Day 237 August 5, 2002

Laurie and I got up around 9 and went outside to try and finish up the front soffit. She had to be on the road by 10. We nearly finished. After she left, I put up the remaining pieces, completing the exterior woodwork. All the woodwork outside is done! Praise the lord and pass the peanuts. As usual, thanks to Laurie for all the help and for being careful on the scaffolding.

With the exterior done, I turned my attentions to the hearth. Originally I had only put stone under the stove and bare cement board behind it because I wasn't sure what material I wanted behind the stove. I decided on stone behind it also. I removed the cement board I had temporarily put up. I drilled a 3" hole through the wall inline with the fresh air box under the stove. A piece of 3" pipe will attach the stove to the outside. This system allows outside air to be burned in the stove instead of inside air which has already been heated.

Then I cut a new taller piece of cement board. I permanently mounted it using long screws and 1" copper spacers to allow for the required 1" gap to the combustible wall surface. I spent the remainder of the day searching for appealing stones (?), dragging out the ol' cement mixer (which is up for sale as soon as the hearth is finished, any offers?) and uncovering the sand and cement I had saved.

10 hours, very hot and humid.