Saturday, September 11, 2004
Tanks For Nothing and Your Poles For Free
We’re currently muddling through the hottest
and buggiest days of the season. I’m telling friends and relatives to stay
away; it’s our worst time of year. It’s been into the 90’s almost every day
and I have to time my outside duties to the early morning or late afternoon.
Unfortunately, everything I need to do is outside and I get a little
antsy sitting around waiting for things to cool down. Thanks to Spike TV and
TIVO, I’ve been catching up on all the past Las Vegas CSI episodes. I just
discovered the show last month.
I’m currently working on three major projects that are directly related to
our new (future) house. Our rural fire district now requires that all new
structures have a fire hydrant. By “fire hydrant” they mean that each home
owner must provide water storage and a means for fire fighters to draw that
water. It means running a 4” pipe from our water tank to a spot near the
main road and installing a special fitting so they can hook up a hose. They
suck that water into their tanker trucks and use it for fighting brush
fires. Just a minor detail but last October when everything burned, they
refused to come to our area. I've decided to buy a gas powered auxiliary
pump and fire hose so next time I can fight my own fire. Get yours at:
http://dot-homefirepump.net-1069434.namezero.com/
Project number two has to do with getting electricity to the new home site.
This project has been especially frustrating because of confusion over what SDG&E
is responsible for and what I’m required to do. Everyone has a different
story. As of today, I have to install my own power pole and electric meter.
The hole for the pole has to be 5 feet deep and no more than 100 feet from
the main transformer. I have to mount the pole and install the meter and
main
service breaker. 
Ever buy a telephone pole? No problem, just drop by your
local telephone pole store the next time you go out for groceries. FYI, I
found one for $190.
The third project is the most ambitious and is getting the most attention.
My neighbor and I have combined forces to have a helicopter set our new
water tanks. Ever rent a helicopter? No problem, just stop by your local
helicopter store the next time you’re out walking the dog. We’re currently
trying to assemble 6 neighbors to help on the ground when the tanks are
placed. Lots of interest but it will be on a weekday and most people will be
in town at work. Details, details.
