October 30, 2003 (cont'd):  Although it's almost tough to believe, there is already a backhoe in my front yard.  The plan today is to scrape off the sod and prep for the concrete.  The plan has to be put on HOLD though when the backhoe uncovers a 40+ year old OIL TANK buried in our front yard right by the front door (see 2nd picture).  This will cost me $1000 or so (more if there are EPA troubles!).  Anyway, it's off to the city again for me today to wait around and see if I can come up with a permit for the disposal/decommission of an old oil tank.  Turns out a $100 permit for that is necessary and then the guy who removes it (Ben at AAA Tank Service) has to submit a letter that

says he removed it safely and properly so that it does not come around to haunt us ever again.  I got the permit despite the fact that the person who is actually the issuer of them was not in the office at the time.  I just got lucky running into an inspector from the fire dept. and he took a shinin' to me!  (careful)….Anyway, now they'll bill ME for the permit and we're off and running!  In the morning tomorrow, I'll have to go to Monroe fairly early, so I'm stressed out about leaving…...

….Today was one of the most stressful I've had in a while.  I'm just so keyed up about everything getting done right so that when we go to frame up the building it all works together.  I'm worried about every step.  I hope it goes well on Friday (tomorrow/halloween) because I won't be able to be here to keep tabs on everyone. I'll ask Doug (dad) to come over and act like he knows what he's doing to keep the pressure on in the AM.  More to come!!
Novenber 3, 2003: A flurry of activity today.  The guys were here at 7am to start up the backhoe.  Ice was on the ground and the air was COLD.  The guy who works for John Palmer was here

early to get started with the digging.  Today is the day that we will get some compacting done, some digging done, some measuring and some inspecting….next page please!….