Billie's Folly

There's been a mound of top soil in front of the house since the first excavation.  It's always blocked the view when entering the property.  But Sadie's enjoyed being king of the mountain! Finally, the earth has been moved further down the property and I can see the house head-on for the first time.  But then we've had some record-breaking rain this month, and to keep things dry, the house is almost completely enveloped in plastic.  Notice the hay on the ground close up to the house--there were several bales delivered last week to soak up the mud. But things are still happening.  The heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical are all being worked on, along with some serious chimney building.         On the left is the dining room fireplace.  On the right is the living room.  And below, an overhead view of the mason, enclosed in plastic, taken from an upstairs window. The two bathtubs are the first plumbing fixtu...

I went out to the house Friday morning and there were no cars--only a plumbing truck.  Usually there are all kinds of cars, trucks, and equipment strewn everywhere.  After questioned myself if it was a holiday, I asked the plumber where everyone was.  He said a framer had gone to get some materials. Soon, the lead framer got back and I asked him if everyone was sick.  He said no, that they are finished framing.  What?!  I guess I thought they'd all (about seven guys) be there doing things until the end.  Not much building experience here!  He assured me he'd undoubtedly be called back to make adjustments.  But I guess the donuts I brought a couple times, and the pizzas I got before Thanksgiving, will have to suffice for my thank you to all of them.   So we enter the next building phase or phases.  The plumber is currently working away and the HVAC guys are next.  After the doors and windows arrive mid-February, the electri...

"...Time flies.  And I'll be sitting here in front of my screen writing my next New Year's letter before I know it!"  That's what I wrote on December 31, 2018, and here we are on the brink of another new year and a new decade.  (Being born in 1950 makes the decade changes doubly significant!)  2019 wasn't as big a year of change for me as 2018, but it was a year of progress and satisfaction.  Personally it was a calm and quiet year--which is always good.  My parents celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary!  The kids had a busy year of work and play.  My buddy, Sadie, is a year older and mellower.  And I'm very pleased with what was accomplished on my building project--which continues to consume my life.  So life is good. On what has become my 5-year relocation plan, 2020 is the fifth and final year!  Everyone seems quite certain I'll be in my house by the end of the year.  I've given up on a late summer move-in and having...