Muddy Mess!

With the heavy rains of the last week and the construction, Walnut Grove has become quite a quagmire. Instead of cursing Mother Nature (whom I dearly respect), I instead think of Gillian Welch's song "Red Clay Halo." We may not be heavenly beings here, but we sure have muddy feet!

Digging is progressing slowly but surely. A vein of shale runs directly under the house, so Mike is having to use a jackhammer to break it loose. It will be well worth the effort, though, when we have a full basement under the house.

George Bradley, who was born in the cabin in 1924, his wife and their three daughters visited us a couple of days ago. They shared family stories and pictures, and most importantly, excitement about the project. It was a joy to collect oral history from the family who lived in the cabin--that's what historic preservation is all about!