I've already got Richard's book and a lift is definitely in the plan.
Today's update:
Big freakin' hole in the yard. Note the black hose running across the picture and the black circle on the right. The hose is our temporary propane line. The black circle is the 500 gallon underground propane tank that has to be moved because it's one foot too close to the new structure. That was the only glitch today. There was a really REALLY close call with the phone/cable conduit and the water line, but Scot's luck was with him.
Another view of the hole and the old propane line which had to be relocated because it can't run under a building.
One more shot of the rear. Lots-o-dirt and 4 less trees than yesterday.
Tomorrow the hole will be finished, the foundation forms will be built, 4 more trees come down (or up, as the case may be), and the brick guy comes over to see if he can match the bricks on our existing garage. Foundation pour is Wednesday.