Prater's Project

Back to work

2009-03-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Boy Does reality come at you quick. The Prater bunch feels like our week riding was monumental in the "life experience" file and that our front and rear brakes jolted tight Thurs afternoon when the celebration was over. We were just getting into a groove of riding, feeling tranformed into better people, cycling phenoms, etc and then it was over~
So we're getting ready for the Chico Velo Club's Wildflower Century ride, that's our way back to the euphoria of last week I guess! We're trying to get a group together, most for the 60 mile flatflower or 65 mile Wildflower, anybody else want to jump in??
Anyway, I can't complain much, I'm off to New York in 2 days, so cramming as much work into today and tomorrow as I can to pay for all of March's Madness! A few last pictures that were left over and many thanks to those who contributed to the cause of FA, lets hope a cure comes along soon, we met too many people who are affected by this disease!

Big Finish, Big Wall, Big Cheers

2009-03-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

What a finish! Of course it was raining, this is the Northwest after all when we left at 9;15 this morning. There was a trail on most of the ride which was alittle void of the fast traffic- GREAT! We were riding as a group more and that was fun to get to know some of the others on the ride but also alittle more dangerous riding as a group. Lots of railroad tracks and one of the last ones got Adam, he was trying to 4 wheel on his 3 wheel through gravel, rock and berry vines. Didn't work, we got him and his trike back on the trail, only his pride hurt. Glad we were all there to help him, wasn't sure if he could've gotten out of that by himself. Thent he next tracks caught Chris and it was a family wreck, Stephanie and I followed on top of him! We were all fine thankfully, no scratches on the bikes and we were back off to Outback for some warmth, dry conditions and another great meal to finish us up. Karen went out to the truck while we were eating and caught a burglar in our truck- jimmed the lock but he was just there so although he was foiled in getting my laptop, Chris' wallet, etc he did do a small amount of damage- dirty rotten you know what! After the police came, we started on the to big ass hill, this was NO HILL it was a mountain! After only 5 feet, this 21% grade had all but a few walking. we pushed the trikes up and then stationed a few blocks from the finish to ride in filling up one land to a cheering, crying, appreciative crowd. It was so touching to come into a sight of wheelchairs, walkers, and canes cheering and clapping us in. Really heartfelt and we felt back most couldn't join us on the ride or even on bike. The emotion is still with us all, we even felt sad this morning that we weren't getting back on a bike to ride this morning. I'll write more later about the convention, Kyle Bryant is definetly the ROCK STAR of this place and we're all following in his wake. What an accomplishment for us in forwarding the message and raising money! BTW- Stephanie's 29th birthday was yesterday, had a fun dinner at MAMA's in Seattle, great way to celebrater with friends and family.

Dyno Duo and the 3 muskateers

2009-03-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today was a another giant day for this group, we started off at 8:30 am with 33 turns before lunch and a total ride of 62 miles! The weather cooperated wonderfully, it wasn't to hot, didn't rain, a tailwind! We had a meeting last night to go over all the turns, getting 67 riders to a lunch spot with over 30 miles and that many turns and all degrees of ability and bikes, it was a wonderful accomplishment for all! I'm loving this eating part though, the 3rd day for PB&J's!! Probably my last for another 10 years, but they haven't tasted so good since I was 6. Then Stephanie and I took off strong and made some great time riding in the last few hills with big efforts to make our time of 5 1/2 hours! Hence to ourselves we're now the Dyno Duo and thinking of joining the circuit of something! Haa. Oh the speedy front Chris, John, Ryan Neibuhr and Tess were the first ones in today, sending the Outback Steakhouse group a defeat of their own making! They rode the 62 miles in 4 1/2 hours!!! Chris Prater is now the social director of part of the group and also big guy! He has to get to bed for his early AM Coffee Clatch with the boys!
A few of the others to make mention of who have been so inspriational to all of us;
Adam- a FA patient who made the whole 62 miles and then waiting for a couple who had crashed during today's ride, always thumbs up and positive- we've enjoyed his company and humor so much!
Beth- She is also a afflicted with FA, is a mother of a 4 and 7 yr old, in a wheelchair and her goal was a 100 miles for this trip and she's close, also always positive!
Sean, Sam and Matt- 3 young guys who always ride with strength, fun and never complain! I'll get all their photos posted yet!
Kyle- Without him, NONE of this would happen. He's more than an inspiration, he's a walking momument to living life to its fullest, never complaining or whinning, just going for it!
Another great dinner from Outback tonight, they are AWESOME and our donation total is now over $200,000!!!! At dinner the regional director gave a check for $15,000! What an ending to a great day. Tomorrow we finsh and we're excited.

Hills, Rain and Cold

2009-03-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

I'll start with the 8:30 "lift off", it was pouring! There were only a few turns and a small bridge and then the "hills" started. Riding in the pouring rain is a challenge with not being able to see out of your glasses and then sweating because the hill never stopped it seemed. Every time I let out a sigh I thought of those riding with us afflicted with FA on their trikes I stopped and thanked God I am fully able to complete this.
Lunch was quick it was freezing, a quick PB&J and then Stephanie, Tess and I booked it for the motel. The sun came out, the scenery was awesome and the hills were for the most part done.
Let me add the World's Largest Egg pic and then tell you about the amazing job that our support is doing. They feel us breaksfast, lunch and amazing dinner once again by Outback Steak House, they have the motels ready, our bags moved every morning and night, power bars, water, etc everywhere for us.
Outback Steakhouse is the major sponsor of this ride and last night they catered with garlic mashed potatoes, chicken and salmon, salad. Tonight Filets and RIBS!!! Cesar salads, etc catered in a historic train station in Centralia, the mayor came and welcomed us. Around us able bodied are parents, siblings, cousins of those afflicted and we're in awe of all they live with. This is a tough ride and we're nervous about doing it all, but they put life in perspective.
I have to include the BRIDGE from yesterday, it still is tough to think about.
But we're concentrating on being strong for tomorrow, its 62 miles, 33 turns before lunch and "hilly", here we go again, we're hoping for a few degrees warmer ( today's high was 47) and no rain.

We made it the First Day

2009-03-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends- What a beginning to this ride. First off, the thoughts of riding 62 miles in the rain and it poured yesterday on the truck ride up from Chico, was daunting at best and frightening besides. We started off at Breaksfast 6 AM, leaving the hotel at 7:30 and started riding in the rain at 9. Portland was really cool, what we saw of it. Snaked our way through downtown traffic and after about 5 miles made it to the industrial section with tons of semi's and logging trucks whissing by at 65 MPH. We stopped for lunch at mile 32, it was great to have the SAG crew there and ready to feed and medicate us if needed.
After lunch we started out in the rain and the rode was nice, still busy road but not I-5 anyway. I got my first flat at about 40, luckily I had a tube, and 2 other riders stopped to help with tools and know how. Then we got to the Lewis and Clark bridge, OMG! It was pouring at this point and this is a steel bridge at least 2 miles long with logging trucks, it is high and scary. I was praying the whole time. I wish I could've gotten a picture but I was to nervous, but riding with Ryan and Jason we made it, coming down the other side was equally scary with trucks screaming down with us. After a few turns in another industrial zone of Kelso, WA we came upon Stephanie who had a flat, we switched hers out and made it to the motel at about 3:30. Enjoy the pictures, pray for no rain tomorrow and check out the links below for GPS tracking and a few media spots we're getting.
Oh, THE BIG NEWS: This ride with 67 riders has raised over $170,000.!!!!!!
Goodbye for now from Kelso, we feeling better than we should and going to a catered dinner from Outback, our big sponsor!
Here's link for GPS tracking and I can't end without mentioning that a friend crashed and is still at the hospital waiting for stitches above her eyebrow, karen Staples is out but not down.

Riding Becky Style

2009-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Chris likes to train, I like to enjoy the view, but between us we did ride about 32 miles on Friday and 16 on Sat. The almond blooms were beautiful and the air smelled fresh and fragant before the rain started. Sat we rode up to the old neighborhood and got sidetracked by visiting the old "hood" friends but also picked up another pledge! Thanks Lollie!
Got some rain gear yesterday and a helmut rearview mirror ( wanted to look like Mike Bryant!) We're also packed for the ride and ready to rock and roll, after Mexico that is! Several friends have mentioned we're going in the wrong direction, should be going to Mexico after the ride not before but timing is everything, right??
Here's some of the views from Fridays tour and so far we're up to
$1785.00 in monies raised for FA!!!!! THANKS TO ALL!

There always kayaking

2009-02-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

hello Everyone- Well, if the rain gets to bad we're going to Kayak up to Seattle! This was taken Monday afternoon at One Mile in Chico, right in the middle of town if you don't know Chico! Raining, raining, bad for riding, good for our lakes and drought situation. Let's pray for little rain and NO WIND on the big ride. Heading out now to get in another 20 mile or so ride, Chris gets a tooth pulled this afternoon and a bridge removed, doesn't want that as a distraction on the PTS adventure!
We got the ride schedule of miles yesterday, Day 1- 57 miles, Day 2- 42, Day 3-63 MILES, Day 4- 29!

If its Sunday its raining

2009-02-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

But if it was Saturday it was beautiful! We rode yesterday with our friend Darcy 31 miles! We rode north of Chico to the river-again- and back home. Weather was good and we've only got 9 days left before we head south to Mexico for the prep work! Ha, we're going to get out of shape probably in the 10 days prior to the ride! Anyway, we're riding everyday it ISN'T pouring. I told Chris we better try one day in the rain to prepare but still no rain gear- oh well. Here is a pic of my new bike, Darcy wouldn't get in the photo op. Had to stop at Scotty's for water, Chris almost came out with 24 oz beers for us to finish with, but withheld himself. He did get flack from the regulars there for his "Bike" attire, not exactly his usual jeans and t-shirt.
Hoping to write more tomorrow with another ride!

Its Raining

2009-02-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

Hi All- Training and this blog haven't proved easy. The training is going great through last Friday. I got a new bike! Its a Trek road bike and its my size- a big plus, skinny tires, clip in shoes, and I can almost keep up with Chris on his hot rod BIKE! Here's a picture of it, this biking thing is fun but boy is there alot of things you need to get out and ride in the winter. Layering I am learning, which gloves and socks for keeping me somewhat warm. Its supposed to be decent weather tomorrow and Thurs, will take another picture and start posting! One month from yesterday we start in Portland!
Pray for the best weather that the Northeast can throw our way, hopefully not to bad of wind and/or rain!
We're in the blogging and emails with some of the other riders- coming from as far as the East Coast, everyone is trying to get in some training and figure out rain gear, its fun to be involved.
Fundraising is going really well- I think we're over $1000 THANKS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

New Bike

2009-02-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I've come into 21st century bike riding with a new Trek bike! Its so different than the old Wizard of Oz bike. I got good mileage out of my mom's Specialized bike but it was to big ( she was 5'8" ), to heavy, etc. This one is cute per Stephanie, my size, and has skinny tires! Chris rode with me yesterday as I tried out a couple of bikes, this one felt the best and went on sale the day before! I also got riding shoes, clip in, see how long it takes me to figure these out. The weather isn't great today so not sure if I'll attempt it in the rain or not, better not wimp out I guess. I'll send pictures when we get out.

A new Project of Sorts!

2009-02-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hello All- We're back and on to another project! A little update since last July, we moved into the new version of 860 Filbert last August, Chris had his left knee replaced ( 1/2 of it) on August 8th and our daughter Stephanie got married Sept. 6th in a beautiful ceremony to John Lockwood! We're thrilled to now have a son in law!
Our new project is a BIKE RIDE! And in traditional Prater fashion its a big one, we're participating in a fundraising ride from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA this March 16-19! The whole family is going hopefully, Chris, Becky, Stephanie and John and Cody, if his schedule will allow!Its a ride for long time friend's son Kyle Bryant who has a rare disease called Friedrichs Ataxia. You can read about it at www.rideataxia.org but this blog will document the training we're doing, aches, falls, triumph s and finally the ride itself!
This is the 3rd ride and luckily the shortest but its still 200 miles in 4 days, our goal is to continue Kyle's amazing fundraising and inspiration to others with this disease and all of us to get up and try something new, different and alittle scary!
We're 45 days from the ride and can ride 20 miles without to much Advil afterwards and I'm looking to improve the Wicked Witch bike, Chris bought John's super fancy bike last week and he is way to fast for me now! John is the real "biker" he loves to ride fast and furious, and along way, last Sunday John, Stephanie, Chris and I rode 40 miles from Sac State to the town of Folsom and BACK! I was very impressed by myself, even though cramping at about 30 miles about made me rethink this all!
Anyway, here's a photo of us with Mike, Kyle, Colin and Jina Bryant right after Christmas riding in Chico. Also a couple of us at the Sac river this week, weather is awesome and scenery not bad!

Progress Progress

2008-07-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

BIG progress this weekend and yesterday with a very unfortunte injury as well to report. First the yard is 90% done as you can see by the pics! The backyard is awesome, we lucked out with a perfect day yesterday to lay the sod, Marco and David got it done in record time! I showed up about 10 am and it was already done and you can see the new tall fence, loss my mature landscape there, men and their machines saw to that but its pretty again. Chris worked all morning and got the front plants out that I liked but was alone and lost on that decision so new sod there as well now.
Inside the tile is DONE in the baths and looks "FABULOUS" darlings, even though Randy English the tile master shakes his head at my selections. The master is soothing and pretty, the large 24 sq. floor tiles almost look like a stained concrete and the subway white are good for the vintage look, then the glass accents and backsplash are just pretty! The hall bath is pure retro fun with the different colored tiles and the geometric design on the floor!
Now to the tradegy, Chris and Scott from NorCal Stone have been working 7 days to get the countertops for the kitchen here, ( Randy is on hold and quick)they delivered about 1/2 on Monday and were loading the rest yesterday on the truck when workers in their workshop ( the landlord and a worker) were finishing a firewall. I guess the workshop has really tall ceilings and the worker was up about 20' on the scaffolding reached down to pick up a tool and the scaffolding went down with him on it right onto our countertops HEAD FIRST. He bled, was out for quite some time and taken to the hospital in an ambulance. No word today on how he's doing, hoping he's okay. The countertops are CESARSTONE- a manmade product like a quartz, its heavy as stone, looks awesome but not something to fall into. Anyway our countertops were in several pieces, Chris is driving this morning to San Leandro to pick up another slab and we're starting over on them. Randy is going to finish the backsplash using a ledger that was installed to the height of where the countertops will be eventually??
Next is kitchen cork floor, appliances and moving. No word from the electrician, he's busy I guess?? He doesn't like me either, oh well. Plumber hopefully Friday. Keep good prayers and thoughts for the man who was injured and I'll keep posting.

Countdown is on

2008-07-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been busy as you can see! We sold our beloved Brookside home on the 4th of July! Tile is booking along, should have kitchen countertops (Cesarstone) on Tues and then CORK floor is to be installed. Tile master- Randy- doesn't have my eye for the colors, he thinks I'm nuts. But Marci has confirmed all selections as perfect~
Front door is on finally, you can see all the concrete, sprinklers in and the fence should be done today! Yard get planted on Monday, smoke or not.
For those of you out of the area, its surreal at best! We are on almost day 21 of smoke haze. Check out the magic of Matt and Seth on the new brick patio that matches PERFECT the old!!
Sydney and I walk when we can, Chris is at the gym, BTW- he's getting a partial new knee in 6-8 weeks!! Call often I don't have time!

Fresh Paint, Fresh Start

2008-06-17T12:12:00.001-07:00

Its starting to look real! Charlie and his gang went to town and slammed out the fresh painst inside and out! Hope you can tell the colors, Sherwin Williams something about Khaki and Panda White~ There are hundreds of whites and now I know blacks?? Decisions, anyway, its starting to look like home! Cabinets should start getting installed in a couple of days, then the fun begins! Stone fabricator is ready, new tile guy is alittle out, the dymanic duo of Chris and Dennis are going to do the new CORK floors, way cool. I'm on the hunt for light fixtures and a buyer for Brookside Drive~
Here, buyer, buyer, buyer~ Check out the listing of this great house at www.beckysbuys.com
More fun photos will now be coming

Its been awhile

2008-05-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, its been to long between postings. We actually went on a quickie vacation and no we couldn't move the house to the beach or visa versus but wish we could. We went to a resort between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, incredible room, hot, amazing water, a good time.
OK- back to reality. We got back and the whole house was sheetrocked and taped! Jeff Eiben and Jim Scott worked all week and got it textured. We went with an imperfect texture. To duplicate the old plaster was going to be a much more detailed, long and expensive process and only one man in town knows how! Hence, this finish which actually looks great.
I also started the fun stuff- picked out most of the tile, got the file setter, mason for the fireplace and new brick patio and Jasper, the magic wood floor man over this week~ I also was in charge of getting the landscape away from the house and to start trimming the jungle up!
Met our backyard neighbor today, his puppy BILLY, ran away and showed up. Luckily the owner, Kent came over otherwise I think Chris may have taken Billy, a cross of something and a border collie!
I think we'll make August 1st now! Jasper has to replace the fir floors parts to match the bedroom's white oak. Tile is being ordered and mason is ready to start. The paint colors are done and the cabinets are going to start being made on Tuesday.
More pictures this weekend I promise!

Almost perfect

2008-05-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

The inspection went over an hour, but in the long run it was jsut a few items, like electrical and a few firebreaks in the attic or something like that~
Insulation tomorrow and then sheetrocking starts up on Wed!
We both got the stomach bug this weekend so laid low, didn't go to Filbert once and both lost weight, always a good thing. More pics when Jeff starts sheetrocking, it feels like soon the house will start feeling like a home.
Yeah!

Keep your fingers crossed

2008-05-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Today is a BIG DAY! Chris is over waiting for the inspector- framing, electrical, plumbing and something else important that I can't think of. Anyway, the roof didn't go on as the original plans showed, its safe and better I'm told but if an inspector is a stickler, we could be required to do something like have the engineer write a letter for several hundred dollars saying its okay? Also, the ductwork in the master bed seems alittle squished, hope he doesn't look up although the heating guys said "No problem".
The family room woodstove is is, living room because of the chimney is on order, remeber the crumbling chimney? Crazy, but its been there for probably 50 years that way?? The sheetrock is getting delivered today, we have to insulate and get speaker wires done then we're ready for master sheetrock King- Jeff Eiben.
A sad note that we're facing, our favorite and only tile man the grumpy but loveable Rick Miller passed away at only 50 years old last month. No job will ever be the same without him to give us a hard time.
Brookside is getting spruced up, with the dynamic duo of Debbie and Wim our closets are now clean, almost empty and the master organized like I've wanted for 10 years! We're going to put it on the market sometime soon??
I'll post as soon as the results come in-

Framing Inspection

2008-04-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

More progress on the demo and new construction front~ We took out the last of the mst bed sheetrock, Chris celebrated last night the final assault on the hall shower and today all the sheetrock is coming down from the front bedroom! Electrical is done, plumbing is almost done, waiting for Steve and his crew to finish hall bath, install shower valves, and I guess a few other odds and ends. A new discovery- FLEX GAS LINES! We've never seen this before, had seen the flex plumbing lines that are easier and new, but a flex gas line? Its yellow and supposely has metal on the inside of the line! Alittle concern about where and how the gas line goes to the gas fireplaces, but we'll trust the experts??
In the background department- We got plumbing fixtures picked out, kitchen counters choosen, fireplace for the front existing fireplace ordered, new gas fireplace installed, measured for all cabinets, getting the sample with the right wood ( maple or birch) and stain and all the doors ordered!
I'm going to include a picture of our neighbors yard, Dr Wood has a magnificant rose garden and his annual garden open house was Sunday, it was nice of them to invite the newbies on the street! We'll be celebrating hopefully Friday with a 4 way inspection signed off!!I'll let you know

Guys at work

2008-04-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Here's the vision of work being completed today, hope you can see the "wasp/Bee" nest that was discovered in a bedroom wall today, as is there are any walls not yet uncovered! The electrical- Dave or "Sparky" to the framing crew of Dennis, Roy and Chris found this while putting in the new panel. A little more demo today to make way for bookshelves in the old living room/new dining room and fireplace box/hearth, steps into family room and skylites installed today! We say good bye to Roy for awhile, ready for 4 way framing inspcetion coming up soon~ Keep your fingers crossed~

Windows, Heating Ductwork and More Demo~

2008-04-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

The windows are in and looking good, at least clean so far~ Chris and Dennis put them in on Monday afternoon, Tues am John Vlach had his crew there at 7 putting in the sliding glass doors! They are slighly smaller than the originals but looking good~
Entry way is now framed in and the hall windows show how much light there is there now and with the mst. bed entry moved forward about 2 feet the hall doesn't seem like the bowling alley it was.
The ductwork is EVERYWHERE~ Of course where I'd ordered 2 sun tunnels for the back of the family room and one skylight for the kitchen now is in peril, probably only be able to use one sun tunnel, air return in in the ceiling at back of family room. I of course asked the HVAC guys if we couldn't move it but NO! I was at the house "Cleaning and sweeping" all afternoon and I don't think they were happy about it, because I kept asking them questions and if the squished ductwork in the master ceiling wasn't compromised, but they said NO! We have 2 thermostats for each side of the home.
Then I figured out with Marci the fireplace, Chris was concerned it was to big a box out into the room, so ROY ( yes he's finally back after being in Thermolito for 2 weeks!)and I went over it and it almost made it, I have to forget the concrete hearth, opening wasn't tall enough, oh well.
The fun stuff has begun, looked for countertops- Thinking Ceasarstone, its look is close to the retro look I'm thinking of, Strada has some good deals on certain granite, although the color of moss was interesting don't think they're right. Ceasarstone looks speckled like the formica look I'm thinking of. The Icestone recycled glass looks to be to expensive- $90 sq. ft.~ Checked out the plumbing fixtures too, looking for a different look than most- as usual! Some fun tiles though, textured for the floor possibily.
More later~

BIG WEEK!

2008-04-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Wow- The progress is showing! Heating and cooling ductwork should be DONE today! Dennis and Chris have cut in new windows in master bath, master bedroom, hall and are framing the new master bedroom entry ( moved in further INTO the hall so the hall doesn't appear like the bowling alley that it is ) and hopefully the chimeny/hearth in the family room! Skylights and added sun tunnels along with windows are being delivered on Monday, plumber Steve is showing up on Monday and Larry the electrician is ON SITE!
I met Marci, the amazing designer/decorator there yesterday and we got the kitchen lay out done. The kitchen has ended up longer than the plans and original layout for the refrigerator was a MILE away from the sink and range. Got the new location for desk, bookshelves for cooking books in the corner, refri against wall that backs to family room and new local for wine refri (MOST important appliance)
We have to tear out "alittle" more plaster on both sides of original fireplace in living room- aghh
Worse part of the week? Chris has bruises and cuts head to toe, I told him he needs a full armor suit to protect him! I'll get a picture for you later!

Remodeling the Remodel!

2008-04-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well, Dennis R said it best- she's remodeling the remodel already! The new master bathroom is awesome but alittle on the dark side as is the family room and kitchen. Those rooms have limited windows, so I'm adding a east facing window in the bathroom and skylights in the kitchen and bath.
The BIG news is the roof line is done! Chris is calling for a roof nailing inspection on Friday, since we added and subtracted, changed and customized the new/old roof line we're hopeful the inspectors won't notice or have a hard time with it!
Check out the pics!
Trying to decide on exterior of either stucco or matching siding? Any thoughts send them along for the survey!! This would be on the walls EXCEPT front of home.

I am woman!

2008-04-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well- No pictures to go with this one, there should be though! This morning we went over, Chris is still really sick and hasn't worked at the house since last Wed. Anyway, we went to check on this roof tie in and then got in the attic to get out what we could of the ductwork. PICTURE THIS- the pitch of the roof is low so there isn't alot of room in the attic, its short basically. AND the roof used to be a shake roof with thousands of long nails still sticking down through the roof and of course I was reminded that I could ONLY STEP on the rafters, NO GOING THROUGH THE CEILING- dah! So after crawling literally on the boards, half way impaling myself in the head and back and trying to tug and slice my way( with knit gloves on and an exacto knife) through the ductwork and THEN flinging it over to the opening to Chris we did it! Of course, we were itchy, coughing, sneezing and all that- Yes we had masks on. I was thinking while up there, how many men or women would be doing this crazy work? All so we have a 1/2 new and 1/2 old home??
Progress was made on the roof line, I'll take pics tomorrow, maybe if we could get all 4 guys there on one day they could get it done by the end of week?? Wishful thinking but we'll hope taxes are done, Chris is feeling better and family emergencies are all done.

This one's for Wim

2008-03-18T18:38:00.001-07:00

Well- Another day of BIG progress, almost all the trusses are up, another day for the roof jacks? I think that is the end of the hip roofs on the ends of the building. Know the process needs to refine how this is going to tie into the old roof. I've included a 2 pics of the front, showing the higher new roof pitch, and the back. Then there is the entry way extension with no roof. A shed or low pitched won't work, of course I thought of the obvious a patio cover type, which has been explained is ridiculous and so this is where Wim comes in. Our good friend and contractor extradoire is an unpaid consultant and currently in Mexico so this could be hard but he does have a set of plans with him and he's had enough vacation days anyway! Ha- The video is of Chris pulling out more of the old heating ductwork, I still have promised to get up there to get the last of the old wiring out which is supposedly all off! That could be an eventful day but hopefully NOT! Oh- we have a Dennis B replacement- Phil from Red Bluff, must be a deer hunter, but another quick worker that has to learn to slow for the senior citizen crew! More on the roof tomorrow!Another casulty- My IPOD!! we were so dirty, dusty from pulling the last kitchen wall of plaster down on Sat that I went straight into the laundry room and threw everything in the washing machine before getting in the shower, why don't guys think of this procedure? Anyway, the IPOD was in my pockets and although very clean, very out of any sort of functioning, is this a construction expense??

much progress

2008-03-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

it"s tuesday march 18th and we're just about finished framing. much of today was spent nailing shear panel up and even some more demo. tired of demo. trying to match up existing building with new always involved demo tomorrow we'll be finished framing and will be waiting for trusses, which are supposed to be delivered on monday. at that time we'll stand the trusses and begin what should be the last of the major demolition. we'll have to cut back the existing roof in order to blend the two together. this will be the moment of truth everyone has anticipated. we'll see. people stop by to check out the craziness of this project and all say the same thing-quite a project you've got going here. must be true. anyway we're doing pretty well for some old guys. more info at truss time.