Left Jasper at around 10:30 am, and arrived back home at 11:00 pm. It was interesting because back home (Olds / Wetaskiwin) it was high winds and snow, but in the mountains it was actually quite nice. I would have liked a little more sun and less clouds, but sure wasn’t complaining! The drive from Banff to Wetaskiwin was rather ruthless, but traffic was quite sparse, so it wasn’t too bad.

Well, it was snowing when I got up. Not real hard, nor was it too windy, but it was coming, so they said. Mary Ann had to substitute teach today, so we (John and I) decided to go to Jasper.

Interesting day today. Started out by cleaning up the bay (downstairs) to get ready to receive drywall, which may or may come at 6:45 am. Which it didn’t. But that was good, because I wasn’t ready for it to come yet. Made a path and room for the Quiet-Rock to be delivered upstairs for the sound rooms, and got the downstairs ready. Then it was trying to explain to Scott and Paul what the order of events were for working upstairs, which was harder than it seemed because I’ve been out of the upstairs loop for quite some time (you don’t want to put up drywall where there are plumbing lines yet to be run, for example.) But all in all, it worked out ok. Drywall was delivered and after that there was plenty for them to do.

At about 10:30 I got out on the lift and proceeded to finish up the 1x4 on the east wall. After lunch, the lift started making some complaining noises for the cold, and I decided to park it inside, and after which I went home and slept for 2 hours. It seems I’ve either done all I can do or have to rest up a bit before continuing on. That and a winter storm coming in for 2 days which makes working outside a little more of a challenge. So after supper at John and Janices’, I decided to run to Wetaskiwin for a couple three days.

Today started out with trying to find things to do while it warms up at least a little outside. Then Jim came in and said he needed to take the truck to Torrington (25 miles away) so he and Ronnie can rebuild the pump that failed the day before on a jobsite… and needed a ride back. So I drove his car out there (had the opportunity to take the Kenworth, but didn’t think it was prudent, as I would have needed some lesson in driving the rig first.) Once out there, we had to run to Red Deer to get a transducer tested, which took till just after lunch. This was fine for me, as I wasn’t feeling the best anyway, and at least had an excuse for not working!

After getting back, I put the J trim and drip edge on the west side, and J on the south. Which finished up the day for me, both time-wise and physically.

Been working on the North wall today, putting put 1x4 strapping, and got about 2/3 done. Had a hard time getting going, as I’m fighting a little cold, energy level is low—you know the drill. Started out working on the computer for some things needed taken care of, then a run to get some diesel for the lift / heater to help delay the inevitable. But still able to get out and keep moving. Not sure of the temp, but well below freezing with a slight breeze. No clouds today, but being on the north, I don’t get any sun either.

It’s a little interesting, as the building to the north is only 10 feet away, and my 30,000 pound lift is 8 foot wide. Needless to say I drive slowly!

Yesterday, however, was a little different. Still on the lift, but was blizzard conditions! Windy, snow was coming down thick and horizontal. Fortunately I was on the east side, so basically out of the wind during that part. Something to make life interesting. Allen took some picts, and may post those someday if I get a copy.