It's not ALL about the....

The Retaining Wall!!!

First there was Rebecca's bridal shower. Girls RULE!!!

Sam, Rebecca, Alyssa and a little bit of mom-to-be, Katie.

Then there was Sue and Bobbie's birthday party. A good reunion of family!

(Okay, I haven't figured out how to make my new camera take pictures inside!)

The Vision Master and Russ worked on the wall all day.

At 5:00 they finally got a well deserved break!

It's MY Parade

This morning we woke up to a beautiful sunrise. But clouds closed in on us and the rain started. The Vision Master consulted his IPhone Weather and saw the storms approaching. He was dejected - I need to work on my wall! An hour or so later the sun peeked out. It stopped raining. And the Vision Master's favorite quote spewed forth:

"It's MY parade! It doesn't ever rain on Terry's parade!!!"

Guess he was right, cuz the 3rd load of stone was delivered and the guy didn't get stuck this time.

The Vision Master gave Becky a project: Paint this thing I welded together to hold the wood for our bonfires.

Then gave the poor kid another project: Stack the wood. Poor Becky worked harder I think, than the men today!

Guarding the wall???

Holding up the block???

Okay, so the guys really did work hard. Shoveled out the hill by hand today, shoveled more stone and laid another load of block.

Where did they get the energy?

The Wedding Planner Arrives

Becky and Jason have selected a wonderful caterer for their wedding. His name is Dan and about a year ago he opened a great new restaurant in Brookfield called the Haute Taco. He arrived Wednesday night for a site visit for this September's outdoor soiree.

It was raining and muddy. When Becky told him she was getting married in these beautiful woods, I don't think this is exactly what he had expected!!!

Now Dan looked at the site and the space and began discussing ALL aspects of the event. From parking, to noise, to tents, seating, space planning, and everything in between. Lots of good advice and thoughts. Who sent this great dose of reality and reassurrance to us???

We learned that previously Dan worked for the Pfister Hotel handling - you guessed it - Catering and Weddings! He is the ultimate wedding planner! How lucky could we be???

If you're looking for a great place for lunch or dinner - you gotta go to Haute Taco. Authentic Mexican Food with a flair. The braised short rib tacos and the pineapple pico salsa on the calamari tacos were my favorites. And you have to try the black beans. Ummmm!

http://www.hautetaco.com/

The Pig

Russ stopped over after work with the boom truck. It contained something called a "Pig". I thought we were having pork for dinner. I soon learned that the Pig is a machine to move really heavy things to save the crew's back.

I think they should make little ones called "Piglets" to move each individual block into place, don't you???

Remember the Dead by Serving the Living

"........gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868".


For the full Memorial Day story: http://goldensiberia.blogspot.com/2006_05_01_archive.html

Dad, you would be so proud of your friend Chuck Vitek who decided that it was important to bring the Military Honors group to your place of rest this year. We went to Otto's gravesite and your VFW Post came to see you today. You probably saw this all from Heaven, but Gerry Kaiser got all choked up placing the wreath on your grave. Chuck also had a hard time reading his part of the ritual. You made such an impact on people you touched. Of course, us kids just let the tears flow, cuz we kinda miss you, you know? Bill and Jack carried the American Flag and Post Colors at Otto's Ceremony and Terry and Jack carried them at your gravesite. Oh, the boy's were so proud to do that in your honor. How they look up to you. Thanks dad. For everything.

Sunday May 24th

Todd - leaning on the shovel already? Do you work for the City?




Next item in the budget - a big backhoe of his own.

The crew gets a lunch break.

Leaning again....


It's getting there!

The First Course...

"Once the first course is laid it will be a breeze."

"Vision Master" 2009

Welcome !

Remember the Big Remodel in 2005?

(The Deck, Man Cave, Chicklet Lounge and famous Fellabar?)


Well, welcome to the Big Build of 2009! On the books and in the mind for a few years now of Terry (who, going forward will be referred to as the "vision-master"), we have begun to landscape the hill.







Now we're not talking typical landscaping with bushes, flowers and trees. Where is the challenge in that? We're talking about the 2 semi loads of 84 pound block that were delivered a few weeks ago, 22 tons of stone, back hoes, skidsteers and excavaters. But who will do all the work, asked Chicken Little? The song "We are Family" came to mind.

Yes, we ARE family and will be adding a new son-in-law in September! Congratulations

Becky and Jason!

Did I mention that they will be having their wedding here, in these very woods?

Check back weekly for updates!