Tons of Soil are brought onto the property

"Bob the Builder" brought soil (i.e., expensive dirt) onto the property to improve the sandy/clay base, to grade the landscape for drainage and in preparation for the back patio. Bob dug a hole and installed the propane tank (under Tom's supervision, of course) as well as dug a hole for where the cistern will be installed next week. The water from the roof gutters will fill the cistern which in term will be used to water the gardens.

First Plantings

We planted our first trees in the back yard. This year, the garden is going to be very minimal, but we wanted to get some of the trees/bushes an early start.
The Grackle on the bird feeder appears to enjoy the back yard, too.

Liz, Bruce, Mark and Julie visit Lewes

The Donoghues and Julie just cant seem to stay away from inspecting the progress made on the house. The day's activities included lunch (food), walk-through of the house (activity), Dairy Queen (food), visit to the beach - Mark was the only brave one to swim in the cold water (activity), dinner (food). We've got the food/activity mix DOWN!

Notice that Liz (holding the color sample) and the gang granted us their approval for the choice of "Awesome Violet" paint that covers the ceilings on the 2 porches.

Final Painting and Driveway

The house if (mostly) painted. Some final painting work is needed porch posts and around the entrance door.

We're so excited about finally having our driveway.....it's ready for visitors!

Houston....we have a sidewalk

The sidewalk curb was re-built to line up with the new spot for our driveway. Slowly, it's all coming together. Notice the "5-Js" port-o-san....we'll know that we've made REAL progress when this Objet d'Art disappears from our landscape!

Brick Steps

The masons are doing a fantastic job - here they are building the steps to the kitchen.

Color Scheme

A color consultant who specializes in Victorian homes guided our paint selections. We decided to get a little "wild" with the "awesome violet" (that's really the name) porch ceiling. What do you think?