Hi Everyone, I’m moving. Many of you have surmised from my twitters that I’ve been building something, and that something is home. It’s essentially a pole barn, and it’s perfect for me and the crew. To be completely honest, this project made me realize I really don’t like building. The only parts I enjoyed were nailing on the roof and insulating the ceiling because I could pretend I was in Cirque du Soleil. But I had incredible help along the way, and now it’s over and I’m thrilled, and I learned so much.

I used salvaged redwood for all the framing; in fact, most of the materials were salvage. I put a sign at the post office and put the word on the street, and materials just started showing up. I got steel doors for $10 each; a pile of windows for free which I mounted both inside and outside the framing to create an insulating air pocket between the single-pane windows; a pile of leftovers from other people’s building projects - hinges, wiring, fans, deck screws, on and on. All in all, the materials for the entire structure cost less than Charlie’s fence.

My favorite parts: The 3 x 2-foot window I placed at ground-level so Charlie can curl up on his bed and look outside; the huge, hand-peeled pine beams that function as the roof trusses and are left exposed as the subtle focal point of the cathedral-like interior; and the fact that Charlie can be barred from the kitchen, so I no longer have to worry about him opening the fridge, going through the cupboards, or sitting on the dang counters.

I’ll share pictures eventually, but I’ll probably be scarce for the next week or so as we move and settle in, though posts should go up as usual each morning. Thanks for your patience! xo S.