After a well-deserved three-day weekend, the mud bandits were back in action during the week of May 29th.  We finished the plastering on the big house by Wednesday, took a deep breath, and began the process of extracting lime from our hair and clothing--no small task!  It was quite rewarding to step back and see both coats completed; plastering was truly a team effort that allowed us to gel and find our rhythm working together.  For the next 72 hours, we had to be sure to keep the house watered (thanks especially to Paulina!)...this task of snaking the hose along the labyrinthine scaffolding was worthwhile because it prevented major cracks from forming in the plaster.

Next, we moved on to the A-frame structure that was erected last internship season.  This building is to become a place for a composting toilet and shower, replete with a splendid view of the property, yellow wild iris included. In the A-frame, we laid floor joists, nailed down floor boards, and framed up the doors.  Notching joints in round wood beams above your head is tough stuff, but it's a quick way to become accustomed to using a chisel and rasp!  We also got to scribe around the round wood posts so that the end floor boards could be fitted.  Jo and Paulina also began constructing a smart set of stairs going up the the A-frame.

Finally, on Saturday, Paul treated us to a short course, affectionately known as Tool School.  He covered the basics of safety equipment: ear muffs (especially handy for hammering in floor brads!), goggles, gloves, the tool belt, and--most importantly--one's own head.  We also practiced power drilling, sharpening and honing chisels and knives ("Pull to hone...push on stone!"), and using the chainsaw.  We also finished nailing down the floor in the A-frame--a prime opportunity for practicing hammering.  As Paul says, "It's a wristy action."