It is funny. I haven’t checked this thread in several weeks and went today to search for it and there were new postings. Things are improving. I think the previous posters who mentioned that I am probably experiencing grief vs true depression are right. I still feel a sense of loss and miss the building adventure but it is definitely becoming more manageable as time goes on. I haven’t cried in a week whereas for a while there I was sobbing several hours a day. (I’m not typically such a bah bah) I haven’t taken any medication as I didn’t see this as being a long term problem and didn’t want to start something that might be hard to get off. In the short term reconnecting with old friends has really helped. I sent out emails and reestablished my friendships with friends who aren’t SAHM’s. We’ve had a lot of lunch and dinner dates and it has helped to satisfy my need for adult conversation with those whose lives don’t revolve around kids. And my DH finally agreed to take a dance class with me. That exercise and time together laughing was a great mood lifter. I’m thinking of taking another class this fall. I’m a terrible artist (designing a house was easier - its just a bunch of squares put together with a few angles for character - but my husband and kids are quite talented and they think an art class would be a good creative outlet for me so I’m considering that if I can get over my “mental block”. I guess my advice to anyone reading this post is to be aware of the potential for "post-build-em" depression. I worried beforehand that I would miss my project but never thought it would hit me as hard as it did. I think anyone who becomes passionately involved in their build has the possibility of that occurring but for those of us who aren’t working outside the home and live fairly quiet lives the risks are all the greater. In hindsight I think it would have been valuable to have something planned ahead of time to start once the house was completed. I initially thought I’d relax over the summer, spend quiet time with the kids, and get settled. Now I see that was too extreme of a shift in activities and my mind couldn’t switch gears like that. Smoothtalker - I see you’ve had a similar experience. Hope your new build goes smoothly. All I can say is wow - you make my home life seem pretty simple! I was actually thinking of checking into 4-H as my kids are aspiring “farmers”. I still miss the project management and stress of building but I know I will revisit that experience again someday either building new or remodeling, for resale or to keep as rentals, and next time I will be better prepared for the aftermath!! Teresa - I worry that you will someday be in the same boat. Going from talking to (or arguing!) with several people a day to just talking to family and the check out clerk is a hard transition to make. Being in a rural setting might make it even harder for you since you will probably stay at home more often. If I were you I would come up with plans now for something you could do to fill the void. Are you close to a town or city that might offer something? Are you near family and friends? If not, make some, although it looks like from your blog that you know several people or are they all construction workers? It is weird sometimes to think of all the shallow friendships that are formed during a build that disappear once the house is done. I look around my house at the trim, tile, framing, etc. and think what a great job these guys did, how nice they were to talk to and how their “art” is now part of my home and I will probably never see them again. That makes me sad. How nuts is that?? Oh well, tis the joy of home building. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to respond. It helped a lot to gab on here and also to know that there are complete strangers out there who are kind enough to take a few minutes to write words of encouragement or advice. This forum has been a great help both during and after the build.

ttodd, Spectacular close-up shots....simply amazing! amysrq, Isn't it wonderful? As many times as I've watched it, I never get tired of it. Nature's wonders. goldgirl, There have been a few times I've sat down to watch my Hummer visitors, only to notice a couple hours later how quickly time had gone by and I hadn't accomplished a darn thing. Watching those little jewels becomes addictive....be careful! :) Mine have gotten so used to me being outside working the gardens, they don't even flinch when I walk by. In fact, a few actually follow me around and some actually look right at the camera when I'm ready to take the shot. Addictive, I tell ya. In a goooood way. :) For all the Hummer Juicy I make, I need to take out stock in C & H Pure Cane Sugar. Coming in for a Landing. I'm changing the plants in an old iron bird cage and my visitor sits on the bird cage door, watching what I'm doing. This guy just kept fluttering in front of me, checking out the thing in my hand....my camera. Lunch Bell for the Newbies. I added color to the Juicy so they would see it. After they learn where it's at, I no longer add the color. I'm stringing some Morning Glory in through Chix Wire of a homemade topiary. This little Jewel stuck by me all day so I called him "My Groupie".

Wow....what an amazing list of people.... too many of them no longer with us or active here. It is nice to remember some of their names and their struggles that we shared. Thanks for the memories.

Cheryl, we almost dropped that drawer too. The Kitchenaide mixer has it's own cabinet with this stand that pops out. We kept looking at things we could drop to save money, like I said... not wealthy at all.. lol.. but it would not have affected anything so we threw it back in. I tell ya what though, you can still have some pretty darn cool drawers and cabinets and such out there aftermarket. Don't give up on your paper towels! ;) Like I tell my wife (AFTER I got the kitchen.. lol).... I can cook on a $200 stove, but this gives me more fun when I want it....but a lot of times, it is the same old thing as you guys. The problem I run into is it is sooooo easy to remember you are on a budget and go "I can cook this and this and.." yea.. vicious :P BUT.. next week, I am doing Scalopini de pollo, or however it is spelled ;) R