Day 29 . . . Labor Pains!

"Hey Kath, how's it going with the BakeHouse project?"  "Like birthing an Elephant!"

Don't ask me where this response came from. I have absolutely no idea what birthing an elephant would be like! It just popped out of my mouth somewhat like the reaction you get when you pour a glass of milk, take a big gulp and realize - it's sour!

Yes folks, we are in the final stages of the rebirth of the BakeHouse and it's becoming a true labor of love and passion at this point. We take steps forward only to be knocked back a few steps. We're getting really good at giving each other pep talks. And the phrase - "Time out - let's take a deep breath" are now becoming common as we try and get the BakeHouse up and running!

With that said, I will introduce you to the culprit that was the straw that broke Tom's spirit Sunday afternoon.

Meet the chimney flashing. Yes it's true, this simple crack that appeared as Tom was shaping it over the roofing and around the first section of chimney is what brought our hero down. Tom was so disappointed that he could not finish the chimney so that we could light a small fire. No matter how I tried to encourage him, he was defeated. It took me several minutes to convince him to come down off the roof, out of the 95°+ heat and take a break. Once he got down, I knew he was done and needed to come inside and leave the project for another day.

It is amazing how something so small can totally make you blind to all that did get accomplished! The photos that we share on the blog help to remind us just how much has gotten done!

The beginning of the week, the proofing room framing was completed so that the electrician could run the needed wires. We also received the refrigeration unit that will be use. Basically Tom has created a custom walk in and we'll use a 3/4 Medium Temperature Single Phase Cooling Unit.

Then we had to get the siding on the side of the BakeHouse building that the refrigeration unit would be on so it would look neat and tidy once the electrician did his work for the unit. 

Before

After

It was so gratifying getting the siding painted and our first window installed! Isn't it funny how you find yourself standing back, looking at your work with a great sense of satisfaction - ahhhhh :) And then the next day, not even 24 hours later, something happens and it knocks the wind out of your sail. Along with being human, I suspect that fatigue had something to do with it too.

Tom tackling the roof on Saturday. There were some points where I think the roof tackled Tom.

Rolling out the felt.

The chimney opening.

The metal sheets next. 

The end of the week, Sunday. This is where we had to say goodnight. Tom got a good nights rest last night, is off to work and ready to tackle another week. The electrician is suppose to come later today and start all the wiring. It's been this on again off again nature of the last few days that is giving us the biggest challenge. We are getting a really good dose of practicing patience and being creative when our plans don't work out exactly as we want. Our Board of Health Inspection is scheduled for May 2nd, but I feel in my gut that I might have to call and schedule it for a later date and take some of the pressure off!

We can't wait to share with you the results of this coming week, so stay tuned and thanks for all the encouraging emails you've all sent us! We are blessed. Thoughtfully, Kath