the plumber was on site today and we tackled the dreaded task of hammering through the frozen solid ancient river sediments.  Many existential questions were asked, such as, why am I doing this, don’t I have a dozen more urgent concerns than jacking this hideously tough rock?   At least we are making progress.  I need these basements done, and poured.  Soon. 

a lot of hard work is invested in making these basements drain properly.   This needs to last decades with little to no maintenance.