winter position

In the winter months, I slide the bed up next to the back of the masonry heater which pops through the wall into my bedroom. It's my dutch wife. It's a bit minimalist, but the monochromatic color scheme and lack of window treatments forces the view to be the main (and only) focus. And at night, there is not even that distraction from falling fast asleep. For those who don't get up with the sun, I may one day put up those deep green pull down school blinds. I'm just not quite ready to add that splash of color yet.

backtrack

I've been at a standstill in construction this last month so I thought I'd post some previous shots of progress from this summer. The exterior is done and the kitchen and living space are just about there. I've left the house a few times this winter for 2 to 3 days at a time. With no wood fires and no other source of heat, the house has maintained a temperature of 55 degrees minimum. Even with the outdoor temps dipping into the single digits! One fire brings it back into the 60s when I return. It's a small miracle. OK, I'm almost done touting the virtues of the masonry heater...almost.

diamonds from heaven

So this has little to do with my house except that the ice storm knocked out my power for 18 hours. The masonry heater kept me toasty and a few candles kept me from bumping into things. Pictures don't do it justice, it was spectacular.

happy heating

My wood-fired masonry heater has been working like a dream. I built a fire last night before bed and the house stayed toasty all night. Outside dropped to the single digits with below zero wind chills. Inside, the temp went from 68 degrees last night down to 64 this morning. All from one armload of wood.

personal hygiene station

I'm working on the downstairs half bath. The toilet is in and the bidet is next. These are some pics of the placement. It's up on a step to make it more flexible as far as usage. I'll also be installing grab bars on each side. The wainscot is cedar house siding and the baseboard is a cedar 2x8. I'm hoping to leave the wood bare or maybe just mineral oil it lightly once in a while. I'll see how it patinas.

a few very busy things

The sideboard was inherited from my mom. She had "antiqued" it avocado to match our dining room set in the 70's. It's stripped back down to rosewood now and resting comfortably. The portrait is another gift from Aunt Jackie, it's one of her distant inlaws. We both like it most for the frame. And then I couldn't pass up the giant oxblood velvet, way too busy,display case. A 40 dollar bargain from Green Demolitions, our local thrift. But as less is more, I think I'm done with the gilt.

some win some lose

The apples are crazy this year! The other tree... not so much. Although it's striking.