Day 1 of the Re-Set

Have you ever been emotionally drained and yet totally happy?  That is what Spousal Unit and I are experiencing today.

Truck loaded with logs

The re-set started at 7.15 am, and we both shed tears and hugged each other closely as the first log went into place.

Pete, Scott, Neal, Odin and Rocky (crane operator) move the

threshold log into place

The original forecast described heavy cloud

cover and the occasional shower; we were blessed with partly cloudy skies and cool temperatures.  Here is a picture of what morning will be like from our back deck.

The process included adding insulation to the grooves of the exterior logs, maneuvering the logs into place and securing them with (seriously large) bolts and bars.

Ben and Chris adding insulation

Bolts and bars

Pete and Scott hammer bars into logs

The first course of logs (read: first layer) took some time to put in place.  The team ensured that all the measurements were precise since that would dictate the fit of the remainder of the structure.  After that, the process clipped along at a fair pace – by lunch time, the first truck was empty and everyone took a well-deserved break.  Number One Son was able to stop by and observe part of the morning, a special blessing.

Farthest corner shows half sweep design

Odin, Neal and Scott assemble front porch truss in

the great room

Rocky hoists the truss out of the great room into the

garage until they are ready for it on Monday

I took this opportunity to walk around the lot and captured this image of the house playing peek-a-boo through the trees. 

Right on time, the next truck arrived.

The afternoon flew by – and I continued to marvel at the precision of the craftsmanship and the teamwork.   Time and again, the logs would settle into place with a pleasing “thunk” sound that meant it was a perfect fit.  Rarely, but when necessary, the team would move the logs ever so slightly to ensure flawless alignment. 

Odin and Neal position log that frames the

great room window

Closest corner (mud room entrance)

shows half sweep. Lake can be

seen in the distance

The team was always careful not to damage the logs.  For example, if hammering on the log was needed to bring alignment, the crew member placed a board against the log surface and hammered on that.

Another example: the dining room window opening had a two-by-four inserted for transport to ensure no breakage.

Odin and Scott secure the second log above the

great room window

Nearing 4.30, the second truck was almost empty and Crew Chief Odin called it a day.  While the team put away their tools, Spousal Unit cracked the bottle of champagne and retrieved the beer cooler from the car.  All enjoyed a beverage of choice while gazing at the days’ work.  Scott took several aerial shots from his lift.

Our neighbors Steve and Karree stopped by for a quick tour; we were delighted to show them around and so honored that they made the time.  Soon, everyone departed to join family and friends for weekend activities, with shouts of “See you Monday!” leaving Spousal Unit and I to go into the house on our own.  We placed our chairs up close to the great room window, looked out at the view and just smiled.  This is what it’s all about.