I'm still alive and kicking.....just not so high !

Hey everyone, I am still here. Sorry I haven't updated in such a long time, I have been SO busy with the construction of the new store and everything else going on. I am still working full time at the dentist office (leaving my house at 6 am and getting home at 6 pm) and trying to keep my home based business going with all the new Christmas items. I have also been busy making purchases for the new store, you cannot walk in my house and I can't remember the last time I dusted, it is disgusting, YUCK. As soon as I get in from work, I go to the store to work until 10 or 11 at night, then go home and collapse. I just wanted to check in and let everyone know where I have been (I hope someone at there cares, lol). Anyway, we are right on schedule with the store, I hope to open the first weekend in December and at the latest, the second.

We've been working very hard to make this dream become reality. Since October 13th we have gone from this......

TO THIS...........................

The gutter across the front is not yet installed and there is a 5'x40' front porch still be poured. Of course, the door and windows are not yet in, they are being measured and custom made this week. My dear husband Larry and I created these temporary windows from 2x4's and plastic. It keeps the wind, rain and cold out so we can still work on the inside. There will also be gravel in front (my parking is to the right of the building)

This is the left and right sides, again temp windows. We worked hard this week putting in our water line and septic system, putting down more straw and mesh to keep the mud to a minimum (We will sow with grass in the spring). We plan to put planters with azaleas on both sides in the spring as well. There will be a ramp added for deliveries at the side door when the front porch is done. I got tickled at my husband last night. We were working late and he had to go home to get another ladder. When he left, he said "be sure to lock the door and I will knock when I come back, be sure to ask who it is before you open the door". I HAD to laugh when he left; I have one door installed, you can see it on the right hand side, towards the back. The main door knob is in, but the deadbolt is not and there is a WalMart bag stuck in the hole, then there are windows and the front door that are nothing but a sheet of plastic, but yet, he wants me to be sure to lock the door. At least, I thought it was funny, maybe it was the exhaustion talking.

The first picture is the front of the store. I will put my checkout between the windows and door on the front wall. The framing for the walls and drop ceiling is complete, now the electric and heat/air is scheduled for this week, as well as the windows and front door. Then the drywall and painting, then MOVE IN ! The floor is stained concrete. It doesn't look so hot now but when it is cleaned and sealed, I think it will be beautiful, it has red and tan in it. The second photo is to the back, with an entry to the office/storeroom on the left and the bathroom entrance on the right. I plan to put the classroom area in the back left corner.

I just had to include a photo of the bank of the pond. Larry and I worked very hard to get this slopped and seeded. We put down the straw and mesh to hold it until the grass started. I am very excited about how well our grass has come up. I think it will be beautiful in the spring. We have a white picket fence to put around the parking lot at the top of the bank and down both sides of the driveway to keep kids from going to the pond.

Thanks for taking a tour, I will update again soon. I am still working on the store web site with a shopping cart so hopefully it will be up and functional by the time the store opens. I appreciate all the support and well wishes I have received and most importantly your patience. I could not do this without the love and support of my friends and of course, without saying, my wonderful husband Larry. Every muscle in my body aches and I am completely exhausted, but I wouldn't have it any other way.