It's starting to come together.

The first coat of stucco is on.

Sheetrock is hung and taped.

Before the sheet rock was hung, we did a walk-through with the project manager.  It's impressive the details they cover.  The walls were checked for straightness and either shaved or shimmed to compensate for inconsistencies.  There's a whole house pest treatment system.

Running through the exterior walls of the house are small tubes.  From the exterior of the home the pest control company can come and inject the pesticide and it circulates through then entire home creating a "ring of defense".  I've read up on it and some naysayers allege that it not only keeps the bugs out but also keeps them in.  Hmmm.  Well, the fact that the company has to be paid to do this eliminates the option.  Alas, we are cheap in that area.  What is cool is the smart box in the master closet.

All things tech go into this box including phone, satellite and the DSL.  We have satellite but that's never been a problem.  Phone, nope - we're 100 percent cellular.  DSL - a distinct advantage due to the fact that no modem is required.  The router plugged directly into the wall is our onramp to the information superhighway! The mortgage company also let us know today that "now is the time to lock-in our rate".  There's nothing like a Christmas move!