Photo Journal: Day ???

Yes, there has been a lull in the output of house-related posts. Skunks and new jobs are partly to blame. But there has, also, been little reason for us to be out at the lot the past while. Progress was temporarily out of our hands, and in the hands of the contractors. The foundation and porch footings had to be poured, and a shipment of floor joists delivered. There was also an obstacle to surmount along the way: A 700-pound beam had to be lifted up over the foundation, and fitted across the span of the house before we could continue any work. Aidan spent awhile trying to coordinate a 6-man lift. (120 lbs each-- no sweat!) But upon arriving at the lot earlier this week, he found that the afore-mentioned obstacle had been literally lifted out of his way. The heavy beam was resting neatly in place. "Oh, we thought we'd just get it out of your way for you. Hope you don't mind," said one of the contractors. Nice.

Now the race is on. The house has to be framed and wrapped before the first frost, or our precious foundation will be warped and ruined by the cold. For the next few weekends, Aidan will be camping out in the loft with any who care to join him. Last night, we had a BBQ and campfire. I am looking forward to many more.

Before & After photos of the house foundation. Dump trucks have been coming and going for three days, and they are not done yet. That's a lot of dirt!


Elijah has always been sensitive to noise. He has a love/hate relationship with the tractors and trucks that have been occupying his space. Once I popped a winter hat on him, and pulled it over his ears, he ventured a bit closer to the action. It did nothing to cut the noise at all, but it was enough to make my little mouse feel a bit more brave. (That, and a protective uncle):