Party on the Patio!

The inspiration for this entry comes from the song "Party on the Patio" by ZZ Top. It's a rather unpleasant song, but somehow weaseled its way into our plans. Let me explain.

During the design phase, I learned that Jefferson County includes the square-footage of wood decking around your home when assessing property values for taxation. We also felt that decks might obscure some of our views, from both the main and lower levels of the home, as well as block some of the light reaching the walkout level. Consider also some impressive rock outcroppings and large Ponderosa pines dotting the hillside adjacent to the kitchen/dining area. So, collectively, the excavator, architect, builder, and Kelleys ruled out wood decking in favor of a patio to the north of the kitchen, to include a covered area, possibly several levels for seating and eating, a grill, fire pit, maybe even a hot tub! From some of the outcroppings (maybe where the hot tub will sit?) one can glimpse Kinney Peak in the distance, a craggy 8100' peak to the south.

But back to the Party on the Patio. After hearing this song on the radio, it was decided by "the decider" that we should institute a tradition of throwing frequent parties on our patio; and that the first should be a "dirt-warming" celebration, aka ground-breaking, which was held on June 5th, which also happened to be my brother Bruce's 65th birthday (but he didn't come--he lives back east). Many of the usual Evergreen friends attended: Deb & Tom Ryon, Mary and Steve Franquemont, Pam R. & Rich J., Allison and Malana Ramadei, Amy Bergevin, and even Santa Claus and the Missus (aka Bob and Shirley Tuck). Dakota dog and Buddy dog also came. We missed Patti and Jeff Stone, who were unable to make it due to family commitments. Everyone brought picnic dinners, lawn chairs, and hiking shoes. I provided the beverages and a lovely theme cake. Even our new neighbors stopped by to see what was going on; it was nice to meet them and their two dogs. I really enjoyed showing off the views and the setting. After a brief walk through Bell Park at sunset, we poured champagne into the big hole in the ground and threw souvenirs into the concrete forms to be swallowed into a sort of foundation time capsule. For the first of many parties on the patio, I think it was a big success, and I, for one, look forward to many many more! Thanks to everyone who helped make it special! I hope that more friends can come to Party #2.

Progress on the house is moving painfully slowly. Mostly due to the persnickety requirements and delays by the county Planning, Zoning and Building Permit folks. It's been very frustrating for all of us, but what can ya do? We are trying to play along and keep our sense of humor. Nonetheless, by early June the dirt guys had made a huge, unsightly hole in the ground. The concrete guys had poured the footings/frost walls which were then backfilled by the dirt guys. The driveway adjustments and hammerhead turnarounds (required by the fire marshall and county for rescue vehicles) were blasted and carved out of the mountainside. Our 800 ft. deep well's production was tested at over 10 gallons/minute. (This is considered a "gusher" by Colorado standards; in comparison our previous 2.5 gpm well was quite sufficient for our family of four.) About 50 diseased or dead trees have been removed and another 60 limbed up. The power company has been notified to bring electricity to the site, and temporary power is being hooked up. Many of our other accomplishments to date are not visible or obvious--alot of behind-the-scenes work. I did spend a significant amount of time looking at various options and beginning to select such materials as siding, windows and doors, flooring, carpeting, counter-tops, appliances, and such. Meanwhile, we are trying to understand our solar vs. geothermal heating choices and their relative costs/benefits. Let's just say-- it's complicated!

I return again for two weeks between July 10 and 25th. My sister will join me this time, and I am ever thankful to my buddies in "the village" that house and feed me during these trips! Please check back in a couple weeks for the next installment! A few miscellaneous photos follow.