Our outhouse build
A couple of years ago on one of our drives looking for properties, we passed a store that really made me laugh just outside of Winchester, Va. This was shortly before I hit the chicken, but that’s a story for another day. Ryan was driving and we passed by a gas station/convenience store called “The Other Store”. It’s name made me laugh so hard. I later deemed the area too far from home and didn’t want to buy in Virginia anyway.
Fast forward to 2023 when we were driving out one late afternoon to Hampshire County, WV where we passed “The Other Store” once again. Truth be told it’s located just beyond the halfway point to the property. I still smile when I see the sign, and think it was a business owner’s humor in response to the competator’s gas station on the other side of the dual highway.
As we are in the midst of building the outhouse at the property, my father said we need a sign saying “God bless this house” or something similar. I considered it, but finally decided “The Other House” fits our story better. This is for temporary use until we get plumbing and electric in the cabin but that may take a while.
The Other House was the first project we were able to work on as a family of four. This spring was the first time all four of us had been to the property together. Anyone with several children will relate to the fact that it’s sometimes a challenge to get everyone in the same place, especially as they get older and more independent. We even brought Rascal the dog along for this visit. The men were able to move and fit the foundation of the telephone poles (left scattered on the property) for the structure. Over the next two visits we were able to spend the night with Liam and begin the actual build of the structure. Ryan and Liam did the majority of the work and I assisted when needed. As of now we have walls up and a door cut out. We used an antique window given to me by my college roommate, Tracy, for some light and ventilation as well as viewing pleasure while using the outhouse. Next we will attach the roof, door and begin the trims and finishing touches. Taking my friend Eric’s advice I may stain it rather than paint it.
Staying overnight
It was good to have some more time at the property and truthfully, I slept remarkably well there. Ryan on the other hand was awake both times at 5:30am with the first birds. It is very much a camping experience complete with a frantic barn swallow in the cabin who is trying to sit on her eggs. I’m worried they may not be viable due to our disturbance but we will see.
In the meantime we were also able to finish the drainage trench Ryan had dug and begin a new one to divert the water from our campfire site. In the midst of these projects I was able to see my second mom, a woman who helped raise me, Barbara as well as Mike on Mother’s Day. They brought us several generous housewarming gifts. They live about 45 minutes north of us and embarked on a similar project about 30 years ago. Barbara has been following along with our story and they could relate to a lot of what we are experiencing. I shared their story in my last post.
