5.31.2023

Mom had another appointment today so we headed out for that this morning, while Jim was busy working on the computer and cleaning up the shop from recent jobs.

He did some measurements so that he could notch the end tile pieces for the last row that will be behind the stove...

The little notches cut out...

The area is taped off and Jim started applying adhesive...

Using the serrated trowel to ensure an even coating...

Putting on the first notched tile...

Tile is all attached and using the roller for good contact...

Removing the tape (ha - this picture caught the kitchen witch hovering nearby!)...

Tile all installed!

Jim would like to try timber frame construction on the wood burning furnace pavilion so he took the plans he's been working on and made a mock of one of the joints...

We had to walk down and check out the concrete post - Jim decided to wait one more day before removing the paper tube...

High 85.3/Low 51.6

5.30.2023

Jim and I went separate ways this morning to medical appointments - Mom had a follow-up at the foot doctor and Jim had to get a test done before his physical.  So a busy morning!

In the afternoon, it was time to do our next concrete pour, so Jim got all the tools and equipment out and started mixing... 

Dumping into the mortar box...

One more bag - we only needed 4 bags for this next phase...

Doing a quick clean of the pumpkin...

Loading up the mortar box and tools...

Once that was at the end of the driveway, Jim brought the bucket with the generator and rest of the tools...

This was so great - the tube fit right over the stub of the concrete coming out of the ground from the first pour...

The rebar cage is perfectly centered inside...

Jim did a quick measure to see how level it was and it was great...

So time to start filling it up...

First vibrating...

Another level check...

Filling it up the rest of the way...

Smoothing it out...

Then putting the anchor bolts into the concrete.  Jim was able to reuse the bracket - it remained strong while the anchor bolts bent like spaghetti under the force of the collision by the gas truck.

Vibrating again...

Smoothing it out and making sure it was positioned the way we wanted...

Final vibration...

All done!

There was just a tiny bit of concrete left, so Jim put it around the old post that will all be part of our extended stone wall...

Just to be safe, we put the trash bins in front of the post...

Now it's cleanup time...

Cleaning off the pumpkin...

I had picked up some hydraulic fluid for the excavator while I was out, so once Jim was done putting all the tools, equipment, and machines away, he put that in the excavator.  It's still stalling out so unfortunately there is still a problem.  However, it worked well enough to get down the driveway, pull out the old post, and make it back up the driveway.  So definitely some divine intervention there!

High 79.6/Low 52

5.29.2023

While we are enjoying the day, let's all remember that on Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price to defend the United States and the principles upon which America was founded.

Jim sanded and then put a coat of polyurethane on the deck pieces for the other bench...

We went down to check out our concrete and Jim started taking off the tube...

It comes off much easier when it was around the concrete.  We're going to let it set up for another day and hopefully do the rest of the pour tomorrow.

In the afternoon, Jim started prepping to put up the tile behind the stove - checking behind the stove before he moves it all the way out.  I always like the opportunity to clean behind appliances when they are moved!  Jim even vacuumed the back vents so the oven stays nice and healthy.

He made all his measurements on the wall and then started applying the adhesive...

First tile going up...

Rolling the tile to make sure it's firmly attached...

Last tile in this row...

Putting adhesive on the next area...

Putting the last pieces on.  Jim is going to carry 1-2 rows below this area and behind the stove, but that will require notching a little area out of the top end piece where the counter is.  So that will wait until all this is dry.

Moving the stove back into place...

It looks so fabulous - we just love it!  I think it was the perfect tile and will look even better grouted.  

Jim heard that a good way to make Memorial Day memorable is to create a Missing Man or Fallen Soldier table.  You set an extra place and an empty chair to symbolize and remember the solider who never came home.  We did that and it was quite moving - definitely going to be a tradition going forward.

High 82/Low 56.6