Project LLCER Building

A Leftover Item from Yesterday and a Week Ago - It was brought to my attention yesterday that the well, when it was drilled, encountered a significant vein of underground dihydrogenmonoxide, which is now permeating the plumbing system. This situation remains even after the full day of purging the well of sand, frogs and other undesirable materials. I was able to confirm this finding with a graduate chemical engineer. The engineer informed me that this compound, when allowed to infiltrate into the human respiratory system can cause coughing, choking and breathing difficulties. He explained that as little as two tablespoons penetrating into the lungs can be fatal. He further explained that this chemical, when heated, turns vaporous and can then cause severe injury to exposed skin. We have reason to be cautious. In this age of EPA, FDA, OSHA and all manner of other regulatory work relating to medical, food and environmental safety, I am surprised by the dearth of  applicable regulatio...

A Rainy and Sunny Summer Day - Bright sunshine alternated with brief showers on a pleasant summer day at the church.  Farmer Paul was out preparing the back forty for grass seed. Two evenings this week were devoted to picking rocks and a substantial pile was accumulated. I heard that today would be seeding day but Paul said a little more dirt work is required on the near side of the drainage puddle before the seed goes in. So, if not today, one day soon the seed will be sown and the green grass will sprout where dirt now reigns.  Mrs. Chronicler prepared the Saturday lunch, marginally assisted by her husband. Here we see the work crew enjoying the lunch break on the back porch. The patio furniture is a tad limited. A few folding chairs, a prototype pew and an improvised Adirondack chair that Bill is using.  Sloppy Joe's and watermelon - just like a picnic in the park.   Straggler Bees -  Last Saturday a swarm of bees encamped behind the building on some siding b...

New and Exciting Developments - The well has been hooked up and the church now has its very own water supply. No more need to connect extreme hose lengths or haul bucket loads from neighbor Pete's. After the well is connected it is necessary to let the water run for a while to clean out sand and other undesirable materials like frogs from the well. Here we see the water refilling the drainage basin. Matt was able to draw water for cleaning up his tools, without needing to import it. He seemed pleased with this situation. A Mid-June Portrait - The view from the road. The paint color and pattern just right of the entryway reflects the recommendation of the design committee. The entryway does not. The Worker Bees Swarm to the Job - The trim boards behind the church proved to be an attractive landing spot for a passing swarm of bees. Sam, who earlier had demonstrated ample insight into sand hill cranes, today showed his apiarian knowledge. Sam knows his birds and bees. He explained tha...

Back to June 9 - Through the wonders of electronics, we have the ability to turn back time. Even though the porch slab has already been poured, we are able to step back to look at events preceding the pour, back to Friday, June 9. Return with us now to that thrilling day of yesterweek, to see the preparation for the pour. Bob (notice the return of the yellow hat after a winter-long absence), pounds in a stake for supporting the slab form and at the same time teaches Felix about trust. Sam drives in a stake using an even bigger hammer, relying on mother earth to hold the stake in place while being sunk. Loren, Wayne and Jacob sharpen up their fencing skills. At the same time they are laying in reinforcement for smaller pads, like the one that will hold the air conditioning units. Wayne, Tim and Bob add color as well as useful work to the evening. It takes two Sams to level the form. Troy and Sam carefully measure the form to assure the proper height. My dad used to tell me that two head...

A Day of Concrete Progress -  Two professional concrete guys from neighboring congregations were here to provide expertise and professional skill for the project. We are grateful to Sonny Johnson of the Minneapolis congregation and Jon Parks of the Cokato congregation who provided much appreciated energy and skill on this hot, windy Saturday. The very visible, decorative pyramid-shaped pillars that support the portico was the object of Sonny's attention. Earlier in the week Sam was visiting with Sonny on the phone, picking the expert's brain for tips on assuring a professional look to the pillars. After considerable time spent explaining, Sonny finally said, "Tell you what. I will come to the church Saturday morning." Sam did not protest and Sonny came. Jon Parks has spent his entire working life in the concrete business. He poured his talents and energy into guiding the back porch floor. Thanks to both of these brothers for their expertise and diligent efforts. Concr...