17 September 2011

Mosquito population much diminished after last night’s spraying.  Apparently I have forgotten how to mix mortar, as several rocks that I cemented in yesterday fell right off the wall with a slight touch this morning.  Not, as they say, good.  Strongly suspect the mortar was mixed too dry.  So spent most of the morning repairing the damage.  Two steps forward, one step back!  Went over to Lynne & Perry’s after lunch to take away Perry’s Paslode framing nail gun, which he had most generously offered to let me borrow this weekend.  Then proceeded to cut and install the 11 collar ties (the horizontal 2 x 4’s that run between the roof rafters), which help to stiffen the roof so that it doesn’t collapse under snow loads.  Collapsing, they say, would be bad karma.  Several times during the process I was sure last rites would have to be administered to my Skilsaw.  Also was surprised the EPA didn’t cite me for operating an unlicensed airborne pollution emitter, the smoke pouring out of the motor was so thick at times.  But, with a fair amount of babying and some cajoling, all 22 of the collar tie end cuts got done.  And for those of you wondering what to get me for Christmas… or maybe even Columbus Day...