Finding Time

The work continues, but at a snails pace.  It's spring in upstate NY and while it's perfect boat building weather it's also perfect grass cutting, tree trimming, hedge clipping, weeding, landscape and spring clean up weather. I almost feel guilty not getting out to the boat shop so that I have something to write about along with producing content for the YouTube series.  I have to remind myself that it's supposed to be fun! There are no deadlines, no bosses and no expectations.  I work on the boat when I can but I also have responsibilities at home and at work.  Not to mention with such a short warm weather season where I live, it's important to take advantage of nice days for time on the jetski and other family activities.

An OT shift with our Marine Unit

So, in between working (including a few OT shifts which have had me working 17 of the last 18 days) lawn care and some leisure time we have made a little progress.  In early May, I made a trip down to the Seneca Lake area to pick up the remaining larch for the frames from one sawmill, and another trip to an Amish sawmill for 850 BF of white oak.

 

The sawmill operator for the Larch was busy with another job so he couldn't meet me at the mill site.  He told me where it was and that I could pick it up anytime and leave my payment in a tin can adjacent to the storage container.  After some searching I located the honor system based payment method and found another envelope filled with cash from another customer.  I dutifully left my payment with a smile, happy that there are still some people doing things the old fashion way.

The Christmas themed can forces people to be honest!

Then with my friends trailer fully loaded with over 1000 board feet I headed home.  It took me two days to organize and stack all the custom cuts.  I wanted things close to the order I would need them so I didn't have to dig through the whole pile.

We have completed 10 frames and still have 9 more to go plus the transom.  It's the same process over and over.  However I am getting much more proficient, especially on the tricky raised sheer assembly.

 

A few days ago I had about an hour available which was enough time to convert the heights above the baseline and lay out the corresponding chalk lines.  I'm learning tricks of the trade here as well.  It's funny how something so simple like snapping a chalk line has some shortcuts.  I snap about 4 lines before I reel the string in to be re-coated with chalk.  This helps keep chalk dust off the table with the added benefit of lighter, crisper lines.  The layout lines continue to be tight so attention to detail is a must!

This weekend is Memorial Day, so the plan is to head up to the family cottage for some much needed jetski time.  I wish you all a safe and happy holiday weekend.  To our veterans I say thanks for your service, truly, we are all in your debt.  Our family will be sure to say a prayer to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.