marzo e pazzo

     March is crazy. It's the second of March and it's a momentous occasion. A month ago we awoke to what turned out to be almost a month of snowbound isolation. Today I was forced to remove my long johns. This isn't something I do casually or often. I sleep in the damn things. Sometimes I wake in the night, sweating, and shove them down to my ankles; but they only come off for special occasions. They normally go on in November and come off in April. Really. This year I'm very thankful to my brother Matt for lending me two pairs of his best so now I'm able to change them every month or so. I know, I know, you're thinking I'm a complete grub; but actually it's not that bad. I'm a clean person, but the need for warmth can overcome a few other needs.
    I'd send you a picture, but my camera battery charger is broken. Sorry.
   Anyway, today I was forced to remove my long johns. It was that hot. Richie and I continue to work indoors where it's cold, but I was still overheating. Alex and her mother worked outside sifting fine sand for our plaster mixes and I found myself checking on their progress fairly often. They, predictably, were complaining from under their huge sun hats. We had spread the sand out on large wooden panels to allow the sun to dry the sand, making it easier to sift. The old camper van was loaded and the sand circulated by wheelbarrow from van to drying panel to sifting screen to storage vessel to mixing tub to builder's bucket to, finally, the wall. Mixing, spreading and finishing the plaster takes effort and concentration. After a few hours the chill of the morning wore off, the hot tea kicked in, the solar panels began their work, and before you knew it, one is sweltering in on's long johns. Around about  noon or so, I glanced over to Alex and cocked my head in question. Sure enough, she had removed her long johns as well.
   We're working on the middle floor corridor and it's northwest bedroom. Both areas are getting proper electrics, new wall plaster, cleaned ceilings and beams, and the bedroom is getting an old door fitted properly. Richie is dedicated to old buildings and has brought a passion and knowledge to the project. I admire his dedication to the old materials and find myself protecting him from the consensus for a rapid conclusion to this renovation. He and I agree on everything concerning the proper materials for restoration. If anything, he is more willing to take the more painstaking, authentic approach. His work is a masterful mix of perfection and correctness. It's inspiring since I thought I was alone in my zeal for authenticity. We are using hydrated lime and sifted sand for our final plaster and it takes a lot more work to prepare than the bags of pre-mix available at the local yard; but the result is very similar to the original work we are repairing.
     We are working here because one month ago the plaster wouldn't set on the floor below. It was below freezing. Now, one month later, I'm removing my long johns before the job, or winter, is finished. But, like the job, winter isn't finished. Marzo e pazzo.