We are Baptist Builders!!!

This is our tool trunk. We did our first job together, by ourselves. No master carpenter standing by to give us answers to any question we would have. Merle gave us our instructions, scrape and wash this roof. Then, when it was dry, we applied repair materials and thick white rubber like paint.

This is the structure. Earlier, Merle, Norm and I repaired some inside problems with the floor and wall.

Some of our great (hopefully) patch work. Merle is no longer authorized to climb a ladder, so we followed his orders as best as the two of us could.

Norm did most of the repairs and the painting. I took the role of climbing the ladder up and down, up and down, and up and down. I also carried the heavy white goop around and prayed that neither one of us would step over the side. We have a good feeling that we plugged all the leaks and extended the life of this residence. Most of all, it is great to do work for the Lord!

Desert Flowers...

Last night Norm noticed that her cactus flowers were going to bloom and promptly ordered me to get up early, make coffee and when the coffee was ready to drink, I was instructed to wake her. At around seven Norm took these pictures and by nine the flowers were closed and gone. All total, there were 33 flowers that bloomed! The desert is an amazing place.

Baptist Builders, part 2....

Norm filled that little trailer twice and a large dumpster many times over with construction debris. To the right are sheets of dry wall waiting for Norm and I to carry in.

We helped Merle install both the doors seen in this photo. I also got the first time opportunity to use a nail gun to install the trim!

We took this area and made it smaller. With Merle's help we built a new wall, hung the dry wall and the new door.

We removed this door and one like it on the opposite side of the stage and closed them both in with dry wall that had to be curved. We had a lot of help everyday from fifteen to twenty guys that also loved the Lord.

Baptist Builders work...

We worked for four days here at the Golden gate seminary in Scottsdale Arizona doing a variety of tearing things apart and building new things. It is hard to see, but Norm is in the center of this shot strolling toward Merle to receive her orders for the day.

Here are just some of the demolishing work we helped with.

Merle is on the left and Dr. Dave is to the right discussing what we are going to do next.

It seemed everywhere you looked some sort of construction was going on.

One More...

This guy said goodbye to us on our way back to the car.

Vulture Peak, the end...

This is the peak from the back side.

Vukture Peak part 3...

Norm blazes a trail to the summit. Actually she is just following the marked route. Tread lightly.

Here we are at the top, basking in our success.

Norm says, "Crawl up there and let me take your picture." So here I am.

All these little buds will become small white flowers soon.

Vulture Peak cont...

Norm just asked me if I was sure there is no other way to the top?

Vulture Peak...

We hiked Vulture Peak in June! I know most people are thinking "You two are insane!" But, we started at 0600 and finished at 1000. The weather was not bad at all. Most of the climb was in the shade so that was nice.

From last month...

Boy am I late with these pictures. Norm saw at least twenty-five of these little guys yesterday. They are a little bigger now. The quail seem to be everywhere this year. Along with a bumper crop of bunnies.

Merle and me...

This is Merle and me working on another project for someone in need. Merle is a master builder and craftsman that has built commercial structures and church's all around Arizona and the southwest. Watching Merle cut boards, and operate all the equipment that is housed in his work trailer is just magic! Norm likes working with Merle, because unlike other guys she works with (me), Merle allows her to observe once and then expects her to perform the task. People ask me when I am with Merle if I am a 'Handyman?' My answer is always the same, "No, I just carry all the heavy things, do what Merle tells me to do, and remind him to eat a snack."

Merle , Norm and I installed this new entry door complete with the window from the old door that Merle cut in.