So Close and Yet....

New things happen every day that makes our new house seem more like home. The carpeting is in and knobs and handles are on almost all of the cupboards. It looks so close, but there is a long list of little things that have to be done to gain the occupancy permit.

Last Friday, after the carpeting was installed, several of our kids showed up with our four youngest grandchildren. One thing led to another and we had our first pizza and beer gathering. The kids ran in the wide open spaces and played exactly how I had pictured. It put smiles on our faces and warmed our hearts as we start the memories of our new home.

The two biggest attractions other than wide open room to run were the window opening from the stairs to the kitchen and the little reading nook in the upstairs guest room.

Butch and Bev came over both days of the weekend and helped us clean plaster dust and clippings from the floor, shelves and woodwork. Bob was worried about our beds sitting out on the cement floor of our garage, so with Brian's added help Sunday, they moved the beds in and got them set up.

That really made things seem real.

Our son, Chad, installed the light fixtures and fans as well as all of the switches and hook ups for our computer and televisions. Our plumber, Chad Hamlin, got faucets and toilets in place. Bob put in our cute new vanity in the powder room. It fits well with our farmhouse theme.

Now to get the water heater hooked up and the water connected. Then we can take a water sample in and we're a little closer to qualifying for occupancy.

Our appliances were delivered and Bob got those put in and leveled.

Our outside doors were finally painted and put back in adding more light and windows.

Mike finished our closets and the rods are in and ready for clothes. 

Meanwhile, Barney loves the height of our windows. They are perfect for watching all of the squirrels and we often see him just sitting staring. At least he is entertained.

There is still a list of little detail things that need to be done. Bob is working on sealing the shower today. Our plumber is on his way and hoping to finish. Comcast is coming Friday to hook up our internet and cable. 

It is hard to stay patient and wait for all to be done to get that permit. I sit and stare deciding which piece of furniture will go where but we aren't allowed to start until the township gives their approval. I'll probably move everything a dozen times, but it's fun to have a starting plan. 

Meanwhile, an ice storm is due to hit tonight and may slow the whole thing down again. This has been a crazy year for weather as it started so mild, then big snow, then record setting cold with wind, then spring temperatures with mud to our knees, and now here we go with everyone preparing for power outages due to heavy ice. Happiness right now sounds like some degree of being settled and our own bed.

Stay safe everyone!