Winter Projects in Latvia

Windmill in Caraukste

This winter was mild, allowing us to work on several outdoor projects.

In December, we thatched a shed by the pond. Although it was not very large, its many angles made the work intricate. By spring, the shed will have a finished, charming look, complete with its “hat” of thatch.

Another project involved windmill restoration. Four years ago, I visited a windmill near Bauska, in Ceraukste, and discussed renovation plans with its owner. In January, the restoration finally began.

The original boardwalk around the windmill, made from spruce and pine boards, had rotted over time. Fortunately, the owner had sawn oak materials, as traditionally required, so we constructed a sturdy, safe new boardwalk.

It was a pleasure to work with traditional craftsmanship tools—an axe, chisels, a hand plane—carefully shaping oak joints with precision, just as artisans did in the past.