December, Part 1

December started off with some more cement, this time in the garage.

We also poured a 4 inch thick hearth, which apparently got done just in time for the fireplace installers.  We settled on a gas fireplace because we didn't want the smoke and figured that this would get a lot more use than a wood burning one.

This is what the hearth looks like once we removed all of the forms.  We are still waiting to see if it cracks as it dries.  This end of the great room is starting to take shape!

The siding started going on, and the house continues to look more real as they go.

The siding is pretty basic, board and batten.  Works for a house in the country, though.

One thing about building on the top of a hill is that it can be the windiest place around.  There was a big windstorm in early December and I stopped by to see how things were doing.  You can see the branches on the ground, and the trees they came from are over a hundred feet from the house.  Fortunately we decided to have the closest tree cut down, so we will sleep easier when this happens after we move in.

The electricians have been busy.  These are some of the lights in the great room...

It seems like this piscture was taken just a few days after the last one, but the insulation guys have certainly been at it!

As Christmas grew closer we decided to add a little cheer.  The stockings were hung from the "chimney" with care!  We hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season, and we promise to send more updates soon.  Cheers!