We Are Tree Killers

Our little piece of Florida swamp land saw some major changes during the last two days. The footprint for the house and the surrounding area were cleared of the pines, cedars and other fauna that populated the land there. Trees that have weathered hundreds of storms and have been silent witnesses to Florida's development during the last century fell unceremoniously to the ground within seconds.

While it was sad, it was also tangible progress for us and a much-anticipated step out of the gate. We made every effort to keep the oaks on the lot as they were luckily outside of the footprint, and we were also glad to save a few palmetto trees.

We are still awaiting the final engineering report, and thus the ability to go to permitting. In the meantime, we are ordering a heap of patience.

Getting Anxious

We are getting anxious to break ground.

We ordered windows and the HVAC system this week. The window order was a nail-biter, but I succeeded in adding the phrase "too matchy-matchy" to the project manager and the building supplier's vocabulary. I could hear the "cha-chings" in my head, but I want to make the right choices for this home while being a good steward of the money we've allocated for this project. Sometimes, I have quickly found, it's a delicate balance.

Randy has cleared some of the lot himself, and we expect clearing for the house will begin soon. This week, we hope engineering reports will be finalized so we can proceed with permitting.