2009- New Beginnings
Tue, Jan 6 2009 11:09
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New Year's Eve passed quietly on the hill. A waxing crescent moon, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury all lined up in a tall rectangle in the southwestern sky. Venus was the brightest it would be all year. It was so cold that Tracy and I sat in the sun room, currently the construction "junk room", to watch the show.
We settled into two chairs squeezed in amongst the tiles, nails, lumber, tape and paint supplies, while we sipped on Cabernet and mused about past and future times. A feral orange tabby cat wandered in and out of our view. Even in the middle of the construction chaos there was a peaceful atmosphere. I imagine that will only get better.
The weather this the week went from brutal chill to spring time highs and then back to ice! While the warmth prevailed Johnny and his guys completed one of the front dry stack walls, much to my delight. I know they are tired of me asking every single day, "Are y'all going to finish that wall today?" To which Frank always replies, "Yes, we'll finish at five o'clock".
The wood on the ceiling is almost all done. Just half of the kitchen and TV area left to do, and then of course the edging (not to be confused with crown molding- there will be none of that here). They also got most of the wooden slats on the TV wall nailed up, and it looks very nice. We just turned the car siding over to show the non beaded side and used up the leftovers in a random pattern. I really like the way the grain shows.
I ordered all the rest of the ceiling fans on-line. It is a bit like Christmas when you order from the Internet, since you don't really get to see how something looks until it arrives. So far I have been very pleased with my choices. I just hope it looks good together, all in one house. In my head it all flows beautifully and is overall a very peaceful setting. Let's hope for a successful transition from mind to reality.
We are in the "home" stretch, and I find myself having to calm down a bit, stay on target, and remember that God is, as always, in control of every single thing. And He is the Boss of me.
We settled into two chairs squeezed in amongst the tiles, nails, lumber, tape and paint supplies, while we sipped on Cabernet and mused about past and future times. A feral orange tabby cat wandered in and out of our view. Even in the middle of the construction chaos there was a peaceful atmosphere. I imagine that will only get better.
The weather this the week went from brutal chill to spring time highs and then back to ice! While the warmth prevailed Johnny and his guys completed one of the front dry stack walls, much to my delight. I know they are tired of me asking every single day, "Are y'all going to finish that wall today?" To which Frank always replies, "Yes, we'll finish at five o'clock".
The wood on the ceiling is almost all done. Just half of the kitchen and TV area left to do, and then of course the edging (not to be confused with crown molding- there will be none of that here). They also got most of the wooden slats on the TV wall nailed up, and it looks very nice. We just turned the car siding over to show the non beaded side and used up the leftovers in a random pattern. I really like the way the grain shows.
I ordered all the rest of the ceiling fans on-line. It is a bit like Christmas when you order from the Internet, since you don't really get to see how something looks until it arrives. So far I have been very pleased with my choices. I just hope it looks good together, all in one house. In my head it all flows beautifully and is overall a very peaceful setting. Let's hope for a successful transition from mind to reality.
We are in the "home" stretch, and I find myself having to calm down a bit, stay on target, and remember that God is, as always, in control of every single thing. And He is the Boss of me.
Comments
Christmas 2008
Thu, Dec 25 2008 10:31
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Christmas Day has finally come- and is almost gone! A lot has changed since last year when I watched the full moon rise up over the far horizon on Christmas Eve. Back them there was no foundation, and I had a fire going right in the middle of where the living room now stands.
This week I attended Tim's funeral. It seems everyone thought as highly of him as I did.
It doesn't seem real yet that he won't be here to finish the house with us. Mike and I met yesterday to try and help us both get a sense of how we will get the house completed by the end of the loan period. The bank graciously extended the interim construction period through the middle of April, and we will need every day of it.
The guys are working hard to do what they can. I know it is hard for them. They have started putting up the car siding on the ceilings. It looks really good.
The stone work is going very slowly- it is exacting work. They still haven't completed the two front walls, but at least they have made it to the roof line. It is also going to cost more than expected. No surprise there.
This week Tracy and I saw a big ol' tom turkey crossing FM 203, then walk into a pasture and cross paths with a deer. On the same trip out we saw two bobcats cross paths right at the bottom of the hill on 2012. Yesterday I saw a road runner. The animals are very active lately.
We are heading to Mom and Dad's tomorrow morning for a late Christmas gathering. Should be a full house. Can't wait to break out the Scrabble dictionary I bought for the whole family and play a game or two.
This week I attended Tim's funeral. It seems everyone thought as highly of him as I did.
It doesn't seem real yet that he won't be here to finish the house with us. Mike and I met yesterday to try and help us both get a sense of how we will get the house completed by the end of the loan period. The bank graciously extended the interim construction period through the middle of April, and we will need every day of it.
The guys are working hard to do what they can. I know it is hard for them. They have started putting up the car siding on the ceilings. It looks really good.
The stone work is going very slowly- it is exacting work. They still haven't completed the two front walls, but at least they have made it to the roof line. It is also going to cost more than expected. No surprise there.
This week Tracy and I saw a big ol' tom turkey crossing FM 203, then walk into a pasture and cross paths with a deer. On the same trip out we saw two bobcats cross paths right at the bottom of the hill on 2012. Yesterday I saw a road runner. The animals are very active lately.
We are heading to Mom and Dad's tomorrow morning for a late Christmas gathering. Should be a full house. Can't wait to break out the Scrabble dictionary I bought for the whole family and play a game or two.
Comments (1)
A Sad Day in the Village
Tue, Dec 16 2008 04:18
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One of my favorite people I have met in the last several years has died unexpectedly. Tim Collins, my Big Hill construction foreman, died Sunday evening. He was delightful company, kind and soft spoken, and a hard and steady worker. He loved his wife, Janice, and his four children.
He was Mike's very dependable right hand man, and the other guys on Mike's crew, including Tim's brother, Robert, really looked up to him. We will all miss him so much.
Tim built so much of my home with his own hands. He was genuinely excited about the whole project and looked forward to seeing the completed results. We will most certainly toast him when the house becomes a home.
He was Mike's very dependable right hand man, and the other guys on Mike's crew, including Tim's brother, Robert, really looked up to him. We will all miss him so much.
Tim built so much of my home with his own hands. He was genuinely excited about the whole project and looked forward to seeing the completed results. We will most certainly toast him when the house becomes a home.
Stone Walls Going Up!
Mon, Dec 8 2008 11:27
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I was right ! The new trailer was for the stone crew. The guys set up on Monday and started cutting and laying stone on Tuesday. They worked on Saturday as well, and I have about 5 feet of the front walls wrapped in stone. It is beautiful!! I was nervous that I had chosen too many colors and types of stone, but they all blend together perfectly and complement the green house color very nicely. What a relief.
I do think it will take 8-10 more weeks for them to complete there job unless things speed up as they get into the groove of the stones- which may well happen, Johnny says.
No further work on the deck this week, thought Mike says to go ahead and plan the deck party for December 14. That means I will have deck flooring- no rails, no stairs. So I can only invite responsible people with good balance...if that's you come on out next Sunday afternoon. Bring your own chair! And a snack. And a drink. I am keeping it simple, baby!
Cabinets are still being sanded. Alonzo says it should only take a couple more days, except for the kitchen cabinets. They will have to get to them on a day when the masons aren't working.
I meet with Wes tomorrow to talk about a loan extension. It's been nine months since we started the project, and Mike says we need about three more months- hopefully less. I hope so, too. That's cutting it close to bluebonnet season.
Last Monday I was out just before sunset and walked out to the back deck area and startled two does and two fawns who were munching on brush in my back yard. They came right back up and walked along the edge of the ridge grazing. Every once in a while they would look up to see if I was still there, but were essentially nonplussed by my presence. Cool. Hope it stays that way.
I do think it will take 8-10 more weeks for them to complete there job unless things speed up as they get into the groove of the stones- which may well happen, Johnny says.
No further work on the deck this week, thought Mike says to go ahead and plan the deck party for December 14. That means I will have deck flooring- no rails, no stairs. So I can only invite responsible people with good balance...if that's you come on out next Sunday afternoon. Bring your own chair! And a snack. And a drink. I am keeping it simple, baby!
Cabinets are still being sanded. Alonzo says it should only take a couple more days, except for the kitchen cabinets. They will have to get to them on a day when the masons aren't working.
I meet with Wes tomorrow to talk about a loan extension. It's been nine months since we started the project, and Mike says we need about three more months- hopefully less. I hope so, too. That's cutting it close to bluebonnet season.
Last Monday I was out just before sunset and walked out to the back deck area and startled two does and two fawns who were munching on brush in my back yard. They came right back up and walked along the edge of the ridge grazing. Every once in a while they would look up to see if I was still there, but were essentially nonplussed by my presence. Cool. Hope it stays that way.
Is Monday Mason Day??
Sun, Nov 30 2008 09:47
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Well, hope is free. I did notice a new trailer with lots of five-gallon buckets and scaffolding. I am reeeeally hoping there will be some stones laid starting tomorrow.
We were gone for most of the week to visit my family in Louisiana- a great time! We went out this afternoon to see what the crew was able to get done this rainy Thanksgiving week. The outside of the corner window has siding and caulking, and Lalo was out there painting it. The back wall was also caulked and painted. Mike will still have to put metal on the roof overhang before working on the main deck. No further work was done on the inside of the house.
It was only in the 50s, but it felt much colder with the high winds and lack of sun. The colors were still beautiful, and the sky and far horizon had a lavender glow. We sat on the sky deck enjoying the view. It's my new favorite place.
We were gone for most of the week to visit my family in Louisiana- a great time! We went out this afternoon to see what the crew was able to get done this rainy Thanksgiving week. The outside of the corner window has siding and caulking, and Lalo was out there painting it. The back wall was also caulked and painted. Mike will still have to put metal on the roof overhang before working on the main deck. No further work was done on the inside of the house.
It was only in the 50s, but it felt much colder with the high winds and lack of sun. The colors were still beautiful, and the sky and far horizon had a lavender glow. We sat on the sky deck enjoying the view. It's my new favorite place.
One Year Since my First Blog Entry!
Tue, Nov 25 2008 03:05
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Wow! I was looking at my photos and saw the the blog entry photo group had 52 photos in it. I write the blog weekly, so the math added up to a year, but I actually had to go back to my first entry and check the date to believe that a year has passed since I first starting sharing this journey with you.
Good company certainly does make time fly. (Not to mention building a home in the wilderness while working full time). I offer my heartfelt thanks to all my friends and family that have been reading along, and especially to those that call or comment with words of encouragement.
I hope you all have a peaceful and family-filled Thanksgiving, and I hope to see you soon on the hill!
Comments (1)
Autumn Ablaze
Mon, Nov 24 2008 12:13
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Wow, fall is at its peak up on Big Hill, and I don't remember seeing one any prettier than this. The Spanish oaks and Scrub oaks are red and orange and yellow, and the flaming sumac is a rainbow of autumn hues.
The cabinets are fully installed, and most have been stained. They are very well made- Dad will most certainly approve the craftsmanship when he comes to inspect, er, visit. I chose colonial maple for the kitchen, pantry, wash room and library, and I absolutely love the results. Tonya is the one who pointed me to an orange-ish tone, and after seeing them them told me I need to varnish them with a gloss, to really differentiate them from the more earthy and matte finishes of the stone.
The sky deck is almost complete. Mike and Tim will start on the stair steps Monday. I climbed up the 30-foot ladder last week after everyone left so I could get a feel for how high it will seem. It is aptly named.
I am extremely frustrated by my lack of stone work. I actually have a mason on stand by, ready to go if Johnny can't get started next Monday. He is still working on a job that has taken much longer than he expected. This is really throwing Mike's schedule off. And mine! I'd like to move in!
We had a multi-church community Thanksgiving service tonight. It was quaint and funny and all in all a great reminder of what a wonderful place Glen Rose is to live. I am thankful to be here.
The cabinets are fully installed, and most have been stained. They are very well made- Dad will most certainly approve the craftsmanship when he comes to inspect, er, visit. I chose colonial maple for the kitchen, pantry, wash room and library, and I absolutely love the results. Tonya is the one who pointed me to an orange-ish tone, and after seeing them them told me I need to varnish them with a gloss, to really differentiate them from the more earthy and matte finishes of the stone.
The sky deck is almost complete. Mike and Tim will start on the stair steps Monday. I climbed up the 30-foot ladder last week after everyone left so I could get a feel for how high it will seem. It is aptly named.
I am extremely frustrated by my lack of stone work. I actually have a mason on stand by, ready to go if Johnny can't get started next Monday. He is still working on a job that has taken much longer than he expected. This is really throwing Mike's schedule off. And mine! I'd like to move in!
We had a multi-church community Thanksgiving service tonight. It was quaint and funny and all in all a great reminder of what a wonderful place Glen Rose is to live. I am thankful to be here.
Cabinets in, Rocks Not
Sun, Nov 16 2008 09:19
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Drexel started delivering and installing the multitude of cabinets this week. They really are nicely built. We compromised on the moulding- he wanted true crown molding, and I let him do a simpler version, more in keeping with the simple lines theme of the home.
I did meet with Johnny, the mason, but don't expect him out there until Tuesday at best. He is still finishing up his last job. In the meantime, the piles of rocks still adorn the would be front yard.
Happily, I still like the paint colors. I am looking forward to seeing the wall colors with the stained cabinets and tiles, flooring, ceiling. Guess that will have to wait until the house is done.
The correct windows for the back wall are in, as are all the sliding doors. Still waiting on the corner glass, the front and the garage doors. Then the house will be dried in completely.
I found the lights for "the Seven Sisters" over my kitchen island. I searched and searched, and when I found lights that look like my "dancing ladies", the inner part of a conch shell, sanded down by the sand and waves, I knew I had the right lights. And they were on the low end of pricing. Yes! Now for "the Five Brothers", "Mom and Dad", "Tim"....
There was a full moon this week that rose just after sunset, over the horizon and the lights from town. I tried taking photos but just could not do it justice. Breathtaking.
All in all a good week. I look forward to seeing what next week holds.
I did meet with Johnny, the mason, but don't expect him out there until Tuesday at best. He is still finishing up his last job. In the meantime, the piles of rocks still adorn the would be front yard.
Happily, I still like the paint colors. I am looking forward to seeing the wall colors with the stained cabinets and tiles, flooring, ceiling. Guess that will have to wait until the house is done.
The correct windows for the back wall are in, as are all the sliding doors. Still waiting on the corner glass, the front and the garage doors. Then the house will be dried in completely.
I found the lights for "the Seven Sisters" over my kitchen island. I searched and searched, and when I found lights that look like my "dancing ladies", the inner part of a conch shell, sanded down by the sand and waves, I knew I had the right lights. And they were on the low end of pricing. Yes! Now for "the Five Brothers", "Mom and Dad", "Tim"....
There was a full moon this week that rose just after sunset, over the horizon and the lights from town. I tried taking photos but just could not do it justice. Breathtaking.
All in all a good week. I look forward to seeing what next week holds.
Tim is Back!
Tue, Nov 11 2008 08:52
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Mike's head guy, Tim, has been on another job for three weeks and came back Monday. I have a whole other level of confidence in the work when he is there- it enables Mike to be able to come and go more freely.
They put the sun room windows in Monday. It would be a great room to hang out in if not for the piles of nails and insulation and wiring- it's my own little construction junk room! We wanted to put old, sandblasted barn siding on the walls there, but it will have to wait until a later time- I can't justify the cost right now.
Johnny, the mason, has built most of the inner chimney, but can I say how much I look forward to seeing some of that stone on the walls? Mike can't finish putting the metal roof up until the front walls and the chimney are completed, so he is equally anxious to see some dry stack.
The walls are textured and primed, and the first coat of paint is up. Tonya and I chose colors in about 2o minutes flat. I figure there are so many nice colors out there, you can't really go wrong if you're in the right range. And all my friends and family won't be surprised to know that the shades are all in the foamy colors of the sea....
We didn't get to hang out much on the hill this weekend. Saturday we went to College Station and Sunday I took Christmas photos for some friends, so we only got a quick walk-through. I did take Friday off, though, and spent several hours on Big Hill picking up trash and visiting with the guys. I am actually really looking forward to living out there. That's a good thing.
They put the sun room windows in Monday. It would be a great room to hang out in if not for the piles of nails and insulation and wiring- it's my own little construction junk room! We wanted to put old, sandblasted barn siding on the walls there, but it will have to wait until a later time- I can't justify the cost right now.
Johnny, the mason, has built most of the inner chimney, but can I say how much I look forward to seeing some of that stone on the walls? Mike can't finish putting the metal roof up until the front walls and the chimney are completed, so he is equally anxious to see some dry stack.
The walls are textured and primed, and the first coat of paint is up. Tonya and I chose colors in about 2o minutes flat. I figure there are so many nice colors out there, you can't really go wrong if you're in the right range. And all my friends and family won't be surprised to know that the shades are all in the foamy colors of the sea....
We didn't get to hang out much on the hill this weekend. Saturday we went to College Station and Sunday I took Christmas photos for some friends, so we only got a quick walk-through. I did take Friday off, though, and spent several hours on Big Hill picking up trash and visiting with the guys. I am actually really looking forward to living out there. That's a good thing.
Stone, Stone, Everywhere, and not a Mason in Sight!
Tue, Nov 4 2008 10:33
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I have literally tons of stone in front of the house and no mason to be found. Mike, the 0riginal, too-busy mason Johnny, and I all called him. Johnny finally heard from him that he was too busy and would not be able to do my stone work after all. So now we are back to using Johnny, who will hopefully start this week. Hopefully.
The walls have been taped, bedded and textured. I have to choose paint colors pronto. I have it narrowed down, but don't know which walls to use accent colors on yet. Tonya says she will meet me out there this week to help with that.
The roof panels that have already been placed look good, I like the style and the color, except several will have to be replaced, as they were too short- the soffit was not accounted for when they were ordered, since it hadn't been completed at that time. Just another small road bump.
I had about 30 trick-or-treaters on Friday. Tracy and Ashley came down, and we went to Big Hill to watch the stars. They were out by the millions and we spotted 8 meteors.
Sunday the Sehnerts came down, and we all went to Big Hill to watch the Cowboys get stomped on. Ava and I had a delightful time together.
The walls have been taped, bedded and textured. I have to choose paint colors pronto. I have it narrowed down, but don't know which walls to use accent colors on yet. Tonya says she will meet me out there this week to help with that.
The roof panels that have already been placed look good, I like the style and the color, except several will have to be replaced, as they were too short- the soffit was not accounted for when they were ordered, since it hadn't been completed at that time. Just another small road bump.
I had about 30 trick-or-treaters on Friday. Tracy and Ashley came down, and we went to Big Hill to watch the stars. They were out by the millions and we spotted 8 meteors.
Sunday the Sehnerts came down, and we all went to Big Hill to watch the Cowboys get stomped on. Ava and I had a delightful time together.