https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-07-16 https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/backdoor monthly 0.5 2025-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1752688180569-HPL31YYQ4F7RZYLDNI1R/IMG_4004.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1752687961956-2CV0U0IASGILF2G5YOC8/IMG_1731.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1752688178160-UFF3K2QCCH4VYKGTZCRR/IMG_4128.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1752688185849-1IC9N0D086XIMBE597HV/IMG_4188.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1752687964133-X4SYT3R78HLJ31OJKSLB/stairway.jpg blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1752687955513-96ENKSK54S43WVO08UPH/IMG_4902.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1752687962347-LT6PKS092S1Y8A0BUDI1/IMG_6458.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1752687967177-1WH00QWZ69E0JPO79CYH/IMG_6503.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/a6ca0c0a-f430-476d-b8f8-f6c13b5f7d67/IMG_6498.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck And whilst my back was turned, working on the entryway, SUMMER has arrived. Our good friend Walli gave me a quantity of day lilies from her Roseville yard and they’re taking off, including this unexpectedly fancy peach colored one. Thanks for the sunshine on a stick! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/6d4caa34-721f-4de6-9dd8-6bc4fc9e7dae/IMG_6475.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck And the front yard has exploded in grass, alfalfa, the white clover I seeded last summer, and more wildflower things than I can name. I mowed a circular walking path in the front yard—here’s the view from the front deck. (p.s. this was 2 weeks ago; the un-mown parts are taller, almost waist-high. But then, I’m a short person…) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/5208d40b-2470-4779-8fb7-3ac26fe1681d/IMG_6497.JPG blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1c12b4cd-9cb3-40c4-ac9b-d2106c5d91f9/IMG_6479.png blog - Back door blooms and ‘chuck - One last wingnut for this update: I have a new neighbor, living under the hut in the backyard. A woodchuck, who has been out various times of the day, trundling around nibbling on whatever greenery is within reach. It’s very shy and seems harmless. Should I name it? https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/terra monthly 0.5 2025-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/49499868-1fd0-470f-99ac-9efa59abfa9f/IMG_4303.jpg blog - Terra cotta kamikaze tractor updates I finally arrived at a paint color for the very tall stairwell: sort of a terra cotta, to mimic the ubiquitous clay outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/5f6c11ea-b9de-461e-be64-9172b7f4cb3c/IMG_6267.jpg blog - Terra cotta kamikaze tractor updates (thanks again to Randy & Laura for the extension ladder. It’s a beast to maneuver but does have the reach I needed for this task. When do you want it back?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/82070122-96cb-4fcc-b69f-fefbd069e641/IMG_6224.jpg blog - Terra cotta kamikaze tractor updates - From the Department of Serendipity: Sandra & I drove with our friend Joyce down to Red Wing to see some art at the Andersen Center, and when we were done there we visited the Red Wing Pottery history & merch place. They had tables and tables full of original RW pieces that I believe were bequeathed to the Pottery Place by an heir to someone who collected like a fiend. Alas, the bell tolled for the collector; the heir doesn’t care; so the pottery museum got the whole lot to sell. This is the weirdest form I’ve ever seen in a vase, but the color was just too spot-on to pass up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1749093089370-1D5E7ATELRV2YUKV25I0/76886000019__85027A35-A1F8-4574-8D40-0DA3D5D6B890.JPG blog - Terra cotta kamikaze tractor updates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1749093037381-I1GDB00GEDHB4ZH5FW6Y/IMG_6364.JPG blog - Terra cotta kamikaze tractor updates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1749093327662-WLTJ2MRNDKZ2O6NKS99B/IMG_6190.JPG blog - Terra cotta kamikaze tractor updates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/e0aaad65-7fff-4a56-a27a-b0a2ac8be54d/IMG_6317.JPG blog - Terra cotta kamikaze tractor updates Found this handsome little workhorse on craigslist. It might need a little wrench-love before winter from my neighbor Lenny, but it’s already mowed the main part of the yard twice. There’s something very satisfying about cruising around the estate on my own li’l tractor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/03998fc3-2eba-49bd-9c6f-357b609ece4d/IMG_6239.jpg blog - Terra cotta kamikaze tractor updates - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/tempus-fugit monthly 0.5 2025-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1742256377894-CXYJELAIAQ4O7A6IAM1I/IMG_5049.JPG blog - Tempus is fugin’ away https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1742256429312-G1VWQFL9K0Z33IV60C6B/IMG_6038.JPG blog - Tempus is fugin’ away https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1742256429102-F3Q075QZR5ESGHTNNH27/IMG_6079.JPG blog - Tempus is fugin’ away https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/9105b87c-22fc-44cf-9b96-b6778ba38b86/IMG_3960.jpg blog - Tempus is fugin’ away …fleeting fascinators like ice on the rain chain. An hour later, this ice was gone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/31982a29-743a-4220-b68d-63eedca64b4d/IMG_6075.jpg blog - Tempus is fugin’ away …revelations to be found in slices of plain old 2x4 lumber—very thin slices—resulting from me being extra-cautious in the “measure twice, cut once” approach to construction. Only after I cut them did I see the light coming through the sappy wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/0b6150b6-802e-4b69-90b2-7b2e7497f9d4/IMG_6057.JPG blog - Tempus is fugin’ away …and of course, the allure of FIRE. The last wet dump of snow made perfect conditions for burning off one of the brush piles on the place. After a day of scraping, it’s very nice to relax with a cold beer and poke sticks into the flames. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/ice-and-oak monthly 0.5 2025-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/5f8f79f9-77b4-4f68-8a06-4be64e4b5b31/IMG_5957.jpg blog - Ice and Oak (no this isn’t a wine review) … but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for the boost of sunshine. (that table in the middle of the room is new-to-me, a nice little gate-leg from the Habitat Restore. Cherry, I think, but hey, we can be open-minded.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/b5743537-bfe3-401c-9184-3a3562aa426b/IMG_E5970.jpg blog - Ice and Oak (no this isn’t a wine review) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1736871570902-JS88TEBR8KBT6TQH944F/IMG_5972.jpg blog - Ice and Oak (no this isn’t a wine review) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1736871505479-L7RTOAT1WP2RT0XTGCEN/IMG_5973.JPG blog - Ice and Oak (no this isn’t a wine review) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/39ad3722-f7e0-48f5-a5b6-1bbd885466ad/IMG_5959.JPG blog - Ice and Oak (no this isn’t a wine review) - and from the Department of Literacy: I scored a set of six bookcase cabinets from Lumberstash in Mpls, to go into the front bedroom. My muscle-guy Behren helped haul them up. Next steps: A little cut & pasting of trim pieces to tie them together and voila, the library/guestroom inches closer to completion. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/happy-birthday monthly 0.5 2024-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/239504c9-cc3d-47f2-82cc-3358531bb9ec/IMG_1678-med.jpg blog - Happy birthday, dear River House beat-up little pound puppy, languishing in the suburbs of Blaine, MN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/da9558a3-7a23-4763-974d-2b5c0a8d9c6e/floating+birthday+cake+B.jpg blog - Happy birthday, dear River House to mysterious Floating Birthday Cake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/8893cfd1-07e9-47d2-9197-384e93386a54/IMG_5778.JPG blog - Happy birthday, dear River House to Little House on the Riverbank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1734022278881-3ZI2EC15DCJ48TZZ4WO5/B%26A-front.jpg blog - Happy birthday, dear River House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1734022278450-XBVSZ9C9A7BLCAY06EKP/B%26A-back.jpg blog - Happy birthday, dear River House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1734022869688-T4Q0LZSE60GRH495EQO0/B%26A-east.jpg blog - Happy birthday, dear River House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1734022277512-V7CCY69JM00NXXGGMXQW/B%26A-LR.jpg blog - Happy birthday, dear River House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1734022277674-LU625LQI5B6AFN7FPOL3/B%26A-kitchen.jpg blog - Happy birthday, dear River House https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/turning-inward monthly 0.5 2024-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/c1b3feb8-7acb-4499-9714-16f332cfd423/IMG_5842.JPG blog - Turning inward - With nearly all the exterior work completed, the work continues indoors. Over the last two visits, I laid the living room flooring (laminate), and it really smooths out the rough construction site—very satisfying. Measure twice, cut once. Words to live by. Next steps: clean up and reinstall the living room baseboards, trim that high window, and keep installing the flooring around the corner to the kitchen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/95dd29c6-6e84-4fef-ab6a-eab99c69bcaa/IMG_5049.jpg blog - Turning inward - Anyone have tips on how to remove cemented-down 1970s-era vinyl? I’ve been using a putty knife blade to pry up hand-size chunks. It’s very slow going, but I’m not sure I can just smooth the broken edges with leveling cement and lay the laminate over that — seems like a setup for trouble down the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1731430124634-JLFACPR93W44AQ6KOUXA/IMG_5810.JPG blog - Turning inward https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1731430124741-HQ1R9R4CHTV3QVHI3IEE/IMG_3633.jpg blog - Turning inward https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/warm-weather-lingers-longer monthly 0.5 2024-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1729524664121-51DWWT3EY52CYMJ4ZXHA/IMG_5778.JPG blog - Warm weather lingers longer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1729524672657-ELST13NDGYGU2OOM2SCM/IMG_5777.JPG blog - Warm weather lingers longer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1729524660405-G9582NAHCAJJQXQPC723/IMG_5780.JPG blog - Warm weather lingers longer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/56eea507-87d8-4cbf-ae10-d04e4c2fbb23/IMG_5786.JPG blog - Warm weather lingers longer - —and back at it Sunday morning to complete that narrow strip above the living room windows. Here’s me on the ladder, trying to stay focused on the job in front of me, not the view into the living room nor the sunny riverbank behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/6ffcbbec-88f3-4f4e-b364-4330514df5d9/IMG_5790.JPG blog - Warm weather lingers longer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/83372673-478c-4a93-836a-1c4572d28f5c/draining+the+hole.jpg blog - Warm weather lingers longer - But still, it’s light-years beyond where The Project was a year ago, when the month of October brought endless rain. Here’s what the site looked like on 10/17/23. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/minute-month monthly 0.5 2024-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727972477315-96ZAZIEP3QW0G5SHMW6J/IMG_5696.JPG blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727973212437-AFON1LGS4WCTUGZFX2D9/IMG_5708.JPG blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727972465751-15T17DTAZLEO7RVISFTG/IMG_5712.JPG blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727972471647-5PJXIXF0PIMOZKN2QXWZ/IMG_5710.JPG blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727972466033-QMXNL7UMZ90ZSPJVQ4VE/IMG_5711.JPG blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727973925586-0OTHHP1K90WZN6DVK6FL/SunriseMouth-3.jpg blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727973925603-RKWH8XFXDW1RZIO3LCLC/SunriseMouth-2.jpg blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727973867476-S9SSF6B5CCP3ZXHGUEYU/IMG_E5703.JPG blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1727973867160-N462DU0F6YEAJVFZLFED/IMG_5701.JPG blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/d401b4af-9b81-46b0-8ffe-b9ddca239b41/IMG_3800%5B1%5D.JPG blog - It’s been a minute (or a month) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/cant-slow-down monthly 0.5 2024-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1725558121768-0YXV3AE90U1NU3LPYE11/IMG_5638.JPG blog - Can’t slow down! - Most notable: The steps and deck are complete and passed inspection, solid as a rock. Already proving a lovely spot to have lunch, do some sketching, or do some stargazing after dark (maybe even spot the northern lights next time they flare up). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/fa131c5a-b5df-470f-b9bc-424fdd94b6fe/IMG_5611.JPG blog - Can’t slow down! AND - I got the first coat of stain/sealer onto the foundation for 3/4 of the house - need to pick up another bucket to finish the back and touch up my rookie spray-gun mistakes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/672ea870-52ae-474d-b13d-991a5aa6d490/IMG_5666.JPG blog - Can’t slow down! - NOT ONLY THAT, but in the time since those ‘deck is complete’ shots, I’ve started the Big Painting job. Liking all the colors together, yes…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1725558992023-TQFW2SIO5POPDZQARSI5/IMG_5646.jpg blog - Can’t slow down! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1725559038624-T5H9MACQ4XUYH2MCDI14/IMG_5647.jpg blog - Can’t slow down! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/beedd854-28ab-4347-b8bf-7ddddb9c4719/IMG_5652.jpg blog - Can’t slow down! - Make it stand out And the rock collection is already accruing on the deck rail. I should throw some of these back to grow a bit more before I re-collect them, but they're just irresistible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/e9e37410-db97-46fa-ae66-934c0e05b599/IMG_5669.jpg blog - Can’t slow down! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/raining-men-2 monthly 0.5 2024-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723829268197-2IWMAZKOXRRDIX5S0Q14/IMG_5487.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723829116080-0GHGX56U3CVV4WR54HZC/IMG_5496.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723861019260-6INW1A4BEUTPYZQUACD8/IMG_3401.jpg blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723829115464-EKDH64O6DCLUXBV6ESOY/IMG_5495.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723861019504-B9L36YR4PKLCNDOZ4U73/IMG_3411.jpg blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723828940431-EF5ZARMS1IXLS0IYSRO6/IMG_5493.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723861020780-4SV5CSFFKKOKM9SEEQ90/IMG_3426.jpg blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723829146482-NGCDQXPK4651PZ2DMZMN/IMG_5501.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/535d286e-cca5-4691-9670-92ff2741f402/IMG_5505.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723830283618-Z3NLNP2PQDH6SUA3LN0R/IMG_5457.jpg blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723830243171-MUBRYGF7RELK5EUZIODW/IMG_5460.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1723830240670-44ZHMEZ5THPR95K32YF6/IMG_5486.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/311d8c22-1977-42d4-89a2-0918eb05043a/IMG_5461.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II - I’m already having an idea on how to finish those deep window sills. (May I just mention, it looks like a perfect spot for a kitty to sun itself? No pressure…) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/3c3512d0-50dc-4d09-abc2-51eb64ea9369/IMG_5445.JPG blog - It’s Raining Men, part II - But here’s where the story takes a darker turn…. Looking closer at the exact scenario for finishing the stairwell walls and fitting the treads, I noticed—for the first time—that the last stud on that wall is bowing. This is not just a wide-angle camera effect; the spacing is a full inch wider in the middle that at top or bottom. I pointed it out to the drywall guy and he said ‘yeah that’s not right.’ I buttonholed Eric the deck builder and he shook his head and said ‘yeah that’s not right’ —or words to that effect. sigh So I thought back to how argumentative the original contractor was. Obviously he’s the guy who should be accountable if this was built insufficiently, but I really don’t relish taking him on again, nor any of his ill-tempered crew. I distinctly remember the two pirates who built that framing: yelling at each other, throwing tools, complaining nonstop, using short little pieces of 2x4 that looked to be leftovers from some other project. Do I want any of those guys back? No I do not. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/july monthly 0.5 2024-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/4c6871cb-f19f-4a65-a6ae-7079a2f08d49/tubers.jpg blog - Flying through July - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/423be9fa-fbe6-4604-b189-780171e5617b/IMG_5381.jpg blog - Flying through July - Back steps and a not-so-big deck! Built by yours truly, it still needs a handrail (on the posts by the house wall) but is nice and solid, makes hauling stuff in and out of the basement so much easier. Although it was good exercise vaulting up into the doorway, I don’t need that kind of muscle unless I take up horse-riding again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1721921310060-XJ3RKRD00TMA5VVSNZJY/IMG_5147.JPG blog - Flying through July https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1721921354347-H94L59N7NU0Q9EDNGAQR/IMG_5379.jpg blog - Flying through July https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/e9a56b5b-014f-4e4c-bda1-fbb8739897af/IMG_5299.jpg blog - Flying through July - The next big thing is for a permanent deck/stairway for the front door. The guys who cleaned up the east end (link here) will be back Aug. 8 to build something like this. The first sketch I sent included a lower deck, but co$t impelled me to scale back, so now we’re going with the stairway, a 4x4’ landing, and an 8x12’ deck up top. Room for a couple chairs and a table up top, and with a little trimming, a stash place below for my garden tools and wagon. Or maybe it should be a fort, although it’s not exactly hidden. Hmm… https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/solstice-update monthly 0.5 2024-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1719151308392-Y1GMUDSF4K2BY8WUIV0M/IMG_5080.JPG blog - Solstice update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1719154960980-1H3LN3W2FKU4LGNP8LH2/IMG_5109.jpg blog - Solstice update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1719154645315-TU82S463VZ918T5QHOSE/IMG_5113.jpg blog - Solstice update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1719151555088-97263THNXYBOM24569OX/IMG_5127.jpg blog - Solstice update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/59a3850a-7af7-490d-8639-b3c0484a6fd6/IMG_5208.jpg blog - Solstice update Forgot to mention, the carpenters also cleaned up the fake gable on the back. Not long after they finished, I recruited family members for a work day, for tasks ranging from painting and fitting shelf liners in the kitchen to installing more of the vertical siding around the foundation. Lots of measuring-twice/cutting-once, but unfortunately, the film crew must have been busy elsewhere, because the only photo I got of all that action was this: Mike and Richie at the end of the day. Maybe you can make out Kendra, Sandra and Mary up in the living room—? Sorry, gals! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1719157412468-5YH2X7HPYQ9ESN98V64W/IMG_5250.jpg blog - Solstice update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1719157318981-ON276TG6HCE2OEQ6HYTY/IMG_5255.jpg blog - Solstice update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1719157255783-TSM7W9VW072Y7LFCQ7CQ/IMG_5263.JPG blog - Solstice update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/f1a10862-6df2-491b-a532-a6d1e020f7ab/IMG_4118.jpg blog - Solstice update - And just this morning I signed the papers to get the old windows replaced. BEFORE: Dark wood sashes whose varnish is mostly worn off; storm windows in flimsy aluminum frames—some skewed so far out of square that edges of the glass are exposed, ready to break apart at the slightest nudge; and the sills caked with the dust of ages, plus dried out bug carcasses. Have to live with it for the next 6-8 weeks (manufacturer’s lead time), luckily enough of these relics are operable to catch a cross-breeze through the house. AFTER: As of today, the future is all in the fine print of the window replacement contract, but check back in August…. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/in-and-out monthly 0.5 2024-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/e0083a08-3141-4d1a-89b8-6ae111a9ef69/IMG_5057.JPG blog - In and Out - A Bear A youngish bear to be sure, but just after the rain let up, it it moseyed through my yard, passing about 20 feet from my front steps, and then across the front yard toward the road and the wide world beyond. (careful observers will spot the chicken tracks coming and going in the mud as well; they’re everywhere) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/0e21fa06-d10b-4d28-aa6f-3bdc2c568c26/Plumber+tracks.jpg blog - In and Out - A Plumber At last! The new well still produces bleachy-tasting water, but that’ll flush out before long. Can’t overstate the benefits of indoor plumbing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1715742433032-YUS9QARX21Q2ALLXLR20/VXEE0104.JPG blog - In and Out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1715742430953-PDL4ZQQEPOPAFFRFD37R/TNIG2232.JPG blog - In and Out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1715742428675-PWUGTXUOWVAGIS59NA6S/OHRZ1960.JPG blog - In and Out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/a5b5ed31-9725-4bf4-8a9a-84470f5e245d/foam+insulation.jpg blog - In and Out - the Foam Insulation Guys Local building codes require the rim joist—where the house meets the foundation—to be sealed up. The father & son crew arrived about 9:30 am, spent most of their time preparing the site (plastic protection over the windows), then sprayed & cleaned up thoroughly after themselves (it is a messy process). They were back in their truck and out the driveway by noon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/07d7e43b-b90d-4383-a053-6d6c32d3a6a1/KWLT6882.JPG blog - In and Out - Building materials You may recall that this end of the house needs an extreme makeover to fix up where the garage and fireplace/chimney were pulled off by the house movers. I found a carpenter who’s interested in this oddball challenge, and not long after the spray-foam guys left, a big-ass truck pulled up and unloaded two kinds of siding, a set of gutters, some sheathing and a bunch of other stuff. Eric the carpenter and his crew start on Friday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/9282002f-3071-4fd7-a22c-c797743ba119/Olo.jpg blog - In and Out - A big-ass trailer How does one get rid of the aforementioned carpet, padding and other junk? My new friends at Olo Hauling, of course. Bianca and Josh arrived mid-afternoon, muscled the old appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher) out of the house and crammed it all into the trailer, and made it look easy. They offered to take the brush pile from the front yard too, but I said I’d rather have a bonfire and invite them over for beers later in the summer. It’s a plan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/0a1eb98e-9997-41d5-bf29-2997affdf4ff/driveway+view.jpg blog - In and Out - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/may-day monthly 0.5 2024-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714612080500-HM6S8KUNQPPTHL2VX20E/IMG_5010.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714612078188-VTS1Q0NPJP4TIZGBZ3TV/IMG_5051.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714612083496-8ZZSW3IERI9QF0G41JT5/IMG_5044.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714612111600-T45QLE2EDC9JN1SZ5ZBY/IMG_5050.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714612078591-0NMRJ0RRWX1EUPQOLDUD/IMG_5053.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/96aabb1d-4439-4dc1-8947-1688bd18fffc/IMG_5054.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) - Make it stand out Too bad the window washer is on strike… it was actually sunny much of the afternoon today. Oh, and there’s more — with all the trucks and the warmish winter, the driveway was a disaster of ruts and craters, so I contacted the excavator brothers and they showed up last Friday to finish grading the front yard and carve me a new driveway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714613079132-JJYZDSG2Z8OUH4BZX10H/IMG_5028.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714613078341-IWDJF275KF6170OEQ3JI/IMG_5022.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714612993538-9QD24N8BWUG6HTX27IJY/IMG_5024.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1714613206503-58R5FQQ6MT0J6BF8RUG7/FBDE7502.JPG blog - May Day! (no emergency this time) https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/standstill monthly 0.5 2024-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712884052048-MDN20AD8SEZDHKZJICV9/IMG_3762.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712883969729-MCLMRQS85ARNYFFF3YMI/IMG_3835.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712890903805-5JHM87B9HF5MIGKUU3L3/IMG_3974.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712884379300-ZVA313QDGLYSD1PFTBM8/IMG_4062.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712883890072-LE6U1BG7TELRLMO89AUT/backyard.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712883897487-7BOICMZJNO7NJYBYKSCK/IMG_4569.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712881317839-5JSP7W04OACEMKHYADT3/IMG_1875.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712874726185-FRV919ETQKKX9PICGPZE/IMG_3897.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712875094519-B3U0IHVJC4YVZJ8NUMO1/IMG_4150.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712881644519-9M1DOSLDOQYA2FH24QOW/IMG_4282.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712875101268-T4Y9YAAMJRZT0XQXRKLO/IMG_4283.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1712874700206-HAWCRTWNOEM8LVA92WKU/IMG_4900.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/6cf36f11-b908-48dd-ad35-a58d5a07901a/IMG_4962%5B15432%5D.jpg blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse - And I continue to be seduced by the colors and crazy patterns of the rocks on the site. The small ones jump into my pockets every time I go up… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/816385fa-5d3c-4bd2-8839-324e58958479/IMG_3767.jpg blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse - …and the big ones are just waiting for me to come back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1713387759020-4QJISE48JAO1E418DNL6/IMG_4970.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1713387755916-VI81JCDYXQ387FR4EGHB/IMG_4984.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1713387755942-PIEGEF9W9SN0C3RF7PQT/IMG_4973.JPG blog - A near standstill, but coulda been worse https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/doldrum monthly 0.5 2024-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/4d276a28-797b-4839-a3fa-a0cb0564f7ad/stairway.jpg blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) - Speaking of laughs, albeit a sour one: The Stairs. Three weeks after the contractor first cut the stringers, and two weeks after I had provided the 2x6 lumber for temporary treads (not wanting to put finished treads on with all the boots tromping in and out and the mud/clay slick outside) he finally installed the stringers—those diagonal notched things. Big improvement on the stepladders and a reason to celebrate, yes? But no. He did a really shitty job (can I say that on the web?) (Yes I can.) It didn’t take an expert to spot problems: Two of the 3 stringers on the upper flight had long splits already starting; the lower flight was not level; and he had stuck a shim under one of the lower stringers that looks doomed to disintegrate into slivers. What the hell? I sez to myself. It’s obvious this guy is ready to be done with this project. And I am ready to see the last of him, but not before he fixes this crappy work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710292128562-2F8HFC27R8DMR6QV707M/IMG_4729.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710292127067-1FO1F2CAXU1NC4LYBYIZ/IMG_4731.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710292127151-PML7G303V37CQ99H7QVW/IMG_4732.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710384441560-4LXCLGW650U0EPK8H5ZO/IMG_4806.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710384441710-RZS0XVEIMUGDJZKF9HFV/IMG_4780.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710384442820-AJAQXTPB3XHKSACZ5EXT/IMG_4775.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710384967726-KM2P2Z57LXRE7NF2E2GD/IMG_4757.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710384967552-UH3KVWHUNZPGOV0O99ZE/IMG_4764.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710385405644-ER23PPZA50TQ5II4QQ0A/IMG_E4250.JPG blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1710385641503-OKVUNIFSJJGZV5DMVS69/comfort+gray.png blog - A month of doldrums + an update (at the bottom) https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/raining-men monthly 0.5 2024-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1707858864256-V7ACWS5SDDHBKZ786SOJ/IMG_4569.JPG blog - It’s raining MEN! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1707858884254-3QBS3UT9Q9KB06D9III0/IMG_4349.JPG blog - It’s raining MEN! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1707858899190-S8FUB1WV7V4BD8U8V17C/IMG_4496.JPG blog - It’s raining MEN! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1707855659557-6JF9LL8E6FGR7I0I94OJ/IMG_4602+-+Copy.JPG blog - It’s raining MEN! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1707855659799-S35W94920KJ6IK9VHQTI/IMG_4601.JPG blog - It’s raining MEN! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1707855155346-MR7N7AM9MGIK7EJT94J4/IMG_4599.JPG blog - It’s raining MEN! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1707855139659-NH4B2IJ4Z1JBVCJFZ8HT/IMG_4574.JPG blog - It’s raining MEN! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/knock-knock monthly 0.5 2024-02-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/c0e69218-2282-4c20-a3f5-77d211d5b7d1/IMG_4516.JPG blog - Knock-knock! - MOST NOTABLY, the BACK DOOR (which faces south, and the river) They cautioned me that there are only 4 screws holding it in place, but looky there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/5a0057bc-35a7-4aa0-ba52-c64f267a30ac/IMG_4536.JPG blog - Knock-knock! - And when I was up there last Thursday morning, there were four guys starting to work on the stairway, flipping tape measures around and making sawdust. They said they’d get the stringers installed and then work on the door, but when I went back up Sunday, two of the three upper stair stringers were laying on the landing, because it clear even to me that they had been cut wrong. So I suppose they got discouraged and switched over to installing the door, and to be fair, they did get it unwrapped and hoisted into place, but somehow couldn’t complete that either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/08ab3d91-95e9-4ad0-93ea-e638edb57a70/IMG_4530.jpg blog - Knock-knock! - Meanwhile, my own start-stop efforts in the bathroom… Okay, this is actually just a test layout of the shower base and a couple tile-backer panels to see how they fit, but you get the idea. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/updates-galore monthly 0.5 2024-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706396206829-FFRONJBU2L3WIEBOJDO5/IMG_4470.jpg blog - Updates galore! - First up: the Well Rig is gone! The fat white pipe and a bit of standing water remain. They still need to trench a pipe over to the house and a bunch of hooking-up work, but at least the big red hulk is gone. I was going to start charging them for vehicle storage… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706388929389-0EZUW6ASJ2EA7K9ST7EN/IMG_4457.JPG blog - Updates galore! - The POWER is in! Sparky’s been back — he’s not finished wiring all over the house, but the bedrooms, hall, bathroom and … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706390321296-G7O83FGTE73O3M5OGTS9/IMG_4464%5B1%5D.JPG blog - Updates galore! - ...and the kitchen all have some working light. But Sparky can’t come back for a week. Keep clicking to find out why > https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706390173763-NY6TAFUX6GZGE6ELF0XG/IMG_4469%5B1%5D.JPG blog - Updates galore! - TThere's fresh concrete in the basement! This is looking from the back door opening, into what will be the entryway/stairwell. Needs a week to cure before any work can be done (i.e. finishing the electrics). Keep clicking for a ‘before’ picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706390235918-MC81HR6J907X621XHCSB/IMG_4354.JPG blog - Updates galore! - Before the slab I am having in-floor radiant heat — the red tubes will carry warm fluid from a boiler that will also provide on-demand hot water. A bit of functional luxury. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706390402817-CGT8LACOBY8KD9Y8D6DS/IMG_4477.JPG blog - Updates galore! - And then there's the bathroom Not surprised to discover, upon pulling up old flooring, that there was rotten underlayment and, below that, some nasty-looking subfloor (OSB). Gonna have to to patch in new materials so the whole floor is solid again—I watched the process in our St Paul bathroom remodel a couple years ago, it seems pretty straightforward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706394968716-XG98MU4O1DIO5YCGNVKZ/bathroom+tiles.jpg blog - Updates galore! Surfaces: the shower alcove will get the white-&-stripe tiles (12” squares) with a border (high? low? middle?) of the putty-colored subway tile. The long speckled piece under the free-range rock at the top is from the countertop, and the mottled layer under all of them (lower right) is marmoleum flooring, big 12x24” click-tiles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706395144040-I357S774HULFAY2DHCSX/IMG_4121.jpg blog - Updates galore! Given all those colors and textures, what are some good choices for a vanity makeover? As you can see, it’s stained dark—what they called ‘mediterranean oak’ back in the 70’s—with decorative kerfing on the doors and excessively ornate handles (mounted in the center — which makes the doors really hard to open!) As is, it looks like it came from the Spanish Inquisition’s last rummage sale. But it’s a well-built cabinet so it’s worth reviving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/626dc866-4aea-45a2-b084-cd942de4b19a/IMG_4429.jpg blog - Updates galore! - So I bought 18 boxes, enough to do the whole east end of the house: front entry and kitchen; around through the living room and down the hall. The VIP sale was 10% off what’s posted here, so it worked out to about $2/square foot. And the total purchase earned me a $60 credit, so even more better. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/cold-fingers monthly 0.5 2024-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706060660686-XEYVPMN3U0FQVCK9UA0S/IMG_4411.JPG blog - Cold fingers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706060698978-SFXCVRUREG45KW23IDF4/IMG_4404.jpg blog - Cold fingers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706065016940-SRY20I3SFMQ6VLPUFH13/IMG_4263.JPG blog - Cold fingers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706064695633-SNMLAWUTUDYEILI9S9PY/IMG_4445.JPG blog - Cold fingers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706067660624-T22C4FPO678YZP2ZPBVT/IMG_4446.JPG blog - Cold fingers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1706067758840-J1N1KY1LBQZPNPMFV9SO/IMG_4449.JPG blog - Cold fingers https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/cold-snap monthly 0.5 2024-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1704854620152-9Q4Q35F0YWXI4HORBKZ3/IMG_4369.JPG blog - Racing the cold snap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1704854599575-3JWOWS1SSGKH07J3OFIB/IMG_4370.JPG blog - Racing the cold snap https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/newyear monthly 0.5 2024-01-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/f3fd824a-6f04-4519-bc03-80bd7476a468/IMG_E4319.JPG blog - New Year’s Day - Most notable news: no more ladder needed! My multi-skilled neighbor Lenny built some stairs for the front door. Technically, they are temporary for construction phase only, but he built them solid as a tank, so when it’s time to put in the for-real front entry, I think we’ll be able to re-use these. He was just finishing up the railing when I arrived about midday today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1704164610243-RAOJO5K5TO6OV0VQRC9V/IMG_4317.JPG blog - New Year’s Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1704164610945-XIXBOODXJ4VQA5TOOYMA/IMG_4322.JPG blog - New Year’s Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1704164613946-HFJWUE8R1UM9FV0370EP/IMG_4323.JPG blog - New Year’s Day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/49087594-79d1-46ca-aa83-1080bf7f42cd/IMG_4321.JPG blog - New Year’s Day - And, no, it’s not hardwood under the carpet, only particle board. I’m not sure if I’ll have new carpet put in, or a hard flooring and splurge on area rugs where the bare feet are likely to hit ground. Carpet’s nice and cozy but once there’s furniture in the room, it’s a colossal pain to wrassle a vacuum-cleaner around to keep it clean-ish. What do you think about carpet? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/93d17235-903d-4cbd-9c2e-e46e508216b8/IMG_4320.JPG blog - New Year’s Day - Final image: A majestic view from the front door and the grand staircase. And there’s that well-drilling rig, still sitting there, seemingly abandoned. Should I send the well company an invoice for storage/parking? Do I dare climb up and look in the cab—maybe the guy took a break and died, choked on his gas-station donut. Eww. Happy New Year, y’all! https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/gridlock monthly 0.5 2023-12-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/d436428e-c933-4e3f-8413-e67a49f20ffe/IMG_4252%5B1%5D.JPG blog - Front-yard gridlock and more The well-drilling rig first appeared sometime between 12/12 and 12/18, and sat quietly until sometime this past week, when it had a spasm of activity. First, the good news: they reached water. Then the bad news: they drew up so much, that added to the inch or so of rain that fell during the week, the front yard is once again a broad mud-slick. And the drilling rig still sits there, quiet but slightly ominous, poised to drill further. No sign of human operators, no word from the contractor about what’s going on there. And a 20-yard dumpster/roll-off unit. When he requested the dumpster, the contractor said, “Tell them to put it parallel to the house, about 7 feet away.” Which I did, but of course there’s also a trash pile, a pile of gravel, and a giant well-drilling rig in the way (not to mention the pervasive mud). So I can imagine the dumpster guys backed it up as far as they deemed safe, and just dropped it there. The roofing crew is scheduled to start on Tuesday, 12/26. I can also imagine the fuming and cussing when they discover they’ll have to dump the torn-off shingles to the ground, then wheel-barrow them to the dumpster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1703447917677-Z3PMV7JYUNOW286J3Z98/IMG_4258.JPG blog - Front-yard gridlock and more https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1703447918731-MTSGKYEMF8U83JZ5R82D/IMG_4254.JPG blog - Front-yard gridlock and more https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1703448679729-QJA4ZPQXKS9H2L44UY8V/IMG_4238%255B1%255D.jpg blog - Front-yard gridlock and more https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1703448597237-PUNF8HE13TL7BMRMLUSE/IMG_4256.jpg blog - Front-yard gridlock and more https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1703448812505-HPETQ0XB46YB895F6MQN/IMG_1865-LR%252Bwindow.jpg blog - Front-yard gridlock and more https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1703449317942-Y7U0KMJQU14KRBXU3IR4/IMG_E4250.JPG blog - Front-yard gridlock and more https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1703449481132-6CL30R1Y85JRR4QZRHTR/IMG_4220%5B1%5D.JPG blog - Front-yard gridlock and more https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/landed monthly 0.5 2023-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1702405361219-WAMYDTCITP74MZXRV91U/IMG_4152.JPG blog - The Eagle Has Landed…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1702405361560-3EHPXP9ZLHTJHXWMQ3MD/IMG_4151.JPG blog - The Eagle Has Landed…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/2e4e91db-6380-467a-aa83-b4ba333ce6ba/IMG_4155.JPG blog - The Eagle Has Landed…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/698bc795-930d-4c24-8229-d21f0f210beb/IMG_4156.jpg blog - The Eagle Has Landed…. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/83fb79bb-53d6-47dc-891c-47e002266e2b/IMG_4183.jpg blog - The Eagle Has Landed…. - We got a team picture before they left. Uncle Bill was already onto the next project, talking about how he could use the I-beams that they had just pulled out from under my house. THANKS GUYS! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/c0bd92d4-34e9-40f4-bb8e-31dbd8223384/IMG_4201.JPG blog - The Eagle Has Landed…. - I’ve been told to expect that the house-settling-into-place will continue for a few weeks, during which time the floors should level out again. Final shot: Standing in the basement, looking up thru the (empty) stairwell to the living room above. Bonus: by the end of next week, days will start being longer again, a few minutes each day. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/progress monthly 0.5 2023-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/e03d2d25-bd35-48e6-885a-1803d7b7fd9c/framing+12-5.jpg blog - Progress! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1701918018913-ZXIIAUN1VJX3CXXAV35M/IMG_4108.JPG blog - Progress! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1701917915513-AEWX7RWZ3K3HY6IJPASI/IMG_4129.JPG blog - Progress! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1701917742488-ZJ9VDBG2DHDXN808FDRO/IMG_4123.JPG blog - Progress! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1701919255783-CTKBGSJEEQSK6R57K3BJ/IMG_4119.jpg blog - Progress! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1701919297081-WKRCLD24UB0OKAFUNJJN/IMG_4116.JPG blog - Progress! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1701918112557-6ZGTXG2GOV7OOYJGYQ38/IMG_4136.JPG blog - Progress! https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/toolate monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1700884264751-6XQI4K7TA1FPY999E7BN/front+view+11-20b.jpg blog - ‘not yet’ … ‘too late!’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1700884260799-QLOSQ6YCM2B6ELNSUWMH/ICFs.jpg blog - ‘not yet’ … ‘too late!’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1700885411586-1AP1MWLAY3PAFH4GCH2K/IMG_2520.jpg blog - ‘not yet’ … ‘too late!’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1700885434446-PC02GLGXDSVW7H4NCQN7/Mid-mod%2Breno%2B3.jpg blog - ‘not yet’ … ‘too late!’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/65a1891d-bee3-4f62-8934-18cfc73ffadf/South+entryway.png blog - ‘not yet’ … ‘too late!’ - I could have a window like that, and I’d also add a bit of roof over the doorway, like this: (yes, I’ve been playing with SketchUp) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/0a031e1f-6eac-4d14-829f-a5585abfa4c1/aerial+w+setbacks.jpg blog - ‘not yet’ … ‘too late!’ - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/good-weather monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699950843010-10T19Q1M6I47QLG3MRPS/levitation.jpg blog - Good weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699949962238-867CVWTDILUSFR2NAUCX/lev+2.jpg blog - Good weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699949962238-XM49Q50V7OROY5BKNOCY/footing+forms.jpg blog - Good weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699957573373-8811ZDXHMOFNZQCZQ3C2/mound+inspection.jpg blog - Good weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699951378131-Y2UY5WWF4CBOS43Q6838/NoShore1.jpg blog - Good weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699951378224-5OYXW3FRQ4CF3X6UU6O9/NoShore2.jpg blog - Good weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699951469235-13G6EJKGTQSRH52LSPML/tileCU.jpg blog - Good weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699951487481-AC1DERT2OGEZKM3GN39H/tiles.jpg blog - Good weather! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/9ccf37bf-3a6e-4250-9833-b17091e49714/stumps+n+planks.jpg blog - Good weather! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/rolling monthly 0.5 2023-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/c8624307-95b4-4b38-925a-75695d48d10a/Roll-off+day.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - In the middle of the day, the house, nearly in place. Many steps led up to this, and many followed. Read on… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/d71e2065-d61f-4744-8210-036981a184f7/IMG_E3947.jpg blog - BIG NEWS Last Monday, Justin had phoned to say that his uncle was driving up to take a look. Maybe Wednesday would work, or maybe Thursday. Or Friday. Frankly, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Since I had sent the ‘drain ditches' message, the first snow fell, upwards of 4” around Forest Lake and parts north. Then at 3:19 on Thursday afternoon, my phone pinged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126286398-6BUZZBHR744RV9YIGQUD/early+from+the+hole.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - 8:20 Two things have to happen: Bill, down in the hole, supervises the buildup of 4 stacks of cribbing while Justin and Paul (topside) need to get the house rotated almost 90 degrees to line up with the hole. It’s still very muddy, so they used extra crib timbers to assure solid support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126293373-LPSR7USO54L1XT4JDXYJ/swing.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - If Plan A doesn't work, try B, and then C... They intended to zigzag it into place (parallel parking on epic scale) but the tractor got stuck a couple times, so after a lot of cussing, they found the winning solution: run a cable from the winch truck through a pulley on the tree (aka “deadman”) to swing the east end of the house around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126289032-UPULTZEC4ANFUTI3PVID/lined+up.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - 10:07am - lined up at last …even so, the dollies sank into the soft spots where stumps had been torn out. Those panels under the wheels help spread out the weight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126287859-SLZ51U2IT6VUW9P253ZW/lined+up+2.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - Cribbing's ready Stacked, measured and leveled, the cribbing awaits. Good time for a donut break. (Note to self: Lindstrom Swedish Bakery has the best old-fashioned donuts in Minnesota). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126292023-97TEOUBG17XZYLLSLVFD/setting+beam+1.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - 10:20 time for the Red Beams One end at a time: jack the house up to the right level, then slowly but surely poke a steel girder through the space between house and earth, all the way over the hole to the far stack of cribbing. It looked smooth and effortless, but included a couple bouts of sledge-hammering to straighten it out before it came to rest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126286243-MWYMFX0FNFKWM4IDVYRE/beam+1.jpg blog - BIG NEWS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126287708-YM7PZWETSWAAUKR0NUET/getting+beam+2.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - 11:02 - the second Red Beam I should note, each of these girders is about 36, maybe 38 feet long — has to span the width of the house plus the safety margin at the edge of the hole plus the width of the cribbing. (Note to self: get a Bobcat. They seem pretty handy….) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126292379-5Z97I8TR4MSIFGJLQ1TR/setting+beam+2.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - 9 minutes later: Mario confirms the second girder is in its designated spot. Not sure what he’s doing hanging there, but all these guys were super-attentive and diligent in their measurements and watching whenever the really heavy stuff (which is ALL of it) was in motion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126293115-D7NEBIPX7DM1RIC3VSNJ/setting+sun.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - Sunshine 11:14am: both girders are in place, and the sun’s coming out. Yee-ha, making good time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699126683409-49MDEYWAZAOYYMHLLRMQ/final+roll.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - How we roll... The actual rolling: there are 4 shoe-box sized skate-like things that go under the end-to-end beams and ride ON the red beams. The Bobcat pushes from behind —gently. The red beams must be absolutely parallel and level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699154013408-J66506AS7310YA7IDLGG/come-alongs.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - Synchronized come-alongs Eventually, the Bobcat was extended as far a it could go, and couldn’t push the house any further. So the guys used come-alongs to pull the house the last couple feet on the beams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1699154193512-LPA5FVK3BB3IOA25R653/monkeymen.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - 1:26 - fine-tuning The cribbing’s already about 9 feet up, and the guys (Paul and Justin) need to finish laying up and leveling the cribs so the house sits exactly right. The other half of the crew is packing up equipment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/47f8acd2-93e9-499a-9554-ebdf06a0c116/pano-from-bank.jpg blog - BIG NEWS - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/quagmire monthly 0.5 2023-10-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/908d7456-4143-4a00-982f-d4d0a2e6c7ff/quagmire.png blog - Quagmire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/834e4f95-567a-46f8-a47f-95a4ab9f6a25/drainage.png blog - Quagmire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/0dad544b-1f16-484b-826a-d4bce1a1a1d4/3899-sm.jpg blog - Quagmire My trusty LaCrosse boots. Helpful tip for the next time you’re trudging around ankle-deep in greasy clay-mud: when you find you can’t pick up your foot to take another step, don’t panic. Rock your foot back so your toe comes up first, so you don’t walk right out of the boots. Don’t be startled by the loud sucking sound, it’s just the slime-laden beasts of the underworld trying to pull you down….. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/hardpan monthly 0.5 2023-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/83372673-478c-4a93-836a-1c4572d28f5c/draining+the+hole.jpg blog - A tentative date, a discovery, and a peek inside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/35243924-e9b9-457a-8bd5-1d04ee638fd1/hardpan.jpg blog - A tentative date, a discovery, and a peek inside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/679c3437-1289-4857-8ab9-b99dfeb2274d/open+kitchen.jpg blog - A tentative date, a discovery, and a peek inside — I took off the overhead cabinet doors from the 9-foot peninsula, et voila! much easier to envision the next steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/898d71c5-8811-4289-9aa4-b338ebbc7a1d/interior-pano.jpg blog - A tentative date, a discovery, and a peek inside - Panoramic view of the living room: the split-entry stairwell on the left, panning right, to Justin the House Mover looking off into the kitchen. The big windows at left will face south, viewing the backyard and the riverbank. (This photo was taken waaay long time ago, during my first walkthrough. Justin’s busy moving somebody else’s building this week.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/de14b49f-2e15-48b7-a3f8-75528bbb4b78/Plan-w-dimensions.jpg blog - A tentative date, a discovery, and a peek inside https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/into-every-life monthly 0.5 2023-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/15635f19-9f00-43b6-99b6-09654a2b5274/IMG_3836.JPG blog - Into every life, a little rain must fall. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1696557531747-8I0MJOT7MUG9MUG2EYJK/KGZZ4871.JPG blog - Into every life, a little rain must fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1696557555132-7WM7PGHF5ZW5H4NIEPNW/IMG_3767.JPG blog - Into every life, a little rain must fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1696557826324-ABOMXCFJI5NXTDMY682B/IMG_3783.JPG blog - Into every life, a little rain must fall. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/the monthly 0.5 2023-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1696038702641-F6LV081R7261WSG9LDA8/IMG_3809.JPG blog - The Big Adventure - Wrapping up for the evening https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1696038702617-VUAFOL7I2TXSHW3PELA5/IMG_3808.JPG blog - The Big Adventure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1696038809624-XAP1TPEOE8U9Q86JWG4J/IMG_3816.JPG blog - The Big Adventure - Forgot to mention... All this house-moving wizardry is being carried out under the bright full moon. Once they got all the running lights off the house and the trucks had departed, the scene was quite peaceful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1696038770144-0JRU1TCTAWEETB70TY4T/IMG_3813.JPG blog - The Big Adventure - Partner-in-adventure Sammy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1696038708694-R0A269QT4FA4JPGH4WMH/IMG_3810.JPG blog - The Big Adventure - A final image The moon, reflected in the calm waters of my new swimming pool. Aaaagh. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/countdown-may-be-starting monthly 0.5 2023-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/e7d43197-61ff-4e45-bf1a-faf82cadf50b/imagejpeg_0.jpg blog - COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED - Make it stand out Ready to roll………………………………………………………………………………….. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/08956296-89d9-4c3d-9eb4-90bc4afc4cd1/house+in+yard.jpg blog - COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/9a3e05a5-f246-4999-b4ce-eb84696bb991/deflectors.jpg blog - COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/drip monthly 0.5 2023-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/a665a0c0-e987-44e0-bf91-20ed3145918d/radar.jpg blog - Drip - The weather system, in its lethargic swirl (courtesy of NOAA) https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/ahem-yesterday-was-a-very-big-day monthly 0.5 2023-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1695487406594-H9A86TEKM93HNYGY0VVD/IMG_3744.JPG blog - (ahem) Yesterday was a VERY BIG DAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1695487408791-YPC3XH8ZWBO913J52TPK/IMG_3745.JPG blog - (ahem) Yesterday was a VERY BIG DAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1695504954637-GMVW6CYB2K7PQMIPX6G2/IMG_3755.JPG blog - (ahem) Yesterday was a VERY BIG DAY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/1695504953796-F70S7GQ0RUAPZ3CE26F0/IMG_E3774.JPG blog - (ahem) Yesterday was a VERY BIG DAY https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/njbbafm49qc8vpnh0b9437bpztwr9s monthly 0.5 2023-09-23 https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/the-game-is-on monthly 0.5 2023-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/41289c23-6a10-41f9-801b-9437d1348708/download.jpg blog - The game is ON! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/b monthly 0.5 2023-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/51c2c531-01b4-4154-8395-ef9bc75c82c1/Screenshot+2023-09-23+193831.png blog - Simmer - I am the frog, being boiled. Little by little the heat is turning up: between the ballooning cost involved to get all the legal/code requirements taken care of and the hoop-jumping for The Bank and keeping up a steady stream of emails with the contractor to keep them engaged. There is definitely a sense of momentum, like a locomotive starting to roll, yet with every exchange of communications, seems like the numbers go up. How much is too much? https://www.clairesimonson.com/blog/well-that-was-a-long-pause monthly 0.5 2023-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/887a8334-4f09-4fc9-aa6b-0789c2ce333d/IMG_1678-med.jpg blog - My New Hobby (aka how many English majors does it take…) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/c3fe412a-3666-40aa-a969-22fe1da1c02d/facade+before+lift.jpg blog - My New Hobby (aka how many English majors does it take…) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/a9b220b2-2ec5-4a19-bdb7-100b2510839f/Screenshot_20230111_045218.jpg blog - My New Hobby (aka how many English majors does it take…) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clairesimonson.com/home daily 1.0 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6186ca36eb39f102a17da089/8192f802-ad4e-4449-bc92-55f1c09862c1/Shadow-me.jpg Home - writer, maker, introvert (wait, what??) According to French social anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss, the artist "shapes the beautiful and useful out of the dump heap of human life." Lévi-Strauss compared this artistic process to the work of a handyman who solves technical or mechanical problems with whatever materials are available. He referred to that process of making do as bricolage, a term derived from the French verb bricoler (meaning "to putter about"). — from Merriam-Webster.com