Parker,

That is a concern about a project at Stam's place. It may remain a "concept" piece for years to come.

Pug,

It's pretty small as palaces go, 1275 sq ft with a basement. We're empty nesters and don't need much living space, just ample storage for toys and junk. I'm mopping the garage floor tonight and moving all the stuff out of the storage shed tomorrow.

RvW,

Thanks. I'm doing this precisely because I want to. Woulda' been much easier and probably cheaper to just buy a house a few years ago. I like swinging a hammer and making sawdust.

Andy,

Thanks. I just made a deal with a finish carpenter who is highly recommended. Otherwise I'd call about your brother. I see you did your trim wraps quickly, but your bro is a finish carpenter, and that makes a big difference. I'm an amatuer woodworker, and every darn thing I've done takes 2 or 3 times longer than the pros.

Lowedown,

Thanks for the tip! Hay bales are what I'm missing for my complex ladder work. May place a few on the ground for a soft place to land while I'm at it.

Achewter,

It's not hard. Just like eating an elephant, you do it one bite at a time. It takes persistance more than anything. I think it helps if you actually enjoy building, which I have since I was a kid. It's the balance for the side of a guy who also appreciates "blowing sh!t up."

Stlhead,

I just drink beer while I'm painting with brushes and rollers. It's relaxing. Except for when I'm on the ladders or buckets ala Lowedown's photos, cuz there's no place to set the bottle down then.

Sg