Pouring the foundation.

Today's foundation pour was way too much fun. As we've readied for it, Bill and I have shared memories of "How it was done in the old days" stories. There was the trusty wheel barrow. A pile of sand/gravel. Concrete in I think bags even way back. A water hose. A hoe to stir it up. The trick was to get the amount of dry and wet to mix like a thick milk shake. When just right it was time to move that heavy wheel barrow to "the place." Sometimes, it could be a long haul, because the water hose wasn't long enough to really get to the project and why would you get a new or extra hose just for one job, lol.

I was fascinated watching the pumper truck unfold. Once stretched out, it has along reach. The driver of the pump truck operates it by remote control. I didn't get a good pic of the remote. Our only regret today was that Vance wasn't here to watch everything and especially see the man controlling the pumper.


Then, when the pump cranks up, Mike put it in the forms and wa-la, things began to fill. The truck showed up a little before 10 this morning and by about 10 minutes to 11 they were done. Amazing.

Foundation forms and inspection done.

The rebar is in place. The forms are up. The inspection passed with flying colors. Tomorrow we'll see the cement and boom trucks.

As amazing as the progress is, there's another thing that has both Bill and I wondering what's up. Anyone that has been to the farm knows that being greeted by our girls is usually noisy. Normally, any vehicle that approaches is also greeted with a noisy round of barks as a welcome or a warning to us that someone is here. Well, Mike, his truck, his tool noises, etc, don't even get a rise out of any of them. It's rather baffling since this afternoon as Bill returned from his walk, Penny saw him round the corner and they all went off like cheap clocks.

Day two.

Today Mike was busy with foundation forms. Vance met Mike this morning and liked him immediately. He would head out the door to check on progress. I don't think it got above 50° today, so playing outside was limited. No one has figured it out, but even with saws, drills and other construction noises, the dogs are surprisingly quiet. Even Mike commented on how quiet they are and of course about that time Penny went off like a cheap clock. We'll see if they remain quiet and polite.

Today we broke ground for the addition.

Mike arrived at about 8 this morning. He marked out where the foundation would go. Shortly there after the excavator arrived and they went to work. I brought the girls up to the roost to try to calm them. Needless to say, we could feel the ground being removed and it caused plenty angst for about the first hour or so. I'll add posts of our progress. I'm sure Vance will be very surprised at the hole in the ground and no doubt will see the big dirt mound. I think it will be like a giant magnet, lol.

Here's where both Bill and I agree, a pro gets more done in one day than the two of us in two or three days. Mike wrapped up at about 4, so he could go and price out items that will be a part of the completed project. I like the fact that I won't need Aleve, a hot soak in the tub, etc. I'm ready for Vance and Arya to come and spend the day tomorrow.