Billie's Folly

Before I moved to Portland, I spent the occasional night at the 1970's house that was on the property.  I got a feel for the seasonal changes I'd so looked forward to after living in California for 45 years.  The rich green vegetation is persistent year round.  I'd missed that.  And the light is different.  The blue sky in California is diluted with a white brightness.  It's not a haze, but more like a filter.  In Oregon the blue is bluebird blue--dense, intense and pure.  And like I'd remembered from growing up in the Northwest, the dazzling summers make all the rain and gray skies well worth it. And I was now in the country.  I watched snow magically transform the landscape, Mount Hood progress through the seasons, and I discovered the local flora and fauna.  This young prince was as surprised as I was when I rounded the corner of the driveway. I love the Indian summer red of the leaves of Geranium Lucidum or shining crane's bi...

Bob (CA architect) and I interviewed architects in Portland to find someone with local knowledge, who knows his way around the building department, who has a similar approach and an appreciation of our plans.  We would need a liaison to submit permits, and a local architect to oversee the building once it begins.  We found an extremely experienced recruit in Ralph.  He has turned out to be invaluable. From Ralph I got the names of three general contractors he thought would be a good match for me and the house.  Fortunately and unfortunately, the builders he recommended were all reputable and very well qualified.  Since this is by far the biggest (costliest!) undertaking I'll ever be up against, and since I have to work with this person (and vice versa) for almost two years, this was a huge decision.  The bids were close, so it came down to compatibility.  I was stuck.  Ralph came through with a couple final observations that helped me make ...