8/3/19
(Above: A picture of Jacobhouse’s bedroom [taken from the west].)
Building Summary: Today began with Padre and I getting together in Jacobhouse to formulate a plan in regard to the bed. We determined that it would be best to first implement a plywood floor to protect the electrical wires running to the office area and to prevent my losing anything in the exposed floor-grate. During that same discussion, we found the way that we would fasten the bed’s primary 2×4 brackets in place as well as how we would end up supporting those brackets.
Padre then helped me load a sheet of ¾” plywood onto the big white pickup truck, as well as a 2×10. I proceeded to bring those pieces of lumber out to Jacobhouse where I cut the plywood to a size so near-to-perfect that it almost did not fit. Fortunately, we were able to tap the wood down into place (Padre hammering at it as I stood on top), and thus, the plain plywood floor was implemented.
I took the next bit of morning to journey down to Harbison Farmers’ Market, and there, procured the coming week’s vegetation. On returning home, I put many of the vegetables away and set about making a large pot of stew for lunch. I was successful in both endeavors, and then ventured back down to Jacobhouse where Padre decided to help me even more with the initiation of bed building. We tended to this task for about forty minutes before heading up to old-house and eating lunch.
Commentary: It was varied morning today with an odd schedule, but I’m glad to say that advancements were made at Jacobhouse. Part of this was due to Padre and I putting together a clear mental plan for the bed area, and the other reason for success was the fact that Padre himself was present for the majority of my time at the container home this morning. The building process really did seem to move along much more quickly and smoothly with him on hand, and at the end of the morning, the bedroom area of Jacobhouse appeared significantly different.
As for a second highlight, I feel that I should mention the stew I made for lunch. The bulk of the fluids within consisted of water, heavy cream, and merlot, while the majority (all) of the vegetation was comprised of items found at the Harbison farmer’s market: cabbage, sweet onion, mushrooms (both baby bella and Portabella), potatoes, and garlic. As for the meat, the three whole quails were procured from Weber Family Farm while the two chicken thighs* were the only major ingredients purchased at a supermarket. I served the stew with toasted homemade bread alongside a farmers’ market salad of lettuce, tomato, onion, and cucumber. A glass of Bel’lagio Chianti wine complimented the meal. All of it was delicious.
Final Note: Tomorrow I will continue working on the bed that Padre and I began today. If all goes well, the morning may end with my finally taking down the cow wood I put up in the beefer field almost half a year ago (2/16/19). Saying this, more wood will likely be put up in place of the naturally finished boards**.
*We didn’t have chicken stock available, so I just threw two frozen chicken thighs in the pot at the beginning to add some extra flavor to the liquid. The texture of that chicken ended up being just right after 2 ½ hours in the pot.
** The cows will enjoy the returned roughness, and I may be able to sell the naturally finished lumber as a Master Blend product.