Lumber going up on the roof - progress being made!!!

Rain - torrents of heavy rain - our daily visitor!  Seems as if it has been raining either some time during the day or night for the past several days - but after the droughts we have experienced I will NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT RAIN again!  Even though it is slowing the progress on the house, I will not be negative about the moisture.  However, those industrious framers have been working and putting more lumber on the house even with not-so-optimal weather conditions.  I met with Mark, the super builder - not only good at this work, meticulous, careful - but also very polite, thorough and a great communicator, at the house this morning at 10:00 to walk through and get updated on various aspects of the construction!  This is what greeted me this morning at Holton House:

 What?  The roof is being enclosed!  Men were walking, crawling and standing all over the roof line hammering and sawing away.  What an exciting surprise to see this, even though rain is threatening AGAIN!

 A closer view - isn't it going to be beautiful?

 The peak above the dining room, entrance area.  Thanks to a great builder and artistic architect, this roof line is quite pretty, don't you think?

A view from below looking up!  We attempted to stay well out of the way of the working men - didn't want any falling pieces of lumber or flying nails to find us below!!!!!

 Since we have been deluged by heavy rains and there was an open roof and open floors for a good part of this - and of course,  no windows, the basement is very wet.  This is a view of us standing in one corner looking to the back of the house, where two generous windows with window wells are set in the walls.  Lots of air and light - a spacious basement.  The area in which I am standing will eventually be the mechanical room for furnace, sump pump, water heater, water softener, etc.  I am looking out through the timbers that will enclose that area and toward a bigger area of the basement.  You can also see the stairs coming down.

 Upstairs again!  I was standing in the arch from the family room into the kitchen when this shot was taken.  The spacious window to the right is the kitchen looking to the backyard.  Essentially, this is the space where the farm table and six English school antique chairs will be located.  The window right in the middle of this picture is the one looking out onto the porch.  The door to the porch is to the left of that window.

 This was taken looking out that window onto the screened porch area.  Isn't that a perfect spot with all those trees and wildflowers surrounding the porch?  What fun to have tea - lunch - dinner - time to read and dream on that porch!!!!  Precious time with dear friends - I can barely be patient until this is done!!!

It was so entrancing, I took another picture of the porch looking more to the side.  The prior photo was angled to the back as I gazed out the side window.  Oh, I just am so happy with this house!  God has been so good to me!

 We interrupted these men before they had a chance to clean up some of the debris from the morning's work, but I wanted you to see a view of the house from the back of the kitchen looking toward the front of the house.  You can see the dining room (window at right), also showing the front door and big window in the study (to the left of the front door.)  Lots of sunlight and another lovely view out those windows (and door) to the front of the house.  Pretty!  The sun is beginning to make a showing too!!!!

One last parting shot, this from the door we would walk out of the garage to the back yard toward the screened porch which you can see being framed (the area where the rocks are located).  These doors throughout are wide enough for wheelchair access - but hopefully that will never be necessary!

With the predicted rains coming early next week, we may not see much progress for a few days.  I will give you a glimpse tomorrow and Saturday of the cabinet finishes (samples) and some design thoughts.  Stay tuned for more!

Blessings,

Janet

A beautiful roof line beginning to appear!

OH my!!!!  Monday was a busy day at the new house with the framers beginning to erect a beautiful roof on the new house.  Incidentally, the house will be given a proper name, much as they do today on the East Coast ... and often was the practice in colonial days.  The house will be called appropriately "Holton House" in honor of Grandma and Grandpa.  I like to imagine Grandpa being excited about the construction and Grandma nodding in quiet approval when I make the curtains and add touches to the house upon moving in there.  The little pillows, quilts, handmade items.

This is what I saw last night at the close of the day - nearing sunset when I made a quick trip by Holton House:

I really like the roof line and the way the house sits on the lot.  The dining room window has not been cut yet, but there will be three windows across the front plus the two small garage windows at the front; and there will be another small window in the front roof, adding interest and aesthetics.  Holton House faces south and slightly to the east ... so the sun is setting to the left and behind the tree line, casting lovely shadows on the back of the house and the porch.  OH .... and the porch is being roughed in with lumber now too .... just take a peak:

Wallah!  You can see the beginnings of the screened porch.  The garage is in the right of the photo ... kitchen window to the left of the garage looks out onto the porch.  It is nestled cozily in the trees .... perfect for a porch in summer!  Reading or eating on a screened porch is one of my favorite places to be.  A great spot for the quilting/crafting group to meet weather permitting .... and it would be lovely to have the Christ Care group congregate some week there too.  Oh - the anticipation!

Unfortunately it poured rain last night and into this morning, so no visible work has been done as of 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.  Rain is predicted for tomorrow and Thursday as well, I believe, so it may not be until Friday for any additional framing to be completed.

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Now to show you some photos and share some fun we experienced at Hoosier Hills Fiber Fest in Franklin, Indiana, last Friday afternoon.  Knitting Daughter likes to keep abreast of all the latest in the weaving/spinning/knitting world.  She spins various types of  wool and blends and then spins them into yarn.  She knits this into extraordinary sweaters, scarves, shawls and hats - well all kinds of creative knitted garments.  Unfortunately, she usually falls half way in love with a lamb, a rabbit, or some furry critter at these events.

 Yes, this sweet sheep kept baaing in a soft little voice and seemed to totally bond with Knitting Daughter.  Yes, I had to almost pull her away from it.  I knew in her head she was visioning it in her backyard nibbling on the tall grass.

 These lambs, sheep and the llama's below all 'belonged' to a family that took in animals of all kinds that had been abandoned or that people could no longer care for and love.  I think the woman said they had over two hundred animals.  They housed and fed them .... and let people see them at functions like this one.

This mop of a critter is actually an English Angora Rabbit.  Duncan puts this little fella to shame.  He was a sweet little mop, and I enjoyed petting and cooing over him.  His one ear was 'lame' and flopped totally onto the side of his face.  Poor little thing! One English Angora is enough for me, however, and I bravely walked away.

This magnificent animal is a Great Pyrenees Wolf combination.  At least, that is what we were told.  Gorgeous animal.  He was 'in training' and we were instructed not to pet him.  I neglected to inquire what he was in training to do!!!!  At any rate, he deserved to have his picture taken more than once!!!!

 I will close with a photo of Duncan, so you can see how an English Angora is supposed to look!  Such a 'cartoon' creature he is!!!!  While I am living in crowded quarter awaiting the completion of Holton House, Duncan is thriving at Bee Keeper Daughter's home, where she is treating him to a combination of Rabbit Spa or Rabbit Super Summer Camp!  He scampers around her fenced-in back yard with her two chickens and sometimes spends a lazy afternoon in his cage which has been moved under a beautiful shade tree - she is spoiling him big time!!!!  I will try to get photos as he romps around her yard or is 'conversing' with the hens!!!!!  Stay tuned!

Isn't he just such a fluffy, funny boy?

Blessings,

Janet

Inside of house with walls and floors!

Yesterday (Saturday) at noon when I stopped by the house, the framers were there working industrially and carefully and had been there for some time.  I took some photos but waited to blog with those until the work was finished for the day.  So.... this morning on my return from church services, I stopped to take more photos of what was completed on Saturday.  I carefully removed my pretty church shoes and slipped on my little pink rain boots .... and bravely walked up through mud and lumber pieces to the house (which now has exterior walls and floors).  Here is what greeted me.

 Immediately entered the 'garage' because it was easiest to reach without a huge step up.  Walked to the corner where the house and 'garage' meet .... and peeked in at the house with all the outer walls and floors in place.  We experienced a very good rain during the night - heavy drops, steady for a long period ... and then more toward morning and into the drive to church.  So the floors were sodden, and leaves and tiny tiny pieces of limbs littered the floor.  I searched for a way to enter the house without injury!

 First a stroll over to the 'door' entering the house from the 'garage' area.  This is where I would enter after parking the car in the garage and walking into the house  - into the hallway.  To the left of the hall immediately is the utility room/sewing room and then next on the left is the walk-in pantry.  At the end of this hall is a closet (where I think the ironing board, brooms, etc., will go).  And to the right of this entry along the hall is a longer closet for coats, etc.

 Entrance was made by piling up some pieces of lumber on the garage floor and walking 'through'  the wall.  I then slipped through that coat closet in the hallway I just mentioned into the dining room.  I wanted to show you the kitchen, which is located right behind the dining room, so I walked through the dining room door to the kitchen; this is what I see.  A nice big kitchen with eating area.  That is the large kitchen window looking out to the back toward the barn where a horse calls its home behind that black wooden fence.

 Then strolled to the family room and snapped the view out that spacious window.  Quiet, serene, lovely.  What blessings God has showered on me!

 More from that same family room window but looking to the right instead of straight back.  The pasture, large evergreens.  A smallish backyard - but just about perfect for pathways, beehives, birdbath, flowers and more flowers and more bushes and landscaping and a small vegetable garden - no grass.

 A shot out the kitchen window as I got right up to it and almost leaned out!!!!!  The woods go to the left and around the side of the house to the front.  The screened porch is to the left of this kitchen (west).

Because there is another window in the kitchen looking west out at the screened porch, I wanted to share with you that view as well.  This is my neighbor's home to the west behind those trees.  That window on their home is the utility room.  Barbara (who already invited me in for tea and a tour of her home - a darling little lady) .... likes to do her ironing at this window and look out at the view of the trees and horses.  Aren't we the special ones to have such blessings as we gaze out our windows?
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Grandma and Grandpa Holton LOVED dogs.  They always had at least one dog in their home.  Mom always would mention that Grandpa often owned a pair of dogs - male and female - usually setters for hunting.  I believe at one point they may have owned a collie or two as well .... and the dog I remember of course was Dusky, their beloved spaniel.  Anyway, between the genes handed down by Grandpa and Grandma Holton and Bill who always brought strays dogs home to our house .... the kids inherited a double portion of the "I LOVE ANIMALS" genes. We always had at least one dog or more while they were growing up. Knitting Daughter has a sweet lab mix named Olive, who is very loving and sweet but not the smartest pup around.  She is deathly afraid of several common things (such as people wearing a hat, the vacuum, strange noises, etc.).  One of her fears is the camera.  Even though she seems to be my best pal, when I put the camera in front of my face - she scurries away or hides her head.  I tried 'retraining' her fear of this by giving her treats when I am using the camera, but not sure it has 'taken' yet.  Anyway, to Grandma Holton's memory, here are photos of Olive in 'her' red velvet chair!!!!

I will close with a photo of the flowers on Knitting Daughter's kitchen island.  Vibrant - bright - beautiful!  I couldn't resist taking these while awaiting the dryer to finish with one of the laundry loads being completed last Thursday (my weekly laundry day at her home).

Tomorrow I will share photos of the Hoosier Hills Fiber Fest in Franklin, Indiana - our trip last Friday afternoon!

Blessings - enjoy this Sabbath day!

Janet

Looking more like a REAL HOUSE!

This is what the house looks like today at 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 6th, 2014. The framers were working feverishly and efficiently.  It's really taking shape and is exhilarating to watch.  I will give a little verbiage under each photo so you can understand what you are looking at from each side.

This is standing in the 'driveway' looking at the front of the house.  Garage to left, then dining room .... indention is the front porch and front entrance doorway ... then to the right of that is the study and to the right of that (out of range) is the guest bedroom.

I am now standing in the garage looking across the front of the house.

 This is also from the garage looking straight back to the entrance from the garage to the house.  This door enters into a hallway.  The utility room is immediately to the left and a walk-in pantry it behind that.

Now we are looking at the dining room window.  As you can see, the entrance is next and then the study.  

 Now we are looking at the corner (back) of the house right behind the screened porch.  This first window is the kitchen window ... to the left of that is the family room window and then to the far left is the master bedroom.

 Looking at the back again (more from straight back) .... this higher portion is the family room ... and to the left is the master bedroom.  If you look carefully you can see the front door sort of to the right side of the picture.

 A meticulous worker remeasuring an area where the bathroom is located.

As we leave the site today, this is another view of the whole house.... garage to left, etc.

Looking more like a real home, isn't it?  I feel so blessed to be able to have this house built .... and so thankful for a good builder like Mark Williams of Williams Custom Art Builders.  The house is going to be beautiful.  Stay tuned!!!!

Blessings,

Janet

A garage is forming!!!!!!

A garage is beginning to rise up from the concrete base!!!!   Storms with lots of rain has slowed it down a bit, but here is the latest 'growth' on the house.

Supports for the flooring ..... opening for the stairs to the basement ..... garage walls up!  One of the requirements for building here stipulates a three-car garage.  More than I would need, but the added space will be utilized I am sure .... also good for resale some day.  And, of course, Duncan will have his abode out in the garage too.  No more necessary storage area needed for zero-turn John Deere (fondly named Jody Dear) because she was sold when I moved.  No need for a big 54" mower when I can get a good automatic start "walk behind" gas mower for this yard.  It is .49 acres total (about 1/3 of it in trees and wooded area, a large portion in house and garage) leaving a nice front yard and smaller back area. I hope to landscape the back almost entirely in flowers, pathways, and a vegetable garden.  Also a place for the bees.   That will leave a small front and one side to mow.  Hopefully when I stop by there later today, more progress will be seen.
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My internal clock seems to be set on a 'to bed between 10 and 11 p.m. and up at 6:00 a.m.' timer.  I was wide eyed at 6:00 (also Sandy has learned to step up on the bed and over to the table where the clock radio is situated and turn ON the RADIO).  Several days in a row he did this 'trick' at 4:15 then watched me jump up and turn it off - and then he expected the day to start.  I am NOT ready to get up at 4:15 - and I think I have him 'trained' (can you train a cat?) to stay quiet and not turn the radio on until I get up at 6:00.  Hoping this will continue.  Anyway, I was up at 6:00, fixed a yummy omelet with eggs from Beekeeping Daughter's hens with 'farmer's market' fresh asparagus, whole grain toast and tea .... ready to jot down a short grocery list.  Thursday old people like me get a 5% discount at a particular grocery which I enjoy so I wanted to supplement some of the grocery needs for the week that I cannot purchase at the farmer's market.  Off to the store at 8:00 a.m., with very little traffic on the road and few shoppers.  I had time to burn before going to Knitting Daughter's for the weekly laundry .... so I walked the Monon Trail for two plus miles.

 At one point in the portion of trail I was taking, pretty homes can be glimpsed through the trees.  A colorful farm home with beautiful landscaping.  The photo doesn't do it justice.

 Another portion is built over a very busy street.  There is a bridge, glassed in for safety; I thought it would be fun to take a shot down at the cars whizzing by beneath me.

These lovely blooms are planted at the parking area where people unload cars with stroller, bikes, etc., to get on the Monon for their hikes.  Toddlers and infants in strollers with in-shape moms pushing or running behind .... tykes on their bicycles .... men and women jogging with their ears plugged into who-knows-what as they pump down the trail.  A few walkers like me.  Glorious day - low 70's, bright skies, low humidity.  What a gift!  God is good!

Blessings,

Janet