It had been very comfortable and overcast the past several days but the sun is out in full force today. It only reached 95℉ today and was actually fairly comfortable in the shade. I even helped with the house today. The first truck bringing a load of dirt got stuck in mud so he dumped the load which allowed him to drive out. We then had a tractor come in and spread that first load over the low spot where the mud was and Phai and I finished the job (photo below). Now the other trucks should show up either today or tomorrow. The second truck showed up and almost got stuck. It turned out that the first truck broke the PVC line running from our house to Ning's father in law's house and that was pouring water out under the dirt. Well the second truck dropped his load where he was stuck and pulled out. We called the tractor back for another run. We should be okay now with the water shut off.
The outhouse came down today. I had asked them to let me help but I was sitting at my computer and heard a big crash as the last wall fell. I guess they thought I was kidding. I keep running back to try and grab photos as things happen. It is too hot to sit in the yard. It is more comfortable in the restaurant with a fan blowing on me.
The foundation trenches are all filled with cement now (sometimes referred to as a "rat wall"). Once the vacant lot is filled with dirt (17 truck loads) the cement truck will be able to get close enough to the new house for the floor to be poured. The outhouse floor has all been broken up and some of the cement from the outhouse walls will serve as filler for when the floor is poured.
Phai I discussed the layout of the house again today and we drew lines in the gravel with a stick to make sure her son understood what we want. There is no blueprint or formal plan. In fact, no permits of any type are required for building a home here. The only thing needing outside involvement is the water and electricity hook up and we may be able to tap the lines running to the restaurant for electric and water. Even the main water line for "city" water here is just underground PVC. There are no sewer systems and no frost problems here which makes construction easier and less expensive.
New photos have been added to the New House Photo Album and I moved that tab next to the Daily Blog tab for easier access.