First Harvest!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Today we harvested the first fruits of our labors in the garden.  Lindsey couldn’t wait any longer to pull some of the beets.  We had one jalapeno pepper and one big zucchini squash.  We watered everything good while we were at it.  The pumpkin vines have totally taken over the back of the garden.  We took the fence down last weekend because the vines were actually pushing the fence outward.

Pumpkins are taking over!

We haven't had much rain and everything needed lots of water.

The first harvest!

Furniture!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

On Saturday, Carl and Lindsey were in town and picked up the couch and dining room furniture.  While Spencer was there to drop off the machinery, he helped carry everything in and assemble it.  We ate the first meal at the ranch that night on our new table.

The Heavy Equipment Arrives!

Friday, July 15, 2011

On Sunday the 10th, Lindsey’s brother Spencer showed up with a tractor, disc, and mower for Carl to get started on the yard.  Carl proceeded to spend 9 hours this week mowing off weeds.  It was quite a big project.  In the process we both learned exactly how large 5 acres really is.  Spencer showed up on Friday to check on the progress and drop off some straw, a tiller, and plow to add to the yard project fun.  More posts on this project are coming up!

Testing out the disc.

Starting the mowing fun!

Carl is swallowed up by the weeds!

Front is done!

Wow, it looks nice with the hill mowed off!

Buried Sewage Drain, Oh Joy!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 – Appliances and Septic             

Today the ground was finally dry enough to install the septic drain field.  We were just glad they got it done before we had to pay to have the septic tank pumped out.  

Here's the front yard after they finished.

The appliance delivery crew showed up with the appliances too (most of them).  They didn’t have the range.  It was stuck in another town.  Rather than wait another week for that, Carl made a special trip to go pick it up.  We’re not happy with the appliance people right now.  Hhgregg logistics were designed by monkeys.

Holy Cow We Have A LOT of Stuff!

Saturday, July 2, 2011 – Moving Day

Saturday was hot, sticky, and sweaty.  What a great day to move.  Fortunately we had some wonderful help from our family to get everything moved.  The day was filled with sweat, blood, bumps, bruises, a few curses, a couple of small dings in the wall at the new house, more curses, a little laughter and a whole lot of hard work.  After 5 or 6 trips with 3 trucks and the trailer loaded down, we finally finished up for the day.  There are still a few things left in the garage in our old rental house and some cleaning to do, but we got the bulk of it all moved today.  We never could have got such a huge project done in a day without a fantastic supportive family.  Thank you guys so much!

About ten minutes after Lindsey’s family left at the end of the day a storm started blowing in from the west.  The clouds were pretty cool.  The wind blew so hard it almost carried away the patio furniture.  There was so much rain that it looked like a river running across our back yard!  We were glad we got the moving finished before the storm hit.

The first load leaving the old place!

We have a full garage at the end of the day!

Just when we get done, here comes the storm!

We’re in! Hooray!

Friday, July 1, 2011 – Day 138

Today we finally signed on the dotted line and closed on the house.  We’re so excited!  Both Lindsey and Carl took the day off from work and started to pack up for the big move.  We had the closing in town at 3:00 pm and everything was official.  We managed to make two trips with the truck and trailer, moving the bathrooms, bedroom, and kitchen.  We spent the first night in the new house!  We were a little busy to take too many pictures, but we’ll have some moving pictures in the next post.

Driveway!

Monday, June 27, 2011 – Day 134

The construction crew hauled in 3 loads of stones and paved the driveway today.  It’s starting to look like home!

They got the counter tops installed too!

Cage ‘em and Grow ‘em Tall!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

After installing towel bars, Lindsey and Carl headed to Menards to pick up cages for the tomatoes and peppers in the garden.  One of the jalapeños had already snapped off, so we needed something to protect them.  As you can see, we should have taken the truck!  Lindsey had a little bit of a cramped ride back to the ranch.

Hey is that a clown car?

Finished!

Ouch! A Hole in the Wall!

Saturday, June 25, 2011 – Day 132

Lindsey and Carl were out at the house today installing towel hooks and paper holders in the bathrooms.  It hurt to drill holes in the new cabinets and the walls, but it had to be done!

Lindsey helped out big time!

Look at that, nice and level!

The painters showed up while we were there to fix some spots on the walls.

The well crew showed up on Friday to install the spigot beside the well and connect all the pipes in the basement.

Here's the kitchen sink awaiting the countertops so it can be installed.

You Have Mail!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 – Day 128

While the concrete crew was working, Carl took a vacation day to get a few things done at the house.  He watched the concrete guys, took pictures, installed the mailbox, and weeded and watered the garden.

Building the Basketball Court!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 – Day 128

Today the concrete crew showed up at the house to pour the sidewalks and garage pad.  It was quite a day, they got it all done.  There were a few tense moments where it looked like it might rain in the afternoon, but the rain held off just enough to get the concrete poured and let it set up enough.

Almost ready for the trucks to show up!

 Looks like fun!

He almost got his truck stuck in the mud.

Finished product!