While we were there, we started talking about Jim's Aunt Sylvia. We heard from his sisters that she took a bad turn - so Jim texted his sister and asked how she was doing. She responded that things didn't look good. By the time we got home, we got the news that she had passed away. In fact, she died just about 10 minutes after we were thinking about her and texting Jim's sister.
So today was definitely a more solemn day with thoughts of Jim's Ooie (his name for her from when he was tiny and couldn't say Aunt Sylvia!). She was the last of Jim's mom's siblings - so an entire generation is gone. While we know she's in a better place, it certainly is a reminder that life is short and we need to make sure to take time to let our loved ones know how important they are to us.
Jim's day started very early - he had put in his steel order from Albany Steel yesterday for the piece of angle he needs to connect the stairs to the landing. If you remember, the last time they delivered, they broke our chain post. So Jim grabbed a breakfast bar and coffee and was at the property before 7:30. They came not too long after that and dropped the steel off.
After that, Jim headed to the DMV to get new plates for the box truck. We need to get it back on the road again so we put the insurance back on and got new plates.
Once he got back to Angel, it was time to prep for the day's brickwork. Putting on earthquake ties...
Jim also tried out the lintel he made and painted with hammered spray paint - looks so good! Jim has to figure out exactly how he wants to do the brick over the openings, so for the moment we're leaving that until later.
Time for the first batch...
Starting in the front corner...
Working across the front and up another step!
Jointing...
The morning batch was kind of tough - it was just really hot plus we got a little bit later of a start due to all the other things Jim had to attend to in the morning.
We were also a little disappointed to find out that Jim won't be able to get the results of his ultrasound/x-ray until Monday - apparently the physician's assistant that ordered the tests won't be in until then. Thankfully, Jim continues to feel good.
After lunch, we put the bucket on the Bobcat and brought it up the hill to pick up these steel beams. We had used them for shoring up the deck and didn't need them any longer. Jim listed them on Craigslist and someone was supposed to come this afternoon to get them. We took them down the driveway and left the bucket there so we could continue to use the Bobcat for mortar work. If you look closely, you can see the top of the carriage house peaking out!
Then it was more prep work for the next batch - more brick ties...
Jim made another piece of flashing to go the rest of the way over the channel for the wire to the electric box.
And of course cutting more bricks.
Ready for the next round...
Another course on the front...
Putting mortar for the next course over the next piece of flashing...
Up another step!
Now that we are just working on the front area, we have to make sure to have a plan to use up all the mortar. Jim is putting another course on top of the course he just did with this batch so that means he has to stop and put more brick ties.
Jointing - another good day's work on the front brickwork.
Cleaning up...
There is a chance of a brief shower early in the morning so we decided we had better cover up.
We had just gotten things covered when the steel buyer called to say he was here. That transaction went well - we're glad that someone else can use things we no longer can!
We never fail to feel blessed while we are working - the property is just so gorgeous. Especially on a day when we were feeling sad, God's beauty never disappoints!
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