Kottage-tek - Mp3 Edition

The first project this time was replacing some of the trashy novels that were holding up the furniture with actual legs. We left a couple of books under the corner of the sofa because we figured nobody will want to read them anyway.WE also played with a Belkin WeMo. This is like a high tech timer switch that can be controlled across the web. We set up IFTTT to control the switch using text messages. Smart idea if only Betty-Boop would stop texting "# off" to her son. I can only imagine what he was thinking.

It's Christmas time in Muskoka and there's no better time to get all the old skis, snowshoes, and other paraphernalia off the floor, out of the hallway, and up onto the walls where it belongs We also got to poke fun at Bruce's Dr. Seuss Christmas tree We also followed up on the water purification system and it appears that human testing is in order.

Cliff installs LEDs into a clear acrylic electric guitar And we come full circle with the LED guitar playing Smoke On The Water so close to the Whatta reserve.

Blue Ant Media comes to shoot a segment for the upcomming "Cottage Cheese" show. on the new Cottage Life Television channel Now we know how George Clooney and Brad Pitt feel. Or maybe it's more like Steve Martin and Martin Short!

We talked about the history and traditions of cottaging in Muskoka as well as most other places in Canada We told stories about moving the outhouse, cooking on a real wood stove and of course the town pump which we still use today. If that's roughing it, I'll take it any day of the week.

Bruce finally pulled the trigger on a water purification system. Paul Godwin Plumbing took care of the project and boy does it make a difference when professionals do the work We put in three "Big Blue" 20 inch filter canisters and a Greenway GAUV-12H UV Disinfection System which uses a 35 watt UV lamp to kill bacteria. We also upped the water pump from a half horse to a three quarter for more flow.

This time we get into a bit more detail about pouring cement. We covered scribing forms to the uneven rocks which is a handy skill to have. We also talked about mixing cement. We discussed different kinds of cement and just what makes it concrete. Bruce went with the old wheelbarrow method which was fine considering we only mixed three bags. That man loves to watch people work. Anymore and I would have wanted the big boy toys. Maybe even the big cement pumper truck.

Bruce is finally installing a water purification system so we don't have to keep hauling water from the city or at least the town pump. We did a bunch of cleanup in the crawlspace and prepared a place for the installers to set the new pump. We did this by scribing a plywood for to the un-even rock and poured 3 bags of cement.

Bruce and Asis, aka The Montreal Crew show up imediately jumped in to help with cleaning out the beer fridge. Their years of training and experience pays off as we actually had to re-stock before the visit was over. We also announce the grand openning of "The Kottage-tek Swag Shop over on Cafe Press

We talk about a couple of big projects at the cottage like the bathroom vanity and a new steel roof We also talk about the loons amassing on the lake in preparation for their winter migration.

First the Rogers 3G hub melts down but we get that working again. Then I create the 802.11ac Wi-Fi Cordless Extension Cord.

We finished off the re-siding job on the old bunkie. I also get to mist Bruce with the paint gun. Boy hes going grey!,

We finally replace the old siding on the bunkie and even get on a couple of coats of paint We also have a toast to the war of 1812.,

Bruce has a dead battery and a flat. The machine that goes "Bing", and maple syrup collection re-invents the beer me zip line.

Bruce catches a Ruffed Grouse. Actually it flew into a window so we cooked it for dinner.

We work on ways to prevent the water line from freezing. It's truly a franchise opportunity.

Sarah gets stuck in the truck thanks to the kiddie locks. and we build a new platform deck for the tin garden shed. Bruce and Sarah get to work driving deck screws with the Newfie Screwdriver

First we BBQ some ribs and chicken. Then we find that someone has been putting food in the beer fridge. blasphemy!

The food fridge is renamed the fridge of DEATH and Bruce wants to open a micro brewery.

Cliff creates a unique water garden at the cottage. It does double duty as a beer and wine chiller by day and a hot tub by night. Pure genius!