I was recently met by Kyle and Sarah at my truck when I got in from work one night, with overly helpful intentions…the kind that set off an alarm in your head…..you know….."Can we carry your coat for you…..here…let us help you up the stairs….." I envisioned all sorts of terrible things awaiting me…. That, and Susan had called me and warned me on the way home NOT to immediately say NO to what they had in mind for me. Well, wasn’t as bad as I thought. After all the niceties and I finally pushed them to spit it out, what did they want….they presented me with a set of plans they had drawn for a tree house/club house. Had dimensions, a plan view and elevation. More than I sometimes get from some of the architects I have dealt with and clearer. We are currently in the negotiation stages of me saying I am looking into it and taking it under advisement, hopefully this will buy me time till spring and warmer weather.
After months of planning and anticipation on Kyle's part, the day finally came to start on the treehouse. The generator was tuned up, lumber was pulled from the stacks salvaged over the years from various jobs. Buddy got out one of his old tool belts and adjusted the size for Kyle. As I watched this almost ceremonious act, I could envision Buddy's dad doing the same thing with him, and his dad before that, as there has been a long line of carpenters in this family. All the supplies were loaded up and taken to the site. Kyle measured and cut the lumber, then came the fun part - hammering!
Kyle will have to share the treehouse with his 3 sisters, and they all came out to check it out. Madison can't wait to start painting. Sarah wants to decorate and put flowers in window boxes. Racheal wants to bring all her books out there. Melissa (their mom) came out to check it out - it is HOW high? Big smiles all around. Thanks, Grandpa Buddy!
Phase I was completed this past weekend - the floor.
May 8 - tree house - phase II
May 17 - tree house - done!
