It’s been five years since the Cameron Peak Fire ravaged our neighborhood and stole our home. Barely half of us who lost homes have rebuilt. Some decided it wasn’t worth it or they were too old to start over rebuilding in a wildfire zone, so they moved. A few survivors sold their properties and left … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream: Five Years Later
After 1458 days, First Reader and I finally received our permanent Certificate of Occupancy from the county. This was a few days shy of the four-year anniversary of losing the house to the Cameron Peak Fire. We still have work to do, but the building department now considers the house complete. Any new construction we … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 166
I wrote my novel during National Novel Writing Month in 2022. Then, I spent the next two-plus years futzing around with the manuscript until I got it as polished as I thought I could get it. At the beginning of May, I reached out to an editor who came highly recommended by a family member. … Continue reading Moving Forward
Last Sunday night, we put out messages to the contractors asking when they would finish with their respective portions of our construction. Mr. Contractor let us know that the handrails from the main level to the basement were to be installed on Friday. They weren’t, but the company delivered the materials. (eyeroll) We needed to … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 160
It’s been another busy week as we work on the last of the tasks we need to get into the house. We’re waiting on the last of the prior inspection failures to pass on the second round. After that, we’ll look into what we need for the temporary Certificate of Occupancy. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunThe … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 159
Now it’s happening. The plumber has almost completed his piece of the construction puzzle. He’s waiting on a part to complete the system, then we’ll be able to open the water valves and see if any leaks occur. With luck, the plumbing will be ready for inspection late in the week. 🤞🏼 (C) 2023, Peak … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 153
This past week saw more progress on the basement level. The downstairs level saw progress as they put in the slider and added treads to the stairs. However, we need to return three of the windows for manufacturing defects. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunAdding treads to the stairs. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunDownstairs sliding glass door. Most … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 152
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
The house has been sitting on the foundation for sixty-three days. Tomorrow, Mr. Sub-Contractor will begin installing the basement windows and siding. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunThe basement windows. (C) 2023, JJ ShaunBasement materials. This coming week, the workers will close in the downstairs and build the stairs from the upper level to the lower level. … Continue reading Rebuilding the Dream, Pt 150
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
A piece of my scattered mind.
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J.J. Shaun 