Quick update - I’m on my way out after a very long day at work… and really wanna leave!

Of course, as soon as I post that I plan to update daily, I skip. Oh well. The largest change came in the form of plumbing work in the subflooring. We’ve taken pictures, of course, so I will update this post with those once I get them uploaded. [EDIT! there are pictures now - boringish plumbing, but also of Brendan riding his bike, which is kinda fun!]

Also, we spent the weekend working on our fencing and gate entrance. Several months ago, we put up the gate, and, I must say, it looks great! This past weekend, we curved the “cow fence” (I’m told it’s called) away from the road to join up with the gate. Also, on either side of the gate, we framed up some (more decorative) wood fencing. My words are terrible! …the pictures to come will help clarify, I’m sure.

First, please note that I will most likely severely botch the use of the proper terminology when posting updates. Construction is not my forte, as will be very obvious. Any who are savvy (Jeff!), please feel free to correct me in comments, or emails or whatever you feel appropriate. I want to describe things properly… Thanks.

Progress continues: the foundation is in place and some inspections have started. The crawlspace is taking shape with lining down and the subfloor framing built.

Also, big thanks to Jeff for handling the concrete flooring of the pump house (which will be built by us alongside the Barn).

I believe some plumbing work is next in the queue…which is to happen, or at least begin, today.

Finally, my intent (now that I’ve “said” that, I am accountable to hold true) is to update each day…or at least each workday. Often with pictures, as something will pretty much be happening daily.

A bit late on my update (been lazy on getting the pictures uploaded and arranged) … but as previously mentioned, escavation started last Wednesday (April 4th). The weather cooperated (rain over the weekend, and Monday, but otherwise, all’s well), and allowed all to progress as expected. The first inspection happened Monday, and today (in 1 hour, as I write this) the foundation is being poured. We are definitely off and running! Woohoo!

As mentioned, there are pictures — I’ve uploaded and arranged them in the gallery. (Side note, I believe I was doing something quite wrong as many of the early pictures seem skewed–I think the last couple galleries — escavation and tree planting — are much better. Send me a note or comment if you think otherwise!)

Huge congratulations to the best best overall college/university in Michigan (bar none) on their recent national championship.

I cannot say I saw a single NCAA play this season, but it always warms the heart to see my alma mater shine.

First and foremost, many thanks to our helpers over the weekend. Again, your help was (is) very much appreciated.

We obtained ~190 Western Red Cedar and had our first “tree-planting” party this past weekend. With a group of about 6, we had them planted in around 3.5 hours. This was the first group of many to be planted out there!

The rest of the clearcut area is on short-term hold for replanting. We have 6 huge piles of slash to take care of (well, 5 1/2 now - started burning one on Saturday during the planting — it’s still burning today). We plan to give it a month or so of sitting to dry out the piles, hopefully they’ll burn up quicker that way.

Escavators are due to arrive bright and early Wednesday morning (4th). This will be the beginning of the true home-building. (Or is that Barn-building, since we’re now reverting back to that naming. Our mortgage people suggested not calling it the Barn in case the actual lender associated a lower-valued connotation.)

Wow. It’s been a long-time coming, and there is still much to do, but it finally feels like the Barn will be a reality in 2007. Woohoo!

[EDIT: link to pictures added]

Gathered some pics over the weekend - check out the gallery when you get a chance.

The harvesting of the timber is expected to wrap up early this week (Monday or Tuesday, depending on weather). Legally, within the next 5 years we have to have the clearcut portion replanted — so that we can remain in forest-deferral tax status. In reality, we’re planning on planting western red cedar within the next week. Wanna help!? Call me, and bring a shovel.

After timber, next up is some more site escavation. Currently, that’s set to start in early April. When it does, I will certainly post!

Thanks for reading, and drop an email if you’d like!