We have visible progress on the house. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunThe basement, with the new siding and windows. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunThe lower windows and siding. Of course, First Reader and I thought more could have been done, considering what the crews accomplished in one day. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunLooking down the unfinished staircase. (C) … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 151

I’ve been staying in close contact with Mr. Sub-Contractor. He’s probably tiring of my asking, “Are you done yet?” This past week, the electrician was up to hook up electricity. Yay, the house now has lights. But not much more. The next task scheduled for completion next week is the downstairs window and door installation, … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 149

One thousand, forty-four days. That’s how long First Reader and I have been un-homed. Our contractor has not done a bloody thing since they placed the house on July 10. Wait, I take that back. They sealed the gables in the days following the delivery. Now, we wait for contractors to decide whether the drive … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 148

Every year, our region experiences monsoon season. A confluence of weather changes in the desert southwest, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean draws moisture in from the south. This moisture clashes with the build-up of hot air in northern areas, which leads to afternoon thunderstorms. One year, the city recorded about six inches of rain … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 147

Now that Mr. Sub-Contractor has the measurements he needs, he’s spent the week getting bids for the project. We communicated late in the week, and he’s crunching numbers, so we should have more information by tomorrow or Tuesday. Having the house on the foundation and not seeing progress is almost more difficult than it not … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 146

Earlier this week, we met with Mr. Sub-Contractor to discuss stairs, windows, siding, decks, and the basement door. Our original idea was to have a wrap-around deck, but with the cost of materials right now, that won’t happen. We opted for a 10 x 10 platform leading into the dining room on the main level, … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 145

Our new house is finally in place. That does not mean it went off without a hitch, however. We had plenty of excitement on house-moving day. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunOur house on the foundation. The day started with clear(ish) skies and mild temperatures. The set crew and crane arrived right on time. They got the … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 144

And so it began, 990 days after we lost our home. Finally. Despite the rainy forecast, the company decided that now is the time to move our house. On Wednesday morning, I received a phone call from one of the road association members, Allan. He’s been in touch with all the players in our little … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 143

The word of the week is anticipation. I received a phone call from one of our community members letting me know the schedule for the upcoming house move. On Wednesday, July 5, our house will move to a spot close to the bottom of our mountain. As long as the wind isn’t ripping along the … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 142