Karla reporting. Well, the demolishing will begin in early part of October with the hope of selling the garage (every bit helps). We got good news last week on financing, the first quote we were given a few months back was based on their knowledge that we were going to be first time home owners, but that's not the case, so we got a phone call last week from our loan officer that we usually work with and the budget for the construction went up significantly. Mind you we would never borrow as much as they said we could, but it's reassuring we won't have to skimp on some items of importance: quality windows, wood or cement board siding, airlock system, a carport and south facing porch. I guess believing that you are poor has it's benefits...it means you live way below your means. We were astounded. 
This also means that we plan to sell in early spring and hopefully start construction mid-summer....but if we have to wait we will - were good at that too. It's a little surreal that this is all going to happen.
Our architect made our day when he said that this "little" project finds him a lot of joy...he said it's nice to work on something that you love to do! I'm glad he's on our team.

As I write this Paul is staying overnight in the other house (it's a Blue Moon tonight) and I plan on staying over tomorrow, with pizza in hand. It will be nice to get a feel of what it will be like someday. It's a great view...out the south window you can see the lake and at night it's all lit up with sailboats...

It's really happening. This year has had many highs and some lows, but for everything that has come my way I feel blessed. Now, if I can just get to sleep! 
Later! 

Karla