The Trades

Friday the plumbers, the security system guy,  the deck builders, and the drywallers were all at the site at the same time.  There's a definite tension that occurs because they all want the path of least resistance to do their thing.  In other words, the plumbers want to be done before the drywallers begin.  Friday the drywallers were unloading the drywall, so they were in every one's way and everyone was in there's.  They didn't blink an eye.

Insulation

The insulation is now complete.  In the climate we'll be living in, the amount of insulating is overwhelming.  Next up, drywall.

This is the area to the left of the fireplace where we plan to mount a flat screen TV.  The wiring has been done for the TV install and some of the surround sound speakers.



Kayaks and Loons

Two of the most pleasurable things to do Up North is to kayak, and listen/observe the loons.  We had the best of both worlds this past weekend.  Mom and Jane were up (they're there all this week) and the weather was perfect. 

Hopefully we're all able to pop in and out of the kayak, as my mom does as she approaches 89, when we reach that age.

Jane took a much more relaxed approach...no, she's not pregnent.

The loons were very active and we spotted one family.  The classic loon pose, the youth rides on mom's back.





4th of July Parade - 1978

We've been going Up North for the 4th of July since Day 1.  LDF has a parade every year.  It's grown through the years, it was pretty basic when these shots were taken, ok it's still pretty basic.  We haven't been going the past few years, but I suspect that will change real soon.  Like most local parades the highlight is the kids, and all the candy that gets thrown around like rockets.  Note the Standard sign in the second shot.  Back in 1978 there were two gas stations, an Ace hardware, several restaurants, and several other businesses...but no casino.

Here's Scott and my Dad scoring some candy from one of the clowns.  The parade watchers present an interesting mix.



Weekend Update - June 10-12

The trades have taken over; plumbers, HVAC, and electricians.  Slowly a house is starting to emerge.  The fireplace has been roughed in.

It's interesting how little things of the final product start to appear.  Here's the hookup for the washing machine.

The shower on the first floor

The shower in the Master Bath.



Here's the heating unit; hard to believe it's going to heat the whole house.

The basement has been roughed in, all the wall are "studded".



Throughout the house the plans are posted.  Not sure if this is to remind the workers what to do or to remind the owners what they committed to.

Not going up this next weekend, Beckett's birthday.  We've been told by the time we go up the weekend after next that insulation will be done and drywalling begun.  Deck frame should be up to.

The Most Critical Measurement

There's a lot of precision that goes into building a house, but in Wisconsin (and maybe most states) when you build a house on a lake the evil DNR (Department of Natural Resources) comes into play.  Basically you cannot build, remodel, or enhance within 75 feet of the natural shoreline.   This applies to not just homes, but also stairs, fire pits, bridges, and gym sets.  Here's two shots of our 75 foot marker.  Not only can the house/deck not pass this point, but also any artificial landscaping like retaining walls.  I can see why bribes can become a very appealing approach to working with our public workers.

Screened In Porch

We had a screened in porch in Crystal Lake and have missed it ever since.  Up North, where 50,000,000 mosquitoes couldn't be wrong, it will be wonderful.  We had it made larger than the original specs, it will be a great addition to our living space.  First is two views, one from the outside looking up, and one from within the porch looking down to the lake.

Here's a shot from the great room looking into the porch.

And here's a shot from the porch.  There will be 3 entrances, one from the deck, one from the great room, and one from our bedroom.  This shows the great room and bedroom entrances.



Weekend Update - June 3-5

The roof is now shingled.  Here's some shots of the shingles along with the facia which shows what the siding stain will be.  The new home is already starting to blend in with the woods.

The stairs from the main floor to the loft have also been roughed in.  The area under the stairs on the main floor is where the bar will be.  The dimensions of a Beefeater Gin 1.5 litre bottle have been carefully noted and incorporated into the design.

Up North Fun - Summer 1977

Some fun shots from the summer of 1977.

Blunder Bridge - Summer 1976

Seemed like a good idea at the time, but the evil DNR didn't agree.  No easy way across for people, tractors, etc., instead need room for the public.