This is the entry to the house prior to pouring the concrete slab. We came over at sunset to place sacred objects to be buried in the foundation. This is the largest one, a Buddha. We celebrated with a glass of wine, a lit candle and grateful hearts.

The concrete crew pours the slab from a concrete pumping truck. One man holds the long tube converying the concrete while another workman spreads out the concrete to form the foundation slab.

These logs are called "vigas" and are a traditional architectural element here in New Mexico. They are typically part of the ceiling and can also be used for vertical structural support, as on the portal They are all hand hewn.

Workmen put the finishing touches on the slab, making sure it is as smooth as possible.

The slab is finally done and left to set before framing begins.

These logs are called "vigas" and are a traditional architectural element here in New Mexico. They are typically part of the ceiling and can also be used for vertical structural support, as on the portal They are made of hand hewn pine logs.

Here you can see the vigas in what will be the living room. These are fanning out from the corner where the living room fireplace will be.

Javier and his crew prepare to stain the living room ceiling and vigas.

The master bedroom framing and fireplace.

Late winter afternoon shadows on adobe wall. The blue window frame is a typical site in Santa Fe.

Lilacs bloom briefly in the spring filling the air with their fragrance. This is the house we lived in when we first moved here in 2004.