The housing adventures continue! Our builder let us know that he was very skeptical about being able to build our small cabin in time for us to occupy it before winter. He recommended that we order and purchase the materials now and stockpile them, then start construction in the spring. (He estimates that material costs will higher–even much higher–in spring than now.) So we’re reconsidering. Here are some options:

• Work with son Keith and family to get their pole barn built, insulated, and heated as quickly as possible.
• Rent a house in Bonners Ferry or nearby for the winter.
• Take the RV and go south, maybe visit daughter Laura in Georgia.

Have I mentioned that we’re getting a dog? A big dog? That might have an effect on the last two options: traveling or renting with a dog the size of a small bear could be a challenge. Rascal is three-quarter Maremma (https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/maremma-sheepdog#/slide/1) and one-quarter Great Pyrenees (https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees/).

So, for the present, we’re working to get a pole barn built. It will be sized to hold both of our RVs and we can live in comfort through the coming winter (he says hopefully). Some concerns are that it is built from a kit (Ikea Pole Barns?) and the kit was only ordered a week or so ago and is expected to be delivered in two or so more weeks. We’re hoping it’s not late; the kit is being made locally, so that might help. Next, some of the construction will require heavy equipment; lifting the trusses into position, for example, which will mean hiring someone with the equipment to do the work. And then there are all the unknown unknowns…