Lattice of Logs

Ben uses the chainsaw to put the perfect angle onto the end of the hewn beam before hoisting it up into the spectacular canopy of beam-work in the gathering room.

Click on the video clip to view the challenging job of putting these massively heavy beams into place.






If you look carefully, you can see a jack being used to wedge the new beam precisely into place. Each additional beam in the overhead network has to be carefully measured and notched to fit into the interlacing configuration.

Our Project Manager

I've been pondering this photo for awhile now. At the precise moment I walked up to the building site, the morning light briefly cast the shadow of a cross framed in the cook-place opening in the screened porch area. I had time to capture the image and then it was gone...if I'd arrived only moments later, I would have missed the sight. So, why am I so captivated by a shadow? As in every part of my life, I try to find deep spiritual meaning in the ordinary. I probably drive some people crazy looking for meaning behind some very mundane things. I find great joy and elements of surprise in the places I can experience the presence of God's Spirit at work teaching me and mostly communicating the depth of the Master's great love for me. So, I'll try to express why this image has kept me pondering for days...

In the image of the cross, perfectly timed for me to view upon arrival, I see the stamp of ownership placed there by the Lord. He is the true project manager of Shepherd's Glen; the overseer of the entire scope of the work. God has seen fit to provide the land, the dream, the plan, the excellent workers to each put their expertise into the interlocking pieces that will become a place designed to glorify the Master of all creation. Being frequently tempted to worry about the mounting costs of construction, I am reminded by the cross to maintain my responsibility which is to keep open hands; hands open to receiving the provision God places there momentarily before passing it onto those to whom He directs. His provision to us becomes His provision through us to others. The cross reminds me to trust and remain faithful to the One who has proven Himself more than full of faithfulness and love towards me. So I am grateful for being able to see this reminder from the Project Manager.

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless before the presence of
His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen."

Jude 24-25

Old Logs - New Friends

Gary and Lisa drove down from Ohio to deliver "skins" for the main cabin. These logs will be used on the exterior and interior with insulation between the layers. The old logs are meticulously milled to maintain the corners. It was such a joy to meet people who are now friends and an integral part of the project. Our day was spent walking through the structures, dreaming, planning, discussing, and envisioning spaces as they will one day become. David came and consulted on the windows. Connie joined us as the lighting expert, attempting to illuminate the gorgeous, but dark interior with as little wattage as possible. Ed wowed us with his solar energy expertise. Yes, you read that correctly, the energy question has been settled; we'll be solar powered! Thankfully that decision has been made and we can now move forward.

Craig and Janet dropped off the first two doors they crafted for the Writer's Cabin. They made a double dutch front door of old oak and an interior door out of reclaimed hemlock. Both are beautiful! It was a wonderfully productive day and a worthy addition to the process.




The day was made complete as Mike's crew made such a racket yelling for "all y'all come down and see"...we found they had encountered three massive, grizzly rattlers in a wood pile. Two were snuffed out, but the biggest guy slithered off to escape humans for a bit longer.
Shudder...

Hiking to the Glen

With Devin's new all terrain wheelchair, our assembled family members were able to take her on our hike to Shepherd's Glen to see what progress had been made on the cabin.





Standing in the front door of the main cabin, we were thrilled to view the gorgeous beams placed where the loft will sit above the entry. Straight ahead (where the ladder is placed) is the kitchen/dining areas. The line of sight will skim the open counter towards the stove at the far end of the kitchen. A sense of the interior spaces is beginning to be grasped.







Myron's beautiful rock work continues, wrapping around the side of the master bedroom. He is quite an artist with the stone. The roof is partially framed in over this side of the cabin.