Pomp & Concrete

When we all gathered at the site of our new home on Saturday, we had already officially broken ground on the property, but since we didn't have any time after work on Grading Day, we saved the Ceremonial aspects for the weekend. Also, we really wanted our parents to be there. So, Mom and Dad G came up from Columbia and Mom and Dad D came over from Keowee and we all met for some pomp and circumstance.

First I took more photos of the afore-mentioned Pile 'O Dirt, and then when everyone arrived, we did the official ground breaking photo shoot. Several of Lura and me with our hard hats and a shovel (below) and one of the whole group sharing a toast (also below). After photos, we said a group blessing for the site. Almost everyone was in tears by prayer's end. It is after all, a very emotional time. We've never done this before, and we thought it only natural to want to thank God! We really wish Tommy and Ann could have been there too, but they were off in Asheville for the weekend.

After photos and the prayer, we did the Pledge of Allegiance and then.... Okay, just kidding. We did however get a visit from the Viola Neighborhood Association president and vice president. No, they weren't campaigning for re-election, but they saw us out there and decided to stop by. Great folks! We talked for a while and we filled them in on the goings on. There are some really great people in the neighborhood and we can't wait to be a part of it. After saying goodbye to our future neighbors, we went down to what is sure to become our favorite neighborhood bar and grill. No, not Applebee's, but a little place called the Bohemian. Very ecclectic, and it has a cool used records and CD's store next door. They have excellent chips and really good soup, although they are a bit slow. But we weren't in a hurry so we just enjoyed our meal and spending time with our families!

It's now 4 days later and what we thought was going to happen late this week or early next week actually started today - concrete footings!!! Isn't this exciting?!? They dug out some footings today. Didn't actually pour any concrete, but since we are supposed to have some NASTY weather tomorrow (1 inch of snow/sleet/ice), this is probably a good thing. We still have pictures to show of our not-to-distant-future foundation. ENJOY!