Since I have been asked for several for the story of the 4 feet, I will give the story to all. On Monday afternoon, we were aghast when they framed the back of the deck to find it was significantly shorter than we had anticipated. When we asked the workers about it they said that the drawing had a problem. One side indicated it was 32 ft from the back of the house and the other side said 28 feet. They had checked the contract which said 28 feet...so had reduced their original work. (They had already killed the lawn out to 32 feet) Well, I was a bit upset since I had never measured it but had had several discussion about the maximum distance from the back garden.

After researching it, I found that their first drawing was 35 feet deep. The price was way beyond it so I asked him to quote us with it 3 feet less in depth and 4 feet less in width. That quote was still too high...about $5000 more than he had estimated before we went to Japan. He then went back and reduced it about $3000 which we agreed upon. However, I reconfirmed with him at that time that he had not reduced the size beyond what we agreed. They did not leave a drawing with us. I went into their office to sign the contract and saw that it was 28 feet. I had not paid too much attention to the measurements at that point. I told the owner (with whom I was negotiating) that I wasn't sure about the measurements but was this 3 feet from the back garden...which he said it was.

Anyhow, after a sleepless night worrying about it on Monday night and concocting all sorts of punishments if they didn't expand it, I told the workers when they arrived on Tuesday not to do any work before I spoke to the owner. I called and found out that he had been out with the flu and explained it all to his assistant. He said that they would take care of it...They both came over in the afternoon to look at it. The owners first response was that I had forgotten that we had reduced it. I then walked him through all of the above at which point he agreed to go to the 32 feet. It will probably take them a day more but at least we will get what we want.

The hot tub was delivered on Tuesday night but has not been hooked up yet...so near and yet so far!!! Gramma left with Konrad and April on Wednesday morning. It was great having her. I really never thought that we'd be able to get her up again since she does not fly. Her memory is suffering a bit...and she has a hard time getting around, especially with our stairs but it was very nice visiting with her and being able to see the real situation. It sometimes gets a bit inflated by those down there...She is almost 95 and it shouldn't be shocking that her memory is failing! I just hope she can remain independent as she really places great value on being in her own home. We were looking into an apartment for her but there is a 2 1/2 year waiting list!!!

Anyway, after they left, I went down to the temple and ran into LeAnn Bennett (Brooke's mom) We went through a session together which was really great. We live so close but see eachother so seldom. I'm sure when Brooke and Mike are here it will be considerably more often!!!

Well, I need to get the wedding invitations out today.

Love you all,

Mom