During the summer of 1981 we began the journey of building a log house on 22 acres of land in Callaway County. Together Jim and I designed the home during many late night sessions, long after our three children were safely tucked in each night. Jim then bought the lengths of logs he needed from Gastineau Log Homes, hired a semi-retired builder, grabbed a chain saw and spikes and set about building. I may have simplified things just a tad, but you get the idea. During the past 44 years the house has taken on a life of its own as our lives evolved, with walls being moved or removed, rooms added on, garages built, and on and on. The house became a much loved home.
Now we are in another phase of our lives, which means our needs have changed drastically. The focus is on what is best for us, yet keeping an eye out for large spaces for family get togethers. After much praying, talking, God Nods, looking at various other options, we made the difficult decision to divide the acreage, sell our current home, and build a single story home on the ten acres by our pond.
Come to find out, that decision was the easy part.
After many delays, with the biggest gotcha being the surveyor from 44 years ago did not properly register the land with the county (Yes, we've been paying taxes on it, though. We're still scratching our heads over that one) It only took the survey company six weeks to do a new survey. I'm not going to talk about $$. Plans completed, builder hired, construction loan final (we will sell this house when new house is complete) and survey registered, we are off and running!
Yesterday was a push trees - many, many trees - kind of day.
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| Heading into the forest... |
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| Do things look a little different? |
Today - digging the foundation! It is getting real.
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| Digging the foundation |
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| So close to finishing, but then the 30 minute down pour came that made it too slick to continue |
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| View from the road. The house will be nestled into the far trees. |
