Shane and Shane

Shane and Shane work together to lay new tile in the family media room. Although I'm reminded of "Darryl, and my other brother, Darryl", Shane and Shane are not brothers. Just cousins.

The room is looking fantastic!

Dog days of summer!

Whew! It is H-O-T in July in South Carolina!!! But the crepe myrtles are blooming and the sky is a beautiful Carolina Blue! Nothin' could be finer . . .

But the really good news is that the pool is being delivered next Friday!

It's a dirty job, but . . .

Trent made some long-awaited bathroom repairs and put the final touches on the wheelchair ramp handrail before it gets painted. Meanwhile, Mike provided some advice about the problems we have been having with our fixtures. Little by little all of our systems are coming on line! Thanks, guys!

Finding treasures on a nature walk!

Casey and Abby led a nature walk in search of beautiful flowers, leaves, and sticks. Then they created a wonderful arrangement for a photo!

Now that's what I call "cross-training"!!

Corrie Long, physical therapist at Carolina Pediatric Therapy Cooperative, Inc., brought the family along to help out this past weekend. Corrie drove the tractor while husband Darren chopped out several hundred feet of trail.

Out with the old . . .

. . . in with the new!

Let's get ready to R-U-M-B-L-E !!!

Dean Campbell of Campbell Grading brought his son Derrick out to Bridgewater for the day. Derrick cranked up the track loader and went to work carving out a nice level spot for the new pool. Next they will cart off the debris and bring in some clean fill to finish shaping the foundation for the pool, decking, and wheelchair pathway.

Preparing the way . . .

They're baaaaaack! The great team from Absolute Tree Experts returned to clear the path for the 18-wheeler and crane needed to transport the swimming pool. As usual, Oliver, Sandy, and Johnny did a masterful job.

Cruise control

Nadia practiced some fancy moves on her new bike out at Bridgewater. She had so much fun that she didn't want to leave! Great job with the pedaling, Nadia! Next we'll work on steering and brakes!

Blaze a trail!

Stephen Plumb and his wife Julie were kind enough to personally deliver our new (used!) ATV so we can start cutting some trails for the horses. Best of luck to the Plumbs on their upcoming California adventure! Here's to great job opportunities and a wonderful life out West!

Meanwhile, it didn't take Dan Hills long to repair the trail cutter, hitch up, and go! We should have a good start on some nice trails by the Fall.

Kickin' it up a notch! (BAM!)

Ivan is becoming quite skilled with the backhoe and front end loader, under the watchful eye of his father. His help and enthusiasm have been invaluable!

A stitch in time . . .

Wendy Garland, a local occupational therapist and a good friend, stopped by Bridgewater for a tour and to inquire about training in hippotherapy (therapy on horseback). Wendy learned that when you ask the question, "Do you need help with anything?" the answer is always a resounding "YES!"

She left with a homework project--to repair the zipper on one of our sleeper loveseats. We are trying to create plenty of cozy sleeping accomodations to host our overnight guests during conferences and retreats! How great is it to have generous friends with valuable skills!?!?

Thanks, Wendy!

Pool Planning Party!

Bob Smith of Cabarrus Pools drove down to Bridgewater on Saturday to discuss the options for the pool and spa. Bob is helping us create a beautiful, therapeutic setting for our kids and their families.

Meanwhile, Dean Campbell of Campbell Grading started moving his heavy equipment to the site to complete all the prep work in time for pool delivery--in two to three weeks!

Sold!

Mary Hyatt of Rinehart Realty completed a successful closing on Diane's old house this week. Now we have the funds to proceed with our swimming pool! Mary is also the realtor who worked for over two years to help us find our current property at Bridgewater. Mary was willing to slog through mud and weeds and crawl under barbed wire fences in the rain to help us find the perfect place for our children. We can't thank you enough, Mary!

Exterminators are our friends . . .

Pete from Dixie Exterminating came out today to check out the barn. Cleared it for termites but said we have a resident black snake or two. Nice. Better in the barn than the house. Of course Tom Hardin of Hardin Pest Control already took care of those snakes in the attic . . . relocation program, don't ya' know. Exterminators LOVE black snakes, "They eat mice and other poisonous snakes, Diane!"

I don't know. I'm not convinced.

Pete also volunteered to come out with his church group to help with construction or other repairs that need to be done. How nice is that!?!?! Thanks, Pete. Keep your phone handy, because I will be calling!

Recycle, Re-use, Renew . . .

As we thin the wooded area near the pool we strive to make the best use of the trees that were sacrificed. "Free BTUs!" says Jennifer as she loads the logs into her truck.

On the stump in SC . . .

No, not the political stump, the actual wooden variety! Dan, Ivan, and Diane have been keeping "Big Red" busy as they clear the play areas and pool site.

Hey, this thing works!!

Diane cooking on the griddle reminds me most of: a) Rachel Ray, b) Wolfgang Puck, or c) SpongeBob Squarepants. Yes, "c" is correct.

Now we're cookin' with gas . . .

We finally found some good local talent to help us get our Wolf commercial stove up and running safely! Billy of A.A. Repair serviced the stove as well as our Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer. Thanks, Billy! Does anyone else notice that Billy looks a little like Jamie Oliver?

A little TLC for Lady

Bobby Howell designs some lightweight aluminum orthotic horseshoes for Lady. The wedged design with a roll over toe keeps her in better alignment and eases her arthritis. Don't worry-- Bobby says she can keep riding as long as she enjoys it! The exercise is good for her. What's next? TheraTogs and a little Total Motion Release (TMR)? We'll keep you posted!

New Pool Update

The new pool area still looks a little parched at this point. We are waiting for our final landscape plans to be completed to finish the site preparation. Hopefully the pool construction will begin in early July based on funding availability.