We're so torn - like a T-shirt in a cat fight

Geez, can you believe this chilly 85 degree weather we're having? Where's my parka? Can I get some hot chocolate over here? Anyone seen my flint stone?! Only kidding (or J/K....that's how the cool kids are saying it these days). We were finally able to walk on our land without the threat of heat stroke. Of course, this didn't deter the microscopic ticks that seem to latch to our jeans anytime we walk around the hill. Listen, Granny, we bought the land, you can keep your stinkin' ticks!


Now, what have we been up to? We got to spend bank time with Lou on Friday and set up an account at that bank so we can get a discount on our closing costs. Hey, people, every little bit counts. The bank has everything in order and ready, and they are just waiting on us to choose a contractor. And we, of course, are still waiting on the contractors.


As I mentioned earlier, Indy just gave us a number - no itemized, formal bid. After speaking with Lou, we discovered that the bank is going to need something more than a number. Lou, being the A-type banker that he is (and we love him for it), spoke with Indy to elaborate on the requirement. If we choose Indy, we need this to guide our budget. We need to know how much money we can spend in each area of the home. The bank also needs the price points and paperwork from the utilities and electrical departments in Moore County; thus, Lou is saving us from doing the legwork and is obtaining this information himself. Bottom line: Get a good banker like Lou...on second thought...just get Lou!


We met with Pickle yesterday. He went over the breakdown of his bid in detail. We discussed pricing of materials and labor. (By the way, I seriously believe that the labor costs are as much as the cost of materials. Ridiculous! If we thought we could and it wouldn't take a decade, we'd build this thing ourselves. However, you cannot get a construction loan if you build it yourself. Again, ridiculous!) Pickle is extremely organized and thorough. He puts us at ease, for we feel that he worries about the details so we don't have to. He likes to keep us informed.


We are so torn between Pickle and Indy! We feel that Pickle is organized and easy to work with, but Indy has awesome subcontractors (probably better than Pickle's) and is right down the road in Tullahoma. Pickle is easy to talk to, period. Indy is easy to talk to in person but not so much on the phone. Alas, we wait on the breakdown from Indy and the final number from Pickle. Decisions, decisions!