First, did you know there is a whole world of concrete memes? I did not and am resisting all of my instincts to post some of the funnier ones here now. Instead, let’s focus on the fact that the most concrete thing we could do was lay a foundation that will cement our steps before we hit the asphalt.
Sorry, I had to…
John and I were really impressed with the foundation crew – they had lighted barrels to mark the drive entrance for the concrete trucks, huge lights for the workers, and put up red tape across our neighbors driveway to be sure that no construction vehicles used their road.
It was a beautiful October morning in Texas – 65º F pre-dawn with a high around 78º F by noon.
By the time we arrived at 6:30 AM they were on Cement Truck number 22 and pouring for our great room. The local company used is called Lauren concrete – which we thought was fun since that is our daughter’s name!
I tried to stay out of everyone’s way as they poured and leveled the concrete. While we watched and chatted, the sun rose and they were able to turn off the big spotlights.
We were so grateful that we could be there that morning to see our home’s foundation being poured and to say thank you to everyone! I set out a tray with the cinnamon strudel muffins and whole carton of orange juice when the crew had a chance to take a break.
Unfortunately, I had to head back for an 8 AM staff meeting, but John was able to stay and capture a few more shots. The crew was also really nice to him and shared their breakfast tacos wrapped in foil with him.
While I worked, John captured the porches being poured. It was really fun to see a particular area “take shape”. Also, they did all of the house interior before doing the exterior porches. Below is a 10 foot deep porch off our master bedroom being poured.
At lunch I was able to come back and see everyone smoothing out the cement with concrete polishing machines. In all, it took 27 trucks full of concrete to complete our foundation slab. It is supposed to rain tonight, which everyone says is perfect timing. Apparently, the concrete is quite hot as it is poured, so the rain will help to cool and cure the foundation faster.
Finally, before leaving, John and I inserted a 2019 penny into the foundation on the front porch near the front entry door. We’ve heard lots of stories of people marking their foundations – adding animal prints (one gentleman told us he had shot a deer and used the hooves to make a track across his front porch), adding hand prints or initials, throwing coins across the foundation, etc. We opted for a penny to represent the year when the foundation was poured, to provide good luck (it is heads up) and to represent our years in Illinois, since honest Abe is the face on pennies and Illinois is the Land of Lincoln…
The foundation will now cure for a week or so before the framing begins and the framing lumber is being delivered on Monday, so the plot (and foundation) thickens!
Had you ever heard of any of these foundation marking rituals? Which would you or have you done? As always, thanks for stopping by!
Hugs, Libby