New Plans For The Back Patio

Hi Friends.  We have a change in plans today.  Why, you may ask?  Well, you know how different regions of the country have different building regulations?  Seems the regulation in Indiana is to build up dirt, and/or dirt and rock, or just rock up to the frost line on the foundation which is marked by black, which is one foot from the top of the foundation, which means three feet up from the ground level.  Still with me?  Of course you are.

Now, originally we were going to build a patio that came right off the back of the house, but since we have this new regulation (and not enough dirt to fill the requirements, so we're bringing in rock) we won't be able to make the patio come right off the house.  We will have to have a step down.  Unless . .. . . we have a deck, which Ron doesn't really want because of maintenance issues.  

We have some new planning to do.  We have some things to figure out and work on.  We have some ideas.  One idea is to make a screened porch area.  I've been pushing for that since we began the process of designing the cottage.  Anyway, I'll get back to you on how that all turns out, but in the meantime we are going to have a whole lot of rock delivered, which is not my favorite thing but then neither is pipe, and it turns out pipe is very exciting after all.  

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you have a fantastic Saturday.  

Meeting Some of Our Canine Neighbors

Hi Friends.  We spent a lot of time doing clean-up today, and we also met these two wonderful canine neighbors. 

They are, you can tell, fierce protectors and defenders, but they were also very sweet and friendly.  I do believe we will get along quite well.

Also, this is me standing at the entrance to our retirement cottage.  There's a lot of work that needs to be done before we have a front door to enter by, but I'm so excited about all this concrete.  And, yes, that's unusal for me. I'm not a fan of grey.  But I am a fan right now, of course.  
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed stopping by.  We'll have new pics up on the blog tomorrow.  Have a wonderful evening!  

Cement Trucks, Kids, The Ever Present Interesting Culvert, and Sunshine; Foundation Day Arrives!

Hi Friends!  Sorry for the long title, and the long list of photos, but from here on out I'm shutting up and letting the pictures do the talking.  Enjoy, and have a great day!

Rain, Rain, and More Rain

Hi Friends.  We're in the middle of a spring storm system so we're waiting on the foundation pour, but the forms are going in and the work is continuing, so we are still very excited.  

And, since we have to do some waiting anyway, it seemed like a good time to do some tool shopping.

You can imagine how very exhilarating this was for me.  I was in to it.  Helping all the way.  Yup.  Can't wait to go again.  

Oh, my goodness, they have really long aisles filled with nothing but tools in this store.  Except for the french fry maker.  I found that mixed in, and I desired it.  

I mean, it really is cool.  I should have bought it for my cottage kitchen, but we kind of don't really eat fries, so I didn't.  But, now you know where you can get a french fry cutter.  

Hey, we're in line to check out! Whew.  I'm glad that's over.

See that smile?  It says it all.  

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you have a great evening.  I'll head over to the lot tomorrow and check on the progress, so stay tuned.  Love ya all!  

Under Threat of Rain

Hi Friends.  You can probably tell by the darkness of the photos that we were working under a cloud all day.  Still, look how much is done.  We're so excited.  We're ready for foundation walls but we may have to get through a series of thunderstorms first.  Sigh.

By the way, is it the norm to put rock on top of plastic, on top of the ground under the house?  We've never seen this before.  We've asked several people about it and no one seems to know why.  Just curious.  I don't mind.  For some reason it makes me feel safer.  I don't know why that is either.  It's emotional, don't ask me why.  lol.

I love this swooping view from the bottom side of the lot to the front side.  Look at all that dirt!

Ah ha!  The culvert.  Dirt around the culvert.  I told you I'd keep an eye out.

Still . . . . hmmmm . . . . .

More to come.  Thanks for stopping by and checking out the work.  Love you all!

The Beginning of the End

Hi Friends.  The end of a long awaited dream has its beginnings right here today. The dream has been about retirement and the building of a cottage, and living close to the grandbabies.  We've waited five long years.  

I can almost picture the cottage sitting here.  Actually, that pile of dirt is where the hot tub is going.  And believe me when I say, that's almost as important as the cottage.  lol.  

Do you remember the culvert?  It's still here.  Ron is up to something though.  I'll keep a watchful eye out for what, and report it when I know something.  

Now, there's some concrete.  That's the footing for the back of the house.  We kept the plans pretty simple since Ron is building the cottage himself.  No twists, no turns, no bump-outs or bump-ins.  Just a nice straight line down the back.  Dining, Living, Bedroom and Bath/Closet.  That's what will be across the back.  

Stay tuned.  We should have foundation poured in a couple of days, and then the real work begins.  Thanks for stopping by.  Appreciate the visit.  Have a great day.