November 23, 2020
2 minute read
296 words
14 photos
Fiery trials…
Fire has a way with wood. It can turn it into light or it can make it better at heavy-lifting. Three hundred years ago the Japanese discovered a technique for weather-proofing cedar siding. Shou sugi ban. We decided to use the method for our roof timbers. It turns out scorching the surface of wood makes it water resistant, bug repellant, and fire retardant. Plus it was a fun and easy way to give our timbers the rich chocolate color we desired. An added bonus, we can look up for years to come and remember that a little bit of pain and suffering can bring a wealth of good.
A Journal Entry…
November 11, 2020
The sandhill cranes are heading south today, winding their formations in the clear blue above us and trumpeting as they go. We’re heading into the final weeks before phase 1A is ready for move-in. Hooray!
Highlights from Q3…
Four walls and a roof
Windows, door and a floor
Plumbing, electric, radiant heat
So many blessed helpers along the way
order + chaos = productivity 
heave, ho!
lunch from Lia’s kitchen 
timbers welded in
Joey – nail patrol officer 
getting on Nathan’s level
barefoot… 
…roofing
let’s go inside, shall we?
Over the next few weeks…
Finishing the interior
Welcoming baby 🙂
A toast, to you and yours…
May life’s torch keep you toasty
And scorch you stronger.
EXTRA special thanks this month to these delightfulest folks…
Mama Tiffany, Mama & Daddy Brace, Robert’s sisters and Ransom and Sean and Daniel, The James Siblings (Daniel, Joshua, and Lilly), The Joseph Bezzams, Nathan Malone, Micah Webster, Stanley Lerma & family, Rigo Rodriguez, and you-who-shall-not-be-named, you know who you are.
Thanks for being here.
See you out there…
RxL
Such interesting facts about using burnt wood. The Japanese also have a high esteem for cranes. Glad you saw some. Such wonderful friends & family to pitch in to help you build your home. Blessings, Nananne
You are all something else! What an ambitious couple. Love the photos….thanks for sharing.