u/phinneysean

Hi all! My wife (62f) was diagnosed about 3 years ago, and she is basically in stage 3. I (61m) am working full time and the plan was to continue to do so for a few more years to bolster our retirement funds.

That was the plan, but I am wondering if I should retire now so I can spend more time with her while she is still somewhat independent and we can have fun together. I fear that if I wait I will be cheating us out of some quality time together for the sake of some future financial security.

Also wondering what type of help I can bring in a few days a week until I retire to help with some basic tasks (folding clothes, washing hair, etc)

Would love any thoughts or insights you may have.

I am building a house in the PNW region, roughtly 30" rainfall per year. ICF foundation, SIPs in 1st and 2nd floors. We will be wrapping the house with a WRB.

We are planning on vertical shiplap siding - it will be a natural wood product. I have read quite a bit about siding and many sources emphasize the need to have a "drainage plane" between the siding and the skin of the house. I mentioned this to my contractor and he had a very strong reaction against it. He said that in his many decades of building houses he has never done this, and never had a problem. Furthermore, he has done remodels of homes that are 60+ years old and has found that the "paper" underneath the siding is practically intact.

His conviction is so strong, I am wondering if all the building science literature on this subject is over-engineering.

Does anyone have practical experience on this matter? I.e. When is a drainage plane necessary, and when it is a "nice to have". I know the theory, but curious about actual experiences.