After 13 years of dreaming and planning we got our building permit on June 1, 2011 and today, June 12, 2011 we have requested our first inspection - earth compaction.

We had our foundation ditch dug in November 2008 - I can't believe it was that long ago!

That's our friend Ramey and Rick making the first cut.

Last summer the torrential monsoon rains dumped 6 to 8 inches of silt in the ditch which I spent the last couple of weeks digging out.

It's now ready for inspection!

Here's a picture of the house site with our permit "prominently displayed".

Next week we will order perforated pipe and gravel so we can start building our rubble/trench foundation.

Here's another picture with our puppy Tex, the 'zard chaser.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in this saga.