March 28 -- Over 2,100 Linear Board Feet

The two elm trees yielded over 2,100 linear board feet, and there are still a few 10'-12' lengths of tree limbs 1' in diameter yet to be milled. These will be cut as the project progresses and if needed. Every one of these planks and posts have a specific role and placement in the garage.

A sample 6" square post, which will serve as one of the exposed rafters:

Many sections have the bark and imperfections at their ends. The Jury is still out how they will or won't be incorporated in construction.

The boards from the cedar tree will be used for at least one of the people doors in the garage.

March 20 -- Block-Work Is Finished

The block foundation and lower walls are complete. The rest of the structure wil employ conventional framing techniques.

This is the view from the steps, looking into Charlene's garage bay:

This is the view from behind Charlene's bay, looking south toward my garage bays:

And this is the view from the southwest door area of one of my bays, toward the rest of the structure:

March 20 -- Milling Continues.....

March 19 -- D-Day Plus 364

Tomorrow marks one year since the renovation began. There have been some unexpected delays (permitting and septic system) along the way, but those frustrations have been tempered by some amazing discoveries (stone interior walls), new opportunities (spiral staircase), and exceptional results (new living space, new closets, and refinished floors).

March 18 -- Milled Posts

Progress today in milling the felled trees into planks and posts:

March 17-18 -- More Sections Moved

Hauling of the downed trees continued until after dark yesterday. To all those genuinely concerned about using such green wood in construction of the garage: the planks and posts we create will be used as aesthetic trim and facia pieces, and are not critical to the structural integrity. Some imperfections that emerge over time are intended to mimic the imperfections on the 18th century smoke house. Thank you for your concern.

March 16 -- The Giving Trees Are Taken Away

The downed trees that will be milled into posts and planks for the garage were loaded up today for transport to the saw mill.

March 11 -- The Big Muddy

60 degrees today.

Pro: garage construction resumes in earnest. Con: rapid snow melt means mud is everywhere.

The view from the southeast corner, toward the garage bays:

The view west, along the breezeway between the smoke house and Char's future garage bay:

Trapped rainfall and snowmelt have to be pumped from the footings....

....and over to the existing drain system:

No vehicle -- or Inspector -- is spared from the muck:

March 1 -- More Giving Trees

Last week we had a handful of trees cut down that had begun to die back. They will be milled on-site to provide posts and planks for the garage. Our builder is now calculating how these trees should be sectioned to provide 6"x6" and 7"x3" posts, 1"x12' planks, and other sizes we will need.

The two below are >50" and >42" in diameter, respectively.

We also had a black walnut tree taken down, but its internal rot makes it unusable for garage construction.