Winter Lumberland

This is all a man needs to be happy: a pile of lumber and a dumpster.

Concrete Shoes and Cement Overcoats

These references to mob-style retribution have nothing to do with my newly-poured basement floor, just the first concrete reference that popped into my head.

Gawk & Stalk

I have been driving circles around our charming village like a paparazzo stalking a celebrity. The quarry? The rare and elusive chimney brick, paint color and window style. I have "that lawyer from Chicago" on speed dial in case I get arrested on a stranger's porch with my Benjamin Moore color fan deck.

Home of the Future Man Cave

As Barbie would never go down to the basement except to visit her laundry and craft room,  it wouldn't matter if the basement of her dream house stayed exactly like this:

Another Brick In The Wall

 Don't tell "that lawyer from Chicago" but I'm thinking this will be the perfect Christmas present. Luckily, the chimney on Barbie's Dream House cannot be seen from the street.

Note to self: ask realtor if this will affect re-sale value.

Truckloads of Fun

Yes, we pay people to do this....

Form Follows Function, Right?

The wall in this picture reminds me of a fort built by my boys long ago. (It's actually the form used to make the foundation walls and floor.) I only wish we could employ them as indentured labor in the building process. They would enjoy pouring concrete, learn a useful skill,  and we would enjoy substantial savings.

When It Rains, It Pours

 It may not appear obvious from these photos, but it has been pouring rain for the last 24 hours. Our intrepid crew (led by a charming, young Irishman), continues the prep work for the foundation.

I can't decide if the second photo looks more like the DEA burying a giant cocaine cache or the foundation for Barbie's Backyard Beach.