Hello Kitchen!

Perfect weather...perfect company...perfect progress!!  Today we worked on filling all the massive holes left over from the stumps.  The front is finally looking like a yard!!!  I was losing any momentum I had left, so I took a little break and sat under the pines and read awhile.  Then Dad came over to help out and helped re-energize us.  He could not believe the progress in the front yard!   We got so much accomplished this afternoon!!  All four of us worked on clearing out the back patio area.  We got so much closer to the house.  We took the plywood off of the windows to help the house breathe a little.  I could peek in windows and see the kitchen!!!  Wow!  It's the only spot that doesn't appear destroyed at first glance (more info below).  Then, we took more plywood down from the top floor windows.  Rocky put Roger and I up in the bucket to peer in.  Then Roger scooted right in the window to assess the floor boards and ceiling.  Meanwhile, I hung out (clung to) the bucket and took some excellent pictures from way up there!  Then, just as we were getting off of the bucket, Mary came over to see everything.  We were SO excited to show her all that we have gotten done this week.  We talked all about the tree lines and plants that we have been researching.  We walked around the whole property at sunset.  We saw barn swallows during the day and bats at night.  I could go on and on and on, but the pictures speak for themselves.  Suffice to say, I had another AMAZING day at Hearthstone.  Enjoy :)

Roger, Rocky, and Paul attacking the patio.  

(notice this as the before picture...we accomplished so much today!)

Rocky walking out of the laundry room door after opening the window for me to see the kitchen.

Taken from the back patio, looking in from the window.  

This fireplace is how Nana and Pop chose the name, Hearthstone.  

This was because of the huge hearth stone on the fire place.

Also, notice the detail on the window sills...the radius window-well (I hope I got that one right!)

Looking to the left...the peninsula with 3 sinks!

Seeing this area of the house gave us all chills.  

Still working...digging away.

Roger taking the plywood off of the side of the house.

I took this picture of the front yard from way up high on the backhoe.

Another picture from the second floor.

Sunset...Roger is getting one more load clear!

Mary and I by our ginkgo and Japanese maple tree!!!  

Mary and I by our trumpet vine.  

We significantly pruned this 3 weeks ago--it was bare.  Now look at it!!! 

We had so much fun taking pictures by our favorite spots. :)

Rocky and Mary :)  You guys are awesome!

The house at sunset...the sky was full of pink, orange, and blue tones.  

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Check out the patio now!!!!

You can barely see, but the toilet is starting to come down. 

Look at the wide doorway to the laundry room.  

I love how wide these old doors were!