Camellias and azaleas

Thank you to Mr Blankenship for giving us four trailers overflowing with
camellias, azaleas, palms, and ornamental grasses. We've planted over
100 plants in the last few weeks. As I stepped back to admire the
beauty, I put my hands on my hips (to support a tired back), and
smiled. In the process, we also moved a few errant piles of building
supplies, pushing back the remnants of construction, further
beautifying the building site.

Here's a "masterpiece" camellia in bloom

Hammer in hand

Young helpers drive in the 8-penny nails.

The first truss is up

Granddad got the first truss up all by himself. He is a wizard with
levers and pulleys.

Merry Christmas 2011

Four boys and an oak tree. See little brother in the swing background
right?

A big box

The shed gets plywood walls. Boys help Granddad hammer in the 8-penny
nails.

Front drive taking shape

Those granite walls are springing up everywhere, giving shape to the
front drive and entrance to the house. Our favorite nursery man is
closing down his operation and has offered us the opportunity to have
any plants we want at no charge! We're disappointed that he's getting
out of the business, but delighted at his generosity.

Wall framing from a distance

We're not using post and beam construction on this one, but it will be
sheathed with vertical shiplap to match the exterior of the house.

Framing the shed

Walls are going up on the shed at the west end of the house. The work
crew takes a break to smile and scowl at the camera.

Parties in the back yard

The back yard is spacious, ideal for gathering and feasting.

Building trusses

Manufacturing trusses for the shed. This is the last of twelve (see
the stack in the background?). Ready to start framing.