Day 114 - Catching Up

I am sorry for the long delay between updates on the progress of the house.  We were out of town for several days visiting family and friends.  The most important news of the last week or so is not related to the house.  We celebrated Bruce's Mom's 89th birthday with many members of the four generations of our family.  She is an inspiration to us in her good health, vitality, and continued service to the community!!!!

Front Row L-R; Son Bruce, Matriarch Barbara, Grandson Mark, Grandson Kevin & wife Shawna; Back Row; Great Grandson Christian, Nancy, Grandson Chris, Great Grandsons Noah and Adam, Daughter Patsy, Grandson Jeff & friend Melissa, Great Grandson Quentin

And while in Houston, I was able to participate in the annual Dave Walker Cinco de Mayo celebration with some girlfriends.  It was wonderful to catch up with so many friends.  The late Dave Walker started the tradition many years ago and he is always there to celebrate in spirit!!

L - R; Kitty, Estella, Sylvia, Nancy, Mary Lee, Glenda, Mary, Gloria
Center - Dave Walker

We had a very busy day at the house meeting with many of the talented people working on the project. The first part of the house we discussed was the rainwater collection system.  James, our rainwater expert has been preparing the ground on which he will construct the two cisterns to hold the rainwater captured from the roof.

Location of two 25,000 gallon water tanks

To capture the rain from the roof, the water will flow into gutters,  travel through downspouts fitted with filter baskets from New Zealand, roll through underground pipes, and be fed by gravity into the water tanks.  So, the gutters and downspouts are an important part of the rainwater collection system.  Chad, from Quality Gutter Systems, joined us along with James and Aaron to discuss colors of gutters and downspouts, and the placement of the downspouts on the outside walls.

Chad, Bruce, Aaron discussing options

James and Chad also discussin' it

Sample of downspout

Following the water discussion, the action moved inside with the arrival of Mike and Tom from Mike Edwards Cabinets to do the final measurements before they build the pieces for the house.

Mike, Aaron, Tom

It was amazing to watch these guys go through the house wall by wall taking measurements of electrical outlets, light switches, light fixture placements, pipes, window and door casements, and many other details to make sure the cabinets are correctly built.  

Evaluating Kitchen Wall

Discussing Great Room Cabinets

Mike's designs for all of our cabinets are really beautiful, but he truly "wowed" us with his designs for every wall of our master closet.  We don't have separate "his and hers" closets, but Mike has designed a functional island with a bench seat and drawers that will separate the space beautifully.

We are really excited about the progress on the house and all of the decisions that have been made so far.  There is still a lot to do and more decisions to make, but we are having loads of fun......so far!!!!