Tuesday 30 September 2014

Autumn Walk at Pine Creek

Now that winter seems to be kicking all of us in the ass in the Yukon, I feel it's necessary to share the gorgeous fall pictures we took in Atlin last week. We went for a walk on the "Crocus Trail," near Pine Creek. Our kids love this walk, it has amazing views, is relatively short, and as a bonus, part of the path is called the "Pompom Trail." That's because of the pompoms that people have attached here and there to trees along its length. In the summer, a friend of ours was kind enough to spend time making more pompoms with our kids, and then they hiked the trail, adding their new creations.

Sadly, although we had a fantastic hike last week, we were disappointed to see that most of the pompoms had been removed from our favourite trail! I guess we'll have another project next time we hike there. I should remember to get some yarn...

Atlin Lake
Crocus Trail
Rosehips
Looking up Pine Creek Valley

Sunday 28 September 2014

Bedroom Window

We finally replaced our parlour window! Our contractor was able to install the new, triple-pane, wood frame casement window in the bedroom of the LBH. I had to choose paint colours for the sash and trim, and paint it prior to installation. I settled on Benjamin Moore Origins paint, in Aspen Bark (how appropriate!) for the trim and Beyond Midnight for the sash. My husband laughed at that, and commented on how perfect a colour that is for a former brothel.

The air was blue as I single-handedly wrestled the massive crate into submission. I keep meaning to call the manufacturer to complain about how it was crated. Should you have to use a pry bar and hammer to remove an $1800 window from its crate? Really?? It was all stapled with those big, industrial staples, not screwed together even on one end so you could safely open the wooden crate to remove the window. I was glad that our kids couldn't hear the stream of profanity emanating from the bedroom. Once I settled into priming and painting the window, it was a little more meditative, and I was able to calm down.

We are pleased with how it looks, although we've been hesitant to replace any of the 116-year old home's original leaded glass windows. But the fact that both panes were broken we took as a sign that we were "allowed" to replace this one. Not to mention that a nice, energy-efficient window will make that bedroom super cozy in the wintertime. :)

Bedroom Window Before Replacement
Bedroom, with New Window in Stupid Shipping Crate
Window After Coat of Primer (Tinted Primer for Black Sash)
Here it is!

Friday 26 September 2014

Parlour Ceiling Raised!

The ceiling in the parlour has been raised, insulated and strapped. We were super happy to see this development, as it meant that we could carry on with insulating the walls before winter sets in. Our contractor and his team did a great job with it (we decided that the ceiling work was way beyond our capabilities)... I have many more photos to post, and will do so in the coming week!

Higher Ceiling, all Snug!
Still Missing a Parlour Window Though...
The Woodshed, with Construction Stuff!
Playing Soccer Amongst the Aspen Leaves

Wednesday 10 September 2014

More Insulation

Now that the mouse nests have been removed, and wall cavities bleached and cleaned up, we are installing styrofoam insulation panels. They're in big sheets, 2" thick. My husband has a system for measuring & cutting the pieces. We explained to our kids that it's like Tetrus, and they didn't know what we were talking about.

It is satisfying though, when the parts fit together, especially in these irregularly shaped spaces in our ancient walls. We put two pieces in each space, so it's 4" of insulation. This is followed by spray foam in the wee gaps and corners that remain. We finished the gable end wall, on the front of the house. We've lots more to do!



Thursday 4 September 2014

Paint Schemes

Check out this blue house I saw this afternoon in Dawson City, Yukon! I've been admiring Victorian painted ladies lately (you know the ones I'm talking about). Our LBH needs jazzing up. I think painting will happen next year, but I am researching colour schemes... What do you think of two blues, an off-white and brick red? Plus, we shall keep our existing black window sash colour. Let me know! Our wee house should be a painted lady, to honour her shady ladies.