According to the calendar, it’s still summer for another couple of days. While it may not even be autumn yet, it seems like winter is already beginning to arrive up in the northern Rockies. Early snowfall in Montana is a welcome relief for our friends and family there who have been suffering with the numerous forest fires for the past couple of months.
Meanwhile, here in the southern Rockies, the trees are beginning to change and the winds have a bit of a chill to them. The weather report on tonight’s news was forecasting a mix of snow and rain down in Woodland Park this weekend. Since we’re nearly 2000 feet higher here, I’m curious to see whether we might see our first snow of the year. But, our propane tank is full, our new furnace will be turned on on Tuesday, and thanks to my brother-in law, I have a pretty good start on a supply of firewood, too. I think I’ve mentioned that the previous resident here had been operating a sawmill on the property…. there are a number of logs lying strewn around the property, a huge pile of slabs and end cuts, and even a fair amount of cut and split firewood, though it’s scattered all over and needs to be collected. While I worked down at the house, Mike was nice enough to work on the problem for me; cutting and splitting enough to fill my utility trailer.
I towed the trailer down this morning and moved the wood to the empty pallets under the front porch. There’s probably a cord there, and I need to gather more, but it’s a great start and despite the splinters in my hands, it gives me a little peace of mind. I suppose next time I could wear gloves.
Meanwhile, I think we have the electrical figured out and the kitchen is coming along. Our electrical panel was moved out of the pantry and into the ‘sewing room’, which means the electrician had to install several junction boxes to extend the various wires so they’d reach the new breaker box. Not only did he not bother to write down which circuits controlled which rooms, but he didn’t even connect all of the wires to circuit breakers. Believe it or not, the county electrical inspector didn’t seem to take issue with bare, unconnected wires simply tucked inside the panel.
I don’t have the cabinets in yet, but we’re closer. I’ve got the sheet rock up and some of the tape and mud done. It’s beginning to look like something! Here’s a look at the before and now.
Living the Dream 
I agree, in the week and a half that we have been here, you can certainly feel there is a change a comin’ in the weather ahead. Although the afternoon rains turned to evening rain, to no rain at all, as the rain went away, the temperature at night has gotten much cooler (in some case, you could call it cold if the wind starts blowing).
As far as progress, I am quite amazed at what you have accomplished, as a 1 man work-force, a few not so timely contractors, a few volunteers, and a very supportive wife, trying to help where and when she can, Look back at your first posts, you too will see the progress.
However, once you get past the few remaining contracted or hired help in the next few weeks, tieing together the final pieces to get running water, water heater, furnace and septic system up and running…. oh and yes, a few more long conversation with Direct TV to get your TV working at the house, I bet you will then begin to realize the progress you have made.
We have enjoyed spending time with you in your new adventure and will have a better understanding when we see the photos in the future.
We think you are doing an AWESOME job and can’t wait to see you one day soon, sitting on that front porch, taking in the beautiful views all around you.
Thank you for the hospitality,
Sharon & Mike
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