The Dirt Gets Moved and Relationships Cemented

July 9, 2008


At the site work was proceeding nicely. I met Alphonso who was laying the trench for the inside sewer line. The sewer line is an issue I have with the rear property, my former lot, but which I'll get into later. I informed Alphonso that along the northerly property line, to the left in this photo, there is a sewer easement that serves both lots and that his trench needs to end up there.
I plan to lay two pipes, one for my lot and the other for the rear property.

Enough dirt had been either carted away or moved around the lot so that the bobcat could dig the trenches for the footings and forms for it's concrete placed.

This was to be my last site visit before I left on a 13 day vacation so I had to connect with Mateo this evening.





More than Concrete Was Ready to be Poured


Throughout the years it took to get this project going I always figured that the two most important factors was getting the right loan and the right contractor. Maybe because I work in the City of LA's Construction Service Center I felt confident about entitling and permitting the project, so I believe money and builder were key to making this work.

The loan turned out crappy and I had reservations about Mateo because in the year since we’d been introduced as a possible client/contractor, we became friends. I wondered if it was wise to work with someone you knew so I wanted a resolution clause in our contract so we could continue friends if a problem came up. I had already lost my original contractor on this project who I had known for many years.

I also wanted to use the evening's meeting as an opportunity to introduce Mateo to Jose, an attorney and friend with whom we all shared mutual and beneficial interests. It was a business meeting.

As I sit in Amerstadam’s Schipol airport almost 24 hours since the “meeting” ended, I’ve been trying to figure out how to write about it without compromising those involved. The meeting started at a restaurant, proceeded to a bar, and ended up at my house. Mateo left at four thirty in the morning and Jose at six. The business agenda was accomplished, some sleep was achieved, and most important of all, my relationship with Mateo is preserved.

Your imaginations can fill in the rest.

One final note; I’m going to be away from my baby and was having serious separation anxiety before I left. As I transit to my final destination the excitement of the plane ride is wearing off and the separation sinking in. I’m sure Mateo will take good care of the baby but I still can’t help feeling nervous.