November is here. Barry has half of the floor on. He would have finished it today but he ran out of bridges, that is, metal pieces that stiffen the floor joists.
Kurt, from church, was out on Sunday (Nov 1) - to help with the "ladder" work (photos from Building the floor, part 2). The "ladders" will help keep the walls in place and will keep them from falling into the basement (if they could).
Another friend, Jim, who is a framer by trade - was helping on Saturday (Oct 31) with the floor joists and then again today (Monday, Nov 1) with the plywood. You could tell he did this for a living - cause he would carry the plywood over his head while walking up a plank to the house. I wouldn't walk up the plank, but Jen did. When it was time for her to come down -she sat and slid partway down - before jumping off. You can ask her what happened! I would have walked up the plank - but my fear of falling off coming down kept me from doing that. When they lean a ladder against the house - then I will go up onto the house floor.
The scaffolding is still up - except in a couple of places. It's almost time to take that down. I was helping on Sunday afternoon - unscrewing the pieces of wood that was put up as bracing - before the cement was poured. There are still more to take off - so better to keep the scaffolding up - so you have a place to kneel or sit while doing that job.
The basement is starting to look like one - except there is still gravel on the floor. You can see the opening for the stairs that will take you into the house. I think the entrance to the stairs will be in the laundry room. Originally it was going to be near the front door, but the stairs would block the exit for the septic tank. So we're just going to make them go the other way. No problem - either way - we get a little bit more storage.
Although it now gets dark by 5:30 - 5:45, it's only going to get earlier as the time goes on. So Barry is hoping to take one or two days during the week to work on the house. He really wants to get it framed up - dried in by Thanksgiving. He has ordered the trusses. And will order the rest of the lumber soon. If you are reading this and are able to come and help - during the days or weekends- whenever, please give Barry a call at 547-4800. He can give you a more specific day/time when he needs some help.
The weather for the week is iffy. A chance of rain through Friday - with some wet snow flakes. Then it's supposed to mostly sunny on Sat. and Sun. So - he'll be there for sure on the weekend.
Tonight when you came home - we conquered the leaves in our yard. About 99% of them have fallen out of our trees - and the neighbors have been busy - all of last week and this weekend - cleaning up their yards. We had a lot of wind on Friday and Saturday, but the leaves didn't blow out of our yard. So - it was time to rake. The leaves did come in handy last week when the grandkids were visiting. We'd rake them into a big pile and then the girls would jump in them. I heard that when Uncle Mike was visiting, they put a large pile at the bottom of the slide. Then carried all of those leaves into the front yard to make a super big pile. Well - the leaves, for the most part, are in the street. Wish I had a picture of this - cause it has made our street one way . On both sides of the street are humungous piles of leaves. Hope the leaf eater comes soon.
So - the remaining leaves will be mulched with the lawn mower. This is what needs to be done in Venango and at my mom's house in Blooming Valley (I need to get out there one day this week and take care of the lawn.)
Anyway - exciting days are ahead of us. We thank God everyday for the oppty to serve Him - day in and day out! He continues to lift us up. He will always love us- as we love Him. May He continue to bless each and everyone of us. Take care - Sue
