Down on the Farm

 

  
The mud hole at the trailer --  a broken water line --  after we succeeded in bailing and draining the lake . . .

 

Look closely and you will see Eliot peering in amusement?  disbelief?   at the rotted out sill, studs, posts . . .

 The new sill down and the stud replacement started in the distance . . . notice all the dirt that had piled against the wall, rotting it out . . .

The swans have been gathering in the Valley for a while now.  It was a treat to work down on the farm last week and see the next field white with them, and hear them flying overhead.

Of course, the ruptured waterline at the trailer was a surprise for Eliot, Lori and me, and not too much fun.  It had been gushing for at least three days before we found it.  At least we finally found the water shut-off and got the thing capped.  I have spared you photos of us wallowing in the mud lake that had formed.

But the rest of the week was spent rebuilding the old carport which had rotted out along the floor sills.  In fact, one entire 24 foot wall was left with not a single post to support it! They had all long rotted and only some fortunate shear bracing had kept the whole building from collapsing.


Since I had been meaning to repair this for about three years, it felt good to finally get it done.  And Eliot was a wiz -- what a great guy to work with.  He knew how to do everything, and quickly too.

(Click on photos to enlarge.)