Challenge!

      So, it finally happened.
We have a potential budget busting challenge. This has to do with the fact that our lot is uphill of the main road that services it. Way uphill. Here you are looking back down to the common road.

      Now, the driveway was excavated out by the tractor you see. But apparently that didn't mean that the soil it was moving around would remain stable. Hard enough to support a driveway for the long term. So now that they are actually dealing with the driveway, they had to provide a retaining wall on the downhill side. Which means digging until you hit solid rock.

      Here is the 'big dig' portion. The frame for the retaining wall is constructed and the concrete poured. They did hit solid rock. But the hole is about 40 feet deep and 20 feet wide. That's a big hole. Cost? TBD. Ouch.
      We do have good news as well. They are starting to frame the main walls upstairs. Here's a shot of the pool and pavilion. And my take on the finished building. It's starting to look like what I imagined!

       So as the excavation cost is being 'adjusted', the construction continues at a speedy pace. Jim and I are starting to pick out tile, granite, and fixtures. The roofing material has been ordered and we are awaiting delivery within a week or two.  We've picked a cabinet maker. I meet with him next week to get him started. Below is a shot from a nearby hill. You can see that our perch on the hill is pretty amazing. Get your suitcases ready? Well, think Christmas!