So, the workers began with the grading in earnest this week...the forms for the garage wall were created, cement was poured and the task of bringing the land up to the height of the house began...

With the help off the crew, Daddy and I climbed up a ladder and into the kitchen door (no small feat)...we were delighted with the progress that is being made! Here is Dad's kitchen, he chose a warm stain for his oak cabinets, and you can't see it, but those are brushed stainless steel appliances...very chic! (and that drop down from the kitchen door, oh, about 8 feet...we were eager, you might say...)

The kitchen door opens directly to the garage, which will have windows and a second door to the backyard. The big pile in the middle is the rest of his siding, just waiting for the garage to be completed before it is installed...

And here is Dad by his front windows...what a view he has. You can see the little entry way, which opens directly into the living room. There is a second single window to the left of this image. We are so excited about the view he will have. The windows face in a southerly direction, so he will have wonderful light!

It was hard to get a photograph a good photograph of the Master Bedroom, but, here you can see that the carpeting is being installed and he has a lovely view to the back of his house as well...

The front of the house has two sets of beautiful windows, with that southern aspect...the second is in Dad's office/library...and here is a view from them, looking to the north...(nice to know he will not have heavy machinery there for the duration of his time on Applewood Lane)...

And this is the view from the position, we think, his recliner and stereo will face...he can listen to Mozart, read history or Bonhoeffer, and gaze at the distant hills beyond...

The stairs to his basement are not yet installed, but we were delighted to be able to walk up to the top floor...there is 650 sq ft of undeveloped potential up here, all rough plumbed and wired, and ready to be developed...

Yep...it's all happening on Applewood Lane...stay tuned!

Things are continuing to draw near completion on Applewood Lane. As the grade has been so low, we have not been able to get a look inside yet...but, it seems that is all changing now...Dad consults with his neighbor, Tony, as the workmen fill the perimeter with washed gravel...

The view of the back of the house as the gravel is poured...

Earth is shifted to fill in where his garage will be. The door to the rear of the house will be the entrance from his garage into his kitchen...

With the grading, we were able to take a peek inside the basement windows in the front...have a look at the workshop-to-be...

In response to all the new developments on the build, Dad shares his delight with Misty...

Here is a view before the footers are poured for the garage. We love that the house is framed by beautiful maple trees...