{"id":1411,"date":"2022-12-16T13:58:15","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T13:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/garbothan.com\/?p=1411"},"modified":"2022-12-16T13:58:15","modified_gmt":"2022-12-16T13:58:15","slug":"week-twenty-eight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/2022\/12\/16\/week-twenty-eight\/","title":{"rendered":"Week Twenty-eight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Week beginning 12th December 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A view of our house from across the glen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We took Friday afternoon off and went to Kilchurn Castle<\/a> with Cristi and Mariano. Loch Awe was frozen there and it was bitterly cold but very beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On Saturday we took them to Oban so that they could catch a ferry to Mull early on Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a nice hot sauna we dropped them off in the town and headed off to do our weekly wash at the washing and drying machines at Dunbeg petrol station. It seems that not everyone realises that the machines are outside and we have to sit in the car while the washing and drying machines do their jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had to wait a long time for our turn with the tumble dryer because there was a huge load in it when we arrived and it always takes ages to dry if it is overloaded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To kill the time we set up our 02 mobile wifi<\/a>, this wee unit has been our main access to broadband and works a treat most of the time, and connected our laptop to watch some tv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was quite late by the time we got home but we always feel happy to have nice clean clothes so it was worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Sunday our friends Ross and Kathleen arrived to help with the build, they are the other set of grandparents to Niven and Caitlin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s Monday morning and Ross and kathleen have just arrived, from the railway station<\/a> where they are staying, so we are discussing what we can do before Andrew arrives at 11am. We are hoping to fit the French windows and main doors with him today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s bitterly cold again so we don’t want to hang about so Pete and Ross start fitting one of the polycarbonate sheets to the outside of the shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ross saws the polycarbonate sheet to size…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
then drills the pilot holes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The polycarbonate has to be taped before fitting<\/a> to cut down comndensation and to prevent insects getting into the cells that make up the double ‘glazed’ sheet. We are taking care that the UV protected side is facing out as indicated by the orange strip down the sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When we come to do the larch cladding we will have finishing detail around the polycarbonate to make it look nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time as Ross and Pete are fitting the polycarbonate sheet, Molly and Kathleen are painting special adhesive primer around the window frames before sticking down the air tight tape. Taping correctly is a crucial part of the system that ensures the house is airtight and will not need much heating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Half the width of the airtight tape is stuck to the window before installing then the other half is stuck down once the window is in place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Kathleen and Ross warm their hands on the teapot during our morning break.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Andrew has arrived and after some debate, and Pete calling the company that makes the door sealant for technical advice, we have decided to postpone installing the French windows and the doors. The sealant\/adhesive will not set because the temperature is -5\u00ba and its working temperature range is +5\u00ba-+40\u00ba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can install the mezzanine window but first we need to get it up there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Andrew has brought a block and tackle<\/a> so we can get the 150kg window up there without breaking our backs and is fitting it onto the trusses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
First we have to slide it into position…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
then carefully attach the slings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Now Andrew can slowly raise the window..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Molly and Kathleen make sure the chains don’t break the glass.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We have the window raised as high as it will go on the slings but it is below the level of the mezzanine so we need to lower it and add some timbers to raise it 50cm or so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our second attempt is successful so we are turning it to balance it on the mezzanine before we can slide it over to where it is going to be fitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
It’s all hands on deck for lifting and fitting the mezzanine window.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Using the suction cup lifters<\/a>, some wooden blocks to step the window up to the level of the aperture and a bit of pushing, pulling and sliding we are fitting the window without too much effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The final fixings and the window is secure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Our west facing mezzanine level window is fitted.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s getting dark and Andrew has left having talked through what our tasks are over the next few weeks. We are now tidying up for the day. It was a bit disappointing not to get the French window and doors fitted but we are very happy to have the window on the mezzanine fitted and one of the polycarbonates on the shed done. A good days work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is sooooo cold this morning but we can still work and in fact working on the house warms us up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ross and Kathleen are up and ready for work so we are discussing if we think we can use the block and tackle without Andrew’s supervision and lift the balcony door up onto the other mezzanine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are confident we can do it so we are preparing everthing for a safe lift<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ross prepares the block and tackle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Kathleen is making sure the door doesn’t swing uncontrollably.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With the door at the height of the mezzanine we all have to help pull it onto the floor, unhook the slings and slide it to where it can be safely stored for installation later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s amazing what we can achieve with a bit of teamwork and the right equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
It’s timre for lunch and as always we make sure we have something good to eat, in this case it’s falafels, coleslaw, hummus and last nights mejadra<\/a> as a rice salad.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Kathleen is cutting the batons with the jigsaw<\/a>….<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With a tasty lunch inside us we are getting on with our tasks, Ross is lighting a fire in the brazier to keep us warm and Kathleen and Molly are fitting the other polycarbonate sheet to the mega-shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Kathleen is warming her hands before finishing fitting the polycarbonate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
then tucks the breather membrane<\/a> in before it gets taped down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A job well done.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
With the two polycarbonate windows fitted the mega-shed is much brighter inside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s been another productive day and we are all hungry. Ross and Kathleen are offering to take us out to dinner in Oban, an offer we can’t refuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s Wednesday morning and Ross and Kathleen are leaving at lunch time and then Mariano and Cristi will be back from Mull this afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before they leave Ross and Kathleen want to help a bit more so Pete and Ross are fitting temporary safety handrails onto the mezzanine and Molly and Kathleen are finishing the taping on the mezzanine window and going round tidying up the taping on all the other windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kathleen and Ross have just left after an early lunch, it’s a beautiful day so they should have a nice run home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
From Invarary towards the Arrochar Alps.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We are going to Invarary to pick up a couple of things before Mariano and Cristi are back for their last night with us. We are planning a celebration farewell meal of lamb casserole, something we haven’t cooked for many years as our diet is mostly plant based.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had a lovely dinner and are now walking to Dalmally church for a carol service. the sky is so clear and the stars are bright. It’s amazing, we have just seen shooting stars, something Pete says he hasn’t seen in many years. It’s a real thrill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re on our way back from the carol service and there are more shooting stars. Amazing!!!!!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s Thursday and we are off to Edinburgh for the funeral of our friend Allen Simpson. We have very fond memories of spending time with Allen and Anne who often invited us to dinner. We became friends through our son Eddie who is friends with their son Pat. Although we haven’t seen as much of them in the past few years we will miss him and feel lucky to have known such a lovely person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ve just made our farewells with Cristi and Mariano after dropping them off in the Old Town of Edinburgh. It has been amazing having them come to stay, all the way from Argentina, and they worked so hard to help us with building the roof. They are amazing friends and we love them dearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re home now and it’s been an emotional day so we are tired and need to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pete has just opened the window blind beside our bed and it’s a white out. Our bird feeders are coming into their own now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
There must be 30cm\/ a foot of snow out there.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The entrance is partially blocked…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
and the awning roof is sagging so much with the weight of snow we have to push hard to open the caravan door before knocking it off to relieve the pressure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Pete is off to check the mega-shed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Molly is clearing a path.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The water pipes in the mega-shed are frozen so we’ll melt snow if we need more water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With all this snow we are trapped and can’t move our car. The single track road we live on has not been ploughed and even if it was, if we got our car out we probably wouldn’t be able to get it back up the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With our powertools safely locked away in our container there is little we we can do for now but since we have been too busy to write the blog this week being marooned frees up time to post this weeks blog.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Week beginning 12th December 2022 We took Friday afternoon off and went to Kilchurn Castle with Cristi and Mariano. Loch Awe was frozen there and it was bitterly cold but very beautiful. On Saturday we took them to Oban so that they could catch a ferry to Mull early on Sunday. After a nice hot… Continue reading Week Twenty-eight<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1411","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-buildinggarbothan","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1411","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1411"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1411\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1496,"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1411\/revisions\/1496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garbothan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}