Here's the view from the lot with the scrub oaks all cut down. Big improvement.

We obtained the permits on Monday August 17 and the landscape crew went right to work cutting down trees.

Finalized some details of the Pella windows this afternoon. Looks like Rocky Mountain Hardware has some nice products for our doors and windows

This is what the loggers look like in Pinehurst ...

Approval to build!!!

It's been a while. A lot of waiting for the scheduling of the Fairwoods on #7 ARB and Village of Pinehurst Approvals. Both groups met at the same time today. The BIG news is that the approvals all when smoothly! Green light for the permits. We are off and running. Happy dance was seen at 105 Chesterfield.

In the mean time we

have selected a sub to clear the lot and transplant the wiregrass (aka lovegrass) to the back of the lot. I.E., the golf course side. That work should start real soon now.

Also, a major trip was made to Kohler, the town and the factory, to peruse toilet seats, urinals, sinks, faucets and other pleasures. A followup trip to Fergusons in Raleigh resulted in a pretty complete list of plumbing fixtures. Including a fancy sink in which to scrub Cluny. YEAH!!!

BTW the trip to Kohler was replete with golf, a wedding, gourmet dining, EAA Air Venture museum and a flying adventure. It made shopping for plumbing fixtures more than fun.

Now for that loan approval ...

A case of shingles

Wandered all over Whispering Pines and Pinehurst looking for the perfect shingle. Does anyone ever notice shingles anyway? Finally gave in to Certainteed Landmark Hunter Green. Yeah! A decision made. One last look at the Hatteras Hunter Green? Ask Lynn again? No, no, no. Decision made. (Maybe).

Finalized landscape plan. Hardscape and plants. Need to research rain runoff collection (fancy cistern). Aquascape is a potential solution.

Going green takes a lot of green.

Concrete pad in front of garage (for turning), Belgard Dublin Fossile Beige pavers and driveway edging, bluestone gravel, Garden Steppers stone walkway accented with green Vermont Slate and a fountain make up the hardscape.

Plantings are mostly native with a few imports -- dogwoods, azaleas, hydrangeas, boxwoods, hollys, ferns, etc. A few beds of daylily with liriope and periwinkle

beds. Can't imagine doing this without an experienced designer. Long time before planting but this has to be done up front to gain Fairwoods on 7 and Pinehurst Architectural Review Board Approval so that we can start the actual construction.

Decisions Decisions

Visited House of Lights and NC Fireplace Company today. Just up the road in Sanford.

Progress on ceiling fans but no final selections. Brought home 37 lbs of catalogs for light fixtures but NONE of them had a single interesting chandelier. HRH will know what she likes when she sees it (as was the case when she met her spouse).

Converging on the shingles. Have found acceptable green but not the perfect green. Likely the first of many compromises. Will look at some alternatives tomorrow. Can you tell the difference between Hunter Green and Newport Green?

Ready Set Go

Picked a builder. Off and running. Now getting ready for the Fairwoods on 7 Architectural Review Board. Decisions - shingles, color of shutters, front door ...

Loan application done. Now for the wait.

"Break ground" target set to Labor Day. Appropriate!

Architect, builder, landscape designer and owner -- team set. First hurdle is the ARB. Will it be a clear jump or a stumped toe?