Sorry for the lack of updates and new pictures. I'll try to remember to get some new pictures this evening. The block is up, and the sub-floor is on. A lot of the dirt has been put back, but there's still a great deal of landscaping to do. The construction of the walls begins today. I'm excited to say the least. Saturday should be the day we stand up teh long front and back walls, and I've had a couple committments to help. I'm not sure how many it will take. I think we had six to eight for my dad's slightly longer walls.

We've chosen our colors. Black tin with white siding and black trim, with a dark red door. I've been second-guessed on the black tin a lot due to the increased heat, but I think the appearance will be top-notch.

My dad has been the primary builder on this project, and he's asked me for nothing in return. My mother even makes sure we have a good supper every evening when we're working on it. I think they'll be glad to have me so close. They've both gone way above and beyond what I could ask. They're planning on taking a few days off in about a month, but it should be under roof and there will be plenty of things that will keep me busy during that duration. My own confidence has increased. I hammered about 147 nails straight up yesterday without any major trouble, except for the nagging neck pain today. I still don't handle the circle saw. I could probably learn to do it well, but I'm afraid I'll ruin some very expensive wood in the process.

The only necessary change so far in my plan has been to move he stairwell over enough to reach the studs. That may make for some awkward trim space around the standup shower in the main bath, and slightly decrease the dining area, but I think it will be alright. I've elected to make the garage just a little smaller after I had a lok at how things laid out in the basement, so my laundry room, and more importantly my home theatre will be about a foot and a half wider.

My own endurance has been a little better than expected. I did get overheated for a few minutes while putting the left over block back on the truck, but that's been the only time I can think of that I was really just down and out. I was just a bit hungover that day and the 90% humidity, the 90 degree heat, and the 35 pound blocks were just a little too much to move all at once. I've had muscle aches every day so far, but a lot of the heavy lifting is done, with the basement and sub-floor complete. he only part I really dread from here on out is the flooring. I'm not very good on my knees.