Activity 2010

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    October 4, 2010

Hi All,

After the work weekend of Sept 25-26 there were some unfinished items.  Amanda and I touched up the yellow paint where it was damaged.  I installed the propane regulator and attached one of the full tanks. Thanks, Dave, for getting the regulator and filling up the tanks.

I tested the new gas pipes for leaks and tested the burners on the stove.  We leveled the stove (left to right) and attached the stove pipe.  Everyone should study the operation of the gas stove as it is so different from the old electric model.  Dave gave me a helpful rundown on its operation.

There are some safety concerns we should be aware of.  When using the fire box on this stove, load the wood from the front not the top.  Otherwise it is much like the old stove.  However when using the gas portion of the stove here are a few points to keep in mind: 

1.  Make sure the pilot light is lit!!

2.  Don't cover the burners with pots or pans before the flame is started. 

3.  Make sure to keep your hands off the black metal finish plate; it will be hot. 

4.  If the cabin will be empty for more than a day, turn off the gas valve behind the stove and at the supply tank.

5.  Restart the pilot light before using the gas portion of the stove.

While Dave was getting the propane regulator he got a brochure for a replacement floor furnace.  Leave it on the counter so we can all review it.  To complete our transformation to propane we should replace the old heater with a safer, modern unit that has a thermostat.

I now need to ask for some help in completing the leach field before Thanksgiving.  I propose another work day  to dig the trench and install the perforated pipe.  Would any and all able bodies contact me so I can coordinate this work to be done before November 25?  We will have a powered trencher but need people to get and haul the drain rock and place it.  If a volunteer work force can't be mustered, I will hire day laborers.

Below is the list of projects with status.

• Install gas line to kitchen - complete

  • Install cement board behind new stove - complete

  • Move stove into kitchen (Need lots of strong backs) - complete

  • Fix leak under kitchen sink

  • Fix flashing over kitchen window - complete

  • Problem flushing down stairs toilet, long flushes

  • Improve septic system

Hope to get your feed-back soon.

Duane

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    September 26, 2010

Hi All,

We moved the new old Spark stove to the cabin on Saturday, Sept. 25th.  All hands were available for the big job.  It was a successful move thanks to Dave, Duane, John, Camela, Diane, Chris W., Ben and Justin (Elena’s Boyfriend).  As you can see, there were a lot of hands on the stove for the big move.  A Big Thank You to Everyone!

Duane, Chris and Dave spent the remainder of Saturday installing the gas line and hooking it up to the stove.

Dave, Camela, Duane and Diane spent all day Sunday, priming and painting the outside pole (Diane), priming and painting kitchen trim (Camela), mounting flashing to divert water running off the roof over the kitchen and back porch window (Duane and Dave), mounting the cement board behind the stove (Duane, Dave and Diane) and cleaning up the mess we made.  Of course we did spend some time on the front porch enjoying each others' company and lunch with a beautiful view of the river. We saw 5 fishing Mergansers on the pond out front.

I’ve attached some pictures for you all to enjoy and share.

We had another successful cabin work weekend.  Thanks to everyone.

Much Love, Camela

Spark Stove

Aunt Dolly responded on the following day:

Good morning to all,

What wonderful news about our new wood stove.  It is beautiful.

Cam, thank you for sending us the update with pictures.  And THANK YOU to all of the family and friends who made the work weekend such a big success.

David and I so appreciate you all carrying on the tradition of keeping "The Alders"  up to date and in good shape for all of us to enjoy.  I am sure Pa and Cora are smiling down on all of you in the next two generations. We can hardly wait to see all of your handiwork.  Thank you, thank you.

Love, Aunt Dolly and Uncle David

In January:

Hi everyone,

Mom Coralie, Cam and Dave and I went to the cabin today. It was beautiful: sunshine with a temperature of about 56 degrees outside. When we opened up, the windows fogged up with the cold inside and the high humidity outside because of the recent rain. We threw open some of the windows, started a fire in the stove, had lunch and coffee.

The cot on the porch needs repair to make seating comfortable. Cam and Dave have found someone who can sell them parts/ the springs. If they are replaced, the sagging might be eliminated. If that does not work, we may replace the cot with a more sturdy one of the same kind. The mattress was quite stained, moldy and of course ancient. We will find a solution: either replace it or see if someone can fumigate it. We washed the mattress pad and covers.

We found a mouse nest in the piano again and removed it.

We disposed the big piece of bead board that was in the basement, and the two mattresses and frame that were behind the deck house. Dave will be reimbursed for the dump cost.

We will need a bed in the dormer bedroom. We should have a meeting to talk about this and other possible changes.

I am leaving on Tuesday. I can't imagine that we would be able to get together before then, so please suggest possible dates when you can meet.

I wish you all a great year. I will be thinking of you and looking forward to my visit this summer.

Love,

Charlene

2010 season prep meeting

held at Camela's on Sunday, April 11 at 1:00 P.M.

in attendance: Camela, John, Charlene (from Switzerland on skype), Duane, Diane

Cabin Projects 2010

1.    Leach line improvement

2.    Outside shower

3.    Shorten and cap furnace exhaust pipe

4.    Replace /repair posts on front porch

5.    Gutter/flashing re-configuration above rotting kitchen window

6.    Remove “I” beams from Alder Creek

Charlene's Cabin Time in July 2010

My kids, Nina and her husband Curdin, Simon and his Karin and I have had a wonderful time at the Alders. We cherish our time together with Mom/Grandma at the cabin. It was over all too soon.

I enjoyed the new outside shower. Thank you Dave L. and Duane for building it for us all. Curdin and I laid a stone path to it. I haven't bought a shower head yet. It feels good just the way it is. The camping shower bag in the closet at the head of the stairs can be hung next to the shower to mix with the cold water after letting it warm up in the sunshine.

Mousetrap maintenance: I know that this picture is quite gruesome. Maybe it will make everyone aware of how important it is to maintain any traps that have been set. This mouse is mummified! One can only imagine how it must have stunk. It was under the bed in Gram's bedroom upstairs.

We caught two mice in traps, cleared out two nests (one in the dressing table with a new-born mouse; one in the piano again), found one dead baby mouse outside. Do not leave any food out over night; the pears in the fruit bowl on the counter had been gnawed on in the morning...

I have written the rest in the cabin agenda. 

Note: there is a beautiful gopher snake on the premises. I noticed it last year and this year encountered it again on the steps to the deck. It is a warmer color than the mountain rattler and it does not have a rattle. I would like to imagine that we can let it live and be our house snake. It may aid us in keeping the mouse population in check. Please pass on this information. Thank you.

Yours truly,

Charlene