Michelangelo and his Brethren

Art takes as many forms as there are stars in the sky.

This week I have observed two true artisans plying their trade in the living room of my metamorphosing bunkhouse. Daniel Sr. has laid rock and mortar for 50 years. Daniel Jr. has partnered with his dad for the last 34 years.

The masonry we are using is earth tone limestone cut into roughly 10 by 20 inch sections that are 4 to 6 inches thick and weigh about 40 pounds each. Found in geological abundance in our area, we felt this would imbue a local flavor to our abode and provide the "100 year old" ranch headquarters visual we are seeking.

Applied to the outside, the masons used traditional rock and mortar technique. Moving to the inside for the fireplace and bar front, we asked that they use the "dry stack" method of application.

"Dry stack" is about twice as costly, but the result has been priceless. The masons use their rock hammers to artfully shape each piece so that it will fit adjacent to the next. Mortar is applied the back of the stone, but it is not allowed to squeeze between the joints. Thus, the "dry stack" appearance as though only gravity is holding the rocks on the fireplace.

The actual application is a skill . The selection of which rock to put in what place incurs the evolution of an art form.

My ranch hat is off to Daniel Sr. and Jr. for their version of the Sistine Chapel.