Plumbing!

Decked out in winter's glory! The exterior is largely done now ... it takes a trained eye to notice what is missing ... such as handrails on porches and such ... it's a small matter.

Chris brought along his snowblower from Pennsylvania and has had a chance to use it numerous times already. Our neighbors, Dom and Wendy, had amassed a HUGE burn pile from land clearing for their driveway. The day finally arrived to light it, and since open outdoor fires make me terribly nervous, we had to buzz over there to see how it was going. We joined them later in the evening for dinner and thankfully the inferno was much smaller. I suspect it will be smoldering for several days. I have recollections of melting my eyelashes off while tending similar conflagrations in the past.

The big news this last week was the completion of the basement bathroom ... the details will have to wait, such as mirror, shower door glass and towel holders, but the essentials work GREAT!

The "grave" we had dug on the far side of the workshop is really a much needed "french" drain ... it relieves water pressure around the house foundation as well as connects to the floor drains in the workshop.

I am continuing my painting tasks. The sage green trim in the open areas is coming along very nicely and I think it is time to address covering the wall primer with the final coats of color (off creamy white). Chris continues his spackling, mostly uncomplainingly ... but his eyes are weary and his fingers are raw and sore.

Ken, our door maker, delivered and installed the beautiful new french doors he had made for us. He's a true master and we are so thankful that he happens to live in Salida.