April Already -2026

 Project Time

Before

Around 40 years ago, we built this building specifically for a hot tub we found when we went to the Fair. It was a monster - 17' long and 4' deep complete with a waterfall. We enjoyed if for many years, and many of the grandchildren learned to swim in the warm water, or enjoyed a hot dip after a cold swim in the lake.  But it had outworn its usefulness and it was taking up a lot of space.  Since the front of the building needed serious repair after being beaten by prevailing winds for all those years, we decided it was time to make some changes.

During

The front wall isn't a bearing wall. An 8" x 16" laminated beam spans the entire front of the building, so we were able to remove all the windows and door safely.

Our grandson, Jesse, and I were almost in tears as we tore down the hot tub. Lots of great memories for us. It turned out to be a bigger project than we expected, and took a full day to get it removed.

Then the rebuilding could start. First building the wall.

On to residing the building. 

Finally, in just two days, the exterior construction was complete and Ron and I could start painting.

After

While we are still working on the interior, the outside is looking pretty good!  We even managed to save a piece of the original hot tub to use as a table for the boys when they play horseshoes.

Now I can focus my efforts on gardening for the next few months. I managed to get my 8-10" tall tomato starts off my kitchen table and into the greenhouse, and dahlias and gladiolas are planted. So far, only onions, cabbage, carrots, and kale planted. Asparagus is up and we're enjoying that, so the season of plenty is beginning.