Today was all Steve and Chris. Mom and I went by to check the progress this afternoon and they were gone to Lowe's to buy more facing boards. But look how much is done!
They plan to finish this area today so I'm guessing that they will put a facing board over the horizontal seam in the peaked wall on the right, and over the french doors. (That peaked wall is the back of the garage, opposite the side of the garage with the two big doors.)
They may also have time to install the cat door to the right of the french doors. The little bathroom window should come in on the Lowe's truck tonight and they will install it in the morning and trim it out so I can paint it.
I decided that I would wait until tomorrow to paint. I can finish it all (two coats) in about 6 hours. And then that's it! If it doesn't rain and the window is on the truck we will have finished on time, in 16 days.
I've heard from so many of you and I appreciate the comments. I know what we've done must look amazing because when I read back over the posts I am sort of amazed myself. But the truth is that this is something you can do if you are in reasonably good shape, have some tools*, and a willingness to work.
The materials weren't free but they weren't nearly as expensive as you might think. So much of this sort of job is in the labor. We happily pay for labor we cannot do ourselves but we have saved a lot by doing what we can. You can too! I think the biggest trick is not allowing yourself to stop before you are finished which is one reason why I am so looking forward to finishing my part of this job and marking it off the list!
So – what did I do today? I have begun making the movies I have promised to make. I'm learning how to do some edits in iMovie. The files are big and it takes time for the computer to process them. I'm starting at the beginning with how to make templates and I hope to have that movie up in the next day or so. And there will be more, many more.
*About tools – Steve realized a few days ago that this is the first big project that we've done and not had to buy a new tool. I think he was sort of disappointed but that means that he does have a well-stocked aresenal of tools.
Piece O Cake Blog 
As I have said, I am so impressed with all you 3 have done. Got to the end of this post Becky and laughed out loud, surely Steve deserves a tool as a reward at the very least!
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I have so enjoyed reading of your incredible daily progress. Perhaps another factor leading to success as well as “if you are in reasonably good shape, have some tools*, and a willingness to work” is having a team working on your project. Your family is indeed a great working team. Well done.
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I anxiously waiting forward to the movies!
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I understand what you are saying. I was raised this way and its how we have done any renovations in my parents, my sisters, and my homes. Im also lucky in a dad who learned through necessity as a boy how to do a little of everything-constructions, plumbing electrical. It is a shame not everyone has the same experiences growing up as a kid. Building and renovating gives you better knowledge then playing video games.
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