Cedar Says

This week Jeff, our contractor is installing a custom cedar and cultured stone firewall in our basement. Jeff is using the cedar trees from our property to frame the firewall and shelving. We like the natural look of the gray cedar bark. Carpenter ants were found in some of the logs and those had to be scrapped. But for the shelves, Jeff will show the bark and red heartwood. Since Jeff is a contractor and an artist we both agree showing the beauty of the tree trunks.

Nothing like the smell of fresh cut cedar logs in the house. This will be a nice place to have our hearth this winter.

Staining the House

Last week we had our house oil stained by our good friend and contractor, Jeff Royer. He also had his son over taping up/masking our house. They both did and excellent job. Now when it rains the water beads up nicely off the house and deck. Just in time too, as it is a rainy week ahead.

America Lost

I heard about the recent business flight on 9/11 where American fliers were arrested, cavity searched, stripped, the works all because of fear. Here is the truth from one of the flight victims:

http://shebshi.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/some-real-shock-and-awe-racially-profiled-and-cuffed-in-detroit/

Take the time to read what happened and understand this is not the America we all grew up in. This is wrong and our rights are being trampled all over. So thank you apathetic fearful Americans, thank you to our government, thank you to heartless greedy corporations, thank you to all the willing people who participate in hurting our citizens in the name of fear. You are making history repeat itself. It was called WW2, the citizens of Germany also lived in fear while in Nazi occupation.

Apathy and fear lead to the deaths of millions of good people right inside its nation.

And now we are doomed to repeat history because America lives in fear.

I wonder if the Patriot Act will make mandatory mini-x-ray machines for babies at the bus depots soon? I bet they will be so cute with balloons and rainbows painted on them. I wonder if our kids feet will get cold when they remove their shoes and get stripped searched at the airports? No matter, if they complain they will be shot behind the food court. Ah, the future of America is so bright, I have to throw up, thanks.

Stain Away

We are having our house oil stained again this year. This staining will last for 4-5 years before needing another coat. You can see the lighter color of the old stained versus the deep red pecan color of the fresh staining. The fresh stain will soften into the warm pecan as it dries. The staining takes only minutes to apply with a sprayer, it is the house wrapping that takes the time. All the shrubs, decking and windows need to be masked and protected from the sprayers. It takes 2 days of caulking, 1-2 days to mask and half a day to spray the stain. Cleanup also takes about another half a day. It is hard work but at least the weather has been helping our father and sons crew.

Personal Building Inspectors

We are having the wood on our house stained again before winter sets in. The weather has been dry and the wind mild, perfect for oil staining. While our windows were being masking off, our guineas came over to inspect the work. They were not jaded by bribes of crumbs from our crew. The crew passed inspection and work continued into the night and the guineas went home to roost.

Deck 'Em

Here is the latest of my neighbors addition project. Here is the first phase of adding a deck to his house. He learned that Ozark dirt is mostly rock and post holes are hand dug. Even a tractor auger has problems making holes in this stuff. Having dug several post holes for our barn, I understand the work involved. It is all coming together nicely for him.