As I write this, I don't have a muscle in my body that isn't screaming bloody murder.

You may recall from my last posting that I was going to have "some trees" removed from the back yard. The folks who did the work did a great job and even cleaned up (as well as could be expected), removing a total of 68 pines and two 40 yard dumpsters worth of waste created in the process. Unfortunately, they also uncovered many years of leaf litter and pine straw. While they removed what they could, there was still much left that they couldn't (realistically) remove. And, of course, I now have a yard full of stumps that are oozing pine sap. The two longhairs here took immediate advantage of that and as a result, will have to be shaved as soon as I can arrange it.

I spent all day last Saturday, Sunday and Monday, as well as another 6 hours after work Tuesday cleaning up "yard waste". I hired the son of a good friend and one of his friends to help. It's a good thing I did, or I would still be out there cleaning up yard waste. So, 90 large trash bags later, the yard is finally looking pretty good. Not perfect, of course, but far better than it was and much safer for the dogs. In celebration, I planted a fig tree in the yard. (I've always wanted a fig tree in my yard. I love figs.) And somehow, that one simple thing makes my house, a home.

I'm still having problems finding a lender who is making construction loans. I can't even present my case to one before I have engineered construction drawings to present to them. And, I can't get engineered construction drawings until the architect and I get together to finalize the interior floor plan and exterior elevations. Fortunately, I have the funds to pay for those, but after that, I'll be at the mercy of the lenders. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

And, for those of you who have offered your moral support in the comments, Thank You! Just knowing that there are folks out there who want to see this succeed for me, is heartening.

Benny