Nearing Completion

As mentioned in an earlier post, one of my favorite things about being "from" Evergreen is the small-town feel and the "small world" incidents that go with it.   Every trip to Safeway resulted in a friendly encounter, even late at night when I might be grabbing a pint of Ben & Jerry's or a doughnut while in my jammies or with dirty hair.  That was always special.

On one trip back during this building project, I had gone un-fed on my flight, naturally, and was plenty hungry by the time I arrived in Evergreen.  I was fumbling in my purse for my wallet at the Wendy's pick-up window when the girl in the window asked: "Dana's mom??" To my delight, there was Marissa Hayda, one of my daughter's classmates, recognizing me more than five years later.

During last week's visit, I took our architect out to a tiny but pleasant bar in downtown Evergreen and we chatted over margaritas.  When we left at around 7 pm, there was only one couple there.  (The town goes to bed early on weeknights! And on weekends, too, now that I think about it.).  As we walked past, I was totally surprised when the woman said "Bye Bobbie!"  On closer examination, she did seem vaguely familiar but I sure couldn't place her.  Awkward!  Embarrassed, I had to ask how I knew her; turns out it was Dr. Diana Roberts, one of the younger veterinarians in the practice we frequented with our big white dogs.  Even though I've been in NC more than five years, she came up with my name. I think that's pretty remarkable.  Steve says it's because we gave them so much business that they couldn't possibly forget.  In fact, Steve thinks there should be a wing in the vet hospital with our name on it.  Anyway, I was impressed enough that I may use her new private practice if I need veterinary attention for my Border Terriers during our summers in the mountains.

So here we are at Christmas, and the construction is almost complete!  By now all the tiling is finished, and the interior trim is being stained.  The counter-tops, sinks, and plumbing fixtures will be put in over the next week or two. I'm really excited about a "remnant" of fossilized limestone that we found for the kitchen island. Yesterday I placed what I believe are the final orders:  appliances and lighting fixtures. There is a surprise in store for visitors; a fun foyer light fixture. The hickory hardwood floor that was installed is not the floor that I ordered.  We have negotiated a settlement to keep it, rather than remove the cabinets and baseboards, rip up (i.e. destroy) the present product, throw it away, and reinstall the correct product.  I can attest to the fact that a free hardwood floor looks really quite lovely, even if it isn't what you envisioned.  Jefferson County, never satisfied, has demanded some additional survey information and driveway grade verification.  But if all goes well, thanks in large part to unseasonably warm, dry weather, the Kelley's mountain retreat should have a C.O. (Certificate of Occupancy) by February!  Y'all come see us, y'hear?