Yesterday was a long stressful day that ended with Ron giddy with excitement. But both of us still tired this morning. It all began months ago when he realized that he “had women folk” involved in his farm. And as such, he needed to address bathroom needs. The guys?, they can “grab a tree”. But the ladies tend to be more discreet. As usual, Ron started research on the internet, trying to find a proper privy. This would also be a two-fer. He would solve a major problem and make his Tiny House vision come true. He would no longer be a liar. He would actually have a tiny house. He found Larry Munger who advertises outhouses for sale on Craigslist. Emails went sent back and forth and a meeting was set up.
On Saturday, May 30 we drove out to Volney NY see Larry’s houses. Just like Ron he was on the retirement countdown clock and had set up a workshop for himself. He too needed something to keep himself busy and active. His houses were solidly built and Ron needed only a few small changes. A small window in the side so visitors could have light. Ron would buy that and drive back up with it the following week. The seat needed to have a tight fit over a bucket. As we have to use the carry out method of disposal. And we didn’t want it stained. Ron had his own paint scheme in mind. Larry said no problem and we could pick it up in 3 weeks. The window was dropped off as planned and we waited for the final call.
Larry called on June 13 to say house was done and ready for pick up. And we had a green roof. A bonus. Ron said we would come the following Saturday between 8-9 am. The plan was to stop to Wegman’s, pick up the outhouse and then drive to Costco. Being in the area, you see. So up early on June 20, Jo off to work, trailer hooked up and we were on our way. We made quick stop at Wal-mart as I needed more small containers to freeze my pesto in. Got a later start than we planned so Wegman’s was scrapped. We got to Larry’s place at 8:50. Right on time. And then the fun started.
The pondering begins. This thing was massive and a lot heavier than Ron estimated. No idea how they are going to get it onto our trailer. I am staying out from underfoot and in photographer mode.
The plan to have it rest on cinder blocks was not going to work. So they tried laying boards across the trailer’s rails to see it they could then slide it. We would have needed about 10 more guys to slide this thing. This was beginning to make me nervous.
Larry’s son Adam pulled his lift into play, hoping that it would hold some of the weight so they could try sliding the house into place. Even with that help, it was still a huge struggle for them to get the full house onto the trailer. They finally got it off the ground, but now it was hanging off the back by a good 3 feet. Everyone stayed calm though. No fussing or fuming, just tossing ideas out the way men tend to when they are stuck. They were willing to try just about anything to get this job done.
A final “gentle” shove by Adam on his tractor and the house was fully on the trailer. Yahoo. Huge sighs of relief. They may see the last of us yet. More final tweaking needed. Tie down straps, just to be sure and we put the cinder blocks back under the house. In case one or more of the boards snapped and the house dropped down into the trailer.
It is 10:50 and we are ready to head out. Side trips to Costco and Wegman’s have been cancelled. Ron just wants to get all three of us safely home. Surely the hardest part is over, right? Not so much. Avoiding the thruway was a no brainer. And Route 5 would have lots of traffic on it. We decided to go up 49 and hook onto Route 13, going through Sylvan Beach. By this time, Ron was having serious doubts about our plans to get this thing off the trailer and set up on our driveway. The plan had been to keep it there while we painted it and did a few more finishing touches. He didn’t actually tell me that yet. Finally acceptance would come later. During our drive home.