We stopped to check on building materials early yesterday and were surprised to see Matt Swenson drive in. A morning rain muddied up the other job he’d planned, so he seized the moment to install radon pipes. This gave us a chance to talk through cistern installation, the kind of pump we’ll use to get water out of the cistern, and whether or not the faucet on the old tub we’re using is worth salvaging (it isn’t). As we drove off to work, Matt and his co-worker dug in to place the four-inch pipes.

Pavers, tile, countertops, garage doors and a tiny old wood stove for the breezeway/three season porch are on my mind today. The search for affordable, lasting materials that aren’t toxic continues, and it’s harder than you’d think! We’re learning and deciding as fast as we can, so we have what we need (and like) when the contractors are ready.