1 DOWN, 1 TO GO

The permanence of  concrete is unmistakable.  Once it hardens, it's there for a very long time.  The first of two foundations for the RV shade cover is now on the ground, and I'll start working on the form for the second one today. 

One of the things I've learned about concrete company deliveries, is that they show up when they say they will.  Unlike the plumber, the appliance repairman, or any other service person who usually gives you a range of hours, like 8 -5, or perhaps if you're lucky, 10 -12, the concrete truck is there at the appointed hour.  At 12 noon yesterday, the truck arrived, at 12:05, the concrete was flowing down the chute, and at 12:25, 2 yards of mud was on the ground.

By 3pm, I had tamped, smoothed, and finished the first foundation for the new metal building.  At a foot wide, over a foot deep, and 48 feet long, with 2 rows of 1/2 inch rebar, these footings will be a better base than ground anchors, which are held by small amounts of concrete.  The building itself is rated to withstand winds up to 110 mph, and even though we don't get hurricane velocity winds in our rural desert location, they do occasionally blow pretty good.
 

If everything goes according to "THE PLAN", I should have the second form done in time to call the county for an inspection on Monday.  The inspector will take a look on Tuesday, and I'll have concrete in the form on Wednesday.  Then, after the concrete cures for a few days, I'll be ready for the building to be delivered, and installed.  I tried to call the company in Arkansas yesterday, but only was able to leave a message.  The Christmas Holiday is rapidly approaching, so the window of opportunity to get this thing up before the new year is narrowing.  Maybe on Monday, I'll get an idea when it can be delivered.