Wonder of Wonders, a White Christmas on Big Hill

What a way to spend Christmas Eve! "Stranded" on Big Hill, watching the snow fall fast and furiously, whipped by a strong wind, howling and tossing the flakes about before they finally settled on every surface, creating a living holiday card.

Tracy and I had plans to go to Arlington to visit with his family, but we only made it a few miles from the hill before sliding off the road and making the decision to turn back. We couldn't even make it back up 2012- we had to go all the way around to 2011 and hit 2012 on the backside. I was SO glad when we turned back onto the driveway.

By sunset on Christmas Eve, the sky began to clear up, shedding a lavender light on the landscape, but it remained very cold and the snow was still on the ground Christmas morning. A true blue, White Christmas! In fact, as I write this on the 29th, there are still patches of snow in the front yard and along the road, and we are looking at a chance of more snow today!

We were able to make the trip to Louisiana, with Ashley along this time. We had a wonderful time with my family, playing games, walking through the woods, sitting by the fire, sharing delicious meals and sipping some really expensive wine that Mike and Beth got from a generous oenophile

Today is my 49th birthday, and so I begin the 365-day countdown to a half century of living. Tracy and I were talking last night, and we both were flabbergasted to be the ages we are, since we both feel like teenagers. Hopefully we have learned a thing or two since our teens, though!

I took today off from work and plan to enjoy every minute of it! I'll let you know how it goes...

Ice Skating Anyone?

The Big Hill "pond" froze over this week! This was just a few days after (and a few days before!) beautiful weather reaching into the 70s. We had a few nights that dipped into the low 20s, and that is all it took. It was only a sliver of ice cover, but it gives me hope for future ice skating. And since the pond is only a couple of feet deep, even if you fall through you can just run back to the house for a cup of hot chocolate!

Tracy has the front yard decked out for Christmas. He outlined the sidewalk and the inner circle of the driveway and then put three animated deer in the middle. He also wrapped a few tree trunks. They are by far the nicest outdoor lights I have ever had.

I decorated the "earth friendly", fake tree. It is Tracy's and is nine feet tall. It looks great in the corner window. The decorating theme is NO THEME AT ALL, and in spite of that, I am pretty darned pleased by the final result. I can see it even from my bedroom, reflected in the windows.

I mailed out my holiday cards this morning. I am afraid sister Mary is going to be a bit disappointed. I talked about them when she and Ryan visited last weekend and her interpretation is that there is something special in them. Well, not really, except the sentiment in the card is something I thought of using for over 30 years. And I used Big Hill photos to reflect the theme.

I have certainly enjoyed having a fire going lately. If it dips below 40 I am all over it.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

I Came. I Gobbled. I slept.

Tracy and I spent Thanksgiving in Louisiana at my folks' home. We had a relatively small group of 24 people this year for dinner. There was food for more, especially in the dessert category. The All Berry Pie from the Pie Peddlers of Glen Rose was a crowd favorite. Emphasis on "was", as it is all gone.

While we were there Tracy and I went on a date to see Blindside. We never made it to the movie though, as his car had a flat. He has Run Flat tires, so we were able to drive to the car dealership in Monroe, where we sat outside sharing potato chips next to a canal. Hopefully we can have a make-up date with Sandra Bullock soon.

I realized when I got back to Big Hill that I had not taken a single photo! I was in total slouch mode, reading, playing Scrabble, going on walks. Though I did manage to get KP duty a few times.

I was hoping to ave my door handles installed when I got back, but no evidence of any effort here. Mike has a week to go before Mary and her friend Ryan come out for the weekend. He promises to get it done by then...of course I also tried this same thing before the housewarming. Speaking of chores, Glenn says "we" (meaning me, I assume) have to get that pool equipment covered by landscaping or a stone wall. I agree, but it is not even on the top 10 next things to do here. First we have to get drainage in to save the Phase One Yard, then we'll see what ranks as MOST URGENT and take it from there. Just like we have (and just Me before that) for a few years.

Tracy, Ashley and I went to the town Christmas Tree lighting this Saturday night. It was small-town quaint, with a local pastor-wife team providing musical entertainment. After about 30 minutes of Christmas music, we all gathered in a circle, which more closely resembled an amoeba, and held candles. We took turns lighting them around the circle/amoeba- and relighting and relighting due to the wind- then all went aaaaaahhhhh when the Christmas tree lights came on. They served homemade gingerbread men cookies and cider. Another fine tradition in Glen Rose.

I am looking forward to shopping around downtown when Mary and Ryan come in next weekend. I am headed to the living room to enjoy a real live fire in the fire place and a glass of lovely Merlot.

Until next week!

Where Does the Time Go?

In a big, metaphorical sock drawer in the sky, I suppose. I can hardly remember anything that happened this week, except that it rained and messed up my phase one yard. I don't yet have the underground drainage put in. Bass-ackwards, for sure, as it should have been done before we put anything on top of the ground. We are looking into a remedy for that as soon as possible.

On the bird poop front, though I haven't seen any live creatures on the house this week, I have seen evidence of something aviary landing on the sky deck and leaving prizes over the main deck. Little splats of evidence.

As I write this my cat Girly Man is enjoying a romp outside. He got a good dose of freedom when he escaped at the house warming party, and ever since, he tries even harder to get out. My clawless, needy cat, out in the wilderness. Having the time of his life.

Our little town had a very nice multi-church Thanksgiving service on Sunday evening. Our choir combined with the local Catholic one, bringing our total number to about 18. Pastors and singers from all across town took turns at the pulpit, and our Pastor Billy gave a lovely homily about all the reasons we have to be thankful. Quintiscential Glen Rose.

Tracy and I are looking forward to a Thanksgiving visit with all my folks in Louisiana. I can smell from turkey and dressing from here!

Fall in Bloom

It's hard to think I am so close to the Metroplex when I look out over the valley. The fall colors are in full bloom- just like a "real" fall somewhere in the Northeast. Soon we'll fade to the grays and browns of winter, which is always a nice rest on the eyes, but always seems a few weeks too long. Imagine how well I would tolerate living up north!

Not much to report this week. I have been on the road. Two trips for work, a dental appointment in Plano, extended choir practice for Christmas specials, city planning committee meeting...so needless to say, I didn't accomplish much on the hill. I did manage to get most of the art studio organized. Just as I can't cook in a dirty kitchen, it is hard for me to create in a disorganized art studio. Which is weird to say, since I have never actually HAD an art studio.

The deer have just made themselves at home in front of the house. On Saturday I watched a group of three hang out there for a couple of hours. They must know it is a safe haven from hunters. Of course I am writing this in full view of a deer skull hanging on my wall. I bought is last year at my church's fund raiser auction, which I am told is proof that I live deep in the heart of Texas. YeeHaw.

Buid House...Check! Have ParTAY.....Check!

And we are whooped! Seems like special days should go by a lot slower than prep days. Saturday flew by, and all the preparation and planning paid off. We had a great time, and although I was busy for the first several hours with hostess duties, I had a blast at the housewarming parTAY. So many people told me the barbecue was the best they had ever had. It was really good. And as with all good parTAYS, we had way too much food- both from us and that people brought.

The weather was beautiful, cool morning, nice breezes, with low clouds giving in to mostly sun. But we were blessed with a spectacular mackerel sky sunset that stopped us all in our tracks. Several of my "city" friends came down, and I was very pleased that Glenn, Mike and Jodie came over from Louisiana. It was the first time Glenn had ever seen his design come to fruition. It had to be a cool experience for him, seeing the (nearly) final product.

All of Tracy's siblings were here, plus an aunt, uncle and cousins. That was nice to see.

We ended the party hanging out around the campfire, sitting on big rocks in a circle all around the fire. Clay Burr brought his guitar down and I got to sing with him once again. All in all a very nice time. Followed by some really deep sleep.

Phase One of the front yard area was completed within hours of the party. It sure made a difference. Hopefully no one will think the house is vacant anymore. Now I am ready to get Phase Two started. Patience, patience, patience.

Until next week, peace from the hill.

Home Fires Burning!

Aaaahhhh Fall. My favorite season. Crisp cool air, migrating birds, frisky animals, and cozy fires in the fireplace. Finally! It cooled down this week and we lighted our first fire in the fireplace. It actually put out warmth for several hours, even when just the coals were left.

It was so nice. Even the animals seemed to relax in it's glow. Speaking of animals, there has been a steady stream of deer visiting in the mornings. This week I spotted an eight point buck. He was a big and beautiful creature.

Although since then I have noticed Sweet Pea's (cat) paws smell suspiciously like ashes....ever curious, she is.

The rain has finally taken a break, but the ground remains quite damp. In the mornings, there is a layer of fog and clouds tucked into the low points of the valley. So beautiful. God's cleverness and imagination keep me in constant awe.

Plans for the housewarming parTAY are in full swing. Tracy and I have been working like crazy clearing brush, dead trees, weeds. And I am getting "phase 1" of the front xeroscaping, done, plus the driveway sidewalk. A couple of weeks ago a man and his grandson pulled in my drive and were surprised that anyone lived here! I told him I could certainly understand why he thought that. The front yard makes the house look almost like a project abandoned in midstream. Not after this week!

Also getting gutters put in this week. Something I have needed for several months. I don't want to provide the creek beds at the bottom of the hill with any more paid for dirt.

We should have perfect fall weather this weekend. I can hardly wait to sit and relax around a campfire, watch the stars on the deck and celebrate with my friends and family who have let me follow my crazy dream and even went so far as to support me. The good times just keep coming.

Rain, Rain, RAAAAIIIIINNNN.....

Before last night's (and all day today) rain, we were on track for the eighth wettest October for the Dallas Fort Worth area. We were expected to move up several notches with the heavy rains that started last night.

It was still raining this morning when I left for the airport; it was still raining when I got on the plane. I am now in north Mississippi, where it is expected to start raining tomorrow and then rain all day.

It just gets into your bones after a while. It makes everything, including one's mood, soggy.

This was a busy week. Sales meetings, longer hours at choir while we practice the Messiah, a fund raiser gala event in Dallas Friday night, city planning meeting Saturday morning, Lord's acre Saturday afternoon, The Promise musical Saturday night with friends, and back to church Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon, before the rain, we just chilled. Watched TV, visited with Ashley, who was home for the weekend. We also managed to get a bit more clearing done. No wonder I was so tired this morning when the alarm went off!

Tracy has graciously accepted the job of getting gutters put on the house. We interviewed one company and have one more tomorrow, then will decide who to go with. I have to get it done now in order to protect the "yard" that will be going in before November 7.

I have oak logs in the fireplace, just waiting for the perfect, low wind cool autumn evening. So far, even though it has dipped into the 40s, it hasn't felt cold enough inside to light a fire. Even without the heat on. and the windows cracked. I guess Glen knew what he was doing with the windows and sun and rock wall design.

Sleep awaits. And a long day tomorrow. Happy dreams to all.

Here Comes the Sun!

Looks like we are making progress with the vultures. No landings this week. However, a hawk has decided to make the upper deck corner his new perch. Although his dinners consist of “fresh” meat, his droppings are still laced with animal hair. Nice.

In Fact, we’ve had all sorts of animal activity around the house this week. Seems like everyone is happy to FINALLY see the sun. The ground is still very wet, but the skies have been beautiful after yet another rain Monday and Tuesday. I spotted a praying mantis on the back deck and the master deck. I think it was the same one, because he hung out for several days. We’ve had huge grasshoppers on the windows- they are a few inches long and quite amazing at close range.

One sunny afternoon this week I heard a strange honking sound in the sky and looked up to see three great blue herons flying together. I’ve never seen more than one at a time. The same afternoon Tracy saw about 100 geese very high in the sky, headed south in a V formation. There has been a very active, large group of crows in and around the valley. We’ve had several deer hanging out in the area, including a young buck, about a six-pointer. And the usual array of birds, bees, dragonflies, rabbits…

We are gearing up for the housewarming party on November 7. So far there are 50-plus people coming. I really look forward to it, and I am praying for a sunny, cool autumn day.

There is a lot to do in preparation. We’ve been clearing in front of the house and have a nice fire pit going. I met with Blaine, my landscaper from Grace Street, to talk about doing phase 1 of the front of the house. I am shooting for a xeroscape area that seamlessly blends into the natural grasses and trees around the front of the house- and cover that blasted red dirt they call top soil around here.

Tracy is looking into finding someone to put up gutters. I sure hope it doesn’t “ugly up” the overall look. Regardless, it has to be done in order to keep the rivers and ravines out of the ground in front of the house. As ugly as the red dirt is, I don’t want to buy more of it.
No matter how much we get done before the 7th of November, the party will go on. My friends will certainly understand, and I only invited friends. So there!

Back on the Hill

Finally! I have been on the road for eight days. That is about five days too long for me. I was working the booth at both of our largest conferences for the year, which were, unfortunately, back to back this year. Tracy house sat for me, so at least my cats were in good hands. It was comforting to finally drive up 2012 and see the lights on in the distance and know all was well.

Apparently it rained the whole time I was gone. It is raining now. Even the plants that really needed rain seem to be begging for a break. The bluebonnets popped up a month early, confused by the weather and water. If they can make it through the winter, it looks like we'll have a banner bloom next season.

Most of the electronics are up and running after the big lightning storm. I am only waiting for the sound system guys to look into the lost zones. What a mess all that was. I am still waiting to see if the tree lives. I don't have a lot of experience dealing with trees hit by lightning.

I got to visit my nephew Coy this week while I was in Baltimore. I drove down to Annapolis to deliver McDonald's to him and his roommate. They were most appreciative. Coy took me on a tour of the splendid campus. The architecture is ornate and substantial and the trees enormous.

Last weekend I got to visit with Coy's parents, my sister Mary and her husband, Barry. We all watched the Paluxy peddlers climb "The Wall", which is my hill. The riders who make it to the top get a patch for their efforts that reads "I Climbed the Wall". I keep saying I will earn one for myself one day. We'll see! We went to the A&M verses Arkansas game later that day to watch A&M get romped. At least I got to see the new Cowboys stadium. I am getting all kinds of flack for not being overwhelmed by the size and awesomeness of It. What can I say? It is a very large stadium. With a really big TV hanging over the field.

Tracy and I started two good fires today. It was the first time I really warmed up since I got back to Texas. The cold rain is permeating.

I hope all of you who read this blog can make my housewarming celebration on November 7 from noon to midnight. Tracy's brother is smoking brisket, sausage and chicken. If you remember, bring a side dish and something to sit on, as there remains a dearth of chairs here on the hill. Also, I am having a book exchange, so feel free to bring or take a book for or from the library. Until next week, peace from the hill.

A Tough Few Weeks on the Hill

Living out here is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure.
Here is a rundown of what we have had to deal with on the hill in the last couple of weeks.

More buzzard landings, more buzzard poo. (though not as often, thank goodness!)

There is significant erosion of paid for dirt in the front of the house from the long steady storm, followed by a fast and furious one. I have been out there throwing rocks and sticks and local dirt as often as I can to fill up the holes and try to prevent further erosion, but the permanent remedy will require more brought in dirt, plants and a gutter system.

We’ve had rain leaking around the dry stack walls and chimney into bedroom, kitchen and den- only in the long storm, the one I call the 40 Days and Nights Storm, because it seemed to last that long. Mike had the walls and chimney wrapped in plastic by the second storm. He’s already had to unwrap and wrap again – for the arrival of company followed by more threat of rain. I told him he could continue to do that as often as needed, but that it might be more economical to just go ahead and stop the leaking. Certainly more attractive.

In the second storm, the ferocious one, we had a lightning strike to a largish oak tree in the mot closest to the well house, resulting in blown out well pump, a cost of $500.

Internet has been out since the tower in town got hit by the storm. Although the other two towers are working, we still don’t have Internet. BJ from HTComp is here now working on it. I have been driving to Grace Street to work.

A couple of the sound system areas are without sound…..hopefully a simple fix on that one.

Girly Man was accidentally locked in the bedroom closest all night (by me); he didn’t make a peep. But he did pee and poo in a plastic bin on the floor. It probably seemed to him like an upgraded litter box. However, I was in the middle of unpacking my winter clothes, and the bin he used held my leather coat (direct hit), leather pants, cashmere sweaters x 2, wool sweater (direct hit) and several other sweaters. I think the coat is a goner.

Mike did get the windmill remnant hung on the wall above the margerita window. It looks as good as I hoped it would.

I have to believe it will all calm down as time goes by. All I can say is, thank God for the view. And that I finally have my piano out here. And for wine. And for Tracy. See, the good still outweighs the bad- by far.

Internet!!!

The punch list is slowly dwindling. It is mostly small things, with a couple of biggies in there- wax/ buff the kitchen cabinets and redo the outside paint touch ups.

Tracy is out at the house this afternoon overseeing the Internet install. That's right, I am coming into the 21st century! I hope....I have learned not to take any of it for granted. I am getting wireless terrestrial service. Interestingly, the tower I will get my signal from is the old downtown tower, just a couple of blocks from The Little House on Grace. It's all connected down here. I really look forward to getting to office from home. What a joy that will be!

Speaking of being at home, perhaps with more home time I can keep the vultures off the deck. I had actually stated to relax after almost two weeks with no landings. Then on Sunday, Tracy and I were on the couch watching TV and he saw two of them land on the hot tub deck. My heart just sank. So, we went out and put back all our blue jay trailer trash shiny and sharp stuff. We'll see. My "next door neighbors, the Noells, says it is only an intermittent problem. Goodie!!

So far I have spotted on the hot tub deck the following animals. Vulture, road runner, sparrow, hummingbird, racoon, opposuum, ferrel cat, inch worm, ant, wasp, horse fly, dragonfly. It's a regular Wild Kingdom.

I enjoyed a 4-day weekend this past holiday weekend. I tacked on Friday to make it longer. It was wonderful. On Friday I cleaned house at a leisurely pace, on Saturday Tracy and I went to College Station to watch the Aggies WIN a game, and we visited Ashley. She is settling in to her much different world down there. On Sunday I sang at church and then "chillaxed" the rest of the day. Yesterday, Tracy and I got out in the "yard" and cleared and burned. Still working on taming the front area around the house. When I have a few extra dollars I will bring in more dirt and plant some wild seed of some sort. Anything right now to cover up the red dirt.

All in all, it's been a good two weeks since I last wrote. Labor Day has come and gone, there are no more summer markers in 2009. Let the holiday season begin!

Settling In

It was a fairly quiet week on the hill. I have been slowly organizing the boxes from the garage. Because I had so little to begin with the task is not overwhelming.

Tracy continues to clear out from under the oak trees around the driveway, and I am bringing wheel barrel fulls of dirt to the front yard under the eaves, where rain had made deep furrows in the red dirt brought in as "top soil".

I went for a long walk on Sunday afternoon, while Tracy was on his way to Texas A & M with Ashley. I found a good deal of the red dirt that was supposed to be in my front yard. It was in the creek bottom. It made quite the trip to get there. And I paid for it!

I took the photo here on my walk. It is a view of the house I had only seen on paper. I was walking on my neighbor's land to get the shot, but I don't think he would mind.

The buzzards aare still landing on the house. I made glass shard strips to keep them from landing on the sky deck railings. They seem to be working, but I don't know what to do to keep them off the roof. I may need to add a strip of metal roofing that just sticks up and has no depth, so their feces-covered feet don't have anything to hold onto. I get a little queasy when I think of cleaning up after them- which I have done now many times. Yesterday is the first day in a while that I saw no signs of any new landings. I am hoping today is the second day for the same!!

We are STILL working on getting Internet service out there. We have been talking with Home Town Computing for about six weeks now. My last conversation with them yesterday was not hopeful. They had a fire in their building last week, which put everything AT LEAST a week behind. I am still working from Grace Street, while renting it out. I feel like I am infringing on my renter's privacy, even though she is happy that someone is here during the day. Anyway, getting Internet service out there will most certainly prove to be a saga.

I've been sitting out back on the deck every night I am home, watching the stars and talking on the phone with Tracy. I see meteors and satellites every night. And the Milky Way is a thing of wonder, especially through night binoculars. The cool breeze is aaallmost enough for a wrap!

I am trying not to focus on all there is to do, but rather look back at how far it has all come. And then take everything one day, one task at a time. In the meantime, Big Hill feels more and more like Home everyday. And that is really a dream come true.

Settling In

The level of dust replication is slowing slipping. Wish I could say the same for cat hair! It is absolutely amazing how much hair one little 5 1/2 pound cat can leave on the floor- and still be so fluffy!!!

Still no front yard, but Tracy and I did clean it up a bit this weekend. And! the burn ban was lifted, so I have been able to have a couple of fires as well. I really want to get more dirt and mulch in to stem the erosion that is taking place along the front of the house. A gutter system would be nice as well. Darn that budget thing.

Still fighting the buzzard war- black vultures to be exact. They are surprisingly adaptive. They will move down a foot or to another gable when they see they aren't welcome at one (see above photo for ferocious pinwheel weapontry). I find the best thing is to be diligent and "yell" them away before the first one has a chance to land. Problem is, you have to BE there for this to work....

To that end - having limited success in moving forward with Home Town Computing internet service. Tracy and I have been working on it for over a month. The good news is they know us now, know where we live, and have tentatively agreed that we are eligible for their land based wireless service. Hope the internet speed is faster than the set-up!

Even though the weather has been tremendously hot, I can feel summer losing its grip. I just sense it in the air. In the cooler evenings, in the northerly breezes, in the slightly shorter days. Autumn is coming

Until next time, peace from the hill.

I am the Daughter of an Eighty Year Old Man!

Boy, I'm not sure how that makes Dad feel, but it sure makes me feel old. We had a family get together for him in Cadeville this weekend. Several of we girls went early to help around the house and try and keep Mom from working with her one "perfectly normal" shoulder while her bones continue to knit together in the broken one.

What will remain imprinted in my mind from the weekend was the look of pure glee on Dad's face as he rode a two-foot clown bicycle- better than anyone else there. Same goes for the stilt walking. That's an eighty years old to look forward to, right?

In home front news, I got home late Sunday and Mike had just about completed putting the ipe around the sides of the deck. The next morning I saw my bedroom in the morning light and noticed water damage on the floor. I walked to the living and kitchen areas and noticed water damage on the wall in the kitchen. Rats! Rain got through the rock walls again. One more trip to the engineer and Mike says he has it licked- he has to move the flashing away from the back of the walls a bit so that water can't pool up when the rain comes down as hard and steady as it did over the weekend.

The kitchen wall will definitely need repairing. We'll see how I feel about the floor. It may just need a rug. That and a complete fix to the leakage problem.

In buzzard news...there was no sign of activity when I got home. Not surprising since Mike was out the this weekend- and the pinwheels are still up on the deck, along with a dandling water hose. However, this morning I saw two of the varmints flying towards the dead tree across the valley- usually a stopping place on the way to my much nicer deck. I went outside several minutes later, happy to see that there were no birds on the deck. Then I turned around to go inside and saw one perched on the corner of the roof right over the hot tub. Eeeeewww! I suppose I could place pin wheels on every corner of the roof, but they would probably adapt to that too.

We are thinking of motion sensor witch laugh things you get at Halloween. Any suggestions out there are welcome. (Forget termination. They are protected birds- $15,000 and six months in jail for harming them).

Oh, and they live twenty years. I just need to be HOME to fight them off. Arrgghhh!!

Locked out in My Undies, Buzzards are Back

What a week! Capped off by locking myself out of the house. I went to say goodbye to the view before I changed to work clothes and drove to town. The back sliding door sometimes seems locked but can be opened, and then when you shut the door DOES lock. Not a good thing 10 miles from town. I immediately realized what a dilemma I was in, but checked every door and window anyway. Fortunately I found a pair of river shoes so I at least had SOMETHING on my feet.

I then went through all my options.


1. Walk to the Nowells- a mile or more down a caliche road, hoping they would be home and not think I was a complete loon. And when I got there? No plan.


2. Walk to town- to the little house on Grace. Call Tracy. Problem is, I discontinued my phone service. Plus it was 10 miles. Plus, I was wearing a T-Shirt and plain white bikini panties.


3. Bash the well house siding in and get the key to the back door, which I had responsibly placed there for emergencies. And then forgot that Tracy added a dead bolt to the door. THAT key was in the house. Siding repairs would be expensive and probably not take place anytime soon.


4. Sit in the garage all day hoping someone would show up to work and help me problem solve. Fat chance. (Of someone showing up to work). Temps of over 100 expected.


5. (The winning option) Bash the door knob off the garage entry door. Tracy had put up a temporary door knob, which was a pretty cheap model. I found the top to an old fashioned ice cream maker made from cast iron and started bashing. The knob came off pretty easily, but the guts took a bit more doing and more make due tools. But at last- success!!!!



Lesson learned. Keys have been appropriately placed. (Maybe I should put a cute outfit somewhere too).

I finished painting the tree shadows on the "feature wall" in the master bedroom. I needed to completely finish ONE PROJECT, since I currently have several thousand. OK, several dozen.

AND.....looks like I am in a long haul with the Battle of the Buzzards. Found out they live 20 years! Are very intelligent! Adapt well to various sounds and sites meant to scare them. Have very stinky poop....blah blah blah. I just want them gone.

I tried putting big bubble wrap around the railing, thinking it would scare them with the popping. I think it was served as a nice cushion for their feet. I'm surprised I didn't come home to find a bubble wrap popping party....



Stay tuned.

Uh, My Bad.

Turns out buzzards can't tell the difference between real, dead foot long geckos and wooden foot long geckos. I had placed one in the diamond window up in the library loft.
A few days ago I saw a buzzard landing on the sky deck early in the morning. I ran out to do my Jethro Clampett imitation and the sight of the gecko in the window struck me immediately.

Live and learn! I haven't had a vulture land on the deck since the would be (wood be!) gecko was removed. Now a note to all the buzzards: go eat some rats!!!!

This weekend in honor of Mary's 50th birthday, she, Linda, Karen, Margaret and I went to Las Vegas. I was the only one who had been- I've been several times on business. It is definitely more fun with sisters. We had so many foibles, getting lost the first day was of special note. My favorite thing was seeing Le Reve at the Winn, which was awe inspiring. It made me want to get back into a work out routine and get limber and strong! Oh, my fallen youth!

Speaking of fallen youth, my mom was at my dad's volley ball game last night and tripped onto some concrete, breaking her shoulder. Ouch!!! She toughed it out in her usual Janet G fashion all night and went to get checked out today. No cooking, cleaning, following Dad into the garden for several weeks!! We are watching you!!!

Still working on several things at Big Hill. No ipe in sight, but more lights in place and the kitchen sink repaired. I have spent the last few nights painting shadows of trees on the main master bedroom wall. In fact, I was just sitting here wondering why my upper back is sore- I have been climbing up and down an 8-foot ladder, reaching out to get corners. Duh. What was that about fallen youth??

I don't travel this week. Can I get an AMEN!!!??!! Last night I lay on the back deck while talking to Tracy and then Rebecca. I say several shooting stars and satellites, and the Milky Way was ridiculous! I felt like I could have just scooped it up.

In the DFW metroplex today was the 16th day of the summer with temps over 100 degrees. Our annual average for the whole summer is, you guessed it, 16. Everything is turning brown, ponds are drying up, Looks like we are in for a long, hot summer.

(wo)MAN verses NATURE

More exactly, woman verses birds! Sheesh, of all the things I worried about when moving to Big Hill, birds were least on my list.

I wasn't concerned to see the road runner drinking from the hot tub, although he was certainly irked at seeing me. I let the mud nest building bird make a next under the eave of the well house.

I got a bit out of sorts once the sticks and mud- and poop- from the chimney sweeps who made babies in my chimney flue- started falling into the hearth.

But turkey vultures on the sky deck!!??? I won't stand for it! Tracy and I saw one on the ledge when we got home from church Sunday. We went up to find evidence of more. Yesterday I came home to find two on the deck, one on the chimney and one on one of the stone entry walls. Let me tell you, their poop is nasty!!! I chased them off like an old man, trying my best to sound ornery and frightening.

Why they all of a sudden to make themselves at home is beyond me, but I noticed they chose the two days I was out of town this week to make a landing.

I am trouble shooting ways to keep them away. Based on information retrieved from the Internet I seem to have a battle ahead of me. I put some tarp up and left the speaker on, blaring the TV out in hopes they will think humans are nearby. When I went home at lunch today the deck was empty. I now dread going over the first hill, waiting to see what awaits.

In other animal invader news, Tracy brought Pebbles and Bubba out this weekend- his two chihuahuas- to hang out with the cats. The first thing Pebbles was greeted by was a facial boxing from a (fortunately) declawed Girly. That set the tone for her attitude throughout the rest of the stay. Bubba and Sweet Pea tried their best to stay out of the way.

Waiting to get the kitchen sink remounted. Although so far the cinder blocks are doing a great job of holding it up, still waiting to get the second garage door opener mounted, the remaining lights installed, and a a long list of punch stuff.

Tracy and I watched seven or eight fireworks shows form the sky deck Saturday after returning from the grand opening of the Green Pickle, a Texas beer and wine garden, right at the end of Grace Street, and owned by my frind Tonya.

The July days are hot and long, but the sunrises and sunsets have been beautiful. The fleeting moments of peace are a welcome respite from the hooha. It all helps.

Let the Visitors Come!

The friends and family light is up and the bowl o' signing stones is stocked and ready. To heck with trying to get it all perfect first! I am ready to sit and visit!!! Six of my sisters and Karen spent the weekend with me for the Seventh Annual Seven Sisters Summer Solstice. We had a blast. Only Susie didn't make it.

We thoroughly enjoyed the hot tub. We got in at night and watched shooting stars and satellites. We saw 10 on our best night. Then, we had to get up early every morning to watch the big, fat, pink sun rise up over Turtle Mountain. I had great fun at Linda and Karen's land. We walked in the river to a bend and gathered rocks. The water was flowing pretty good there, and several of us body "surfed". Once we hooked up head to feet and four of us floated in like a snake for over a 100 yard. Alas, no videos were available to capture our feat. I am ecstatic to report that I can get PIZZA DELIVERY on Big Hill! We had pizza and salad the last night and celebrated Mary's 50th birthday with homemade peach ice cream (made without electricity!) and birthday cake.

I was so sad to see them go, but took the opportunity to unpack a bit more, vacuum and take a nap! Then Tracy came out and we hung out watching a couple of movies. And lo and behold! watching a rain storm pass over. That was a very welcome sight, as we are in a burn ban- again!! And in fact, we have had a disaster declared due to the threat of more fires- there were twelve last week! Needless to say, my cardboard and stump piles are not getting any smaller.

My queen sized mattress set was delivered today, just too late for sister weekend. I will look forward to sleeping in it after I get help moving it to the master suite.

My first house payment is due Thursday. That signifies a real mark of progress. I am finally paying regular old notes, like everyone else. Now let's have more parties!!

Molly G is...In...The...House!!!

Except when I am in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, etc.....I have traveled every week for a few months. I am honestly ready to SIT for a while. Last week I was in beautiful Destin, FL for a conference. The sunset pictured is of the bay view from my room.


I did manage to get the friends and family light completely put together. It is as beautiful as I hoped, and I hope lots of friends and family pass beneath it's welcoming light.

My sisters will be on the hill with me this weekend. Seven Sister Summer Solstice 2009. I look forward to hanging out with them for a couple of leisurely days.



Also, I have to share this, because I think it is so cool. My dad, who will turn 80 in a month, joined a volleyball team at his church. Mom is the score keeper. They are really enjoying themselves, and I am delighted by the whole thing.



I will try to get some updated photos, but until next week....peace from the hill

Where Do I Live?

In anticipation of an imminent move to Big Hill I started moving some of my things out there. Every time I have made a trip there in the last two weeks I have repacked the same four boxes.

I have been on two business trips since I started this process. On both trips I forgot to bring underpants and a swim suit- both trips were on or near a beach. The first time I bought the bare necessities. The second trip I just couldn’t bring myself to buy it all over again, so I got up at dawn and drove back out Big Hill before leaving Glen Rose for my flight.

For some reason I thought I would be in the house by now. It just seems there is always one more thing that really ought to take place before I move in. Like sealing the floors, or having the dryer connected, or the sound system in, or the ladder removed from the kitchen. It has been like running in molasses. The harder I try the harder it seems.

Mike started getting the rock floor sealed this past weekend, and Tracy and I finished it on Monday night. We like it so much we decided we need to put a second coat on the floors in the bathrooms and the sun room. See what I mean? Always one more thing. At some point, hopefully in the next two weeks, I will simply take the plunge and claim residence there. I simply don’t want to fall prey to the human nature supported dilemma of moving in and never finishing those last few things.

Steve, a local rock and grade guy, graded the front “yard” and laid down a caliche and dirt circle drive, which we designed after the one on Glenn’s house plans. We made it smaller than the original plans called for. Ours has a radius of 28 feet from the center of the drive to the inner edge of the walkway, but it seems pretty looming, considering the current complete dearth of landscaping. Eventually I will add xeroscaping, but that falls way behind a dining room table and a bed.

Tracy’s kids came out on Sunday- Ashley, Jerrod and his girlfriend Jeanette. They got in the hot tub, and then we ate pizza on the deck. I am sorry to say I forgot to take a photo of us all together! Tracy’s two sisters with their spouses will be out this coming weekend for Girls Night Out. That should be a hoot.

I am about to get on a plane and head back “home”, and I am hoping that will be quite a bit more definitive very soon.

I Want to Go Home

Due to more travels, I only had Saturday to spend on Big Hill. Tracy came down with the last mesquite door and a DR brush cutter to clean up the undergrowth under the oak groves. I had thought about getting one before I met him, but had decided I was a bit scared of running one, since they are pretty powerful machines. I am thrilled that Tracy decided to contribute one to the outdoor arsenal. We didn't have time to sue it though, since we only had one day before I left Texas. Again.

I am writing this blog entry from Florida. Since I closed on the house four weeks ago I haven't been in Glen Rose more than two nights in a row. Not home long enough to buy groceries or eat leftovers. Or move furniture, or finish the last few interior chores on Big Hill, and start making it a home.

Throughout this blog I have admitted that patience is not one of my strong suits, and that certainly has not changed. But after five years of concerted planning and sweating, I am really, really ready to settle in. right now I have stuff in both houses and don't feel quite at home in either place. The Bonaparte of houses!

There are glimmers of progress- the seven sister lights are up! Not finished out, but hanging in their rightful place. One of the garage door openers is up. Now I just need to get the rock floors sealed so I can take the paper off the bamboo floors and give the whole interior a massive cleaning. Then start bringing in furniture and books and dishes and, as Ava Grace says, "all my stuff, everything I need."

And turn this house into a home.

Ode to the Punch LIst

Well, I DID buy a house. I just can’t seem to get in it. I got back from the two week trip to Florida on Saturday and left again Monday for a work trip to Atlanta, where I am sitting in my work booth right now. I get back from this trip on Thursday night and leave again for a four-day trip to Miami on Sunday.

I did stay overnight there, with G-Man and Sweet Pea, last Saturday and Sunday. We slept on the hanging bed in the sun room. The stars were brilliant through the windows, and the morning light woke me gently. But I was surprised that I, like my two cats, didn’t feel like I had finally come “home”. I thought about it all weekend and came to several conclusions.

I don’t think I will feel at home until the house is actually completed. And I don’t want to move in until it is completed. The seven sister lights aren’t up (althought there has been a ladder in my kitchen for a few weeks...), the washer and dryer aren’t hooked up, the garage door openers aren’t installed, the front door entry set is temporary. In order to lock the house up I have to leave from one of the back doors and walk around. The rock floors still need sealing. The master bath shower needs to be reset so that I don’t get water spraying from both the hand held and the fixed spout spray at the same time. There are so many other things.

It is constantly overwhelming, and my job and my adult responsibilities didn’t disappear just so I can get this house completed and furnished.

I do have a front walk, but Mike built it as a ramp and not as a step down like I asked for. We even went out there and measured for the depth of steps. He just had a brain fart. It will make Glenn happy that the front entry will be ADA compliant. Perhaps it will make me happy one day too.

Anyway, I thought about my little house on Grace Street, and how much heart and soul I have poured into that place over the last five years to make it my home. I can’t expect to instantly feel connected and at home on Big Hill. There is virtually no furniture out there, no decoration, no fingerprint of myself, if you will.

Having said all this, on Sunday afternoon, Tracy and I went “swimming” in the hot tub, with the water just warm enough to keep us from getting chilled. I bought a cheap float and we just hung out for a couple of hours, watching the buzzards fly and enjoying a perfect June afternoon. There was a moment, when leaning on my float with my eyes closed, listening to the wind and the birds and the water and feeling the sun on my shoulders, that I felt a palpable contentment and peace.

So I will keep my hand to the grinding stone, and little by little make Big Hill a home, ready to welcome friends and family and share in many happy moments.

I Bought a House Today. I Think.

I don't see the ledger balance on my bank account showing the loan amount removed. And in light of the total DRAMA in getting to the point of closing, I am not counting on anything until I see it.

I signed the papers on Wednesday, the day before I left for Florida with my parents for two weeks. On Thursday as I was driving to Tracy's, on my way to Louisiana, I received a call that one of the pages was notarized and was not supposed to be. Legal matters being as silly as they can sometimes be, I had to sign another one in person and overnight it to the Title company. So, Heidi faxed the copies to me, Tracy printed them out- two copies, as we decided to keep one for back up in light of Murphy's continual presence lately. We took them to a postal place and paid twenty dollars to get them overnighted to the title company.

Even though I signed something that said I didn't change my mind about getting the loan, I was supposed to fax a second version of the same thing to the title company no earlier than Sunday, but no later than first thing Monday morning. Heidi said she would do that for me, since I would be on vacation.

Monday morning no fax had been received by the title company. A couple of frantic calls later Heidi had it taken care of, and we were back on track. But like I say, I will hold off on the big celebration until I see the loan balance disappear!

I gave Mike the list of things required to finish the house - not the punch list, but things I actually need to live there. Hopefully he is getting them done while I am away. We have GOT to get the red dirt covered up. If we don't the house will never be clean. That is on my early list of post move in things.

Here is Sanibel we were mostly sequestered today by the rain. Rain every day in the forecast, I think for the whole time. Hopefully not every day ALL day though. By the time Tracy, Ashley and Brea get here we will be stir crazy.

We are having a good time and very much enjoying this beautiful home. It is good to be back next to the water like this. There is just something about the ocean. So soothing. After the last two weeks it is hitting just the right spot.

No. Not Today.

I am reminded of the story of how for lack of a nail the war was lost. We are one survey short. Found out Friday. I talked with them two and a half weeks ago and was under the erroneous understanding that they were sending a team out imminently.

Friday my lender called to say we did not have it, that we had to have it to close, and that he called and was told due to rain they were one to two weeks behind. That it had to be done Monday or we were going to have to get an extension (not to mention the bank's response and the fact that I leave for 16 days on Thursday). I prayed and called and asked them to prioritize me if no one else was waiting on a survey to close their home, that I would lose the rate, that I appreciated their dilemma, heck I don't even remember all I said. I just know they said OK to Monday- today, weather notwithstanding.

Today I woke up to heavy mist and a cold breeze. I rode out to the property, called the survey folks and was told they were still going to try. By 10 AM I still had not seen them and couldn't be brave anymore. I cried. And prayed.

They showed up. I thanked them and God profusely and now will maintain contact with their office and my lending office to ensure timely paperwork.

The five brothers lights are all up, but not the sisters, and the friends and family light still lacks bulbs and glass globes.

There are so many other things that are half done, done but need repairs, not done at all, etc, etc. I have to remind myself it is not a contest or a race. Except for the closing. That is most certainly a race. I am just about out of breathe, but I can see the ribbon stretching across the road and will keep putting one foot in front of the other, and rest on the other side. Sort of...

Ten Feet from the Mountain Top

Sooooo close. I am late writing the blog because I thought I might have news today that the final appraisal had been completed. We had the interim appraisal, but need this final one that says the house is ready for move in so that we can schedule the close date.

We are shooting for May 11, and it all comes down to this. We thought Casey was going to be there today. Mike and his guys have been out there long hours this week, and Mike even brought in extra help from his friend Paul. Last night Lalo and Armando came into the garage with an almost dead copperhead snake on the shovel they were using. twenty feet from the garage is a bit too clse for my comfort.

As it turns out, if we can still get the final report passed to TexasLending.com by Thursday, we are still safe to close May 11. And we are in a better light to have the final appraisal tomorrow, since the place has been cleaned and the last few things worked on.

The septic tank is running, it only needs a permanent power source at the house- we have it running off of a plug right now. The propane tank is in the ground and supplying the range and tankless water heaters. Tracy had to help Mike quickly find a rock trencher when our guy bailed at the last minute, but despite that and torrential rains this week we got 'er done.

I have AC running as well, though one of the units has a faulty part and won't work fully until it is replaced. The hanging twin bed is up in the sun room, the five brothers lights are up. Still waiting on the seven sisters lights and the friends and family light at the front door. And I don't like the front door entry set. I drove to Granbury to turn them in and got talked out of it. Tonight I am back where I started. The front door is no place for compromise.

The remaining appliances will be delivered tomorrow. The water treatment tanks/equipment will be in place by the end of the week, which is great since my water is orange with iron! The hot tub pebble tech coating will be placed tomorrow and the next day will be filled with water. I will have it working this weekend when my friend Beth comes to visit from Houston- but I don't know if I will actually know how to run it!

It is really starting to look like a home. Lots and lots of work to do, but isnt that always the case? Hopefully next week's blog will report a closing!

Final Countdown

To be exact, the final count down, to the final appraisalbefore closing. Yes, that's right, the closing. That in itself is quite the momentous occasion. We were trying hard to get everything finished by this Friday, but the rain started falling last night and came with a several-hour tornado warning. We have rain in the forecast for every day this week. It wouldn't be a huge problem, except that I have a very large back hoe/rock digger machine about 10 feet from my front door that is only half through digging two holes.

The first hole was for the septic tank, They expected it to take 6 hours, but it took three days. The silver lining is that I hold the award for the hardest rock they have come a cross...woohoo.

They were going to dig the propane tank hole today, but got rained out. Unfortunately, if they had been able to work Saturday, they might have actually been done with the whole project. Oh well...

Speaking of the rain, we had a bit of rain come through the house down the columns and chimney, despite the flashing added. Mike did not add the sealant yet though and will do so this week. We sure can't have rain coming through the walls.

So, our new time line is getting all the MUST DO FOR FINAL APPRAISAL things done by Monday. On Tuesday we hope to have Casey back for a final appraisal, which will put us on a fairly firm schedule to close on May 11. I am praying that is will work out for that day, which will keep us inside the due date for the bank loan to be transferred without penalties and losk in a great loan rate.

Mike, Drexal and teams have been working furiously to get the final list completed. Mike almost finished the stairs, we have just one middle railing to go. Same for the deck. The lights are starting to go up. Tracy had to get a rush order for a 24 inch down rod extension for the master bedroom fan, so it wouldn't hit the beams. Heaven is in the details.

The glass shower walls are up in the master bath. I heart them very much. Tracy and I cleaned and then sealed the rock floors there and in the guest bath, and today I applied a second coat, plus did the tile back splash. It is cool seeing the colors in the rock come out. The rain forest tile back splash reminds me of all the colors of tropical fish- and how much whimsy Gos has put into His creation.

Linda and Karen came out on Sunday and put in several hours of work. They put Danish oil on nine mesquite doors. They decided they'll have to have some in their own house, since they are so beautiful!

It was a bit weird not having the rock guys out this week- they left on Wednesday after completing the hot tub steps and decking. the results are quite nice. I will have them back to rock the front entry way as soon as funds allow.

All in all a productive week. And we are truly in a rush to the finish line. In the final countdown of the pre-closing phase. Can you believe it???!!!

Looking to the Future...

...is really the only way to get through this part of the project. We are so close!

Drexel and his guys have really stepped up to help in David's absence. They just about have the back deck completed. But like so many things on my six page To-Do list, I can't put the green highlighter though "complete deck" because it isn't TOTALLY done. Same with the front entry, the lights, the floors, the plumbing, the rock work, etc., etc., etc. Almost everything is almost done. Almost.

Today is the official day that the loan should have closed. Needless to say it will not happen. I have been in touch with Casey, the appraiser, and she hoped to complete the tentative appraisal last night. No word yet today. I have to get this all wrapped up before I take Mom and Dad to Florida on May 14 for two weeks. So many spinning plates!

Speaking of Mom and Dad, they made a momentous trip all by themselves to my house this weekend. We had such fun playing the tourist role in Glen Rose. Tracy and Ashley came down Thursday night, and we toured the Big Hill construction before dinner. On Friday, Mom, Dad and I went to the miniature horse show at the expo center and marvelled at the tiny equines, especially their little high pitched neighs. Then we went to Fossil Rim, where I learned I am a bit afraid of ostriches. At least when they try to get in the car with you. They are excessively large and aggressive. We pretty much had the park to ourselves, as it was a weekday and the rain had just stopped. Linda, Karen and Melanie joined us for another tour of Big Hill, where Mom and Dad climbed up to the sky deck for the second time! We went to their land as well, to see the newly acquired acreage with the magnificent oak tree.

On Saturday Tracy came down and we headed to Austin for Travis' wedding, my sister Terri's son. The wedding was beautiful, the bride and groom both ridiculously good looking. And if Kristen is half as kind as Travis, they will also be the nicest couple on the block.

Now I am off to tackle my personal list o' Things to Do! Git 'er Done!!!

Progress and Waiting

Progress:

Drexel and his guys worked on the deck this week. I have benches!! I have been waiting for them for a good while, and I can finally sit down and enjoy the view. But wait! There's more!! I also have steps going from the main deck to the landing, which means I can get to the sky deck without going inside, climbing a ladder, going out the library door and climbing up. Mike and I both are relieved to see such progress.

Another BIG item- I have running water! Only cold right now, but that is enough to wash with.

Johnny and his guys have almost all the foundation veneer in place and are starting on the hot tub deck steps. They poured the footing Saturday and will start on the steps Monday.

Mike has the interior steps template at his shop and is working on the real thing, to be made out of C-channel iron streamers with pine treads. I am promised steps by the time my parents are here on Thursday.

The front door has been fully sealed and awaits the hardware. Drexel and his guys did an artisan job cutting the boards to align with the rock, assuring an air and water tight seal. Mike and Drexel were up on the roof Saturday adding flashing to the rock walls, and I didn't notice a drop getting through this morning after a big rain.

So- lots of progress.

Waiting:

I am still waiting to hear from Casey, who is working on the appraisal. She expected to have it done by Friday, but no word. More reason for prayers, as though I needed another reason to pray. I can pray in gratitude for so many things.

Today I went out to the land after church. I saw a brood of turkeys, along with a deer, peacefully grazing in a field on 203. One of the toms had his feathers all puffed out, no doubt trying to impress a hen. Out on the hill, this Easter Sunday, the rain clouds were breaking up and the sky became a mix of gray, blue and white, leaving shadows floating across the horizon.

On the way back to Glen Rose I saw a local herd of longhorn cattle lazing in a field. Most of them were lying down, with their truly long horns catching the sun. It was a true Texas sighting.

God is constantly painting pictures for us, constantly sharing His creation, reminding us we are loved and looked after, and that He has is all under His control. Down to the last detail.

Happy Easter to everyone. He lives!

Through a Glass, Darkly

That's how I feel this week, like I am looking through a dark glass to try and visualize my dream- rather like the photo here, showing a small piece of beautiful scenery. I want to rip the plastic away!! I see progress, but it never seems enough, and the time is always too little. I know that ten years from now, should I be around and in the Big Hill home, this will all be a blip. That keeps me going.

This weekend Tracy, Linda, Karen and I participated in a Brazos River clean up. There was about 175 people involved. It was a perfect day, sunny and mild. We filled our canoes with tires and trash and enjoyed the scenery along the way.

Sunday Tracy and I cleared more trees from around the driveway area. The more I clear the more I see that needs to be cleared...

On the home front, I finally have glass in the front door. When the last pane was in place there was a palpable warm up in the entry way. And just in time, since it dipped to 28 degrees this morning- a very late freeze for us.

Glenn completed the tile work. My favorite is the rain forest tile in the master bath. I think it is everyone's favorite.

Drexel and his guys have put in most of the base board and completed the template for the stairs in the living area. Mike went to get the C Channel iron for the stairs runner and it wasn't there as he was told- so it will be delivered today. Drexel will start on the deck railing today. I really look forward to seeing it completed.

James and his guy started putting in the plumbing hardware. So far it looks great. I understand Danny (David's son) will start on the electrical finishing this weekend.

Also, this week someone is coming to grade the front yard and move the stones out of the way. Then Mike can pour the form for the front entry walk and coordinate the trench digging for the outside electrical line, gas line, and propane/septic tanks.

I met with the appraiser that Texas Lending sent out. She loves the house. She also says there are no comps for it. She will use her 50 county data base to see what she can come up with. And write explanatory notes. My prayer is that the lending team will READ her notes.

We are so close.