How to Build Mortared Stone Walls in Winter

Yes, you read that right. This is an article about building mortared stone walls in winter. And no, I'm not crazy: It really can be done!

I, myself can't take credit for the ambitious project described in the article, though. The hardy soul bringing this information to you is mason, Joe Norton. Nor is Joe talking about building mortared stone walls in some borderline region, where Old Man Winter never plants more than one foot squarely. Joe builds such structures during the winter in Maine (U.S.), a state known for being one of the most frigid in the lower 48.

I tell ya, just looking at the pictures in this article (showing the steps required to build such a mortared stone wall) will make your teeth chatter. I have nothing but admiration for someone who can do skilled work under such conditions. OK, maybe I have one other thing: a touch of envy. You see, when I was younger, I, too would have undertaken such a challenge. But now, I'm so lazy in winter that I'm always tempted to let any snowfall we get just sit in the driveway until it melts, if I hear that a warm spell is on the way....

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