Christmas Countdown - 2013

[made582]

We have been trying for six months to get our building permit to begin construction on our new kitchen/den area. Hubby drew up the plans in AutoCAD, sent them to an architect, then sent them to the engineering firm, and then to the county building inspector. The building inspector, of course, had to find something wrong, so it was back to the drawing board, so to speak. The engineering firm assigned one of the engineers to our project. Hubby made the changes that the building inspector wanted and we sent it back to the engineers for their signatures. During that time, the engineer assigned to our project, left the firm for another job. We had no clue why it was taking so long and finally called the owner of the engineering firm. He told us the first engineer had quit, blah, blah, blah. They re-assigned our project to someone else, and we are finally seeing some movement!!! We hope to get approval this week, but the county building inspector is notorious for finding lots of things wrong that he tells you about "piece-meal." He sometimes does things differently from the codes, too, like requiring a certain fuse box (normally more expensive) when the code calls for a different one (less expensive). I think his lack of experience is making him more "strict" than he needs to be. Also, he is a "my way or the highway" kind of guy. Hubby is no slouch in the inspection business. He was an inspector for the US Forest Service for the last few years on the job, prior to retirement. When you ask the county guy to show you the specific requirement in the code book he gets ticked off at you and then things start slowing down, if you know what I mean, like "how dare you question me." In addition, the money we have to pay just to get the needed permits is close to $5,000. The square footage for the addition and screened-in patio is 1,320 square feet. Because of this, we have to pay a school tax up front of close to $1,000. It seems like it is "always something, never nothing." Hopefully, things will get into high gear this week or the next. We have to worry about the weather: Hubby is doing the work by himself (my oldest son will be helping with the trusses and a little bit of the initial construction), and because of the delays so far, we have to worry about fall/winter because of the rain that we normally get.

Okay, enough of my whining! I have to go to the dentist's office sometime today to get the insurance info to the front office. What fun. Not! So, I will look at some more posts and read more email and TTYL.

Hope it gets approved this week!!!

 

[Seawaters]

I'll make a cheese ball and bring some Chardonnay!

That is super cute!!! Thanks! That would be a fun "crochet along" for our winter "stitch & b*tch nights! We each do a couple squares, then crochet them together!! FUN!

 

[made582]

Good afternoon, MMC!

I hope this finds everyone well. I am feeling under the weather so stayed home. There is a bit of a breeze coming in the window right now so it is comfortable. I think a nap is definitely in order, though. Hopefully I will dream of Christmas!

Be MERRY!

Hope you feel better soon!!!!!

 

[Holiday]

This recipe sounds delish! I copied it AND saved it to my computer, LOL! Here is the pic of one of the two skeins of yarn.

It IS delicious!!!
I like both skeins of yarn! Cool colors!!! I will have to check them out in person the next time I get to Ben Franklin! Thanks for posting!!

I'll make a cheese ball and bring some Chardonnay!

Sounds perfect!!!! :grin:

 

[Seawaters]

Love my red pencils and pens, LOL!!!

I just don't understand creative copywriting. Specifically, how a campaign that consists of long statements printed in all-cap bold block letters on buildings and walls and sidewalks with no punctuation and NO mention of the client can drive business to (un)said client ... I spent quite a bit of time penciling in the correct punctuation, but I'm sure it'll all be rejected 'cause it interferes with the design. I say **** the design and use proper punctuation so readers can understand the message instead of having to puzzle it out! But then again, I'm not a highly paid Creative Person. Such is the life of a proofreader, the silent red-pencil cry in the creative wilderness ...

 

[Holiday]

My friend just sent me an email saying her co-worker decorated their office with pumpkins this morning....


umpkin: :scarykitty:

 

[Seawaters]

I hope they do, too. That is so aggravating, huh?

I hope they correct their mistake for you! They should!! That's frustrating! Enjoy your evening!!! :smile:

 

[Seawaters]

You would think they would have some "training" in design principles!

I just don't understand creative copywriting. Specifically, how a campaign that consists of long statements printed in all-cap bold block letters on buildings and walls and sidewalks with no punctuation and NO mention of the client can drive business to (un)said client ... I spent quite a bit of time penciling in the correct punctuation, but I'm sure it'll all be rejected 'cause it interferes with the design. I say **** the design and use proper punctuation so readers can understand the message instead of having to puzzle it out! But then again, I'm not a highly paid Creative Person. Such is the life of a proofreader, the silent red-pencil cry in the creative wilderness ...

 

[Bradmac]

We have been trying for six months to get our building permit to begin construction on our new kitchen/den area. Hubby drew up the plans in AutoCAD, sent them to an architect, then sent them to the engineering firm, and then to the county building inspector. The building inspector, of course, had to find something wrong, so it was back to the drawing board, so to speak. The engineering firm assigned one of the engineers to our project. Hubby made the changes that the building inspector wanted and we sent it back to the engineers for their signatures. During that time, the engineer assigned to our project, left the firm for another job. We had no clue why it was taking so long and finally called the owner of the engineering firm. He told us the first engineer had quit, blah, blah, blah. They re-assigned our project to someone else, and we are finally seeing some movement!!! We hope to get approval this week, but the county building inspector is notorious for finding lots of things wrong that he tells you about "piece-meal." He sometimes does things differently from the codes, too, like requiring a certain fuse box (normally more expensive) when the code calls for a different one (less expensive). I think his lack of experience is making him more "strict" than he needs to be. Also, he is a "my way or the highway" kind of guy. Hubby is no slouch in the inspection business. He was an inspector for the US Forest Service for the last few years on the job, prior to retirement. When you ask the county guy to show you the specific requirement in the code book he gets ticked off at you and then things start slowing down, if you know what I mean, like "how dare you question me." In addition, the money we have to pay just to get the needed permits is close to $5,000. The square footage for the addition and screened-in patio is 1,320 square feet. Because of this, we have to pay a school tax up front of close to $1,000. It seems like it is "always something, never nothing." Hopefully, things will get into high gear this week or the next. We have to worry about the weather: Hubby is doing the work by himself (my oldest son will be helping with the trusses and a little bit of the initial construction), and because of the delays so far, we have to worry about fall/winter because of the rain that we normally get.

Okay, enough of my whining! I have to go to the dentist's office sometime today to get the insurance info to the front office. What fun. Not! So, I will look at some more posts and read more email and TTYL.

That's terrible!

I understand the need for safe, proven construction methods, but when too much government is injected, these troubles crop up. There are too many govt. employees trying to justify their jobs, and too many politicians trying to legislate conformity.

My suggestion; move to Bellville!

Just my 2¢. :wink:

 

[snowflake22]

Oh, so beautiful, Snowflake!

Love this picture!

Thank you, ladies!! I'm thinking we need to have a picnic there, too. Who's in?!

Just love your avatar, Snowflake!

Thank you, Seawaters! My pumpkin is laying next to me as we speak!!

Oooo. That sounds so good.

Doesn't it? I always decorate around Labor Day, and I'm really looking forward to it this year, at a different home. My best girlfriend, Erin, is coming home for a visit, and she & I are Fall/Halloween nuts!! Must have it decorated for her =] She'll love it!

Good afternoon, MMC!

I hope this finds everyone well. I am feeling under the weather so stayed home. There is a bit of a breeze coming in the window right now so it is comfortable. I think a nap is definitely in order, though. Hopefully I will dream of Christmas!

Be MERRY!

I hope you get some rest & feel better soon, friend.

My friend just sent me an email saying her co-worker decorated their office with pumpkins this morning....


umpkin: :scarykitty:

*AWESOME*!!!

 

[Seawaters]

I think a lot that gets on my nerves is attitude!

(((HUGS)))



(((HUGS))) to you too!!! I hope ou are able to to get your permit very soon!!! Why is it never easy when dealing with inspectors??



Hope you are feeling better quick!!!!

 

[snowflake22]

Xmas, I stopped by JoAnn Fabrics today, and saw these Halloween trees. Not sure what your wife was looking for, but thought that they were cute!

They also have little cute & spooky ornaments to decorate it with. They were 40% off.


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[Seawaters]

Then I am definitely making this!

It IS delicious!!!
I like both skeins of yarn! Cool colors!!! I will have to check them out in person the next time I get to Ben Franklin! Thanks for posting!!



Sounds perfect!!!! :grin:

 

[Seawaters]

Woo Hoo!!!

My friend just sent me an email saying her co-worker decorated their office with pumpkins this morning....


umpkin: :scarykitty:

 

[snowflake22]

Ryan & all Halloween lovers, they also had some cute little Halloween villages at JoAnn's. Much more whimsical than Spooky Town, really fun!

May go back for one or two..

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[made582]

Thank you, ladies!! I'm thinking we need to have a picnic there, too. Who's in?!

I am!!!!

 

[Seawaters]

Love your suggestion, Brad!!!

That's terrible!

I understand the need for safe, proven construction methods, but when too much government is injected, these troubles crop up. There are too many govt. employees trying to justify their jobs, and too many politicians trying to legislate conformity.

My suggestion; move to Bellville!

Just my 2¢. :wink:

 

[snowflake22]

I am!!!!

Somehow I already knew that, buddy!!

Yay!!

xx


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[Seawaters]

I agree with the idea of a picnic, Snowflake. I won't be decorating this year, but next year, that kitchen will look "mahvelous," LOL!!!

Thank you, ladies!! I'm thinking we need to have a picnic there, too. Who's in?!



Thank you, Seawaters! My pumpkin is laying next to me as we speak!!



Doesn't it? I always decorate around Labor Day, and I'm really looking forward to it this year, at a different home. My best girlfriend, Erin, is coming home for a visit, and she & I are Fall/Halloween nuts!! Must have it decorated for her =] She'll love it!



I hope you get some rest & feel better soon, friend.



*AWESOME*!!!

 

[Seawaters]

Love it!

Xmas, I stopped by JoAnn Fabrics today, and saw these Halloween trees. Not sure what your wife was looking for, but thought that they were cute!

They also have little cute & spooky ornaments to decorate it with. They were 40% off.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk