Broken Ground!

This is our excavator and septic man, Art Eggleton. He's a really cool dude and tells great stories. He's been very helpful and patient while dealing with us novices.


Grading of the land has begun. Actually, at the time of this posting it is pretty much done, and the septic system is well on it's way. I've been really disapointed not to be there taking pictures of every step as I had imagined, but work and school are keeping us in the city most of the week. These pictures above show the spot where our house will go- unfortunately the apple tree had to be removed becuase it was at a different elevation, but the hydrangea was saved and moved near the pond. We've flattened out the land and brought it to an even level with the driveway. We've left a berm (hump) by the road and will plant tall shrubs on it, so as to protect us better from the road, for both privacy and water run off.






Here Art moves the Hydrangea tree. These machines can cut through our clay and rock soil like butter! He dug a big hole lickety-split, cradled the Hydrangea in that big arm, and transfered it over. It was a little surprised and drooped all it's leaves, but we thouroughly watered it and it was looking ok when we left.

Ben gets to try the tractor. Even though I didn't catch it on film, I assure you he did move a bunch of dirt around.

Megan gets to try the tractor. Lots of levers and pedals but no real brake. It stops when you will it to hard enough. Very powerful thing.

Monday Oct. 2nd Grey's is scheduled to dig holes and place sonotubes (forms for concrete) for the piers the house will stand on. The following week the house shell is assembled, weather permitting. Things are really cookin' now.