08-21-2010: Fireplace mantle, part 2

Rick took the mesquite log to a mill early this morning to have it cut for the mantle (see 5/30/2010 blog entry).  It's now 5 inches thick and is rough cut.  It will have to be sanded, sealed, and the bark taken off the front, but I think it's going to look great.

Rick is pouring footing for the front columns this weekend, and the framers will be back on Monday to hopefully finish everything up except windows & doors. 

The plumber, electrician, & a/c guys will be out early in the week, and the windows and doors should start arriving this week as well.  Rick also has a lot of caulking and nail hole-filling to finish, so he can get the eaves and soffit painted before the windows, doors, shingles, and brick/stone are installed.