We ended yesterdsy with being unable to remove the plug bolt in the tractor’s oil pan. We began this morning with new plans of attack. Couldn’t find the propane torch, so after trying a few more times with the wrench, bring out the hammer and bang on it awhile. It did eventually come off.

Between the cold and the dirtiness of the oil, draining it out took quite a while. And it got a bit breezy, so we ended up with a bit of a mess. Nothing in the soil, though, which is good.

I took the bolt to the auto parts store, but it isnt a standard size, so I can’t just walk in and buy a new one. So for now, we will use it, and come next oil change, we’ll order in a new one with actual edges.

That accomplished, we started putting up our walls today. Given that this is a relatively temporary arrangement, we werent willing to spend hundreds of dollars on wood or gyproc (which I hate with an undening passion) for walls. Instead, we put up canvas drop cloths. They make a nice wall, but they are also reuseable later when they are taken down again.

It’s a fairly swift process, all in all, and a nice bright interior results.

We got the whole of the west wall finished, including the north corner to the doorway. The plywood went back up after because 1) we still need a place to store it and 2) the firewood is going to be stacked there and we don’t want to damage the soft wall.

We also got just under half of the east wall completed. Tomorrow, if the weather is bad, we will continue the east wall.

Our goat Lucy came home today. Because Lucy and Maggie fight constantly, they can’t be transported together, so just Lucy this time. Maggie will come within the week. It is becoming an inhabited space.

I also visited the hardware store and inquired as to when they will be restocking the insulation. They aren’t, as a general rule. They don’t usually carry it. Good thing I checked. There are now 6 bags on special order for me. Enough to finish the remaining two walls. It should be in next week.