Frame started, lower slab postponed!

So with the bricking finished for the time being, they decided to start on the framing. I say "decided" as according to the schedule the builder gave us the lower slab was meant to happen soon after the walls were up. But the crushed blue glass which is meant to be scattered through the slab is not available for 3 weeks, so they will get on with the frame and do the lower slab after they do the upper slab. AE has said that they often do this, and it will actually protect the slab from the scaffolding...so no biggy I suppose.

Beginning of the frame. Frame showing the inclined columns.

Condeck for upper slab.And the view from the western side.
I was a bit nervous at first, but I ventured out onto the condeck to see what the view is like....AND we have a water view. OK so it's more of a water glimpse, but it's still pretty!! This is the view from our dining/family rooms. The deck will extend out further so we may get a better view from there. As it is, I know we can see the New Years fireworks from here as we watched them last year (I made everyone race up the driveway last year at midnight to watch them) so bring on New Years 2010...we might be in by then. Condeck completed.And from the front. On the right is the deck on the western side of the house. This extends around to in front of o0ur bedroom, and forms the roof for the carport.

Bricking, July and August

Construction of the back walls of the house begins...
New footing for another retaining wall. this one is for the carport and fire truck turning circle.

Upper wall water proofed.

More bricking on the ground floor walls and the beginnings of a doorway (on the right). Doorway is from garage to entry hall.

Maddie wanted to take a photo of Tom and me!

We have a fuse box!!

Full height walls...I think?

Walls filled with concrete.

Evidence of furry friends visiting...lucky it's not in the slab.

First of the footings for the inclined columns.

Plumbing for ground floor!

Behind the upper walls needed to be back filled with crushed rock, but because the site is sooo steep the builders weren't about to push wheelbarrows full of rock up the slope....So we got a crane for a few days...$$$ :(

Our first power point!

Yet more footings...this time for the western deck and side entrance.