Happy Anniversary!

No it's not my wedding anniversary. Today marks the 1 year date since I moved to West Jefferson to begin the journey of building our dream mountain cabin. Don't misunderstand, it hasn't taken a year to build, it's just a special day marking my arrival in Ashe County.

August 18, 2011

I little flashback for those that forgot...the photo to the right was taken just as I arrived near town. What you're not seeing is the truck loaded with camper in tow. I was heading into West Jefferson for the very first time. I ended up that night at a campground near town.

Darlene was in an apartment in Raleigh anxious to finish out her last year teaching (June 2012) so my departure was bittersweet.

I had our plans in hand, the funds to build, a few people I knew in the area and that was it.

August 17, 2012

Jump ahead 1 year later and things have changed dramatically. The cabin is almost near completion. The photo to the left shows the electrical cable being buried from the house to the workshop. The workshop is 125' from the house (a good distance if one ever wanted to hide ;^) ).

The guys were back to finish the final grading around the cabin and set the electrical line in also. We've had temporary power for awhile but will be glad to get full power in the next few weeks.

We added some more crush 'er run to the driveway. Crush 'er run is a mix of gravel and other stuff that compacts well and holds up to rain and the weather. We decided not to have the drive paved with asphalt for two reasons...the expense and it doesn't fit with our wanting to keep the cabin rustic.

As you can see, a lot has happened since August 18, 2011...

We see the reality of our plans, the funds are gone, and we have met lots of really nice folks.

For those that don't know, Darlene retired in June from a great 30 year career in education. She does miss the kindergartners but after a short search she's found someone that still needs teaching. I have taken on yet another career change. I was recruited to serve as general manager and CFO for Ashe High Country Realty in West Jefferson. I've been there since July 2, 2012. The business is moving along right on schedule. For those wondering, this is my last career change...I think.

More coming,
D&z

Wet and Wild

Yesterday was Monumental.


Why...because the electricians came to tie in all of the electrical fixtures and setup the panel box. That in itself is a big deal BUT they asked if we wanted the power connected to the cabin. Of course we did but didn't think we were quite ready for such a leap. By 4:30 we had power to our outlets and lights.

Now for those of you that live with electrical power, hot water, running water, showers, tubs, sinks, dishwashers, etc. then you better appreciate those luxuries. An added plus that came with our new found power is the ability to pump water from our well to the cabin.




Again, Monumental! The switch was thrown for the pump and within a few minutes our storage tank was full and we were hosing everything and everybody in sight.

I've harbored a silent fear that once power was tied to the pump we wouldn't have water. The well is about 200' downhill from the cabin and it takes a lot to push that water up the hill into our cabin. I was afraid the pump, submerged 150' into the well, wouldn't be able to shoot it up 150' and then up again another 200'.

My fear was unfounded. The switch was thrown, the storage tank at the cabin started to softly vibrate and within 3 minutes water was flowing like a class 5 rapid.

Now that we have water we don't have to gather our 5 gallon buckets in the truck, drive across the street to our neighbor to fill up anymore. WE HAVE WATER!!!!

Today, our plumber is coming to make sure all is tight when we open the valve to the rest of the house... and that means we'll have water at all the sinks, tub, shower and toilets.

So, the next time you wash your hands, take a shower, or read an interesting book in the bathroom...appreciate your power and water.

More coming,
D&z