March began with us parked at Thousand Trails Orlando – we have enjoyed our 9 weeks in Florida. Jim gave Acey a much-needed bath!
He had not cleaned the roof in a while… lots of roof to scrub!
On Saturday, March 2, we took one last ride on the Van Fleet Trail before heading back to Tennessee.
We did not see the big gator that is frequently near one of the bridges, but saw several others in the “Wildlife Viewing” area (a lot if the overgrowth is cut back here along the trail)
… and a turtle!
We rode just over 12 miles on this rail-trail.
On March 4, we headed back to Tennessee –just for fun, Herman rode in Thor’s driver’s seat for the journey!
We had good weather — and traffic was not too bad on I-75 as we headed north.
We drove under the Landbridge that we rode our bikes over just last week.
A few hours later, we crossed into Alabama.
We stayed overnight in Jemison, just north of Montgomery and on the 5th, we were back in Tennessee!
Once Acey was situated, we headed out to vote – it was Super Tuesday!
Jim got back to work on the house, painting ceilings and wrapping the beam in the Great Room with shiplap.
He built a step going into the house from the garage.
Chris came on Saturday and helped install the microwave in the kitchen.
For their next “magic trick”, they replaced the microwave-convection oven in Acey – the convection fan had stopped working about a week or two ago; thankfully, the microwave option still worked in the meantime.
Linda worked on filling in the nail holes in the baseboard, around the doors and windows- thousands of nail holes! Monday the 11th was “fan day”! Jim got the ceiling fan mounted in the Great Room.
And in the kitchen.
The quartz countertops and back splashes were installed on the 13th .
They have a marble look to them.
The laundry room has the same countertop as the kitchen.
And the bathrooms have a different pattern.
While the countertops were going in, Jim dug the ditch for the water line – from the house to the water meter.
The wild turkeys passed by and some of them strutted their stuff!
The momma longhorn came to the fence for a photo op as Linda drove into town for more supplies.
More rain = return of more tadpoles!
Four days later, the puddle was drying up…
Still hundreds of tadpoles could be seen.
The fireplace got a tile surround.
Fortunately, the ground dried up enough that the gas company was finally able to come out on the 21st to install the propane tank behind our detached garage. They had been out 3 times in the Fall, and it was too wet to drive back there!
They dug a trench for the gas pipe next to the detached garage.
Jim caulked along the baseboards, in preparation for painting.
Adding color to the walls!
Another Saturday for Chris to help us! He wired up for security, phone, TV and internet stuff!
Linda helped out at the Easter Egg Hunt at our church – there was a big chicken and the Easter Bunny!
Let the hunt begin!
Three loads of dirt were spread around the front and sides of the house – finally working on grading the property!
Another weekend project! Chris helped Jim install some outdoor lighting.
Easter Sunday closed out the month.
Pastor Jim preached a sermon based on Job 19:23-27; an unusual text for Resurrection Sunday!
23“Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book!24Oh that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. 26And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, 27whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!
Job is described as a man who was blameless and upright, a man who feared God and turned away from evil; a very wealthy man who had everything going for him. But God allowed Satan to take it all away. But Job still had his faith – he knew he had a Redeemer – One who lives – and at the end, he knew where he was going.
Our Savior is alive and we will be with Him in the end!
He is Risen! He is risen indeed! Happy Easter!
Great post!!!
Thanks Dennis! Sorry we didn’t get to meet up with you and Liz while we were in Florida- maybe next time 😃
Hi Compsons! What an exciting time as you build your home.
Wow, Jim! I’m impressed as it seems like you’re doing all the work. Beautiful cabinets and love the great room / windows. Is that your tractor/trencher?
Great job. Keep up the good work.
The house is coming along so beautifully and everyone is working so hard on it. Glad it is falling into place and you can move in soon!!
The kitchen cabinets are beautiful. I am so impressed with the talent in this family. How did they learn to do everything! It is a beautiful home.it
Love the before and after pics. Saw the house today but forgot to admire the outdoor lighting!! Good job working in the small space to do a big job. !! Easter was great!!