It is quite a process, isn't it? I like that idea of Mary's, though. I've seen so many houses that are little wooden gems get pushed over so people can build a new brick one on a slab. And those little old ones can be purchased for very reasonable prices, even with the moving costs. I'm thinking of Everett, Washington, where I've read several stories lately. And I've seen lovely little houses moved in places like the Fairmount neighborhood, and Arlington Heights, here in Fort Worth.

I was just out working in the yard, and when I walked into the garage to look around for the gas can and pruning shears, I had that same little bubble of pleasure rise up--it is just a garage, but it is a building that I had built. I didn't use hammer and nails myself, but I planned it, paid for it, and have enjoyed using it exactly the way I planned. Even the most modest structure, if it works the way you want, is a reminder that we all leave marks on our environment that we hope will stick around for a while. But if they don't, we know how to do it again. Good luck with the continued planning, maeve!

SRS