Treehouse:: Day 7 (and PMC)

The pictures don't show it, but today was hard. I finished framing the openings for the windows and put up the siding. I used T1-11 siding, mainly to save some time, and money. Man that stuff is heavy, especially when you are working alone and lifting it ten feet into the air. Not to mention it was about 90 degrees and humid today. It was a two t-shirt day.

I don't want to complain though, because the PMC starts tomorrow night, so I am taking off for three days of bike riding. Two of my teammates and I are riding to the start tomorrow, about 70 miles from Boston. We will then ride 110 miles on Saturday (Sturbridge to Bourne), and about 90 miles on Sunday (Bourne to Provincetown). Whatever you find yourself doing this weekend, please stop for moment and think about those in your life who have been affected by cancer. You will be part of a tremendous circle of positive energy that transcends the bounds of cancer.

Boston Red Sox - Pan-Mass Challenge’s Starr spokesman for important cause - The Boston Globe

Two days until the PMC. The Boston Globe published this story today, history of the PMC and it's founder, Billy Starr. Please join Team Luca by taking a quiet moment this weekend to think about or remember those in your life who have been affected by cancer. Thank you for all your support, it means more than you can imagine.

Boston Red Sox - Pan-Mass Challenge’s Starr spokesman for important cause - The Boston Globe

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Treehouse:: Day 6

Today I built the ladder and started on the roof. The ladder is made with 2x6 and some leftover mahogany from a decking project I did a few years back. With the rafters installed, it is finally starting to look like a treehouse. This thing has taken on a life of it's own, I never imagined it would take this long, and cost this much, but I keep telling myself that the kids are going to enjoy it for many years, and since it is in our backyard, I want it to look nice.

Treehouse:: Days 4-5

Finished framing the walls yesterday and today, fastest part of the project so far. I was able to frame the walls on the upper deck, so it made the job easier. Next up is framing the roof trusses, not quite sure how that will go, as I have never built a roof before. I'm taking a few days off from the treehouse, tomorrow is my son's birthday party, and I am riding to Yarmouth on Sunday to visit some friends from Brooklyn that are are on the Cape for vacation.

Wilco (The Concert)

We made our way up to Lowell Saturday night to see Wilco, who were playing at LeLacheur Park, home to the minor league Lowell Spinners. I haven't listened to their new album, only a few songs, so I was looking forward to hearing some new tunes. One of the reviews I read referred to 'Wilco (The Album)' as "Dad Rock", and this made me laugh, given the fact that the six of us making the journey to Lowell are all fathers, as well as long time Wilco fans. Lowell is an interesting city, in the early 20th century it was the thriving center of the New England textile industry, but now it is best known as the birthplace of Jack Keroauc, and rumor has it that Edgar Allen Poe allegedly wrote "The Raven" in a local tavern. Today, Lowell is a pretty rough town, but in the past few years it has been going through a bit of urban renewal, centered around the Western Avenue Studios - a converted mill which houses over 160 working artists and musicians.

LeLacheur Park is not the best venue (band in center field, small human corral in front of stage, unoccupied wasteland in the infield, grandstand seating for those not in the corral) but the music was outstanding. Jeff Tweedy was all smiles and Nels Cline blew us away with his guitar playing, mindblowing stuff. My favorite part of the show came when the band played Via Chicago>Impossible Germany>Spiders (Kidsmoke). It's hard to imagine Wilco without Nels Cline, he seems such an integral part of the band now, and I have to believe that he is a big part of the reason they are making some of the best music going right now. The show ended just as the skies opened up, and the driving rain forced the band to call the show after only one encore song. Everyone got the feeling that they wanted to keep playing, but we also felt satisfied that we got to see such a great show. We decided to grab a drink at an Irish Pub, and then headed back to the hotel, because those of us who listen to "Dad Rock" still like our sleep. Sunday morning found us at the Owl Diner for some eggs and coffee, before heading home. In the end, we never found Jack Keroauc's birthplace, or the bar that Poe liked to drink at, but Wilco definitely swung for the fences and hit a home run.

Treehouse:: Day 3

Picture doesn't real show much, but I made some progress today. I finished framing the upper and lower decks, and started work on the railings. Next up is framing of the walls, but that will have to wait until Monday, now it's time to play. Bike rides planned for the next two days, and heading to Lowell Saturday afternoon to see Wilco.

Treehouse:: Day 2

Yesterday I had a few hours to continue work on the framing of the treehouse. In between rain showers I was able to frame the upper and lower decks. We are heading to Maine tomorrow for three nights of camping, so work on the treehouse will continue when we return.

Have a great Fourth!

Listening to: Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse- "Dark Night of the Soul"