March Madness

A rare March snowstorm dumped over 6 inches of heavy, wet snow. It's pretty, but it looks like Minnesota or Wisconsin to us. So far this winter we have had snow on the ground since December 16th and it looks like this will stay around for another week.

Since the golf course opened in 1993, this is the longest number of days that it has been closed, due to snow. So much for global climate change.

February Thaw

The temperature made it to 55 degrees today. The stone masons finished the front porch area and grouted the foyer and porch this afternoon. After bringing in another roofing contractor, we still have a leak around the fireplace. This is frustrating for everyone. We cannot proceed on the living room area (drywall, ceiling, and oak floors) until this problem is solved. The snow is finally melting and we may see some green grass in a week!

We also took a trip to Brights Creek GC this morning. This is a large (5000 acre) development that has very large plans. The area is about 35 miles southeast of where we live. The purpose of the trip was to see a house that one of the lighting suppliers furnished. We wanted to see the fixtures that we have picked out prior to placing the order. The water wheel is on a farm just east of the area.

Unwanted Excitement

Today we had our first real setback in building our home. A propane tank leaked around the valve and became a flame thrower. The painter called 911 and the fire department responded in six (6) minutes. The tank could have exploded and caused major damage, maybe even loss of life. Luckily the only thing that happened is some burnt wood, destroyed insulation and some destroyed wiring. We do have insurance, so the loss will not be great. The frustrating thing is the loss of time. This will set us back about two to three weeks, depending on getting the inspector to give us the go ahead to make the repairs after the insurance adjuster gives us his report. Here is a picture of some of the fire trucks that came to our house. Four in total, plus about 10 individuals.

Another January First

It started on Friday afternoon, January 29th and is ending this evening, January 30th. The Asheville area set a record with 11+ inches of snow, but as you can see from the pictures, we got over 12 inches. I back can attest to that! Really sorry for getting rid of our snowblower.

The roads have been plowed, but remain very icy. The community is advising that no driving take place until the ice melts. The secondary roads outside of Champion Hills have not been plowed. They just do not have the equipment to handle these large, wet snows.

Here are some pictures that we took today. The snow depth on our deck is greater than 12 inches. Based on the pictures of the house, there will not be any work done for the next week! The front of the garage is now finished. They are now finishing the stone around the front door. As you can see, the bluestone has started to be laid.

January Thaw!

After a record snowfall in December and very cold weather the first two weeks of January, the workers returned to the house this week. Today is the warmest it has been since November! The high today hit the mid-50's. The exterior siding is now complete the house is starting to take shape. The drywall crew came in on Tuesday and starting taping on Thursday. This crew is from South Carolina and consists of four individuals who really can tape. If I was doing this, I would still be in the first room.

The painters stained the tongue & groove cypress for the living room and the exterior porches in the garage area. Heaters were brought in so the wood would absorb the stain. We had to run some experiments to get the stain color we wanted and we are pleased with the results.

Fireplace Stone

The fireplace is finally taking shape. They will start the hearth later this week when the weather turns from sunshine to rain. The interior doors were delivered today as well. We are storing them at our rental house since we are not ready to install them. Estimated date of install: mid-January. The last picture loaded (the first picture shown on the blog) is the concrete columns under the deck. We decided to have them faced with stone, rather than just leave bare concrete.

This will be the last post for 2009. We are spending the holidays in the Twin Cities, visiting family and friends. Hopefully there is lots of progress when we return in January, 2010!!

Welcome !! Isla Anne Frys

Isla Anne Frys was born on November 30, 2009 at 10:45am. The proud parents, Michelle and Justin, told us the birth was "a piece of cake."

Isla weighed in at 6lb 15oz, and 20.5 inches. Michelle is doing great and plans on coming home on Wednesday morning.