January 9 - Too Cold to Plow

Flattening the Floor -
I remember clever comments among the guys when we were teenagers (at least we thought they were clever). One such was a response to a question like 'Are you going to play hockey?" To which the answer was, "Might as well. Too cold to plow." Not that any of us city guys knew the first thing about plowing anyway.
When it is below zero outside, it is really too cold to plow. However, when the dirt floor inside needs to be leveled after the trenches are filled in, plowing the dirt is not a bad call. Paul brought the front end loader and used the scoop to again level the dirt after the trench work was completed. The tractor was driven backwards, dragging  the scoop to smooth the dirt.

The scoop has ribs that leave a neat pattern. Greg thought farmer Paul should be informed that the ripples are not needed, that a flat floor would be acceptable. When thus informed, Paul replied that he is planting oats. Paul might think it is possible that a quick crop might be harvested before the concrete is poured but I don;t think so.






Farmer Paul plows his field.

















After the Inspection -

When Don finished putting all the pipes where they need to be, the inspector came and approved the work. The trenches can then be filled in. But filling them is no simple matter. The dirt has to go in about a foot at a time and then be compacted with the machine Justin is operating.

The Fog - 
Friday was cold. Friday evening was very cold. The trackhoe had been running nearly all day with the door closed and by early evening the air inside was getting thick. The overhead door was opened to allow fresh air in and let the exhaust laden air out. The cold air met the warm, moist air and a thick fog settled into the trenches and up a couple of feet above the floor. It did get a little cool inside but also allowed some interesting views to photograph.


Fog in the trenches and the trackhoe in the distance.

 The fog was quite pretty. Drop in the Golden Gate Bridge and we have San Francisco.
Saturday - 
Fortunately, Saturday was a bit warmer. The loader, the compactor and both lifts were in use throughout the day. Brent and Aaron (hiding behind Brent) were working on hanging drywall on the firewall. Sam stopped in to visit. I do not know how Sam got up there, but it would have required a mighty leap.

Dave was kept busy taping the ceiling in the sanctuary. One big ceiling, one small person.

The fog had long since left the trenches, being replaced by a conference as Greg, Sam and Phil plot the next step.