Non weekend

We are not headed up to the beloved island this weekend and I am already having withdrawal symptoms... Anyway, I was informed this week that we need to have the cistern installation supervised by the Erie County inspector, so that should be fun. Not sure what to expect, but this will delay us by a few weeks as we haven't even ordered the tanks yet. Also, today I am applying for the plumbing permit. I'd like to get cracking on the interior drain plumbing soon in parallel with the cistern installation. 

Happy Anniversary

Today is Bonnie and my 14th wedding anniversary, the longest day of the year and also the first day of summer 2012! Happy anniversary Bon, I love you!

My bride

Cistern excavation

Not too much "high-feedback" activity going on up on the island this past weekend. However, we did get the excavation started  in preparation for the cistern (1850 gallon underground cement water tank). Also, Captain Ron did some more work on the back-fill and grading. We also managed to move the shed back about 12 feet to the edge of the property line, so the side yard looks much bigger. Stayed overnight for the first time in the new cottage. It was marginally comfortable. Not too hot during the night. Anyway, I don't have any new pictures to post.

Had a wonderful father's day with the family yesterday!

Gravel delivery and back-fill

This weekend I worked on cleaning up the lot from the huge mess left behind from the framing in preparation for the back-fill and rough grading. Saturday (June 9th) morning, we had 21 tons of gravel delivered. The plan was to use 1/2 for the back-fill and the other 1/2 for the driveway. Well, it turns out that we used ~approx 20 tons on just the back-fill! So not much left for the driveway at all! The good news is that we did have enough dirt to complete the rough grade. This sounds funny but dirt is a rare commodity on Kelleys Island.

Gravel delivery - big truck but not as much material as you think

 Captain Ron (KI neighbor) working on the back fill with his favorite toy, "The Skid Steer"

This is a view of the completed back-fill from the back of the cottage.

Ron did a great job and was done in about 3 hours.

My amazing wife ran in the annual KI 5k race, in the blazing heat...

with ALL THREE KIDS on Sunday, June 10th

Cottage framed, sided, and shingled

Bonnie and I took the whole family up to see the finished product on Friday, May 25th. We were more than pleased. Everything looks great -- colors, size, design and layout. Chris and his crew did a "bang-up" job coming in on time and on budget. They also did many of the little extras that show their dedication to quality work. I would highly recommend them to anyone and have already discussed them helping with the wrap-around deck and covered porch project for next year. Nice.

Sophie and Anna on waiting for the ferry at the Marblehead dock

Front of cottage - done

Family pic

Back of cottage - done

Almost there...

Here is the progress end of day, Thursday May 24. The plan is to be on the 9:00 am ferry tomorrow morning (Friday).

 Front looking good

North side -- notice the crawlspace access framed out

Front of cottage sided and roofed

This is the latest progress from the end of day on Wednesday, May 23. Looking forward to seeing the finished product on Friday morning. We are packing up the whole family for the unveiling, hanging out on the island for the day, and then heading to Sandusky for an overnight stay and then to Cedar Point on Saturday morning -- action packed as usual!