NC: update

that's the our future dirt.  

in 12 days, our NC house went from this (front):

to this (rear):

holy wow, right?  and don't you love our little pine forest?  of course, the AAAHHHH-CHOOOs will be frequent but worth every one. 

here's the view from inside looking toward the back (thanks, mom & dad, for checking up on it!). the center spot will hold french doors that open to the yet-to-be-built screened porch.  

yes, furniture will be floating so don't you worry your little self about the lack of wall space.  "minimalism" is our mantra for the new digs.  

this is a shot of the back of our lot (see our teeny green port-o-potty beyond the sign?).  this neighborhood has SEVEN miles of trails down to a river that will have (or may already have) a kayak/canoe launch.  we call it a way to keep kids off XBox.  

of course, we'll have to review the etiquette for an unexpected meeting with a copperhead snake or, perhaps, a black bear.  bummer.  but we all know that good hangs with bad.  sometimes ugly, too.

oh, well.

the brains behind the neighborhood, a delightful southern couple, live in a renovated cottage (former moonshine HQ!) with their two horses, a westie named hatti and a few of these "mules".  they kindly sent  us off on this red mule so we could knock our teeth out trek though the trails with the family.

(and, no, we are NOT buying one of those things... though it might help us outrun said snake and bear.)

it's not the amazon but it was reminiscent of the african safari ride at disney.  

the new house and lighting research are gobbling up my time right now (sorry to my pinterest followers!) so i'll be sharing some selections shortly.  

hey, don't look so excited!