SLABS' BEEN POURED

The garage slab was poured the morning these pictures were taken. The concrete worker was quite upset that it had set so quickly that he did not give him enough time to finish it properly. While I was there he left to get "another guy" and the proper tools to finish it. The "heater" used to provide some additional warmth to the concrete while it sets is the red machine on wheels in the background.

Blankets cover the basement slab to keep it warm and cozy while it sets

Retaining (thick) walls in place, the one in the foreground near the front door entrance, the one in the background near the basement door.

Looking into the future guest room in the basement through the future basement door

View into the basement through the future basement door, with retaining wall on the left
The weather went from heavy snow and 25 degrees the morning of the day before these pictures were taken, to 35 degrees and sunny skies 24 hours later. JIR

Here are a few more pictures of the house and the plumbing going in. They were supposed to pour the cement this week end, so Jorge will take pictures and blog them while I am at a quilting retreat.

OUR FRIENDS CAME TO VISIT IN MONTANA

It never fails, we come up to our place in Montana without telling anyone and our friends drop by to visit. Of course, a little bird seed, suet and cob send the message loud and clear. About 12 does, including a few almost-yearlings, showed up for the feast. I know what you are thinking, but I'm just helping them get through the winter. Actually, they look pretty healthy. Not pictured are chickadees, red and white breasted nuthatches, nutcrackers and the female partner of the Hairy Woodpecker who stole the show. Almost forgot about the squirrel who gobbled up the peanuts I threw at her trying to lure her away from the bird seed.

We've had a fabulous weekend, the first one since we moved to the Black Hills. We feel so blessed and fortunate. We have moved into our next life adventure, and it all seems to have fallen into place. We are building a new home in a beautiful place, but are still able to retreat to our home in Montana and refresh our spiritual connection. JIR

FOUNDATION'S DONE

Brick imprint detail on the outside of the foundation is a unique feature that looks better than raw concrete in spots where the foundation will be exposed

The future sewing studio and excercise room al naturale

The lower opening in the foundation is for what we call the $7,000 patio door that will allow outside access to/from the basement.

Deep spot on the foundation on the back and west corner of the house

Unexcavated garage portion of the foundation (northwest corner)

Mama Linda poses after inspecting the work. Notice the activity in the background: the builder, his parents and some of his 8 children cut up and clear 3 trees (we kept it to 3 only) that we had to remove from the back (south) of the house.