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30 Jan 2010

A Weekend in a Hurricane

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Lost shingles

Lost shingles


We left our house in Wells tonight and it was windy. The entire drive up was windy. When we got to the house, it was a hurricane without the rain (it was -7 degrees). There were roof shingles everywhere. Over the master bedroom, the shingles were flapping very loudly.
It was a long, long night.
To top it all off, one section of flooring had no hot water running through it. A quick check showed 0 pressure going through that zone. It took all night to thaw it out (and a little help from pulling back the insulation and a hair dryer. I think this happened because the drastic drop in temperature and the high winds. Since the heat didn’t need to kick on for so long there wasn’t any water flow and the wind got under the sheathing and froze enough of a section to stop the flow when the heat finally turned on. I guess more insulation (now R25) and some caulking will fix it from happening again.

24 Jan 2010

First Weekend with Family

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The kids getting ready to open presents for their birthday party

The kids getting ready to open presents for their birthday party


Deb getting Ella out on skiis for the first time

Deb getting Ella out on skiis for the first time


The Pinnacle of this house project - a garage door opener with all kinds of gizmos

The Pinnacle of this house project - a garage door opener with all kinds of gizmos


We had our first company in the completed house! My parents and Denise’s parents along with Denise’s sister and family.
Everyone was up to celebrate the kids turning 5 and aside from all the snoring, it was a great weekend.
I also got 1 garage door opener up and I feel like a king now. It has battery backup, a keypad on the outside to let you in if needed and a motion detection lighting system for the inside. Very cool and it will sure makes bringing the kids into house a lot easier Friday nights.

18 Jan 2010

Done with Constuction – Now Making Holes in the Wall

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The kitchen with all the appliances in place

The kitchen with all the appliances in place


Feels like college all over again with this furniture

Feels like college all over again with this furniture


Decorating the house

Decorating the house


Starting to hang pictures

Starting to hang pictures - the title in this one is 'Determination' - very fitting


Started hanging things on the walls this long weekend – pictures, toilet paper dispensers, shower curtains and hooks. Also attempted to put in a garage door opener but quickly realized I needed an 2 extensions because the door is a little taller than normal. Maybe I’ll get it by next weekend – it would be a crowning moment getting to just press a button and drive right into the garage instead of running into the house, opening the garage door, driving in and then carrying the sleeping kids up to their beds every Friday night.

10 Jan 2010

A Nice Weekend of Skiing

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Early morning sunrise hitting the tops of the Crocker range


View of the Crockers from near the top of Sugarloaf


Crisp morning riding up Spillway - all the Fir Trees coated in a blanket of thick snow


Can't Dog glad - I feel like I'm out West with all the snow on the trees

Jack hitting the bumps on poleline

We spent most of this weekend skiing despite the brutally cold weather. We also spent a lot of time shuffling the kids back and forth from Bubblecuffers – not sure how long it’s going to take to get a good routine in place but we’re not there yet.

4 Jan 2010

Moving Everything In

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It’s hard to believe but we’re finally starting to move things in (and not just to the basement!).
We were up for vacation week and got the appliances delivered and started cleaning from top to bottom.
Spent most of the week skiing and cleaning so we didn’t get all the little items done that we had hoped but we still feel good about where we are now. The hope is to have the occupancy permit this week.

Waiting for the shuttle

Waiting for the shuttle


Kids enjoying the fire

Kids enjoying the fire


All the appliances in except for the microwave

All the appliances in except for the microwave

24 Dec 2009

One big day up at the house getting a lot done

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Putting a coat of poly on the steps

Putting a coat of poly on the steps


Kitchen - just waiting for the appliances

Kitchen - just waiting for the appliances


Master bathroom

Master bathroom


Jack's bedroom being used as a playroom

Jack's bedroom being used as a playroom


Guest closet

Guest closet


Thanks to pops, we got a lot done before we’re up for the week. The appliances will be delivered on Sunday and we tried to get the outlet wired for the microwave in the cabinet but sparks flew and now I have a short in the wiring somewhere. I may have to run a new wire – fun, fun, fun.
We got all the knobs in the laundry room and kids bathroom.
We got the shelving mostly done in three closets – just need the actual shelves now.
Put another coat of polyurethane on the steps.
Put down a coat of sealer on all the tile and got a few more odds and ends done… seems like it never ends!