November 25, 2012

PHASE 1, EXTERIOR WALL FRAMING

STANDING TALL


With the help of Stephen, Cody and another volunteer, we got off to a good start on Sat., Nov. 17th, by getting half of the exterior walls framed up. The following weekend, the Thanksgiving holiday gave Rob the opportunity to work on the other half with some assistance from Jamaica.  The 9' walls with truss beam pockets are constructed with 2"x6" studs on 16" centers, with 2"x10" headers over 5 windows, a side entry door and a double patio door.

 


November 19, 2012

KEEPING LOOKOUT...

OUR NEW FUTURE IS ON THE HORIZON 

 

I went for a walk with my camera...through the lens, I saw beauty, I felt hope and my path led me back to the start of a new home. Giving thanks for seeing the rainbow after the rain...
- Jamaica
 
 

November 10, 2012

IT'S BEEN BUILDING UP TO THIS

LET THE CONSTRUCTION BEGIN!

 
We have officially begun the construction of Phase 1 of our new home!   Work on the house will primarily be done on the weekends when Robert is available. We are tremendously blessed to have the help of good friends that will assist us along the way...and we can not thank Stephen Wusterhausen enough!


On the first day of construction, the guys set and leveled the dry-stacked piers, laid the pine girders, assembled the floor joists, and decked the sub-floor.  They made a very impressive pace for one days work and it is a very exciting beginning for us to finally make this project a realization!





November 7, 2012

FOUND ALONG THE BACKROADS OF TEXAS


"TEXAS COUNTRY REPORTER" TRAVELS TO THE LOST PINES

 

"Since 1972 Bob Phillips has traveled the backroads and told the stories of real Texans - ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Texas Country Reporter celebrates the history, emotion and beauty that make Texas and Texans so unique. Every week you're invited to hop in and travel with Bob as he reminds us that the backroads isn't just a place, it's an attitude."  - www.texascountryreporter.com


 
Today we had the privilege of meeting a Texas favorite, Bob Phillips, "The Texas Country Reporter."  In September we submitted our story to his production team and were contacted because our story was "very compelling".  They would like to document our progress several times as we move into the construction phase of our rebuilding efforts, and will include us in a TCR story!
  



They spent the day visiting with us and interviewing Robert about his efforts to harvest, mill and rebuild our home with our woods.  They filmed him felling a tree and working on our lumber at the mill. Mr. Phillips said that Robert was a great interview and a genuine character (ain't that the truth).  The Texas Country Reporter has been producing the show for 40 years; and as a native Texan and artist, it is a really cool honor to appear on the show.
 


"Texas Country Reporter" is a highly-acclaimed TV program that celebrates the history, emotion and beauty that make Texas and Texans so unique. Since 1972, Bob Phillips has traveled the backroads of the Lone Star State and shared the stories of real Texans. From artists to cowboys, hobbyists to musicians, "Texas Country Reporter" explores the passions, interests, and lifestyles of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Every week you're invited to hop in and travel with Bob as he meets the folks that make Texas such a special place. Bob Phillips, Jason Anderson, Ryan Britt, Brian Hawkins, Mike Snyder, Dan Stricklin.