Shang Updates 

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New range, solar system, pruning & much more.

A couple of the new water tanks waiting in the corral with a large pile of delivered "volcanic base" that is used to cover the waterline underground.
New water tanks.
The excavators.
Waterline trench running along the road to the old horse barn area.
Closer look at trench.
Closer look at trench, new water line and electrical line that is laid all the way from the pump to the upper tank.
Reverse angle of trench looking away from the old horse barn area. You can see the spool of electrical line in this shot.
Looking down the hill (toward the lake) from the old horse barn area. The excavators cleared and actually drove and dug on that steep hill. Went right through rock, no problem.
Trench line going down to the pump house.
New stainless steel silt trap with new connections and waterlines up to the spring connection and down to pump house. Set on pavers. Huge improvement. Very hardened.
Galvanized line from silt trap to spring connection. Working on plan to cover but no trenching in this area due to spring proximity.
Galvanized line connected to spring.
Big rock crushing equipment.
Right tool for job.
Top notch work!
Hello All - 
Lots to update about.
  • Vince and I were up twice in the past 2 weeks to help my dad install the new electrical and water supply for the new range and refrigerator. These two jobs have been A LOT of work. Just think about stringing things through the "wall" behind the cabinets (yes, there is one), connecting to water supply and electrical panel, etc. Very detailed work. Anyway, it is done and my dad and Allan are working on some final touches. 
  • The new gas range is in place (old range hauled away). My dad met the delivery people and the propane conversion guy (which was a separate service). All gas appliances are made for natural gas and must be converted for propane so they work properly. This is not just a connection device. Every jet in the appliance had to be changed for propane. It is done and it works great.
  • The refrigerator saga continues (I'll spare you the details). Old order was cancelled, new order placed - per Sears - and the delivery date is now March 10th. However, it could arrive before the scheduled delivery date (as the range did). Ordering things these days is pretty odd but I am staying on top of it. 
  • We purchased the needed 2x2 and 2x4 lumber for the back porch fire screening project. The lumber is to frame in the screening. Allan was tasked with priming and painting them all so we can pivot back to that project once the waterline project is complete. 
  • The solar system continues to work very well. The final piece of the solar system will be the solar pump. John Takes will schedule his final trip to install this once the waterline project is complete.
  • Brought up some septic treatment. Should be done on a regular basis. Active bacteria in septic treatments breaks down all paper products, solids, etc. 
  • My dad did some pruning of trees and grape vines around the house. 
  • Believe it or not, the firewood supply in the woodshed is getting low. Bringing various piles of wood to the woodshed, splitting, stacking will be needed this Spring. 
  • Green Jeep: Allan is in regular communication with the jeep parts people and the wait continues. More supply chain issues. The green jeep is at his place, covered with tarp and waiting on two parts. He has heard that some parts are starting to arrive so hopefully they will arrive in the Spring. 
  • I finally located the correct size bulbs that are LED for the 3rd floor fixtures. Small round type like the ones that were originally in them. They look much better, and the light is softer too. 
  • My dad will be replacing the old electrical outlet in the "front room", similar to the replacements he did in Grandma's room. Another irritating job but necessary for safety. Those old plugs in the bedroom were pretty bad. 
The waterline and water storage project officially began on January 24th. There are two excavators working at that same time. My dad has been up there overseeing it all and documenting. 

L.D. Giacomini is doing an excellent, first-class job. Allan and my dad both report being very impressed with the quality and efficiency of the crew and management. They really know what they are doing and are very responsive to questions, requests, etc. Below are some photos from the first week. You should be able to zoom in on any of the photos, as needed. 
That's all for now. Hope to have more photos in another week. 
Peter
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