Despite all the home progress, there was one thing that really make it what it is. Windows. Last year I framed all the windows to a large size so we had the freedom to look for bargains in odd sizes then frame it for whatever size they were. Great in theory. Long story short, we went for new windows. The used market didnt turn up anything that inspired either of us. Windows are by far the largest source of inefficiencies. Worth the cost of new I say. There were some mishaps but overall we are happy with them. Note where the check rail falls as it may block any sort of view for certain people.
And caulk the crap out of it. Then flash tape the crap out of it.
Spending the extra time on proper windows is totally worth it. At the time we werent sure what to put on the end peak wall. Its a large space so we could squeeze all sorts of things in there. Bi-annually there is a local lumber yard sale where overstocks, returns, misorders, etc are liquidated. We went there to just see what was there. Sometimes you see something and you know thats it. Being a budget minded project we knew our limitations. We did not anticipate finding something that fit the space nor anywhere near the price nor brand new cause it was a misorder (wrong measurement). Grab it and run!
The entire wall would be a window now. A lovely change of plans. Installing them wasnt the easiest but with some neighborly help it went smoothly.
The view from the bedroom. Oh the walls are sheetrocked and painted. And a shiplap hemlock ceiling too. And an antique oil lamp (with LED bulb). Yes. We knocked out a lot rather quickly. That was the goal though, we both had no employment and everyday was dedicated to the homestead.
The house is at the point where its just puttering along. I even got around to the giant pile of sandy loam and leveled it by hand. Hope to plant some grass in the fall to have a backyard. Im not big on home maintenance so itll be a small yard, something nice to hang out in and keep the forest from engulfing the home.
Tamarra has a thing for what she calls a pentagon pantry. After much debating, measuring and remeasuring we settled on the design. The countertops are now roughed in also. We have a working space now for kitchen stuff and dont have to live out of boxes, probably one of the more frustrating things.
Kitchen sink. No runnning water of course but at least now you can stand up while playing with water. Previously a concrete mix tub was used that I have tied into the shower drain. It got the job done but was difficult to use. Running water whether gravity fed or pressurized will be a project for 2018, along with a well. We haul the water currently, either from the neighbors spigot or from a spring at the corner of the property. On non-sponge bath days I use a gallon of water. Its rather eye opening how much water is just flushed away.
Life has settled down. The cats seem happy. Im happy. I think Tamarra is happy. Sure, we need to put up window trim, siding for the house, get the chimney up before winter, more gravel for the driveway, kickstart the garden for next year, plant a lawn, build out the shower, get running winter, build an adequate solar system, figure out food storage, and more that Im forgetting. It all comes with time. As of the day Im writing this, it was only a year ago I broke ground with the excavator.
All I know is Im running wild and free.
