Our homestead
table and chairs, to really enjoy our meals
Last but not least, the fireplace still needed to be finished.
Ernie and Josh doing their thing ... tile. Brazilian slate in earth tones.
all cemented in place, needs to dry for 24 hours
Ernie finishing up with the grout ... ready in another
24 hours.
It really does look nice and we are planning our first fire tonight.
In the meantime, Jeremy (my son) taking in everything,
uses his new skills and ideas and left over wood to build us
a woodshed.
then, cleverly moves it in place with his new love, his tractor.
steady as she goes...
this is the drop place ...
proud of his work on this ...
... adorable woodshed ... thanks, Jer.
This will hold our kindling and smaller wood
we will add on as we cut more wood.
County approvals ... Harry and Larry approved the building site and the building.
Two things needed to be done, ends on the stair railings (so as not to get your shirt sleeve hung up on the end of the rail and tumble down the stairs) sounds reasonable,
and more gravel by the outside stairs...other than that..
we are finished with the county :-).
I love autumn.
With all of our Maples it is bright and cheery
through November.
history continued ...
It has been awhile since my last entry. Between unpacking and the finishing details, the time has flown by.
Where I last left off, we were ready to start building.
I had met with Hank, my contractor, to go over his contract and open a joint account at my bank, "The Building Account," where I deposited my $140K. We would both have access to this account. I was still short 8K but would continue feeding this account until, maybe, I reached the high end of the bid.
Sending out specific needs to my Creator and the Universe ... for help.
Little did I know, the Universe was already working in my behalf.....
They sent me Hank.
Knowing my very tight budget, Hank was more than helpful through each phase of the building.
He found a deal on stained lumber, half price. Stain was fine with me, it would not show under a coat of paint. I couldn't afford my first choice on windows but the 2nd choice would look just fine.
I could cut more costs if I paint the outside of the house one color with a white trim. Throughout the entire building process, Hank and I would talk and decide the best way to go. Because of his professionalism and kindness, we were able to come in $4k under budget.
This did not, however, include my handcrafted cabinets or my appliances or fun things for the house.
So, even though we made budget,
I am currently sitting at the edge of my chair waiting for my bank to let me know when we can close on my refinance or mortgage. The debt I incurred building the house I have put into a mortgage.
(To be paid off as fast as we can)
I was approved
but it takes a very long and weary time putting it together. I had to dig up all kinds of paperwork from 40 years ago, (when the property was first purchased) and then finding my mom's death certificate from 31 years ago took forever... I am hoping to hear from them today. My funds are very low and we are once again living day to day ...
what we are suppose to do, right ? Live One day at a time.
a little more history to be continued ...
My camera is not working at the moment, what shall I do ?
