Still Here...

Brrr!

Well, things have slowed down on my building project. I did install my electric system, and everything was looking good, until I called for an inspection, only to discover I CAN'T install my own electric system until I've taken and passed a "homeowner's electrical examination."

The Panel

OK, I took the exam, and failed. Plus, the examiner (also the electric inspector for my part of Taos county), on looking at my plans, noted that I'd used #14 wire for all lighting and sockets, and told me this is incorrect - I must use #12 wire (thicker) for all sockets. This means that most of the work I'd done now must be ripped out and redone...AND I have to wait 30 days if I want to take the test again. My advisor says the inspector is wrong - stay tuned.

Ready to do over...

So, here I sit. Until I pass the electric inspection. I can't have the final framing inspection, and until I pass that, I can't insulate and put up the drywall … and get warm.

I'm trying to decide whether to take the test again or just hire an electrician to do it for me, or at least sign off on my (redone) work.

In the meantime, we've gotten a lot of snow, and nighttime temperatures are below zero most nights.

The ditch ran for a little while after the first snow.

The animals like fire.

The Big Change

July - Zip! The big change is that the money is about gone, and I'll be doing the rest of the new addition on my own, with as much advice as I can get. I'm actually pretty excited to dig in.

Here are a few pictures to bring you up to date:

Quite a month... There was the family reunion at
Lake Metigoshe on the North Dakota/Manitoba border...

Thanks to my nephew Brian for these two photos.

The lake (and all of North Dakota) was gorgeous.

Back in New Mexico,
I made an outdoor box for my very noisy computer.
When I finally upgrade, this will be Dali's doghouse...

You never know what Dali will drag home...
This an elk foot (she brought two). She's so sweet!

You can see the bare beginnings of my mini-aviary,
which will cover all 4 windows with a wire "cage,"
allowing small birds to come and go,
but restricting cats, dogs and other big critters.
Just wait, you'll see...

Many projects begun..
I'm about to wire the house - something I've never done.
I'm getting guidance from my mysterious benefactor,
without whom...
Here he is - John at the bridge at the bottom of the La Junta trail, Wild and Scenic Rivers park, only 10 miles from my house. John and John paid a quick visit from Maui, also in July.

Electrical parts all ready to go.

Roof insulation... actually a little premature,
but I couldn't stand the heat anymore...

My current living situation.
Office is under the bed.
Can you find the cat door?
Finally, just today I started on the rain gutter.
Doing 4 or 5 things at once is my style...

Loyal fans, I'll try to update more frequently.