learning new toys

the weeks after the dome raising were perhaps even more challenging for us. we found out that the foundation was not only not in square but the opening lengths were not straight - they bowed out. one length was off 2". we needed to grind those down. so, off to camp davito (our pet name for dave's place) for a loaner grinder and lesson. it took us a week to get all the grinding done since it shook us up (literally) so much. my hands still feel the vibration of the grinder at times. and it was really hard on the ol' backs to bend over that much. that was one tool ed said he never wants the opportunity to use again.

since our embedded j-bolts followed the outside of the foundation and with the newly ground down edge were too close to the outside to use, we also had to grind those off and use anchor bolts to secure our sill plates. enter another toy that ed never wants the opportunity to use - a hammer drill. thankfully chris came to our rescue and did most of that. bless him - it was just 2 days before he, sheela and kaya moved (to bangladesh!) and they had tons more packing to do but he still took the time to help out.

a neighbor came by amazed at the progress - all the struts, all the angles, all the work. he was impressed. but i think was impressed him the most is that, with all the blood, sweat and tears we shed, ed and i are still talking to each other. if you want to test the strength of a marriage, build something together.