Outdoors
Outdoor projects I've worked on.
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Being a Secretive Santa
The week before Christmas we were asked by our neighbors to check on Jacob and Frank three different days. You know, to let them out to go potty and even try and get Jacob to burn off some energy. These are the same dogs we dog sit for now and again. We love any chance we get to see them. Jim calls Jacob my boyfriend cause I think I’m in love. That is especially funny since I am afraid of 99% of dogs. We have another neighbor that I wish I could visit but Jim visits alone because you guessed it…they have a dog.
Frank and Jacob -
Spray Foam Insulation in the Kiln Building
Woohoo, the day has finally arrived!! We are getting ever closer to finishing this project. Spray foam insulation is being added to the kiln building. So fun…so expensive. Can’t really complain though, so far the only expenses have been the steel roof, the man door and the hinges. Everything else we had on hand or made ourselves, meaning we milled all the lumber on the sawmill.
Kiln Building -
Making a Live Edge Bathtub Tray
When we finished the basement a few years back, we took our time to find the things we wanted to outfit it with. That included going to an auction and getting this dresser which we turned into a vanity. Since this bathroom doesn’t get high use, we left the original mirror even though it is a little wavy.
Dresser turned vanity -
Back to Work on the Kiln Building
How is it the middle of October already? We have a to-do list that needs to be finished before winter arrives. We decided to work on the two most important things first. Finishing up the firewood (we have a long way to go) and working on the kiln building. We are busy splitting kindling in our spare time and evenings ( short as they are) but spent some time furthering the progress on the kiln building too.
Building the draw bridge! -
Larger Planer Means Bigger Projects
We have been on the lookout for a larger planer for the workshop. Our old one only takes boards up to 12 inches wide. We priced out planers that took 24 inch boards but they were beyond what we were willing to pay. Hate when that happens. Then the clouds parted, the angels sang, and one came up for sale in our area. Love when that happens.
New to us planer -
The Firewood Process
Remember a few weeks ago I showed you the pile of hardwood we bartered skidsteer hours for. Well we spent the weekend working on it. First thing Saturday morning we loaded up the truck and headed out to the location about 10 minutes from home.
Ready to go -
We Bought A Truck That DUMPS!
The last few years, on countless occasions, one of us has said, “It would be so much easier if we could just dump this.” We considered buying a trailer that dumped, but already having two trailers for different uses, we thought three would be overkill. Then we mulled over the idea of converting our current truck by buying an insert that dumped. Didn’t really want to do that since it is our only vehicle. Like a dog with a bone, Jim searched online and finally came across this truck for sale.
New to us one tonne dump truck -
Bartering Skidsteer Hours for Firewood
Ever use the barter system? If not, you are missing out. Living in a small community people often barter for services. Case in point, we saw an ad for local firewood that sounded too good to pass up and after contacting the owner, turns out it was someone we knew. See, we have enough firewood for this coming winter but would really like to have a head start for next winter so we don’t have to scramble in the spring.
Hardwood for firewood -
Turtle Lane Sign
Remember Teresa? Sure you do, she is the pottery kiln lady. A couple of weekends ago we delivered the wood for her outdoor kiln. Well, she dropped by this week and had an idea for a sign for the end of her driveway. The story goes that one day she was on her way to work, and lo and behold a turtle was digging at the end of her driveway to lay eggs. Imagine, possible baby turtles. She asked if we could make a sign. First we had to draw something out on the computer.
drafting Turtle Lane -
It Started Out Just to Cover Up Some Dirt
We got a call from a family in Antigonish who were looking for one of our folding bench picnic tables. After we delivered it, the conversation turned into, “I was wondering if you can also do this…”. They wanted some sort of box to wrap around the deck posts columns to cover the dirt, and at the same time allow a shelf to place one or more social beverages while they sit out in their back yard.
Looking to hide the dirt.
