Rain Reprieve

The rain has slowed down to scattered showers for the last two days, and our concrete crew have been hard at work. You can see the sub walls on today's pictures. This is where the basement wall will sit. Everything will be filled with gravel to the pour level. It's starting to take shape. You can see what will be the back wall facing the lake and the porch wall outside it. It is going to be a beautiful home in one of the most serene landscapes you could ever hope for.
Take Care,
Phil

Rainy weather

There is really not much to report on the building project. We have had a week with only one day of sun and the forecast is for rain the next seven days straight. Good for the ducks though. We had around 50 in our yard today. We feed them corn and they are getting comfortable coming in the yard. I was so enthralled with watching them today that I forgot to take a picture.

The foundation is holding very well with all the rain. They got the retaining wall up and footers poured before the rain set in. The lake is really very beautiful when it rains. The raindrops play on the water and with not another sound in the cove, it is breathtaking. I am looking forward to the foliage this fall. It should be beautiful cruising the lake.

Begining to take shape

Our new home is beginning to take shape. Here is a picture of the retaining wall. The pic where you see the one man standing is where you will park your car when you come to visit. YES, no more parking at the top of the hill and strolling a baby down, or no more getting stuck at the bottom. The road has 2 's' curves in it to take away the steepness. The first picture is a layout of the house. As you can see, it will be smaller than you children are used to. But plenty for us empty nesters...And If I might add...an entire bottom floor complete with bedrooms, and family room and bath, for as many grandbabies as we have. It walks out to that beautiful lake view that you can see. I am so happy to be building this home and sooooooooo extra happy that we have so many children,grandchildren, and friends to share it with.

Happy Birthday To Me

Today was my birthday. And it was wonderful. Lauren and Seth had spent the night with me so we had fished, played, boated, and talked about important things. Who we liked and who we disliked at school was a hot topic. Our favorite lunchroom meal came in a close second. While fishing, I found a gift bag on the boat, a beautiful orange hand painted Venitian-Glass necklace was inside. It didn't take us long to track down Aunt Marijane and my brother Gene as the bearers.

The next morning, which was today, I woke up to two very excited little children, wanting to give Nana her Bday-Card. As is signature behavior for Phil, this was all impromptu, with no other agenda except to make my day special. He had the kids hand-write(I love handwritten messages on cards)on notebook paper, my Birthday message. Seth was up first and I had special time with him and his card. Several hours later, Lauren flashed past me sneaking to get her card. Then around 1pm. here comes Jess John and the boys, Brent,and Annie, carrying bags of groceries. They went to work, barring me from my own kitchen, and prepared my Birthday Lunch. Phil appeared with a Dairy Queen Cake. I apologize that there are no pictures for all of this. I guess we were having so much fun, we forgot. But Phil managed to take a few pictures of the party favors that Sebastain and Edison brought for Nana. Isn't it precious, I had a SPONGE BOB BIRTHDAY.

To make this day perfect, Ashley called during the party and wished me Happy Birthday. She and Chris were out of town this weekend. Then to top it all off, Jordan and Tiffany called and we got on the webcam. Titus came in front of the camera and said NANA NANA. I could have died. He will be turning 1 year old very shortly and can almost walk and CAN say NANA ( very plain, I will add). Everyone went ohhhhhhhh so loud that I think we startled Titus. WHAT A PRESENT Then everybody took turns getting in front of the webcam and seeing each other.

I love my family. I love my life. I love the man that makes so much of it possible.

Concrete delivered

WOW, Did you know that concrete is expensive? They delivered 4 loads today to do just the footer of the retaining wall. Phil said, "That would have paid for a good hunt." And indeed, I believe it would. Phil tells me that the reason the foundation for the basement is stepped down is for proper drainage. There will be gravel filled in between the steps to build up to the floor level.

It's getting very exciting and I am planning the layout of the bathroom. I have a space of 15ft.X 13ft. If any one has any suggestions or pictures of bathrooms that they like. PLEASE send them to me. I am wide open to suggestions. Here is a picture of the concrete footer. Also, check out that handsome man overseeing the job.

Ready for concrete

Progress is good. We have had excellent weather for excavating. The picture that has the two men standing in the corner is our bedroom. Actually that is a small sitting or reading nook that overlooks the lake.

The other picture shows how they are digging the basement. It is done in a series of step-downs with gravel and retaining walls in-between. Phil and I have never heard of doing it like this but we have never built on uneven ground either.

Progress on the lot

It takes time to make a hillside a house site, I am learning. My husband adds, AND MONEY. We think it will be beautiful though. We can't wait for our children, family and friends to experience it too. Here is a picture of the view from our kitchen/great room windows.

I want to introduce our builder to everyone. His name is Joe Hammonds. Here he is with one of his 'right hand men'. He comes with great references, building much more elaborate structures that ours. Hey kids, Phil knew him from Hopewell Church. Every good time in Phil's life before me comes from Hopewell or Pepsi or Wayne Supply. (Only our children will appreciate this.)Anyway he is a competent as well as likable individual.