Log Home Update

As of today I believe we have all estimates for the home except the plumber. We gave a set of plans to a plumber that we met from John Hutchins the now official contractor. Patti & I signed John on yesterday. This plumber Ron's Plumbing is doing the log home that John is working on now in Brandon, Vt. We have estimates for the kitchen & two baths. The bank will be notified today that we are very close to getting all the estimates we will need for the construction loan. The driveway should be started sometime after Wednesday this week. Jim Ploof contacted us and said he will be working on his father in Law's home this week and will start our job after that.

Log Home update

We now have the preliminary plans. We showed the plans to some of our friends and we got some good ideas. Posting of the plans will be soon. We also have a Crosby sign up marking our land. We still do not have a driveway. We are still waiting for a estimate from a plumber and the foundation people. Wink Forbes! We took a week off and went camping in the Adirondacks so it's time to get motivated. Tonight we are meeting with Kate/Lincoln Logs to go over the plans. We also marked the elevations/Pitch slope of the Log Home site land. The size of the home is 44 x 32 and the back of the house measured One foot above grade. The front of the house measured 8/ 1/2 feet below grade. This is why we will have a walk out basement. We will have more information later this evening. I checked the bees yesterday and they are doing great!! The Russian hive has a surplus of I would guess around 50lbs of honey. My small top Super 10 frame, is full of capped honey. I ordered some new supplies so I can replace the supers on the hive. I moved one small super from the other hive which did not have any honey stored in it. When I harvest the honey I'll have some pictures for you.

Land Update

This past weekend was a long but productive weekend. I have been building Patti a screened in porch for her house. I have been working 4 days on the porch and now have a completed roof. Last Sunday Patti & I burned and moved rocks on the Lake front. Even though it might not show we have accomplished many hours of hard work. Ploof excavating did not start the road like we thought he might. I guess it will be in July when he starts. I talked to another plumber that I tried earlier in the month, on Sunday and he said he will send a estimate. Let hope he does this time! Work will continue on the land until we get a road put in. The bees are doing fine and I hope to get some of the new honey by late July. Our log home plans were mailed yesterday from Lincoln Logs. We hope to get them today so we can get the foundation estimate.

Update

The log home plans will be mailed on the 26th of June and we will have them by the end of the month. Today I went out on my new Kayak and took some pictures. We hope to have the excavator working on the road this week. The grass and trees by the road were cleared by someone today. It makes it easier to get around and see other cars.

Land Clearing

Last Sunday Patti & I burned for about 5 hours. We cleaned many of sticks and branches we have collected in and around the water. I made three more fire pits so when the chain saw is sharpened we will have four fires going. Today CVPS and Williamson Electric/ Peter will be looking at the power set up at the property at 1pm. The bees are doing fine. I opened both hives on last Saturday and both are producing honey. The Russian bees seem to be ahead of the Italian's but they both seem healthy. The plans haven't arrived yet and we are still waiting for estimates from the foundation & plumbing contractors.

Section Two in Place

Hello:

Section two was added to the dock today. Patti & I loaded the trailer and headed out to Fern Lake. I hooked up the dock at the access area and headed out on the Lake. It was Hazy and clear when I started. about 15 minutes into this operation it started to thunder, lightning and pour out, just out of no where. I made it to the shore before it got too bad, and waited out the storm. To say the least it was slow moving but I managed to get to the other side of the lake 2 hours later. It was a nice trip and the water was warm. Check out the pictures. If you look twice, notice I'm on the dock when I arrive. I switched and decided to use the dock instead of the boat because it was easier to paddle alone instead of the rubber boat. Anyway I made it to the other end safe and a few pounds lighter. I'll hook up the two sections tomorrow. Patti was waiting on the property when I arrived.

Boat Dock / Update

Here is the picture I promised of the first boat dock section on the Lake. I also made section two which will have connections on each side for pipes to guide it and keep it aligned. I also need a boat for this dock. I'll be looking for a used small boat for the completed dock, along with a couple of kayaks. Yesterday I also cleared some more small trees that were in the water near the shore. I put on my waders and cleared some more sticks and leaves that have floated and accumulated near the shore. This is quite a messy job and at times stink, but when it's done we will have a nice looking waterfront. I still haven't heard anything from the plumber I called so I'll have to call someone else. The foundation estimate cannot be completed because he needs the plans so we'll have to wait until it returns.

Boat Dock

Yesterday, was a busy day for me. I brought the first section of dock over the the property and launched it. It was a complete success!!! I had to take it in four sections to the water down the hill, and put it back together fighting the bugs, but I managed without any problems. I also started burning brush in a large camp fire I started yesterday that kept the bugs down to a level I could tolorate. The day was not all working I fished the lake late in the afternoon. No! I did not catch that tuna, but I did manage to catch five Large Mouth Bass four of them over 13" long around the 2 1/2 lb range. It was quite exciting to say the least. They hit on my favorite flat fish lure which I am sad to say I lost on a submerged stick :( Rip, I hope to find it someday!. The rest hit on spinner bait. I did manage to catch a Crappie, actually it was my first Crappie. I hope to catch more someday and have a large feast. It's a rainy day today I'm not sure if I'll get much done at the property but I'll keep busy planning the next activity.

Boat Dock / Trophy Fish Caught on Fern Lake

Hello everyone!!
I started making the boat dock yesterday. I'm sure it will be sturdy with all the fancy boat dock hardware I''m using. Pressure treated lumber is also being used. The first section will be taken to the lake hopefully today for it's maiden voyage on Fern lake. Picture are to follow soon! I received the estimate from Williamson Electric and also talked to CVPS the power company. I need to make a appointment to visit the lot so they can both talk to each other about how the power is going to the house. We are still debating about overhead wires or underground. Wires underground are owned by the property owners and the overhead are owned by the power company. I've been working hard on all projects and I will be taking a fishing break soon. This small tuna was caught in a special location on Fern Lake, sorry I can't tell you where, but if you come out and fish with me you will probably fish in my sweet spot and not know it.

Preliminary Drawings Update

Patti & I have signed off on the first rough draft of the preliminary drawings of the log home. The actual drawings will arrive in about 3-4 weeks. Check out the new pictures!! Also note that the kitchen/dining room will be switched to the other side of the house. These changes will be obvious when the preliminary's arrive. A 2 1/2 car garage will also be added to the drawings. The cost of the whole project has risen as well. I also received a updated proposal from the builder for the added changes. I will share the cost of this project at a later time, because it seems to change daily. I am still waiting for the Plumber & Heating person to call back. Also notice the new pictures of the Bee yard. The girls seem to be very happy at there new home and are very busy working the spring bloom.