New Photo Album

Finally! We've created a photo album so you can take a tour of the new house - just click on the top link under PHOTOS to the right ---------->

Mick's Haircut

We're into mud season now, all the worse because we have no paving, hardscape, or landscaping done yet. We decided last week that it would be a good idea to get Mick a buzz cut, to cut down on the mud he brings into the house! Here he is in the basement with his favorite indoor toy, the Puppy.

They've found our stash...

A couple of weeks ago the Dept of Wildlife Resources (DWR) finally decided it was time to step in and start feeding the deer. OK, so we'd decided that on our own prior to governmental intervention, but regardless... The great part about DWR involvement is that they are now providing the food and have also provided us with an additional 3 feeders and a salt lick for the deer! We've been storing the bags of feed in our entryway and it was just a matter of time before some of the more resourceful - or less timid - animals figured that out! I had to stand to the side of the window and just stick my arm out with the camera in order to get this shot...

Visitors

The snow has driven the deer down from the higher elevations - every day we have at least a dozen wandering around our yard in search of food. The one in the background is raiding our compost pile.

What do we do now?

Now that the house is "done", we've got to find other ways to occupy our time! Fortunately, we're having a stellar winter, so we're practicing our powder skiing...those are our fresh tracks behind me!!

We are staying in the new house ....

Picture explanations - The first two show the difference in the slate tiles before and after they have been cleaned and sealed. The rest are different shots of the kitchen, the cabinets and the appliances. A few trim pieces are needed but we know that the work will not end for a long time!



All of the pieces fell into place, well almost, and we moved into the house on Saturday December 22 and even spent the night there!

Despite more than a foot of new snow the tile folks showed up to grout the back splash and seal the slate floors and bathrooms. As they worked away the home inspector from the bank was suppose to show up and make sure that we actually built what we said we built. The closing on the permanent loan was scheduled for 3pm local and at 2:30 nothing from the inspector.

We went to the escrow company anyway and started signing papers. Well it turns out all the paperwork was not complete and since it was coming from MN we ran out of time due to the time zone differences. Back on Monday to finish that, however we are expecting another foot of snow so it will have to wait till the afternoon sp we can chase the powder. Oh wait Monday is 12/24 so maybe it will happen Wednesday 12/26.

We are living in the house hoping that the bank forgets about the loan! We spent Saturday moving our belongings and will continue that activity on Sunday. We only have a few large pieces to move and will borrow a trailer and few neighbors for that.

More later ......

3 days and counting

On Wednesday and Thursday the appliances got installed (pictures soon). The pantry is basically finished, a few shelf pieces are missing or have to be trimmed for a better fit and the storage lockers and seating area in the mudroom are not coming together the why we envisioned so we need to work with the vendor on this.

The county inspector did his thing and gave us a temporary occupancy permit, good for 6 months, so we can move in without breaking the law.

The weather continues to be stormy with snow, hail, rain, thunder and lightning (picture sent of lightning sent me by a friend across the valley).

Lets hope that the tile guys can get there on Friday to do the grouting and sealing. Our plan B is to do the sealing ourselves over the weekend if we can get the material.

The master bathroom is done with the shower surround finishing the work.

The final coat of polyurethane was put on the hardwood floor and stairs on Tuesday, needs 24 hours to dry before you can walk on it and 7 days for complete cure.

The appliances are delivered and should be installed on Wednesday.

We are hoping to move in Sunday 12/23 *IF* everything falls into place;

12/19 - Appliances installed, pantry finished
12/20 - Dishwasher installed and final inspection by the COunty
12/21 - Kitchen backsplash to be grouted and all slate floors and travertine to be sealed
12/22 - No activity as floors need 24+ hours to dry

Weather is for snow all week and we did get 15" on Tuesday night!