Controlled Leak

One problem I had to solve was where would any emergency, pressure release or leak overflow from the hot water tank in the ceiling go? I had a custom tray made for it with an outlet fitting. But the tank is located right on the cieling and there was no way to slope it to the outside. So, using a brass through-hole fitting, I discharge any water through the ceiling and let it drip into the sink. Thus it forms a visual indicator if a leak occurs.

The inspector read the code manual twice before concluding that he didn't like it, but he didn't think it was a violation.

The brass fitting is visible below the skylight.

Fit & Trim

I hate putting up trim. That is, I thought I hated it. I'd hated it before and I had procrastinated doing it all summer. But with the extended good weather I had run out of reasons not to tackle it. A big difference this time was that I would have to "make" the trim from salvaged, rough boards. As it turns out these turned out to be mostly old cedar. It was a pleasure to run the boards through the planer and 1/16th at a time watch them emerge as beautiful planks. It was sunny and downright hot and the air was filled with cedar dust and chips and scent. Even after 50 years old cedar still retains its distinctive aroma.

Finished cedar sits ready for selection next to similar boards used for siding.

The planks were planed to 7/8" thick and 3-3/4" wide and finished with linseed oil.

Trim adds the finishing touch.

Chime In

My sister and her family gave me this bell as a housewarming gift despite my stated desire to receive only items that are readible, edible or charitable ever again. Nonetheless, I admit it is quite attractive even if extravagent. I didn't hang it until now because I didn't like the metal hook it came with. I had planned to have one made, but I saw a similar bell at the Japanese garden in Portland mounted with rope. Cheap and easy.

Kitchen Done

Well phase one anyway. The gap under the sink will likely get a curtain. The gap between the drawer units is sized for a dishwasher which I will not install. Instead I plan a pull-0ut island. The stove, some year, may be surrounded by a bar or at least something to make it more attractive. But it's in and functions very well.

One thing I noticed, having all open shelving, is how much of the kitchen is hardware and how little actual food.

Gate

To keep hunters and others off my new road, I installed a new gate. Salvaged electrical poles are stout, but the 16-foot gate could be cut with a good steak knife. It looks imposing, and that's enough...I hope.

Road to Somewhere

Until now I had to bring hay out of my field through my neighbor's field. Even to get my tractor down to mow or do other maintenance or restoration meant a big detour next door. I'd planned to have the road meander down from the old trailer site. In fact across the back corner. Now, with the trailer gone, the next step could be taken.

Joe makes fast progress on his new D5.

Joe, a local heavy equipment operator was doing work for others in my area and agreed to do my road. We had walked and bushwhacked through the dense undergrowth, but that was months ago, I hadn't flagged it and he couldn't remember the route. While he started up top, I ran down and started placing some flags working my way back north. No sooner had I started than I heard the Cat roaring back and forth through the brush in front of me. Joe had made up the ground in no time. Fearing I might be run over, I waved the fluorescent pink ribbon over my head and ran for the nearby wooded area.

The road's path.

Six hours later a road emerges. It will be seasonal access only with no gravel. The driveway at this end of the property is flatter with less of a grade. It also keeps farm activity away from the house.

The completed road is used mostly by deer right now.

The cleared area is quite wide. Very wide in places, but it will grow back to a 12-foot wide road with about 6-feet on either side to keep some "defensible space" from the blackberry and rose bushes.

Joe places fill over the culverts.

Screen Door

Every legitimate cabin needs a screen door leading out to a porch. Here's mine created from a nice piece of old cedar reclaimed from the property. Like the other doors it was made by Mountain View Door & Window in Scappoose. The screen is bronze. Although it doesn't have a spring, it closes with that summer camp sound.