Category Archives: outside

Address Plaque

I had some wood left over from the upstairs bathroom under floor, so I decided to make a fancier address plaque.

I use the same logo on all signs in the home and on the guestbook. You can’t tell from this picture but all the black is engraved (using a router) about 1/5 inch deep.

Entry Light

Coming home one evening I realized it’s pretty dark walking to the stairs. So I installed an automatic lamp, which turns on at dusk, switches off at dawn and lights up brighter when movement is detected.

Hot tub sensor

Every time I visit Ozuye myself, I notice some things that need to be fixed. The hot tub sensor was on the ground next to the deck, so that obviously did not work. Because of the drop, the battery case was broken inside, so I fixed that and replaced the sensor batteries. Now the indoor display (and the InkBird app on my iPhone) show the correct temperatures again

West side skirted

This one was a little challenging as it’s so low beneath the deck on this side that I kept bumping my head. But it’s in;

Now all that’s left is the south side. I also received my foam spray insulation and bought stain. The color will be brown, as the poll clearly had brown as a favorite over federal blue.

Hot Tub Cover

The SaluSpa hot tub has been a great addition to Ozuye. But there were some issues with the cover, and the floating air cushion inside.

When I arrived this time, the air cushion was filled with water instead of air. That makes it close to impossible to take it out (due to the water weight) and totally defeats the purpose of the air cushion.

So after getting all the water out and re-inflating the cushion, I discovered a puncture in the inner section. So I patched that and now the cushion is fully functional again.

For future reference; the outer section is not to be inflated, nor unplugged, as the cushion is just the right size with only the inner two sections inflated.

To avoid the cover blowing away, the cord to tighten it is now going under the connections to the pump and heater. To uncover, release the cord and flip the grey cover over to the side next to the pump. Then remove the black cushion and store it so that the wind doesn’t blow it away.

The pictures below illustrate the proper way to place both the air cushion and cover.

A hose that can be connected to the air pump is in the bottom right kitchen drawer. With a little effort it just fits the black air cushion.

the outer section of the air cushion is deflated and plugged

the cover fits the tub nicely once the tightener has been released.

The tightening cord stays under the connections to the pump to avoid it getting blown away by the wind.

North East Skirt

Today I finished the North East side.

I was able to use many of the left over pieces of cedar planks, so I might have enough planks to go all the way round. The remaining sides are less tall. I wonder which color stain would look best on the skirt; I’m thinking Federal blue like the deck.

Access door

At the North East side, the piers are the tallest, so I decided to make an access door there.

When closed you barely see it, but it’s big enough to put my bike and anything big for permanent storage.

I re-used the hinges and latches I had on the OSB, and made a frame from old 2×4’s