What a difference a day makes...

Sorry for my tardiness in posting...been a little busy! The roof tiles have gone up, and here's a couple of shots that show just how much can be done in a day.

The roof last Wednesday, as they prepared the tiles.

By Thursday it was almost all complete, which is amazing considering the gale force winds that we had on the Wednesday.

The roof, the roof, the roof is (metaphorically) on fire

Latest pics. The roof was worked on over the weekend. We didn't expect to see anyone up there on Sunday, but there were two carpenters up there - dedicated!

The kanji on this tool belt says "Yama" and "Da" - so this is Yamada san's tool belt - the head carpenter. By the way, the kanji could also read "San" and "ta". He's our Santa, that's for sure!

The house, with roof. The roof tiles will go on soon.

Bit more of a close up.

The bolts, as per earthquake laws.

Looking up to the ceiling.

2nd floor roof.

boltage.

Getting more bolts. If anyone knows the deal with the red towels, I'd love to know!

Yamada san.

Yamada San.

Mochi Maki! (today, part 2)

Well, what can I say - the Mochi Maki was sooooooo much fun! It was not only a little overwhelming being able to actually walk into the house and finally be able to see it in 3D (beat that Cineplex!), but it was also very nice to have so many people around - family, friends, neighbours and random people off the street! Mochi Maki is to give people good luck, so people love to be part of it and catch the mochi, snacks and money. This photo is probably my favourite - the looks on everyone's faces are so great!

Click on this to blow it up - it's hilarious!

A massive thank you goes out to all of the carpenters who worked in the heat today, as well Yuki san and Wantanabe san (from the building company, Santanaka) who rolled up their sleeves and helped get the job done.

Wantanabe san, who is the salesman at Santanaka, and general go-to guy. Apparently he studied English literature at university. Good to know when my Japanese writing skills let me down (which is often).

Yuki san is the head contractor, and is in charge of everything, pretty much!

And the wonderful carpenters, who will be working on our house for the next 3 months.

And now here's some more photos of the people who took part in the Mochi Maki and the house as it is now.

Mochi (sticky rice) cakes take centre stage!

Kite flying

Ben & Elvis, on adventure

Two storeys

Finished for the day - well done all of you!

The crowd starts gathering.

L-R Neighbour, neighbour, Reiko, Maurizio, Utpal, Kai

B chan!

Setting up the shrine

Mochi, snacks and money, ready for throwing off the roof.

Our lovely lady

And my lovely husband.

And lovely son! Lovely nieces in the background

Getting ready...

First throw!

The scramble.

The throwers.

Mochi, mid air.

All hail the mountains!

Yesterday and today - part 1!

Thursday 14th July

They started on the frame yesterday, and this morning I popped along to check out progress. We're so excited - this is probably not worth noting, as you can all guess that! Still, it's amazing to see the house take shape, and see how high it will be - we're in awe.

The beginning of framework, in the afternoon sun.

Frame and scaffolding going up

Is that a floor I almost see?! How many kilometres will we walk on these, I wonder?

Big. Hammers.

Special wood for the Japanese tatami room - will have to ask what it is.

If that was me standing there, it would be something like...hmmmm, which piece do you think goes first?

Benny!

Smart - jigsaw puzzle with clues.

All of the carpentry is done before it gets on site, then it just slots together.

The carpenters finish up for the day. At about 5pm the scaffolders were still there.

 Friday 15th July

 I stopped by this morning (with tea and snacks - it's hot today! REALLY hot!), and took these photos. The large beams are being put in, and they're very beautiful (the lounge room downstairs will have exposed beams, which I think will look lovely).

The scaffolding and frame this morning.

Weeeeeee!

Three J-tai (Japanese army) helicopters did a fly by in our honour.

Framage.

It's hot.

Konnichiwa!

Those holes are for big bolts.

This guy would make a great Australian council worker.

This guy is in charge of the big hammer.

Japanese workman shoes. Not a steel cap in sight.

This is how the big hammer is used - from the ground, hammering the wood into place, in unison the with other hammer from the top.

The crane driver has the best job.