We're In!!!!

We are “in!” So hard to believe but sure enough it has happened. Been about two weeks actually, but we wanted to wait till he had our “we’re in” celebration. What an adventure!
Words cannot express how we feel. Overall, we are “giddy” and just can’t believe we are in our house. The house we built, with the help of family, friends, and a short list of sub-contractors (some good and some I would not “hit a dog in the ass with,” as my Dad used to say!) It took about one and three quarters of a year from our move up here on March 12, 2008. We thought it would take a bit under a year…… but, given we had a 5- week delay for our block, working full time, the worst weather in recorded history, Debbie breaking her back, and being with my Mom, we think we have done pretty darn well.
Still many little things to do but the fact we do not have to live in an apt. or the barn, and travel back and forth to the house everyday is mind boggling. Many little things to do have kept us from fully enjoying the house but there have been a few nights, and even on Christmas Day, where we have had time to just take a break and enjoy. Christmas was bitter / sweet …being in the house was great but the fact my Mom was not there was a tough pill to swallow. I/we so much wanted her to be with us and see the house completed. Just not to be.

Overall, Christmas was great. Christmas Eve, I even got to be Santa at our neighbors John and Carol. Great fun. Debbie even got to sit on Santa's lap! Our tree was decorated with two very very special ornaments.... they were my Mom and Dad's ornaments that they had as kids. They have been on our Christmas trees as long as my parents were together. Mom's is a Santa, and Dad's was a little boat. They must be 80 or 90 years old. You can also see Deb's hand-made cross stitch ornaments that are so nice! The photo of the Chickadees (Love Birds) was a gift from Steve and Patty.... Chickadees are Deb's favorite birds and the print is perfect. And, thanks to Sandra and Fred, our stockings were hung by the "masonry heater" with care!

Christmas Day we made it a point to not work on the house. Believe us, it was hard. After being "programmed" for the last 1 3/4 years to "hit the ground running" and work the minute we enter the house was a tough habit to break. We did ok....:) And, we had a great dinner.... Hungarian "Chicken Paprikash!" and Hungarian "nut roll" for dessert...both my Mom's recipies. Even had some "Hungarian Bull's Blood" red wine that we bought in Hungary in 2000, and have been saving for a special occasion... well, this was it!
Enjoy the selection of photos! Taking the photos at the front door was a blast. Just prior to that we both went up to the orchard and had “ a couple belts” of Hungarian “white lightening” called “Palinka” as a toast to my Parents, Margaret and Barney… they have a apple and pear tree in the orchard. It was nice. But the photo shoot was a hoot. Even have some movies that I wish I could post here….need to find out how… They are a scream! We even have nice clothes on... we went to Church right after the photo shoot!
Even though the house is not finished, we think some of the shots show how the house is shaping up to be our little world to enjoy with family and friends…..
Happy Holidays …………… dreams can come true!
Love, D2