We dropped Derek off at school.

We dropped Derek off at Western State on Thursday and although we celebrate his growing up and leaving the nest, it is hard knowing he won't be around the house, even if it is just for sleeping, as it has seemed this Summer.

We helped him setup his dorm room, took him to dinner, then left him in his room looking ... alone. The dorm would not begin to fill until the weekend, it was still and very institutional feeling. Derek left the next day for a 7 day raft trip down the Colorado River, leaving from Cataract Canyon, Utah (Moab) and ending at Lake Powell. We will not hear from him again until the end of the week at the earliest.

We are planning on going out to Gunnison on Saturday ... to deliver his fish, ya right.

The was a weekend of cleaning and painting at the house site. The end of framing and rough-in have left a lot of sawdust, which along with the mud from the rainy weather have left a mess around the house. That along with the painting of the exterior doors made for a full three days of activity. It was kinda nice not having anyone else around the site so we could work it at our own pace and order, without wondering what the professionals are thinking.

The deck is complete, other then the kickers I need to add to the stairs as a result of the framing inspection. This has to be completed before the certificate of occupancy inspection. Although not part of the original plans, I am going to use the deck picket material and design, to build stair kickers that will pass the 4" minimum opening restriction.

The furnace was also installed. It only needs the gas plumbed and power. We should be ready for the Fall weather.

We also now have a Drywall Sub. Dave from Best Drywall dropped by on Saturday and will start rocking on 8/21. It will take him about 10 days to complete the job (220 sheets).

This week Pyle Insulation will start on Wedensday. They are planning on calling for an inspection on Thursday. It won't complete until the sheetrock is installed and they can blow in the ceiling insulation.

I can't end without whining about painting. It takes a certain mindset and skill to do it well. After painting doors for most of the weekend I have decided I have neither.

So here is a question; what color does the edge of the door get painted, the color of the closed or open side?