anarchists at wildbranch!

Got a call from the builder yesterday to tie up some lose ends on a couple of things and he informed me that some of the plumbing boxes had been ripped open and the parts strewn about on the floor.  Bandits?  Anarchists?  Kids already bored with Summer?  No.  Not vandals--at least not of the human variety.  Probably a raccoon who also gnawed on the blue board in the bathroom.  Is this a threat, a not-so-subtle message to get out of the neighborhood?  Gee, I haven't even moved in yet.  I hadn't considered raccoon which can be very pesky!  I was more worried about coyote, deer and rabbits eating any plants I might want to set out.


 I asked Bill the builder if there was anything we could do and he said once the garage door was on, that would help.   Sure hope the critters that live there will learn to live in peace with me.  Otherwise, I'm investing in a live trap!  See the evidence below.

doors and windows

I met with the electrician and the cabinet finishing guys today and was surprised to see that the windows and doors had been installed.  Yippee.  I could even camp out in my own house now if I wanted.  Things are really moving now.  I'm being asked to make all kinds of decisions that I am too mystified to make.  I need to know what stackable washer/dryer I'm getting so the electrician can wire at the correct height--add a trip to Sears to look at appliances to the growing list along with selecting paint colors, flooring, and bathroom and lightening fixtures.

 I feel design-challenged.    I think most people find this stage the fun stage, but I'm daunted and it doesn't feel fun!  And sure wish my designer pal Jean hadn't moved away or that my interior designer sister-in-law, Carolyn, would make a speedy trip to Kentucky to help me.  The kitchen cabinets will be white--who knew there were so many shades of white.   In the next day or two I have to go select flooring.  I know I'm going to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices.  I've narrowed it by going with laminate, but still need to choose a color and also tile.   Any advice from you who have done this before?

It's a good thing the builder constructed the porch for a swing.  I'm going to need it!  The photo below shows the rafters studded out with additional support!  Should I be insulted or go on a diet instead?  Don't answer that haha.

progress!


Met with the "finish" guy yesterday and selected my kitchen cabinet design.  While I was there the heating and air conditioning guy was scoping out where to put the duct work.  Things are happening!  The bathtub and shower were in the house, as well as the exterior doors--yes I think I can call it a house now.  The decking was laid on the front porch and had a conversation with Bill the builder about constructing an extra support beam on the porch for a swing!  On Friday I'll do a walk-through with the electrician to talk about where to put light fixtures.  I of course want a firm completed date, but of course can't really get that with all the variables that the builders face.  I did get from Bob (the builder, not the husband) that we are about 1/3 completed.  This is good news!

confessions of a box turtle killer

Sadly, it might be true.  I think I accidentally murdered my first Box Turtle today--this from a woman who stops rush hour traffic to save the life of turtles in the middle of busy intersections.  I went out to Wildbranch today to scope out the work and the trajectory of the hill makes it impossible to see over the nose of my car.  When I got to the top of the hill and backed the car around to point down I noticed a pile of broken turtle shell and other disgusting things.  There is the slimmest of chances it wasn't me, because flies were already gathering to feast.  My hope is that more critters will come tonight to clean up the rest, since I didn't have a shovel to get rid of the "evidence."  Don't want my builders to have to face THAT the first thing Monday morning.


On a lighter note, things are really moving along.  The screened porch off the bedroom has been framed out and board has been laid over most of the framing.   See the photo's below!

looking down into the great room

Inside looking out

West front entrance

East

North

view from the loft

South

progress

Met with the contractor today to select decking material, look at siding options and select doors.  It's really starting to look like a house.  Roof has been framed, the loft is up and there are even steps to the loft.  It was so hot today I felt sorry for the builders--appreciate their effort on my humble little retreat.