordered the metal roof and the fireplaces so by thursday we will be installing roofing. Yoohoo!!!!! I only have these guys for 5 more days, so the push is on to get in the dry. Itried to stay in the shade all day, which is getting easier becouse of the roof going on. Building a house is like getting your a-- kicked everyday, becouse there is always something that does not go according to plan. But you have to adapt and overcome if the final product is to be outstanding. In spite of all the butt-kickings, things are going well. Later,  RJ

Wow Factor

Even though the crew did not put in a full week, much progress was made on the tree house in the gorge. The front entry roof framing was put up and tied to the house, and the inside fireplace chase was built. Everything we do now makes a big differance in the apppearance of the house, so this is a fun time. My plan is to have the metal roofing on and the deck completed within two weeks. David and Don's last day is the 13th of July so it is important to complete as much as is possible. The 1" foil board and windows come after that, and it is possible that we might get that done within the same timeframe. I have selected an electrician, and I have bid the HVAC. Leaving only the foam insulation to find a sub for installation. The guys have impressed me walking all over the roof and framing and with the positioning of the skytrak anywhere on the site. It looked like that machine would just flip over and fall off the bluff several times, but I am so glad I rented it. I can now put together a timeframe for progress, and my goal is to be in the dry with all framing and windows & doors complete by the end of July, and all plumbing-electric-hvac to be complete by the end of August. That would leave 4 full months before the end of the year to complete all of the inside, not unachievable and a reasonable goal. As the front of the house takes on features, I am very pleased with the design I produced. The house looks like it belongs there, and people say they love the layout of the interior. If nothing else, the design is dramatic and highlights the gorge. The typical reaction from people is "wow", just what I wanted. It has been nice to have a little break on this holiday weekend, and we had a wonderful visit from our good freinds Eric and Marilyn from Little Rock. Matt and I will do some fireworks today, and tommoroe it's back at it. I will post some pictures of the guys skywalking above the trees this week, and of the amazing Skytrak's abilitys. Have a safe one, The Podge