24-NOV-08

Jan and I went to Tennessee this past week-end. We left home at 6:35 PM EST and drove straight through; stopped twice for fueling and bio-breaks, once in the Okahumpka Plaza in the FL Turnpike and then right south of Atlanta at about 2 AM. Got the Hawk's Bluff at about 5:15 AM (4:15 AM CST). We were tired and took a nap (about 2 hours) at the Way Inn's paring lot (it was too early to check in).

It was 14 degrees F when we got to the house at around 6:30 AM after getting some coffee at the corner convenience store. It was cold! There was no snow but, instead, there was a frost on the ground that made everything white/gray... Surreal!

There is progress being made, in all fronts, and a couple of snags (what would life be without them!) regarding the gas line - not in yet - and the stone for the fireplace: Jimmy does not like the way the current stone looks on it; so he will order a different one (impact on time & money). But, while we were there on Saturday, there were about 10 people working in the house: Jimmy's sons were building the rails; some other people were inserting the cabinets in Alex's and Leah's rooms and the rest were working on laying the stone work outside...

We will be back on the Dec 6 week-end and then, for good on Dec 13th. On Dec 6th we will have a better idea of the level of readiness the house will have for the Holidays. We may have a 'camping' Christmas Season, but we will keep our hopes high...