Year One in Our New Home

Well, here it is...on site and fully functional. Hard to believe that it's finished. For something that was for so long only a dream, it's hard to believe that it's now a reality!

This photo was taken in late October. We were able to move in end of August/Early September, while Alan continued to finish up the block skirting and tied up loose ends under the house. Of course it looks much different now, what for the ice and snow and such. There are many more signs of inhabitants, as well--cars, bikes, boats and trailers, etc. There's no denying it, we are home!

Originally, it was my intention to report on the progress of the endeavor as it happened, but to do the work and document it was more than I could handle. So, my plan is to commemorate each step on the anniversary of its completion.

And it all started one year ago, this month, when Alan broke ground on a test hole for the septic system. After much pacing and plotting, Alan had come up with a site plan and determined an appropriate spot for the test pit. According to the Okanogan County Code, it was to be no closer than 100 feet from the domestic water source. And without further ado, pick axe in one hand, shovel in the other, Alan set to work, laboriously excavating the 3x6x6ft. hole--complete with stairs--in the course of about a week. It was a monumental undertaking, and to get up in the morning, go to work and come home again to gauge his progress, was like witnessing a minor miracle. Upon completion, the county sent an inspector who, in turn, gave us our first nod of approval--allowing us to proceed with the next step in the installation of the septic tank.