Putting This All Back Together
We’ve got a clean slate now. Like most things in life, these things are harder to put back together than they were to tear down.
We start with getting more light in - replacing the holes that were there with new windows and adding a few more facing the sunset and the long lake. Transforming doors that no longer make sense into larger doors that do. By the last window we think of ourselves as experts (or at least Terry thinks so).
We come away with minor injuries during this first step. Again, as in life, accidents happen. It’s a good thing my father understands this, is patient (when he’s well fed) and can forgive a son who drops a large metal object on his head.
In the end we replaced two windows, added four windows, removed a steel door and added a sliding patio door - let there be light.
We knew that nothing in this old shack was level or square - but again, as in life…
We try to plan ahead as much as we can - adding structure to the uneven outside walls so when it comes time to cover them we won’t have to fight the unevenness. Then the walls go up - again we readjust as we think ahead to the plumbing. It’s a good thing there’s many types of Meads in this world - those that are good at the conceptual and those that are good at the actual. Our cousin Jeremy is our reality check - and the reason why we have electrical, plumbing and haven’t screwed up anything too bad quite yet.
The next part isn’t sexy - at least in a visual way. Being warm and having light is however, very sexy. Jeremy, newly self-employed and very good at what he does, roughed in the electrical before we sealed up the second floor nicely with a closed cell foam insulation.
Now we put the skin (sheet rock) on the beast. We’ve replaced the well pump (an unexpected expense), run and tested the waterlines and are now starting to think about how it all comes together. As with our place in Minneapolis - Molly and I will mash our styles and make this cabin feel like home.
The next big thing - indoor steps. It’s a novel idea, but we’re going to try it.
We’re excited to share this place with you all - let us know if you’re in the area and we’d be delighted to give you a tour.