Adieu to Iron Mountain

Well, the Iron Mountain build is finished, at least for this group of Care-A-Vanners. We closed down yesterday (Aug 13), having finished the roof, the inside framing, the basement insulation, and installation of soffits and beginning of fascia. Evidently we were lucky that the weather allowed us to work every scheduled day, as so often rain closes down the Builds in this part of the world. I think we were only down for about 3 hours, as lightning kept the guys off of the roof, but we all just moved inside and worked there.

This has been a real learning experience for me in many ways – learning the vocabulary of house construction (joist vs truss; stud vs nailer; speed square vs framing square; framing hammer vs finishing hammer. . . .). I'll be well-prepared if I run into a crossword puzzle based on house construction. And, I'm developing some skills – using different kinds of saw; different sized nails – who knew there were so many!!! Measuring, measuring, measuring, then cutting. So much to learn!

Working with others has been a challenge for some– we've had an informal structure, and it's sometimes not clear who's in charge; or who has the last word on how to do a particular procedure. For those who like clarity, it's been a bit of a challenge. But, on the other hand, so many have been bosses and leaders in their professional and pre-retirement lives that following instructions is not as easy as it might be if we were young and naïve in our experience.

It's a great feeling to have helped Aimee and Joe get their house underway. Their joy and appreciation has been obvious every day. They, and her father Mike, have worked more hours than any of us, every day; and while Joe had taken the two weeks off; Mike has often gone into work and done a 12 hour shift at his paid work at the paper plant before heading back to the Build Site. Joe carries Aimee across the threshold, to celebrate the completion of the roof; and the family shows their joy at our farewell party.

Aimee's sister Nicole; and Mike's wife Jody, took care of the 4 children, and made sure we were well fed. What a family!!

As Care-a-vanners, we've had lots of fun – 'happy hour' every day talking over the day's work, jokes, story telling. We've taken tours together – the Big Spring, Fayette, the Iron Mine; and eaten many fine meals.

It's been a great experience.

And now, on to Marquette.