We officially own property once again! It's a very nice feeling. The three of us hopped on the 4-wheeler to celebrate as a family- our first time being on OUR land.
Spring is starting to... well... spring, and I thought it only fair to document that the first plant to start budding, is one of the very plants for which our place is named. The wild rose.
I love the looks of the apple trees on the property too. I can't wait to start pulling the vines from them- but not until after Apple Blossom time!
We've been going back and forth with Melody on the design. I imagine we will continue to go back and forth for awhile. It seems to be a never ending cycle of making concession after concession to get us down to what we are choosing to afford. And while the real estate market is down, home building prices are not. We'll get there.
We're Land Owners!
Town Planning Forum - Division Approved!
Tonight was the town planning board meeting where they had our property on the docket. It was open for anyone who had a grievance or had issues with the division of the property to come and air them in public. No one came. But me. (Jim) :-)
It was quick and informal, after following all the procedures they talked more about the fact that Sliker Hill Rd used to be known as Henderson Flats Rd than they did about the actual property. They were guessing that Henderson Flats Rd was the name back in the early 20th century or something.
The long and the short of it is now the Town has approved the lot division, and the County has said that they see no issues with it, so our next step is to take all the signed docs up to the county and talk about driveways. Since the driveway comes out on a County Rd, apparently there's more approvals to be had. Onward and upward!
Early taste of spring
The snow started to melt so we went up to "the Ridge." We were checking out the snow melt flow as well as scoping out potential driveway places. There is a trail currently in place that could be used as a driveway, but it has some undesirable traits. We seem to agree on the bottom portion of the driveway and where it could go. It's hard to envision the top part without knowing what kind of house will be there and where the garage will go. My (Jen) main goal is to cut as few trees as possible. I really, REALLY desire a driveway through a huge canopy of leaves with tree trunks hugging the vehicles at every wheel rotation.
We hung out the bright orange sign to advertize the town board meeting next week. Anyone who wants to contest the subdivision should show up! (Hopefully that will be no one.)
The Naming
We chose to name the property Blackthorn Ridge. The name came about because the property boasts of two exceedingly thorny plants. Wild climbing roses are entrenched all throughout the land. Their strong tentacle-like canes are covered in in piercing thorns that shred all who dare to tangle. Beautiful, but dangerous. The tree growth is mixed, but the majority are medieval looking black locust trees, known for their pair of thorns at each leaf base. Topographically, the house is situated on a flat section with the ground dropping away both south and west.
Met with Mike and Melody
First time we sat down with our architect and builder to discuss ideas. We both went and both came away feeling really good.
We provided them with a few plans we really liked and answered a whole bunch of questions.
Melody will start designing the floor plan while she's in Florida.
Found our Builder!
Mike came over to check out the site today. Jim came away with a very good impression.
