1.5.2018

I consider us to be pretty hardy souls.  We have worked outside in the elements for the entire scope of this project.  Even working inside is no panacea - Jim keeps it in the low 40 degree range, which is tough to do all day long.  However, today was beyond cold.  The high was 3 degrees but there was a wicked wind out that kept it feeling like -25.  And it felt every bit that cold when you were out.  I walked to the post office and store and even with lots of layers, my face hurt!  Jim had to go to the Drywall Center at lunchtime and he stopped for gas and diesel fuel for the heaters (an every day thing now!).  The keypad on the gas pumps wouldn't work because of the cold - everyone had to go inside to pay.  Jim said that filling up his car and cans left his hands really sore.  Unfortunately, the forecast for tomorrow is even worse - the projected high is -2 and the low -20 - that's before the wind chill!  We pray for all those people who are working outside and hope everyone has a warm place to sleep tonight!

Even in the cold, Jim managed to get lots done.  He fastened the piece of drywall he had prepped yesterday.  He also did the electric work to put the receptacle in.  As he goes around, he has to put the code-required tamper-resistant receptacles in for inspection.

Then he got this entire side of the apartment entrance wall in the stairwell done!  Because this is sheathing on this wall, Jim can use wood drywall screws which are so much easier - he just has to avoid the steel studs!  He also got the J-channel put around the door for a nice finish.

I had found inset toilet paper holders for both bathrooms; however, they didn't come with mounting hardware.  (Rant - why don't some things like this come with all the parts you need?)  Jim bought two different types of brackets and experimented to see which one he liked better.  Once he decided, he got it all mounted.  A very nice finishing touch!

Downstairs, he continued working on the air vent for the furnace.  He now has the pipe coming out of the utility room and into the vertical chase.  He put up the piece of steel that he will later use to strap the pipe.

High 3/Low -12   Wind chill -25!