A Duke Energy technician called this afternoon as I was applying a chalk finish pickling to the shiplap wood boards Keith had just stained for his office ceiling. The technician called Keith’s cell but insisted on speaking with me. He explained he was coming out to disconnect the secondary service to the “barn and well pump” i.e. the dwelling we are presently living and have affectionately dubbed The Acorn. I sat in silence for a few seconds trying to grasp what and why he was telling me such a thing. I finally said, “I don’t have a CLUE what you’re talking about – let’s start from the beginning because I absolutely, positively didn’t call you to disconnect anything.” He obliged.
We have tried for the last two stinkin’ weeks to get Duke Energy out to upgrade our service. Two weeks ago a fella came out at the County Inspector’s request to access the power lines coming into the property. “Jeff” of Duke told me the current currents (yep, went there) were inadequate for a modern home and they would have to run all new power lines from the road (a BIG deal), and his “boss man” would need to come out. He also said we were looking at a fee of $3k to bury the lines from the current pole to the new junction box. But, said “Boss Man” has YET to show – and after an extensive conversation with a customer service rep (again) only the day before, we have yet to see Duke Energy do anything except attempt to cut off our power. * face palm*
At this point in the process, we’re at the mercy of Duke Energy. Our contractor has an “in” with a Duke Energy engineer – time to call in favors. Thing is HVAC can’t be hooked up until the power is adequate to pull a heat pump – but even more pressing to me, nor can my washer and clothes dryer! In the meantime, interior finishes are continuing…the first of the shiplap ceilings have been installed. The following pictures are of our new kitchen. I’m digging the more rustic feel – pine knots, nail holes, seams and all.
