At least that’s our hope.

Yesterday temps hovered around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Last week the ground was frozen. Over the weekend the temperature slowing began to rise, however, it hadn’t warmed up enough that it was a pit of mud slop around the house. Yesterday when I arrived at the construction site it was to witness the Bobcat being dug out of the mud. Guess I was wrong about the slop. It (the Bobcat) with its military-like tank tread stuck in the mud, I filled with dread wondering how we’d ever get a CO before June or July.

I still don’t know when we’ll get a CO, but I do know that the Bobcat became unstuck and the landscaping subcontractor is a master of his trade. I kid you not, when I left the construction site yesterday afternoon, a 30′ perimeter around Stella was a gargantuan sloppy mud pit. Were I an entrepreneur I would have located the best local mudwrestlers, tossed them into the yard with a “y’all just go at it”, sold some tickets, and also collected money at the door. But, I’m not even remotely an entrepreneur else I would already have Corn Hole Leagues and Tournaments scheduled to take place in the attic.

Mud slop front yard.

Today when I arrived, temps were in the teens and to my great surprise, I could see that the front perimeter of Stella was nearly as smooth as a baby’s behind. I imagined that the rear and side perimeters were the same. Last night’s dropping temps took some moisture from the ground and froze that which remained. By day’s end, seed and straw had been strewn. Stella looks mah-vee-luss in her newly smoothed digs!

Nearly as smooth as a baby’s butt

Another happening I’ve been greatly anticipating took place today — kitchen countertops were installed and they came installed with our sink. John and I so many ages ago made selection of appliances, faucets, toilets, vanities, stain colors, and the like that we’ve forgotten how things look. We’ve been happy to discover that we remain quite taken with our choices. The sink looks great and the countertop made my gums show it was so beautiful. You know, I’d like to know how many people realize what a luxury it is to be able to wash a large pot in a sink without needing to be a contortionist and the pot needing to be made of silicone.

This roller coaster of frustration and excitement is trying to get the best of us.

Kitchen countertops as seen from the dining room

Kitchen countertops as seen front the breakfast nook

Stella is looking mighty fine, so don’t even think about slinging mud ’round here! And please, let the straw hold.