I am not a hippie!: When Dirt is No Longer a Pile

Hello everyone! Just wanted to send out a quick update on what's going on with our house. As those of you who have built a home know, things seem to go at a snail's pace, but there are many things going on that add up to progress! Since my last post, we no longer have piles of dirt. The dirt has been leveled, forms are laid out so we can see where the house will sit, plumbing and electric has been started, piers have been poured and last I heard (I have not seen this yet as hubs and I were at the lot Saturday and it was done on Sunday) we have rebar!!!! So, what's next? Foundation!!! The builder hopes to get the foundation poured later this week, weather permitting! Yes, we live in a drought stricken state, but it seems this this spring it has decided it's time to fill up our lakes and reservoirs. Now, don't get me wrong, we need the rain, just not this week!!! I'll just have to send out a special plea to Mother Nature to hold off a day or two!

When we went out to the lot on Saturday it was a beautiful sunny day and the horses in the pasture behind the lot were out casually eating grass and enjoying the lovely weather. There were 3 pregnant mares right near the fence and I had such an urge to go pat them on their beautiful heads, but refrained as I don't know how friendly they are. I am really looking forward to seeing the babies once they arrive! We walked around the lot and got a feel for where the rooms will be. It's so cool to see it at this stage and imagine where the kitchen will be and where Doppler will look out to bark at the squirrels. I think once the foundation is poured it will give us an even better idea of how things will look.

Chuck and I took the opportunity to drive around a bit to see what might be close by. Well, I'm hear to tell you there isn't much. This city girl is going to have to get her ducks in a row about grocery shopping and eating out (or ordering in for that matter!) You have to remember I am used to living in an area where there are 3 grocery stores within a few mile radius. Due to my dad having owned grocery stores, I am a wee bit picky about where I shop, so this could pose a challenge. I will have to start planning better, that's for sure! The good news is that there is a nice liquor store that will order kegs for Chuck not too far away (I may have to take up beer drinking). I could tell when we walked in he did a big sigh of relief! The area is really growing, so who knows what might pop up in the years to come. There are a few little restaurants close by, so Chuck and I are hoping to try them out soon! Sometimes the little hole in the wall joints are the best! One thing I'll really miss is a Starbucks close by. Think of the money I'll save.....I don't want you to get the idea we are way out in the boonies or anything, but for me it is a whole new experience. Our goal is to drive out in all four directions from the new house and find the treasures! One great thing we are aware of is there is a snowcone stand within walking distance of the house that sets up in the summer! Oh, and Argyle has a farmer's market that can't be too far, so fresh fruits and veg (I don't remember if I mentioned it, but the neighbor said we have peach trees along the back fence, so who likes pie? Cobbler? Jam? Can you really see me making jam?) So, if you know of any hidden treasures near us, let us know and I will share my peaches with you! (Shoot, now I'm wondering if I can get a good pizza and Chinese delivered....hmmmm!)

So, right now we have pipes sticking out of the ground, a temporary electrical pole and rebar (at least I have been told we do)! My plan right now is to go out and watch the foundation being poured, hopefully on Thursday or Friday! I'll take plenty of pictures to share....but don't hold your breath because my understanding is there is an 80% chance of rain (well, crap!) But, if you are at all familiar with Texas weather, the weather report changes on an hourly basis! Cross your fingers!

Love to all
Lori

click here for: graded lot and partial forms