The countdown is on to closing. Originally, we thought we’d be delayed until Friday, but the inspection pieces fell into place and we are still on for Thursday morning. That means moving on Friday morning and settling in over the weekend, with assorted projects to get underway.

There are fires burning up across the Georgia state line. This morning, on the way to the insurance agent’s place to sign off on the homeowner’s insurance paperwork, the smoke was thick because the wind was from the north, pushing the haze our way. That blew off in the afternoon, but we’re expecting it again in the morning, since the fires are still burning up there.

But let’s go backwards in time, shall we?

For the past week, we have been out to the house almost twice a day, every day. Yesterday early, the pool guys were there after the safety inspection had been completed.

Every job has its own specialized tools. A couple of the guys were wearing these platforms on their shoes. The platforms have four pointed feet underneath, so they’re not leaving footprints in the sealant.

Here’s a gratuitous beefcake shot of a broad-backed worker for those interested. And you know who you are.

We also found to our surprise that the dumpster had been pulled.

As we were leaving, the worker bees from next door were pulling the trailer and the remaining fenceposts off the property and taking them to the other side. I suppose the builder must have had a word and indicated that we were getting close.

After taking some more photos, it was time to head out again. When we returned home, we found a coupe of birds doing that springtime dance. Love is in the air, indeed.

A couple hours later, it was time for a return trip, to check out the pool again. The workers had gone, and there was a snake in the pool.

Not really.

Water!

Slowly but surely, the pool was filling. I had neglected to both charge the battery in my camera and to bring the spare, so that was the final shot of the day. I wanted to take another shot from upstairs without the trailers and posts on the side, but alas, there was no juice. It will have to wait until tomorrow, assuming that I get over there.

Which is a question mark of sorts, as I have an appointment with the ENT in the early afternoon. Nothing terribly serious, but rather annoying: the scans are not showing any decrease in activity (but no increase either), and there’s a bit on tingly stuff from time to time. So, time for a visit to let the doc poke around. I always resist the temptation to chomp down on their fingers…

And finally, a recommendation: if you speak French, or can sit through a movie in French with English subtitles, see Amelie. I finally had the chance to watch the entire movie from start to finish, and it is an excellent movie, with some quite finely nuanced performances.