The Latest

Architect - check. Land - check. Builder - check. Here are the latest renderings of the house, it's coming along! The builder is bidding everything out - next step, approval and ground breaking.

Concepts

We have some catching up to do on our blog postings. These are some of the concepts that led up to the direction we're heading in. The block system works well to balance out the layout as well as contain costs. The images show the development of the design.

Lochwood Library

Speaking of progress, the newest Dallas Public Library opens Saturday, November 7 around the corner from our new address. It's a great symbol of the evolution of the neighborhood.

movin' on

We're moved into our temporary home, thanks in large part to George and the great movers at Texas State Movers. Fortunately the weather treated us well, despite 19 of 30 days of rain this October.

Now we're back on track with house planning. We've made some major decisions on design, exterior and materials. Progress is good!

next home. for now.

We found a rental property this weekend, so we have a new address for the next 12 months. It's better than I expected to find, updated maple cabinets in the kitchen, which opens to the den. It's also close to the lot and the lake. On to packing.

First look?

During our last meeting with Cliff we talked about site planning, ideas for space planning - big picture kind of stuff in my mind. Then he opens his notebook and shows us a drawing he "jotted down." What do you think? Scott and I both thought "well, what are we waiting for? let's start building!" If this is the kind of stuff he can create without much effort, we're can't wait to see what he comes up with. Next meeting is this Friday....

As of midnight 9/11, we have a contract on the house. Whew. It came down to the wire when we got a backup contract on the last day of the option period for the first buyer. At a better price. When it was all said & done, the first contract prevailed, we got out of paying for any repairs, and we close in late October. So now we're faced with the reality of purging and packing. And finding a place to live....

First party on Wyatt Circle

We took the opportunity to have a little get together while we had the lift on the lot. Had several friends over - Scott drove the lift and went up and down a number of times. The Lynches gave us hard hats complete with House of Zen logos. It looked much cuter on Brooke, and Bradley found a branch that looked a lot like longhorns. And we also have a bathroom now...well, a port-a-potty, at least.

Sunset from 2nd floor?

Last night we tried out the scissor left - sunset was at 8:02 PM. From 26' up, this is what we saw. Much more than expected - it's amazing. We're meeting Cliff at 5PM so he can check it out, then invited friends over later to check it out and have a cold beverage. Insert funny line about running with scissors or drinking and driving here. Or wait, I'm sure Chip will have a few wise cracks....

RTS 33

We're renting a Rough Terrain Scissor Lift all weekend to cruise around the lot and check out the best viewing spots for the 2nd story. Pictures to come.

Pool Option?

Interesting pool concept using recycled dumpsters/shipping containers. A unique way to cool off in the Bronx. Not sure if it's right for our place.

Researching: Geothermal

One of the energy efficient, renewable resources we are investigating is geothermal energy - tapping into subterranean resources to produce energy. Don't know if the necessary wells can be drilled in the heavy white rock (as in White Rock Lake) our house will sit upon, but it sounds really cool and space-age. And it is one of the most cost-efficient energy sources in terms of return on investment.