Fall has arrived, and winter is just around the corner. The pressure is on to finish the cabin. While we've accomplished a lot, there's still much more to do. We briefly considered whether arriving a month earlier would have made a difference, but dwelling on the past won't help us now. We're both determined, and we know we'll get everything done. Thankfully, we have wonderful friends who are ready to lend a hand if we need it.
Rain was in the forecast for about half the week, with Tuesday expecting showers. We decided to focus on the food forest, a task we could easily pause if the rain arrived. We used the mower to mulch the pine needles, which we then added to the herb gardens—free soil is always a bonus, reducing what we’ll have to manage come spring. We arranged all the plants according to our layout, and the planting will happen soon enough.
Wednesday was predicted to be rainy in the morning, clearing up later. As it turned out, the forecast was wrong, giving us an unexpected day off. A little video gaming and lounging with the kitties was just what we needed for our spirits.
On Thursday, we made a trip into town to pick up some OSB for the bathroom walls. Although we got a late start, we managed to mount the posts on the bathroom piers, nail in the joints, and install the house wrap for the underbelly.
Friday was all about getting serious with the bathroom. We added insulation to the floor and covered it with OSB. The walls went up easily, especially compared to the main part of the cabin. To wrap up the day, we installed the rafters, putting us in a good position for Saturday.
On Saturday, our friends Tom and Theresa came to help out. While Rick and I focused on the bathroom, Tom and Theresa tackled the roof with impressive speed. We completed the blocking in the rafters and started adding OSB, only to realize we had underestimated the amount needed. At least we managed to finish the roof and lay down the felt, but the lumber yard is closed on weekends. All we could do was cover it with house wrap to protect it from the incoming rain. Later, we took Tom and Theresa out for dinner, enjoying good food and great company. We truly appreciate their help and friendship.
"I want to take a moment to give a huge shout-out to my partner. He envisioned this cabin, drew out the plans, and built all the walls in advance. He meticulously compiled lists of supplies we would need and thought of everything for our arrival. He’s done an incredible job. What we don’t often discuss are the struggles he faces. Some days he’s productive and works hard, but he takes frequent breaks as he tires easily. There are mornings when he wakes up wanting to go back to bed, and on those days, he needs a nap. Sometimes, he just can’t function and requires a lazy day. Then there’s what we call "stroke brain"—there are days when he’s at his best, but other days, even basic tasks feel challenging. Items get misplaced, and supply lists can be incorrect. The hardest part is that he tends to blame himself for things beyond his control. This is our life now. Yes, it can be tough, but the alternative is worse. We rise each day together, doing our best. These challenges are woven into our weeks, though I often don’t mention them."- Cat
Sunday was expected to be rain-free, but it rained on and off all day. We persevered and managed to install the door and the front window. It was cold and wet, but we were determined to make progress.
On Monday, we headed out to pick up the remaining OSB we needed. We removed the house wrap and finished the walls before reapplying it. Finally, we installed the window, and we are now fully dried in.
Remember Small Steps Gets You Miles
Rick & Cat
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