clutching at straws....

---

.....they're feeding them out of barred containers, the cows suck, chew, nibble and clutch at, the straws sticking through the bars, otherwise not very much has been moving except on the house site.

And it seems to have been a blogwhile so...for those of you patiently waiting, here's a bit of an updato. ...it seems all my creative juices have been absorbed by the construction and all the associated efforts so I'll let the pix do the talking.....(I know some of you will appreciate this!)

Progress has been rapid, problems overcome, fu*kups corrected (as much as possible!) and looking at it now it is hard to believe so much has been achieved by so few in such a short space of time.....truly amazing!!

...and another big storm last weekend, winds to 130 kph but only 120mm of rain in the gauge...I reckon the rain was too horizontal to get into the gauge!!..... but a great and timely test for the house, and everything withstood the tempest and no leaks...

So, 10 weeks on and the plaster is done, floors almost done and next Tuesday the final plumbing and electricalling so it will be sort of livable. I'm working on the flooring, bathroom and started painting.....I'll be picking up the bright RED Ikea kitchen in Sydney in a week or two...can't wait to see how it works! and the little Nectre woodheater might get in this week....time to start chopping...

Thanks to Brother Michael as full time project manager, interpreter of almost incoherent plans and strange parts and 7 days-a-week labouring, a huge effort to keep it moving forward and under control!!......also, Adam, part-time at 3 days a week and invaluable for climbing ladders with no support and slamming screws into the steelwork.......with humour!

...also a host of excellent subbies.....Michael the Surveyor, Billy the Concreter, Bob the Metal Fabricator, Rob the Plumber, Peter the Electrician, Tom and Shane the Plasterers...and a few others...


The only thing left to say is Vale Gonzalo, a good friend and fabulous character. Gonzalo bought 'La Cuenta' my motorcycle when I finished up in Sun Valley, Idaho, he then restored her to all her former glory. He joined us a few times on the yacht to practise his other great love, scuba diving. Gonz died of a fucked liver after a short and terrible illness. He will always be remembered. chau amigo, un abrazo....

---

Photos

25/02
In the beginning....

11/03
first footing dug

31/03
first erection, house

1/04
high side

1/04
floor perimeter

1st april
bearers

2/04
start flooring

7/04
verandah starts

8/04
verandah getting tricky

9/04
verandah almost there

10/04
last part of verandah, great relief, all the posts found their footings.....and no injuries!

10/04
posts all looking good

10/04
verandah floor frame complete

20/04
deck done, some job!

6,000 screws
one fried drill

21/04
start house

21/04
first house erection

26/04
going up

28/04
end of the day

28/04
house underway