Some of what's been happening while I've been in a blogging slump.

There is so much to tell.

But, as usual, I'm gonna try to keep it brief.

So, here are some pictures with a bit of commentary

to cover what's been going on here the past couple of weeks.

First, and definitely least...

we removed the fore section of the back deck, 

leaving the other half up because it works well for a 'staging' area.

In other, more significant news...

we had talked of hiring out the framing.

It was Mr Mossi's idea.

We got three great bids on the job.

When the third bid came in, we sat under the old 

walnut tree and discussed it for a good, long while.

Dean enjoys framing; it's his favorite part of construction.

Under the walnut tree that afternoon, he confessed that the only reason he had suggested 

hiring a framer was to have me in the house for Christmas and out of the trailer for winter.

Me.

That's just like my husband.

I told him...

a) I want to be able to say that we built this house when it's all said and done.

b) I'd rather use the oodles of dollars we'd spend paying framers on other things.

c) I am willing and able to spend the entire winter in our cozy little trailer; even Christmas.

The days are rapidly growing shorter and our weekends are only one day long

because we do our best to observe the Sabbath.

So...

we hired a helper. 

This is Dave. 

He's a contractor from way back and knows the ins and outs of construction. 

He's also a member of our ward, a neighbor and the husband of one of the ladies I visit teach.

 Dean has really liked working with Dave. 

Dave has had some really good ideas and insights that have helped us a lot.

 What a blessing!

Now...

here's what else has gone down.

Mr Mossi built the forms and installed the rebar for the garage footings.

When the county inspector came to do the standard procedure inspection, 

he commented on how perfect and well built the forms were - 

nothing like you see footing contractors build. 

Have you met my husband, the perfectionist? 

Yeah. 

He takes pride in everything he does.

Dean took Monday, the 9th, off from work and ordered concrete for the footings.

It turned out the be quite the adventure!

Because the concrete truck very nearly fell in the footing trench!

They called another mixer to use as an anchor.

And they called in a back-hoe.

And they called in a wrecker.

We even had two North Ogden Police officers show up just to watch the spectacle.

And our Cowboy was captivated the entire time.

At the end of the day everyone, including the mixer, went home safe and sound.

That's the kind of ending we like.

While the mixer rescue was going on, there was no time to waste -

we're working with wet concrete here, folks.

(above photo before the mixer was in peril)

In addition to the garage footings...

there was the footing for the basement stairs and

the SE basement window and

the old doorway opening to fill with concrete and finish.

We actually ran out of concrete  to fill the old doorway opening because the last of our order 

dried out in the mixer while it was stranded on the edge of the footing trench.

No big deal. 

I just ran to Home Depot, got an 80 pound sack, Mr mixed it up in the wheelbarrow, 

shoveled it into a bucket, hauled it up the ladder,dumped it in and smoothed it down. 

Done!

And then there were footings...

SHAZAM!

They're beautiful, aren't they.

There's more.

Much more.

Today was a BIG day and I'd love to tell you all about it,

but it'll have to wait til tomorrow because 

I just really don't want to do this anymore tonight.

So, tune in next time (hopefully tomorrow) and hear all about

the excitement of foundation walls, J-bolts, Simpson STHD14s  and such.

G'night, y'all.