Model House

Pulling out the model house he received from the architect after we had walked around the piles of dirt in his yard, Barry explained that he was still waiting on inspectors from the Whatcom County Planning Department and Lummi Nation Planning and Development to work out the final details of his building permit before he can actually start construction.

Another view.

And yet another view.

Meanwhile, Barry and his dog eye the dirt work he completed with his Kubota tractor in anticipation of the permit.

There's a nice view of the Lummi Island Ferry Dock from on top of this pile of dirt.

His house will sit here.

Update February 11, 2010: Barry telephoned indicating that the permitting was finalized and the foundation is finished. I'll be there tomorrow taking some progress photos before the framing begins. Let's hope for clear skies so we can capture some of the beautiful view of Hales Passage.

Breaking Ground

Finally! Finally ground breaking day arrived. Barry has been waiting for this day for a very long time - years actually. Finally, this was the day for him to warm up that new Kubota tractor and start playing in the dirt. He's beginning the ground work for his new house - his dream house.With its peek-a-boo view of Hales Passage, the ferry dock and Lummi Island in the distance, it's a beautiful location for his new house.

He says he may mound some of the extra dirt along his fenceline and strategically plant a few trees to add just a little extra privacy. He has plans to put in more landscaping, even a small pond, in his soon-to-be front yard. He talks of planting a garden in the back yard, putting in a small orchard, and even having chickens. It looks like Barry's fun is just beginning!

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Breaking ground.

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And what's my role in all of this? I get to stop by and let my dog run around the yard with his as I document his house building project by, you guessed it, taking more pictures than the average girl.