The Beginning

Took it upon myself today to checkout the contents of my briefcase. A task that I have not completed in a couple of years. I guess there is no excuse, except I have no great use of a briefcase in my "retirement state". I did find a packet of pictures that I had stowed away for safekeeping, a good excuse when it comes to forgetting. Since these pictures were taken, we have made some great progress.

Apprentice carpenter, likely the best help that I have had throughout the construction projects. Always willing to work, never late, and always pleasant. That was up to the day that he showed up on the job site wearing a tie and made the announcement that he wanted to be the "supervisor".

Our work did not go unnoticed, "Butch Cassidy" and "Sundance" took turns supervising the project. Perhaps, they thought we were building them a house. I am sure, if they had put in a days work, it would have been for "peanuts". Although it would require extensive testing, I am sure either "Butch" or "Sundance" is the father of "Claire Allen", perhaps the past is best left alone.

After "help" in slapping the 90's the crew of seven seem to have disappeared when the lumber was delivered. Fortunately, the "apprentice" was available and we laid the foundation support timbers. Who's "bra" is that hanging on the "cook tent"?

Even with a complicated engineering design, the support rafters were installed and prepped for roofing. A lot of great times have been under the shelter of the "gazebo", modifications and improvements have been made to make it an "all season" recreational center.

The sink laying alongside the "cook tent" is now inside the cook tent on a wooden floor, plumbed, and waiting for spring. The "Wolf Den" has been moved twice to different locations, the last location was on the back of a pick-up,headed north! The "new" Duck House would now be seen in this picture.

The "picnic" table will be in our possession for the past 24 years come spring. The color has changed, it has been repaired numerous times, and even ripped apart by a snow plow, but it has survived the test of time. It has so many memories, the little ones eating their meals while "secretly"feeding the dogs, giggling, making mud pies (I mean sculpturing clay), as a sitting bench, napping table, and bar. I really do not want to know everything that this table has seen or endured!

All ~ Good Memories