This past week (this was actually written in April, before I went dark) we have seen a lot of different trades in the house.  Progress, however, was set back slightly when ace framer Billy Birt and his crew were called to start a new project in another development, leaving the final final framing work unfinished.  This is causing some coordination problems with the new trades, and we are seeking his speedy return to the project to complete his work.
Now on the job are: the electrician, Mark; the plumber, Pat; the stucco guy, Juan.  The drilling company that will drill our 400' well is drilling down the street, and we hope to have him move up the hill to our site when he completes the neighbors house.
The lot that adjoins our lot on the south (down the hill) is for sale, as is the lot next to it.  That lot actually has access to the river, sort of.  It's almost a cliff, 30-40' down to the water.  Anyway they want 3-4 times what we're willing to pay, but it would be good to have these sites as it would keep someone from building in our view...donations anyone?

 

 Here's a view of the Lake from the Parkway.

 

 Picture windows

 Some stone samples

 

 Some more sample stones

 Heartsledge Civil Air Patrol

 

The bunkhouse view needs a little work...

 

 

 

 

This week we hope to get some paint on the roof eaves, and if the Juan the stucco guy is able to finish the stucco work around the roof, Robert, the roof guy will be able to start that work.  Stay tuned!

 

Okay, a lot more has happened since April 7, so I will try to get everyone caught up in the next few days.  Hopefully whatever took me down is gone now, and normal operations will resume!

 







Easter Sunday

While the sunrise service at the Riekers lacked actual sunshine, it turned out to be a warm spring day.  Then, late afternoon, there was a brief rainstorm.  We decided to go up to the Crossing to see how much rain was able to get in the house, since only a few windows have been installed so far.  The house was in good shape, so we sat out on the terrace to wait for the sunset....

A couple of good cigars and a bottle of red....

 

the green of spring is everywhere evident...

 



shadows are lengthening....and then.....

River Cliff Place
The Crossing
     on Hearts Ledge


It's official.  Thanks to all the participants, we couldn't have done it without you, because without you it just wouldn't have much meaning.

Scenes from the naming contest party March 16, 2013:

 

On the tour, Christine, Matt, Cory, Patti, Wendy and Don



Must have sugar.......

All you Scallorns on the left, and you Wells boys on the right.

Sitting next to the fireplace with a little Coopers barbecue, Harry, Cory, Elissa, Cerise and Meredith

This is what happened to the furniture budget

I don't know Matt, with a little butter and garlic......

Martha and Richard at the game table, with ace framer Billy Birt on the Porch

Sandy, Patti, Rick and Wendy with Ginger, officially the first dog

Harry and Meredith go fly a kite

....more sugar.....

the big picture

yet another nice one

cruisin the terrace, Cerise, Elissa and Martha

 

All we need is a door!

Fossil hunters Harry and Meredith

 

 

 

March 13

another glass of red at sunset

view toward the breakfast notch and door to the garden

another west side story

east side showing the roof gutter

from the street at the entry drive

from the northwest corner

 

Mr. Birt walks the plank

looking back toward the kitchen

our canine friend Shadow standing by

the roof comes together

the first cigar....ahhh

men at work

top to bottom, Billy, Tim, Walter

 

Final Four stone selections-the ones in the shade don't show well, but they were too heavy to move..

 

Mr. Birt and his band of craftsmen are getting it all together.  By this Saturday, we expect to see the yard straightened up, all the roof deck on and a clean project for our announcement party on Saturday!

March 6, 2013. 
Progress was made today, the wind was light and the temperature pleasant.  Mr. Birt had a full crew today and they did some heavy lifting.

Standing at the island looking toward the bunkhouse.

 The overview

 The big picture

 On the terrace at the screen porch

 Sandy's office will have a roof too!

 The rain trough appears

 Halfway down the rear stair looking back

 

The west side story

 Patience is a virtue....

 See what I mean?

This week's Red Letter Day was Thursday, February 28, 2013.  Little Noah Anthony Verrett was born in Houston, Texas.  The newest quail in the covey!  Congratulations to Laura, Daniel and big brother Jacob!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch:

 ...from the bottom of the property.

 the framers are almost finished with the east wing, with the roof joists down on the north half, and the plywood sheathing almost complete. They will probably finish the south half of the roof on Monday, and then they will tackle the living areas where everything comes together.

 You can see the garage door openings far right.

 ...the viewpoint of the neighbor to the west.

 

 

...the Guadalupe Shimmer.  Beats the heck out of the Harlem Shake.