More on the house

Somehow, this past week didn't seem to be as exciting as the past few.  I think because putting in a whole deck seems like a bigger accomplishment than digging a hole and filling it with concrete and block.  But nevertheless, it's all progress.  Even if half of your work gets buried.  

Here is the ol' ditch, filled with concrete and block.  Ready for the walls.  

We are also getting the joists ready.  PJ and I streamlined the processing of these 2x12's on Friday.  He was sanding and routing them, after which I applied the linseed oil.  We got the majority of them done before I had to go to work at noon.  Check out the grain on these yellow pine 12 footers.  

The major beams that are going to hold up those yellow pine joists are pictured below.  They are oak cut and milled locally.  The beam on the right has been sanded and oiled.  The left one isn't oiled yet, so you can see how the oil will bring out the grain.  So pretty...

If you aren't familiar with Fast Orange, it is soap that many mechanics use.  It is gritty to get the oil and grease off your hands. I love it, too,  after working in the garden.... it gets all the ground-in dirt off of your hands.  The pump below is now stationed in the kitchen, since we are using daily.  It's a sign of hard work when you get to use the orange.