In an attempt to keep nature from taking over, we’ve undertaken a major renovation of our cottage. The builders have exhibited amazing fortitude in the face of deer flies, mice, ants, and all manner of nasty invaders, and they are prevailing! It’s a long way from finished but I think these pictures will give you an idea of what they’ve accomplished. When they took off the old cedar siding they discovered that there was neither wooden framing nor insulation underneath! The siding was basically nailed to the wallboard. Our contractor told us he could distinguish about 12 building stages around the property. We knew it was bad but his pronouncement gave new meaning to the old north country adage that houses are usually built by “two men and a case of beer”. Here is one of the workers putting up framing.
And here’s stage two:
and stage three:
The final cladding will be board and batten painted dark green with white trim. Here’s a picture of the nearly finished garage so you can get an idea.
They haven’t put up the battens (the strips that cover the seams between boards) in this picture and the final paint color will be darker green, but what an improvement!
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the labor — most of which has been nasty, hot, and exhausting — that has gone into this project. Monday is Labor Day. Let’s not forget what it’s for! Let’s give a shout-out to all those who work long and hard to make our lives better, whether in the field or in a cubicle! Remember what Theodore Roosevelt said: “No man needs sympathy because he has to work, because he has a burden to carry. Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
Oh, yes…and don’t forget to pour a libation to the wind and the fairies.
*George MacDonald
dual personalities 