OSCAR-MIKE-GOLF

The process of building a new home is a far larger pain-in-the-ass than I ever expected that it would be. The general contractor called me with a change that needs to be made (the basement ceilings need to be raised from 9′ to 10′ because of terrain features and the excavation). So back to the County we go with the plans for a modification. Naturally it will cost me more. But it will be a nice hovel when it’s complete.
It’s elk season so all work has crawled to a stop until everyone gets his elk. While I understand that completely at one level – because elk season is REALLY important – it would be nice if they’d hurry up and shoot their elk so they can get back to work.  IF I HAD KNOWN , I would have stayed up there and would have shot elk for them while they worked… True there’s no fun in that for them, but they’d have elk. Elk season is followed by deer season. Then there’s duck season.
There were elk up on the property last weekend. I could have bagged two or three for the cause. 
And back to the matter at hand, there are more things that I’ve thought of that I wish to do with the property and they all cost more than I’d prefer to pay. My original budget for this was $X and I’m past double that for the project now with my new stuff including a 10,000 water tank for the well to fill, the greenhouse, the conservatory (separate build), etc. It’s my own fault. It’s like being a kid with a new toy. 
The contractor is happy.

The bank’s appraisal came in low but considering that I’m putting 75% down, who cares? I asked them if they factored in the kitchen (Sub Zero/Wolf) that the kitchen consultant is planning, etc. etc. They didn’t. Doesn’t matter. 

I haven’t even started on the ‘mine ride’ for the grandkids – essentially ore carts that run on a track around the property, pulled by a small locomotive. The engineering for that will have to wait until all this is done. I have a source for narrow gauge rail in Victorville, CA that I’d need to haul.
The picture (left) is a similar contraption (Calico and Odessa Railway) in use at the Calico Ghost Town in the California desert. It’s an amusement park of sorts that is affiliated with Knotts Berry Farm.
The ride will cross a small gorge like the one pictured (right) two times in the circuit, so I need two of those bridges that look rickety but are actually strong. 
I don’t know that the ride will ever be built, but it’s in my head. And nothing good comes from things that are “in my head”.
My hopes of retirement have been put on hold and I will remain at the salt mine. I think that I need to up my fees. I’ll call my accountant at Gringotts this afternoon. They say that Goblins make the best CPA’s. 

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12 COMMENTS

  2. Geez, your taking what started out as a way cool wilderness adventure place for the grandkids and turning it into Disney Wooled.
    And, really a conservatory, WTH! Yea, I know it's your place, your money, just makes me sad is all…

  4. I don't know whether or not the light rail thing will be built or not. It's been on my mind since the beginning as something to lure the grandkids to the place.

    I can have a conservatory/greenhouse structure and it can still be a wilderness experience. The house is in the mountains but it was never envisioned as a "cabin". I went though a number of construction material options and settled on the most fireproof. Living in a pine forest means that a fire is a 'when not "IF" consideration.' The only meadow on the place will be filled with a house with a 5,500 square foot footprint. True, the garage is 2,000 square feet of that, but even so. I was just up there and even though it's early excavation and posts with flags planted by the surveyor to match plan to terrain, it's a big place. The 'conservatory' will also offer a carport style trailer coverage area to park the trailers (enclosed motorcycle and an open bed ATV trailer). Separate from the house by about 100 feet it is also a guest quarters area with a nice overlook. I need a place to put MANY books that I own…now in boxes, that I like to reference from time to time. I had a place in the old house and I'm concerned that I'll run out of room for them in the new one even though it's a big house. The big house is divided between living area and a guest area in addition to the possibility of putting guests in the conservatory/greenhouse.

  7. Vastly less expensive. When you consider the expense of maintaining, insuring and operating a King Air, we're hardly on the radar – let alone the purchase price.

  8. " I need a place to put MANY books that I own.."

    Yes. Oh my, yes—

    artthatmakesyoulaugh.com/workszoom/2061916

    I first rode this line when my dad took me as a young lad. I have been a live steam nut every since.

    goldengatels.org/

  9. Very glad to hear you've raised the height of the bunker ceiling; 9' is claustrophobic. And looking forward to the Elk hunts! Great result.

  10. I’m intrigued to know how much double $X is. Please supply some complicated mathematical equation in order that we, your devoted readers, can have a stab at working it out. Winner gets shares in the WWM. Yeah?

    A mine ride! COOL! And a zip wire that leads to a den in the woods filled with dubious weapons!

    But Larry, the very best of things come from “in your head” There, anything is possible!

  12. "The process of building a new home is a far larger pain-in-the-ass than I ever expected that it would be"

    Now that is some funny!
    Just add money and stir.

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