Cruising the right of way.

Back when we first started planning where everything would go on our small acreage I asked for a 'right of way' around the property edge. This path was to be nine feet wide. By the animal paddocks there is a double fence, one on the property line and another nine feet inside. The double fencing provides security and peace of mind should the horses or the goat somehow get through the first fence. The 'right of way' also serves another very important purpose of course. Our (my) plan was to build a train track (15" guage) around the property and run a 'grampa train' there someday. I've long believed every grampa should have an electric railroad to share with their grand children. Ours just happens to be a little larger scale.

I started work on the rail road about eight years ago. Progress has been slow, especially when I am super busy, as it is a hobby and so takes a back seat to many other priorities. But over the years I've managed to almost complete the engine and two cars. The track stretches about two hundred feet from the shop so far, waiting for the house to be completed before carrying on. The final track layout was to be determined by the size and placement of the house which is now in place at last.

One of the things Phoebe and I enjoy doing is cruising the right of way in our old golf cart or the little tractor. Along the way we pick leaves to feed the goat, or say hi to all the horses. I also use the time to survey the property, dreaming and planning where everything will eventually go. 

Today, for the first time since the house was started, the path was open all the way around the property. We had a great time cruising around and around for the longest while. It was a LOT more fun than working! :)

-grampa dan

Another milestone

Today was a catch-up day. It was a day to put things away, a day for sorting, to clean up everything that needed it. The ladies finished painting the last of the facia boards meaning we were finished with the scaffold on the outside of the house until the old house is gone. This meant we could take down all the large scaffolds at last.

The house is ready for trim on three sides. The trim is awaiting the windows which will arrive Monday morning.

This week the house will be locked up at last!

-grampa dan

Another moves on

Today I returned from my trip to Vancouver Island. I of course took a look around to see what my crew had done in my absence. They had accomplished a lot - as I knew they would. The painting on the porch was almost done, a few more hours before the rock work is ready for speckles. The front wall was complete, the beams done, the tree glazing almost completed, and a lot of painting done around the back as well. The house was looking great!

Out front, little Matt had completed the front fence and with the help of big Matt had gone twice as far with the side fence as I had imagined possible. Amazingly, they had done the work in only one day.

More would have been done, but Wednesday was the last day little Matt was to work for us on a regular basis. Two weeks ago a friend of mine dropped by, an owner of a welding and fabrication shop. He by chance was looking for a welder to hire and Matt who was with us to complete his hours for his welding ticket was looking for a permanent job. While I would happily keep Matt on for a while longer, I also am extremely happy to see him move on to a more permanent job, one where he can continue to grow his skills.

Thank you for your diligent and precise work on our project Matt!

-grampa dan