Leslie and David's Wanderings: January 2026

We drove back to Granbury on the 28^th. They had completed all the connections to the septic system. The Trim Carpenters had made good progress as well. We have not seen the bill yet for the septic install, but were sure it went over the allowance due to all the rock they had to jackhammer through. We suggested they get their plumber out there to run the water line from the house to the shop while all the trenches were open for the septic system. As usual, nothing happened. Over the last two months, we have been trying to get a price on putting the same clear pine wood ceiling in the entrance hall that is on the ceiling of the front porch to give a continuity from the porch into the hall. All they said is “it won’t cost much and our guys will take care of it”. Just after we got back, Skyler texted that a CR was being sent to the ceiling work for us to review and sign. So, we waited and looked for the email for the CR for several days. We were told the ceiling and barn wood on the fireplace and vent hood would not added until after painting because the painters tape would not stick. The day before New Years we stopped at the Ranch and found a crew installing the clear pine wood ceiling in the front hall. No warning they were going to do it, no pricing and no signed CR approving the work (and definitely before painting). But we stayed silent and let them keep working. Most of the trim work in the house was completed except around the front and back doors where we had requested specific trim work (we gave them pictures). New Years Eve Day, we went back to the house to see how they had done on the hall ceiling. It looks wonderful! But we noticed they had used that same clear pine wood on the fireplace above the mantle and on the vent hood in the kitchen. They were supposed to be White Washed Barn Wood, not clear pine. We took pictures and sent them off to Skyler. We eventually got a text back that yes, it was an error and they would fix it. Sigh! They still have not finished the trim around the front and back doors and the painters can’t start until the trim work is complete. It will take the painters a couple of weeks, then there is a whole slew of things to be done after that. By contract, they are supposed to be finished by 16 January, but it is clear they will not make that deadline. We have been pressing them to give us an updated completion date so we can schedule furniture deliveries and the landscapers. As usual, silence. So frustrating! With all the modern communication channels we have today, silence is not acceptable. We spent New Years Eve around our fire pit enjoying the cool weather and warm fire. Our neighbor, Don, came over and enjoyed the fire with us. There was surprising not as many fireworks as we expected at midnight. We opened a bottle of Gruet Bruit and drank in the new year. The day after New Years, they covered the septic system all up with dirt they brought in. So, we are in wait for the trim carpenters to finish up the trim and undo the pine on the fireplace and vent.