Day 65

Closing Day (yes, it's a bit hokie!)
We are ending the year with the outlook that sometime next year we will be moving back into a newer and larger cottage.
Sobering to sign that many papers for a significant amount of money to get this done but the effort and angst will be rewarded.
Hard to believe that we first met with the architect in April and the closing date has slipped a bit from the early, mental schedule I had imagined, but not much.
As the new year begins we will meet with the contractor and start the process of dodging the weather to get the project moving forward.
The sad day will be the start of the destruction of the back (some call it the front) of the cottage but hope will out in the end with the enclosed new structure.

Day 59

Took a week but we now have a closing date; Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 11:00 am...

A Very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!!!

We are planning to go to Eve's on Sunday and celebrate with the kids and grandkids, a rollicking good time, photos to follow...

Barb and I wish everyone a very Happy 2012!!!

Day 52

Red Letter Day...

Construction Permit in hand and other folks now working on setting closing date next week.

Now we can begin to get some excitement...the project seems to be taking off...or at least, ready for take off.

The electricity will be moved to a temp pole from the house and the plumbing will be cut off.

We now have to get serious about getting appliances and cabinets...setting a budget to stay within...

Oh, yes...and Christmas and New Years are coming, yikes!!!

Tuesday Barb and I were in Alexandria at the City Council meeting to hear the reading of the "Good Weather" proclamation for First Night Alexandria...Here's hoping that the edict will carry through the Winter to facilitate construction...

Day 50

Today (pardon the lengthy lack of postings) was cabinet and tile day. Day is spent in the Metro Washington DC area...

We went with Seth Ballard, the architect, to Montgomery Kitchen & Bath to begin the selection process for kitchen cabinets. Lots of discussions about the wants, needs, and preferences about the wide variety of styles and finishes. Arrived at a consensus on all of the above but now will wait for the "bottom line" on the cost, then back to negotiations.

We also looked at tile for the backsplash, laundry and powder room floor, and master bath...discussions ongoing with no final decision...

Oh yes, the permits...not in hand yet but expected any day now...that seems to be a well worn phrase that  can be used over and over...(stop it!!!)

Day 41

The old saying is "red skies at night, sailor's delight."

Sure came through today...pic at top is sunset last night from our friend and landlord Pat Derry's place...

Lower photo is the visible result of digging a new well, that little white thing sticking out of the ground...the other effect of the new well is the increase in water pressure...now we have to wait for six months or so to try out the new shower...there is justice somewhere...

Seems strange to know that there was really visible result of taking down a dozen trees but contrast that to digging a 300' well.

Next step is getting construction permits (I know this is a broken record now)...

Day 38

Water, water...

Yes, we now have water flowing from a 300' plus well that will be attached to the existing plumbing on Monday...no showers 'till then...(just kidding, we have a shower at Pat's house)...

At that point we will be ready to begin the addition...(permits coming, ???)

Everyone have a great weekend!!!

Day 37

It's well day today...

The well digging crew arrived and will be digging about a 340' deep well. Finish tomorrow...

Access to the driveway will be blocked for a couple of days but we don't expect any large crowds to be visiting over the weekend...

We have construction plans from the architect and will be getting the permits soon.

Have a feeling that the pace will be picking up soon.

ADD:

Here's the hole where the tank will go for the new well...figured everyone needs a deep hole next to their current pump house (which will be abandoned) and my workshop (with painting of cat and beagle)...

Out of sight is 240' of 4" PVC pipe at the ready...