Happy New Year!
We rang in the New Year with a big bonfire and a hike to the top of the property. Luci complained when we left her in the house so I went back to get her. At the top, we laid on our backs in the snow and watched the clouds pass in front of the moon. At midnight the sound of fireworks rang through the mountains. I’m not sure where from. We ate a ton of food and partied the night away.
Near Death for the Shed
It was lightly snowing when we went to town for ‘wing night’. While away, the snow turned into rain. Snowmobiling in the rain is pretty unpleasant, in my opinion. Everything gets wet and cold, and if you’re lucky it’ll be just cold enough that the rain will freeze to your goggles! Not my favourite.
It wasn’t until the next morning that we made the discovery. The shed roof collapsed. The thin layer of snow acted like a sponge and held all of that heavy rain on the roof. Luckily, the roof held together in one piece. Although the trusses and sheet metal are bent, Curt was able to use a ‘Porta Power’ to lift and bend it straight-ish. He then reinforced it with cedar poles (it looks wild but it works). I think we’ll end up disassembling the shed and using the sheet metal as siding for another project.
Hunting with Luci
Luci and I have developed a hilarious hunting technique. When she sees a bug out of her reach, she meows at me demandingly. I scoop her back feet up into my cupped hands and together we chase them around the window. She ‘walks’ across the glass with her front paws, showing me where she wants to go. She pounces while staying seated in my hand! It works for both of us, she gets a crunchy snack and I get rid of the annoying bugs.
The world up here is very snowed in, and most progress will be slow until it begins to thaw. Now’s the time to tinker with little projects and crafts that I’ve been meaning/hoping to do. I have pine needles set aside to make baskets, rabbit furs to try to make into things, (I am NOT good at sewing) and I even have paints and canvases that I hope to play with in the coming months.
Firewood
I love taking standing dead trees for firewood. Removing them from the property helps to lower the risk of wildfires, and they burn nicely. This Douglas fir had an interesting top, so I had to bring it inside and see what it might be good for! It turns out that it’ll make an excellent gun rack. I’ll probably peel the bark off of it, but for now, I’m in love with the lichen that are stuck to it. They remind me of anemones in tidal pools.
Bathing… inside?!
I can’t believe it!! We finally did it - the cast iron bath is in the front addition. In a pretty temporary way, but it works! Curt drilled a hole in the floor and ran a drainpipe outside. A 12-volt pump supplies water to the propane shower, which is next to a window. This type of propane shower is for outdoor use only, so the carbon monoxide detector is near.
What an incredible feeling, stepping out of the tub in a warm room! The original plan wasn’t to have the tub in the front room. Now that it’s there - I think it’ll have to stay. We’ve begun to plan and scheme where to have it in the future, and how to set up the on-demand shower safely. Then another question comes up. What will we do with the shower house that we built last year?!
Surprise! I Bought a Keg!
Curt spent a week with his kids on the coast, when he returned he brought all kinds of goodies! Including a 160 pound keg of beer. Omygod.
Pulling stuff home behind the snowmobiles sounds simple enough. In actuality the road is so steep, it’s a challenge. The weight on the back of the machine causes the skis to lift - I’m effectively doing a snowmobile wheelie most of the way home. Since I’m the more experienced rider, and my machine has better steering, I was on the hook to get this thing home.
By some sort of magic, I made it! And only lost the keg once. In addition to the keg of beer, Curt picked me up a drill (I broke mine) and some comfy sweatpants. He knows me so darn well!
A Busy Month?!
Wow, January is supposed to be a quiet time - but I’ve been busy! Lots of things to do and fun to be had. 2023 is starting out just like I’d hoped. I can hardly wait to see what February has in store.
Don’t forget - my 50% off coupon expires on February 14th!
That’s 50% off of 5$ per month
Thank you to the people that became paid subscribers! A couple of people have opted to be ‘founding members’ which I never expected 🥰
I see beauty in that gun rack, with an idea how to finish it. Talk soon.
Carver Glen
Have you seen the comet yet. Your in such a great spot. No light pollution and an expanse of sky to look at during the night.
Looks like you have filled up your front room. Time for an addition. Lol
Too bad about the shed. It was such a great place for storage. You may have to build your roof line a lot like the ones in Warfield....very pointy.
Great job with all you have done! Even a cold January hasn’t slowed you guys down. Can’t wait to see your future projects.