It seems there’s some competition for leader of the crew.

Day 4 brought the critical eyes of not just our seven-year-old pup Molly, but also those of two bald eagles who watched the day’s progress for hours from a nearby tree.

While their help is appreciated, we’ve decided to stick with Patrick. We might consider their applications if they had a little more experience and we didn’t like our current foreman so much.

Molly was more than a little excited to be lifted onto the deck for her first time. She instantly ran around the space in circles, then checked out the views she’ll have. We haven’t yet broken it to her that there’s a door going where she rests in this photo.

The eagles were there for about three hours – I’ll take that as a good omen.

Even more exciting this day was the installation of our first timbers!

Our bedroom is now established, and, even without a roof, it already feels cozy!

The next step for our bedroom is the ceiling. For reasons too many and too frustrating to mention, we really cut getting the materials close to the line. The wood for the bedroom arrived just this week and it will be at least a week before we get the rest of it for the remainder of the house. An advantage to our troubles is we got to make a decision about stain colour while standing in the space.

If you read my earlier post, “Rule of Shopping…”, you’ll know everyday, 1 x 8 pine planks were not my first choice for our ceiling. In November, I fell in love with some reclaimed wood from Toronto harbour that varies in colour and would have been another feature of our home. I really don’t like feeling we’ve missed an opportunity to do something unique and extra awesome.

Yes, I know, our home will be amazing, even without that wood. But I doubt I’ll get used to the compromises that are part of building; I’ve never been good at choosing battles.

Ah, the plight of the perfectionist.

Back to reality, I suppose my ceiling wood disappointment is minor when considering our outstanding Week 1. Now it’s time to do the staining and prep for Week 2.