8/28/19
(Above: A sunbeam shines through the front windows of Jacobhouse on the now-enclosed utility hole.)
Building Summary: This morning, my tasks consisted primarily of painting the primed pieces of plywood (turquoise pieces with one coat, black pieces with two coats). Between coats, I tended to Master Blend customers, made a meatloaf for lunch, and helped Padre and Wag tag 5 calves out in the beef pasture.
(8:04 PM Update): Made even more progress this afternoon. I ended up bringing the painted pieces of plywood out to Jacobhouse via big white pickup, and then I went about installing all of them. The top two pieces were fairly simple, as the framing was already in place*. The bottom, however, lacked a frame. I ended up making one out of little pieces of blocking I had laying around – a process requiring much measuring, drilling, and some additional self-tapping. Despite the slight difficulty of cramped quarters, I did finish the task. There is now a sub-subcounter shelf and not a single inch to be seen of the utility hole.
I should also include that I made a large sawdust mess while drilling a ‘thru-hole’ for the air-conditioner cord. At least now the cable won’t have to stretch all the way around the front of the subcounter to reach its receptacle.
TIL: When utilizing black paint, it is best to use a dark-colored primer if possible. Otherwise, like it did today, the base coat may shine through.
Commentary: It was a highly productive day at Jacobhouse. I not only painted the plywood boards I cut a couple days ago, I ended up installing them this afternoon and closing up both the soffit and the utility hole. I also made progress in the goal mentioned yesterday – enjoying the road instead of pining for the destination.
It should also be noted that there is news of a hurricane headed toward Central Florida. Over the coming week, I will be endeavoring to make Jacobhouse as livable as possible in the case of no power at oldhouse for extended periods**. The primary tasks I’d like to accomplish are: priming / sealing the kitchen counter, hooking up the washer / dryer unit, and installing the kitchen counter. If possible, I will also order in a gas grill for some prime power-outage cooking time.
Padre and I cut a piece of 1″ aluminum angle-stock for trim but decided not to fasten it on until after I’ve touched up the paint job.
Final Note: Tomorrow I will likely study the priming / sealing process of the kitchen counter, and I will make preparations for that process. Also, I will endeavor to hook up the washer/dryer unit to drain and the water supply lines.
*I did use some 3″ self-tappers to fasten a small piece of blocking onto the ceiling as additional support for the topmost vertical piece of plywood.
**During our last major hurricane – Irma – we were out of power for nine days. That, however, was before Walden. I feel that I may be able to cope without electricity much more comfortably now.