Another worrisome day as Lake Champlain water level continues to rise. Hoping it’ll crest soon, and we can return to midsummer jolliness. Until I can celebrate *THAT* good news, I’ll elevate my spirits with a sequel to yesterday’s “Grateful, Part I” (which suffered premature abbreviation when I ran out of time.)
Peter joined us last summer/autumn to remediate the boathouse gangway fiasco abandoned by OPUD. At least that was the plan. He and his partner, Supi, started in the autumn of 2022, first demo’ing most of the subpar and already failing efforts of his predecessor, and then initiating a safe, code compliant, architectural duplicate of the previous gangway and railing. However, with some hand, some progress to show, we were on a better path this time around, things shifted when we leaned on Peter and Supi to help out with the icehouse foundation. Peter came through in a huge way. Actually, they both did, but it became clear to us that Peter had the skill set to help out with the icehouse rehabilitation if/when necessary. When, in January, it was suddenly necessary, Peter and Supi pivoted from the boathouse to the icehouse. Peter assumed the lead carpenter mantle, and he’s been guiding the project ever since. The breadth of his skillset is surpassed only by his generous spirit and gentle demeanor. Thank you, Peter, for catalyzing a collegial culture on this team.
Supi (red shirt, above) spent much of the last week manhandling giant slabs of local limestone, transforming mounds of rock into stonewalls that complement those on Rosslyn’s grounds for 200 years (as well as those that we built and rebuilt in 2006–9). His quiet but collegial energy and his steady work ethic have become a critical and reliable force over the last year. I have to remind him not to lift up boulders the size of small cars! But yesterday his strength was a windfall, when we were swiftly saving the docks and boatlift from rapidly rising lake water. Thank you, Supi.
Tony (white shirt, above) is likewise a man of ample muscle and endurance. The sheer strength these two bring to any task upon which they focus their energy is monumental. Mountains of muscle! And yet Tony is also more than able to tackle more delicate projects that require focus and endurance in place of brawn. His recent work tung oiling Ron Bauer’s custom table, poly-sealing the hardwood floors inside the icehouse, and oiling the garapa decks on the east and west of the icehouse has drawn upon his intense focus and his respect for the materials and vision. From his early work on ADK Oasis Lakeside, through his trail building and gardening work at Rosslyn, up through the present icehouse rehabilitation, Tony has invested relentless determination, an unrivaled work ethic, and humble curiosity and an appetite for learning. And the rewards are abundant. Thank you, Tony.
The newest member of the team is Glenn, pictured above painting cabinet doors for the under-stair storage. A human resources consultant by training career, Glenn is also in enthusiastic paintbrush moonlighter. And over the last month we have been the fortunate beneficiaries. Often, seven days a week, quietly, consistently erasing dings and finish painting trims and columns and doors and jambs and just about everything else. In addition to his conscientious and persistent painting, he’s a pleasure to work with, contributing a congenial and upbeat demeanor whenever he’s on site. Thank you, Glenn.
Grateful, Thankful
Yesterday I mentioned that my intention had been to celebrate the day’s superheroes, and I included my nephews, Erik and Christoph. They’d zipped over in the nick of time to help Susan, Tony, Supi, and me when we were wrangling docks, boat lift, and ski boat. The challenges were plenty, and our human resources were stretched. But, as so often in the past, these two came through. Erik leapt into the water and helped us move the clunky boatlift and the docks. It wasn’t particularly easy work. But he was willing and enthusiastic, and he’s a strong as an ox. His assistance was instrumental. And only a few weeks prior when we were installing the docks and boatlift, Christoph brought his brains and brawn to the equation, ensuring a successful launch to the boating season. Again, and again, ever since these two were wee lads, they’ve helped tackle projects, chef’ed up delicious garden-to-grill meals, and helped host a steady stream of family and friends. Thank you, Erik and Christoph.
And, needless today to say, this is far from an exhaustive list. These are just some of the most recent highlights. The truth is, our 17 years at Rosslyn is a tapestry of fortunate partnerships and collaborations. The DNA common to almost all of the threads is the generosity with which others have approached work at Rosslyn, and the gratitude we feel for their creativity and hard work. Thank you!
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