Can’t slow down!

Busy busy busy… So much so that I forget to take pictures. Suffice to say there’s been a lot of cleaning-patching-painting-sorting-HAULING (materials north, recyclables & trash south). Measuring twice, cutting once — all the sort of work that goes into nest-building.

Most notable:

The steps and deck are complete and passed inspection, solid as a rock. Already proving a lovely spot to have lunch, do some sketching, or do some stargazing after dark (maybe even spot the northern lights next time they flare up).

AND - I got the first coat of stain/sealer onto the foundation for 3/4 of the house - need to pick up another bucket to finish the back and touch up my rookie spray-gun mistakes.

NOT ONLY THAT, but in the time since those ‘deck is complete’ shots, I’ve started the Big Painting job.

Liking all the colors together, yes….

And the messed-up stud in the stairwell framing has been FIXED, thanks to Eric the deck builder. He prefers to do exterior work (and does it well) but he kindly stepped in and made it right, doubling (sistering) studs as noted by the inspector. My horoscope this week says I should give credit where it’s due, so if you ever need a deck or outside stairs or other structures, look up Branch Carpentry LLC.

And the rock collection is already accruing on the deck rail. I should throw some of these back to grow a bit more before I re-collect them, but they're just irresistible.

There’s still lots of painting indoors, plus the stairway, flooring, etc — but the pressure’s on: cold weather is coming, and the exterior jobs are clamoring for attention even as the hours of daylight dwindle. Stay tuned!