When I took these photos, it was Mid-February 2017. And now there has been great progress.  One of the focal points of the home is finally starting to take shape - the fireplace.  This will be a stone fireplace that will go through the center of the home. [caption id="attachment_4313" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Stone or rock fireplaces can give your home an amazing look that makes you feel like you're in a lodge with friends, gathered around the fire, singing songs and drinking hot cocoa.[/caption]   Rooms are framed in to give more of a defined look.  But I will confess something - I am not good with heights.  I mean my toes curl and my belly flips when I watch someone else do something high up. So I haven't ventured into the bedroom to the right when you go up the stairs.  Although I have been assured that it's perfectly safe and I won't fall.  I hear that little voice in my head go "NOPE NOT HAPPENING".  I listen to that voice. It usually serves me quite well.  However, you can see the framing is in place and it's taking shape nicely. [caption id="attachment_4311" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The upstairs is coming together![/caption] The exterior has more of the hand dipped cedar shakes.  By taking the time to hand dip each one they can vary the colors by the length of time they are in the stain.  Which gives it this wonderful depth and appearance that it's always been here and has weathered this way.  They are utilizing the bunk room  downstairs to  let them dry and of course taking great care to protect the floors. [caption id="attachment_4309" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Shingles need to be pre-stained before application to prevent cupping/cracking after weathering. And dipping them is the best process.[/caption] It was a stormy day and the tops of the mountains are hidden. But it's still magnificent to be here in Ledgewood in Bethlehem and Carroll, NH. [caption id="attachment_4310" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Cannon Mountain is out there somewhere![/caption]