Earthship Blog post #8

October 15, 2016

We’ve had a crazy couple of weeks. Things are finally starting to move. The guy who is doing our dirt work had another job fall through, so he started on our property a week early!

Dave was called off work two Wednesdays in a row, so that gave him more time to work with what was happening around here. It was truly a God thing. He was pretty upset at missing work, because we need the money, but he’s gotten so much done on those days.

We worked on one of our storage units, trying to find our winter clothes. I know this warm weather won’t last forever. It’s warmed back up a lot, to the point of close to mid to high 70’s during the day, so we have a bit more time.

This week they started the septic system. We had it inspected already, but they wouldn’t sign off until we have the house laid out. The leach field must be at least 100 feet from the cisterns. That puts the house and the cisterns over to the west quite a bit, but I think we’ve got it all covered. Scott, our dirt guy seemed to think everything would be okay. I tend to over think everything. Especially since we’ve had a few set-backs in getting our main building permit.

The building inspector called almost immediately after we submitted our plans and told us we’ve got several issues. One being that there’s no permanent heating system. In an earthship we don’t need one. The building itself is set up so you won’t need heating or cooling. We were planning on putting a woodstove insert in for backup.

Dave called the inspector and asked to meet with him to go over these issues. He was a bit hostile over the phone, so that left us upset and ready to fight for what we want. We called our friend who already has an earthship and he told us to kill him with kindness. The guy wouldn’t set an appointment with us, but we happened to catch him in the office one afternoon. We went in with a positive attitude, even though we were both nervous and fighting with each other like snapping turtles. We’ve both been under a tremendous amount of stress and, I have to admit, I haven’t been as patient as I usually am.

We had a good meeting with him, our hats in hand, and were basically told to call our architect in order to fix the things they are requiring. Namely a window from the master bedroom to the outside. (Even though there are at least four ways to get out of the bedroom in case of fire.)

Dave called the architect’s assistant in Taos, New Mexico, and we were expecting a long wait, due to the fact that he was headed out of the country for a build for three weeks. He surprised us with a call on Friday and was going to bat for us! Dave got another e-mail this week stating that he had talked to the inspector for the county and we’ll be getting an updated set of plans in the mail soon.

Yesterday was a bad day. I’ve been tired watching the grandbabies full-time, and very discouraged. I drove my grandson around trying to get him to fall asleep and began to look at normal houses. Houses with plumbing, electricity, water, grass, trees and not so much dirt. Dirt, dirt, dirt everywhere I look. I had a little pity party.

Today I’m over it. God has given me another gorgeous day. I’m watching a rabbit out the window of our camper. He shyly hides the food I left out for them last night. Each day is a gift to open, that’s why it’s called the present.

Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

P.S. The kids and I found a Jerusalem cricket, also known as a child of the earth. Probably unearthed by all the ground work. Creepy but harmless.