So the other day I saw a picture of Joe Biden and couldn’t get over how much he looked like Jeff Dunham’s puppet, Walter. I went to google some pictures to prove my point and found that I’m not the only one that noticed the resemblence! Ha! There is a site here that points out what I noticed.
Outdoor Living Project II
We previously told you about our work on an outdoor living project here. Indiana weather hasn’t helped us with progress this Spring. We had to wait for the weather to warm up enough to complete the masonry on the fireplace before we could make the tie-in with the rest of the structure. Once that happened in March, we were able to complete the framing, but then April came with nearly constant rain delays. Since that time we have completed the roof structure, installed the shingles and the EPDM roof on the flat section. We have completed the barrel ceiling framing. We have also completed the perimeter retaining wall.
Next on the schedule is the electrical rough-in. The Owners finalized the lighting layout and have made most of the fixture selections this week. We will be running the electric in flexible plastic conduit for maximum future options. The Owners use a computerized lighting and security system in their home. This system will be extended to the cabana to allow remote control of the lighting and other electrical systems.
We are also about to begin the installation of masonry walls that define the room. The walls are solid core decorative retaining wall blocks that are designed for mortarless installation with vertical installation. The critical area will be around the kitchen area where the interior dimensions are crucial for the kitchen cabinets and appliances while the exterior dimensions are crucial to the column alignment and hurricane shutter locations.
Check back for futher updates where we’ll have additional pictures of how it all comes together.
ABC – Mike Pence
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Michiana Council had a presentation from Mike Pence to discuss how his goals, if he becomes governor, would align with the free enterprise goals of ABC. He related several personal anecdotes on why he believes that Right-to-Work should be one of the number one goals of his administration. He expressed his belief that on many of our issues, it was a matter of educating the public. His opinion is that educating the public on issues should be one of the governor’s priorities.
He spoke elequently and made a strong case for ABC’s support of his candidancy. There appears to be only one other candidate at this time, but there may be more. If others decide to try their hand against Mr. Pence in the primary, they will find a formidable opponent. I think it’s likely that he will be the Republican candidate for governor.
Culver Academies Woodcraft Camp Cabin
We are currently working on a new cabin for the girls’ section of the Woodcraft Camp. We are duplicating the existing cabins as much as possible, using cedar for nearly everything that is exposed.
We had a false start where we got off square due to tree roots, but we regrouped and are back under construction with walls standing and our first rafters in the air.
Culver Academies have 70 cabins in the Woodcraft Camp as well as about a dozen or so other accessory buildings. The camp has been in its current location for almost 50 years. Prior to that it was part of the main campus. The Woodcraft Camp program is celebrating its centennial this year. I’m not sure what all will be included in the celebration, but I’m guessing they will do it up right.
The cabins have changed very little over the years. The first one was built as a display and transported to the site for placement on concrete piers. The roofing material has changed over the years, going from cedar shakes to composite faux cedar shakes, to the current use of architectural shingles; and some of the hidden structure has been changed to treated lumber. Beyond those changes, great pains have been taken to match the authentic original designs.
As I’m writing this, more changes may be in the works though. We currently have a variance application at the State requesting a waiver on the new rules that would require this cabin to have a fire sprinkler system. Aside from the fact that this would be the only sprinkled cabin on the site, it would be extremely difficult and costly to extend adequate water lines to supply a sprinkler system.
The plan is to have this new cabin completed in time for the 2011 Woodcraft Camp starting in June. We’re pressed for time due to the wet weather we’ve been having, but we’re making good progress. Watch for more enteries here as we progress.
For those of you interested in additional information on the Culver Academies Woodcraft Camp, I would suggest you take a look at A Salute to the Woodcraft Camps by Robert B.D. Hartman. I have attached a copy here.
Boy Scout Trip
We received a solicitation from Boy Scout Troop 229 which is serving Culver now. They have 6 scouts from the Culver area in the troop of 24. They are planning a trip to Philadelphia (Independence Hall), New York (Statue of Liberty) and Boston to visit and learn about historic sites. The trip will include an overnight stay aboard the USS New Jersey which should be a treat.
I went through the scouting program, from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, and it is generally a good program. This trip sounds like it should be a great learning experience for the scouts. Since I was unfamiliar with this activity before receiving this letter about it, I thought I would share it here.
Last year was the 100 year anniversary of Scouting in the United States. Something I learned when we completed the Boy Scout Cabin at Culver Woodcraft Camp last year. It’s a good program and hopefully these scouts will learn a lot and volunteer to pass it on to the next generation.