My elbow seems to be a weak link in my body. It is typical that prolonged and extreme physical exertion will result in a sore elbow. This time, however, it has swollen up a bit.
We’ve got half the roof boards on and I’m hopeful about moving in to the second floor soon.
The evening has brought some cool weather in which is wonderful after the very hot day. The forest is so dry that the heavy wind is stirring up the dust from the dirt roads. It feels like a mini dust bowl.
Swollen Elbow
Half the roof boards are up
Wide Boards
The Gables have been trimmed back
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Well we put the ridge pole and rafters up! Joe, Andrew, Ian and I all had a great time making jokes about being men, male anatomy and general crassness. Here are the pictures!
We’re working with mostly pine. And Ian brought up a point. He said that pine pollen’s molecular structure is very similar to testosterone. We we had plenty today!
Joe puckering up!
Rafters are up
The three roof setters
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Today I prepared the opening for the windows. This involved squaring off the edges of the logs for trim boards and flashing.
Some of the work involved overhead chainsaw work, so I become completely covered in sawdust.
What a beautiful day. Warm, sunny, brilliant etc. Last night I was visited by a barred owl who must have been within 50 feet of the cabin. I listened to it and another night sound before bed.
Prepared Opening
Side Windows Look Great
Inside View
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Joe and I’ve spent the past two days milling lumber for the upcoming work party. The picture below represents these two days of work.
Two days of milling lumber
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As this Cabin building project is drawing on, I’m becoming rather tired. I’m looking forward to finishing and moving in. I’m also looking forward to continuing writing the book that I’m working on and pursuing outdoor adventures.
Today was an errands day in preparation for the work party. We blew out a tractor tire, so we had to go to North Conway, NH. I got some drip edge and roofing screws, motorcycle parts, groceries etc. as a way of making the most out of the trip. I also filled up my diesel pickup for almost $100. I can’t wait until the motorcycle is back in commision.
We picked up the windows and hauled them into the cabin. In the afternoon we cut a ridge pole and stripped the bark. We quit early as a family member from Hawaii arrived today.
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As the building is getting up there, it’s becoming additionally difficult to proceed without help. So, I’ve asked some skilled friends to join me in a work party.
Hopefully in one day we’ll finish the gables, lay the ridge pole and rafters, put down the strapping and boards on the overhangs, lay the roofing and install the windows.
I’ll spend the rest of the week on preparing for the party.
gables with new logs waiting.
The Other Side
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I had a nice day spending time with Joe in his Garage. We were attempting to get to the bottom of an oil leak my Suzuki DR 350 motorcycle.
The rain came through in wisps a little at a time. It was very comforting from the shelter of the garage.
Cozy in the Garage until the new parts arrive.
A Universe of intertwined Gears
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It’s time to take my motorcycle apart and figure out what’s wrong with the kickstart assembly.
And whatever else I can manage to do today.
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Today’s lunch resulted in a two hour nap. It was great to sleep stretched out across the bench of the truck and feel the breeze flow across my snoozing self. Joe was tired as well and went home around lunch.
In the morning we saw a medium size yellow mystery bird. I’d like to find out what they are. The morning wakeup call from the forest critters was especially loud today. There were some calls that I hadn’t heard before.
The gables are half way done. Perhaps I’ll finish the gables tomorrow. The construction has slowed down as I’ve started engaging other activities. I’m feeling more well rounded now.
I’m also feeling useful as I’ve had the honor of working with people in need. I find that there is nothing like helping others.
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I’ve been through many surrenders in my spiritual development and this time in my life is another period of intense growth. I enjoy the relief that comes from letting go and receiving help.
Here is the anatomy of spiritual surrender as I’ve come to know it.
One aspect of surrendering is acknowledging that one cannot function to full and healthy capacity alone. This first act requires a deep honesty with one’s self and a willingness to re-write one’s story. It requires acknowledging any underlying assumptions and beliefs that no longer serve in a healthy way.
Another aspect of surrendering is rooted in the feeling that wholeness, strength, healing and power is possible by tapping into the power of our spiritual connections. Surrendering is letting go of the controlling style of “going it alone” and joining forces with Spirit, The Power of the Universe, God or any type of Higher Power.
After acknowledging the need for help and inviting in the power of your spiritual connection, it’s time to look deeply inward and figure out what stays and what goes. Another person who can act as a mirror is a very useful tool at this stage of the game. Once the details have been hashed out, it’s time to let go.
What replaces the surrendered parts of one’s self? I believe that the spiritual process of surrendering actually helps us become more of who we are and cleans out those things that keep us from being powerful and of use to others. So it’s not about becoming a nobody or being a puppet. Rather it’s about deep connection with self, others and Spirit.
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