Construction on the courtyard wall started this morning. We went to do some shopping down in the Phoenix Metro area and by the time we returned home the trench was nearly complete. The work continued until later in the day and the trench is complete with the rebar installed.
Image – the finished trench looking toward where the front gate will be. Click on the image to enlarge.
We also scored another important milestone for the steel security doors. We had been working with a vendor in the Tucson area but when we were shopping today Verna noticed a storefront for security doors. We went in and talked to the salesman for a while. He gave us a quote which was less than half of what the Tucson vendor quoted us. That should save us enough money that we can afford steel doors for both the front and rear entrances.
Courtyard – We spoke to our contractor last week and gave him specifications for a wall and gateway to enclose part of the house to form a courtyard in front and a dog run on the side of the house. We will have an estimate to build the wall this week and will ask that the work be scheduled right away.
Landscaping – After the wall is up and the gate has been installed, we are going to start landscaping the yard. This will take some time to accomplish but we are planning to put gravel down on the RV drive through and in the courtyard. Later, we will bring some of Verna’s cactus from California.
Shutters – Tomorrow we will order shutters for several of the windows. I contacted a vendor in the Phoenix area that offers a southwestern shutter style that will match our Santa Fe style and will look very nice inside and outside of the house. The wood and stain will match the wood of the cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Furniture – We promised ourselves that most, if not all of the furniture in the new house, would be new. This week, our first priority will be to get a dining room set. Gradually, we will be acquiring furnishings and decorations that are appropriate to the old west and Santa Fe style that we love.
Security Door – We probably don’t need this door for security as much as we want the southwestern style and the ability to open the front door and let the air in and keep the bugs out. I contacted a vendor that is willing to travel to Wickenburg to meet with us and to measure the door. He will also install the door when it is complete. The style we select will match the color and style of Verna’s sconces. 
Screens – While driving through the neighborhood, I noticed a screenmobile parked about two blocks away. I took down the number and called our neighbor who installs custom screens. He came out to our property and immediately furnished a quote for screens for all the windows.
