New House Progress Report #1

As most of you know by now, Linz and I are building a new house. We knew we wanted to build, but we had a hard time finding available land in Raleigh that was in a neighborhood. Most new land around here is either right off a busy road, or just a one street cul-de-sac off a busy road with a few houses. We finally stumbled across George's Grant, which is a new development that ties into an established neighborhood. We've decided on building a pretty traditional house, with some neat touches like a wrap-around porch and stone chimney.  Here is the basic idea:

We've had plenty of meetings where we've discussed room layout and design ideas, but none of that seemed like we had really started. This week they began clearing the land, so now it seems like we are really moving forward. I figure that's a good time to start posting some pictures on the blog.

Jan 24, 2013 - Here is the "before" shot. We've gotten used to this view over the past few months, but I guess it's the last time we'll see it. There are only two lots in our cul-de-sac. The other family is pretty much on the same timeline as we are, so neither of us will have to deal with construction once we move in. The next closest house is a couple 100 yards away, so we'll be pretty secluded.

Jan 29, 2013 - This wound up being the last day before they started knocking down trees. Mom and Dad were in town doing some of their own house hunting, and we stopped by the lot.

Jan 30, 2013 - Day one of tree removal. Not a very exciting process to document, but I was excited to see progress. I watched the "action" for about 15 minutes on my lunch break.

Jan 31, 2013 - Day two of tree removal. I think it only took them 2 days, because the next day they were working on the neighbors yard. 

Feb 1, 2013 - By the time I got there, they had roughed out the driveway and started working on clearing the trees on the neighbors lot. It takes me 15 minutes to get to the lot from work, so I'm guessing my lunch breaks from here on out are gonna be a little longer...

Blowing Rock 2012

Location:Blowing Rock, NC

Southern Living Idea House 2012

We ventured out to see the Southern Living Idea house today... turned out to not be such a great idea. It was closed, but we got to peek in a few windows. Here are a few teaser shots before the magazine hits the shelves:

















Before we turned the corner and saw the "closed" sign.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Senoia, GA

Back yard flowers

Hydrangeas, day lilies, blueberries and impatiens --

OIB 2012

The Bentley Family met for the 29th (or 30th?) year in a row at OIB last weekend. We stayed in a new place, although it seemed familiar. The weather on Saturday was perfect beach weather. I read a rather interesting story about swashbuckling pirates and treasure hunting. It was the classic novel Treasure Island, something a 29 year old should read. Being 29 and mature, I was able to read it in one sitting. Mom, Rachel and I walked to Poo Babe (Is that really how it's spelled?). We had a wonderful Mother's Day dinner at Robertos. Mom especially loved the Texas Toast, and the salads were worth writing about so they will forever live on in blog history.

 Family 2012

 Dad ordering meatball (w/ spaghetti).

Parents these days with their cellphones at the table... 

An amazing read

2nd Annual Golf Outing

Me and the boys had our 2nd annual golf outing a few weeks ago at Myrtle Beach. After our successful inaugural trip last year, everyone wanted to get in on the action. We increased the group from 4 to 10. Cody's father-in-law has a condo in Barefoot Landing and he let us stay there for free which was nice. Unfortunately it only slept 4, but we made it work with a few air mattresses and some good attitudes.

Pat and Alan showed up early and we played a practice round in Raleigh on Friday. In Myrtle, we played two courses, the Wizard and Man-O-War. They were very nice courses, which we got a good deal on through our friend Jeff. Adam won the Saturday round with a 92, I came in second with a 94, and I think Bobby placed last with a 120 or so... but looked good doing it (see pic). After the round we relaxed at the pool before heading to eat and play some mini golf. At about 11pm we called it a night which was surprising for this crew, but we did have an early tee time, so I won't blame it on old age yet. On Sunday me and Adam tied for first place with a 101... it was a tad tougher and we were all pretty tired. I think high scores were in the 140s... yikes!

We all had a real good time, and can't wait for our next group event. Looking forward to the 5th year trip to Pebble Beach! Sean should have his PhD by then, so we'll have him finance that one ;)

Group photo before our second round began... from left to right: Alan, Adam (worked with Sean), Pat, Sean, Cody, Jason, Me, Bobby, Jeff (from Greenville, friends with Bobby and Pat, and fan and frequent attendee of 6 Inch Voices shows), Ricky (lived in the townhouse off Kaplan with me and Bobby during the summer of 2003).

 Bobby dressed stylishly for our first round. Too bad it didn't shave off any strokes from his game.

 Pat, Cody, and Jason on Sunday

 Sean and Jeff.

 Cody, Adam and Bobby enjoying some Mini Golf

Group photo at the finish.

the patio

Here is the patio---I put the before picture at the end and I don't know how to move it to the top.