The last few days have gone past in a puppy induced haze of little sleep and lots of joy. Finn is a gentle, sweet, curious, huge-pawed bundle, who is settling in wonderfully. He is also the reason this letter is arriving today and not yesterday as I was too tired to type. However, my fingers are just about working today so I thought I would send you all a van update.
Before Finn’s arrival over the weekend, I had spent two days working on the van with Stuart. It is invaluable having Stuarts help with all the parts of the build I can’t do alone - the electrics, the gas, cutting holes in the van. Last time Stuart came we chose places for all the main components of the electric system. This time we ran the wires between them, neatly and tidily creating a run of power through my van that will (eventually) give me light, keep my food cold, provide running water, power my fan, and charge my laptop so I can continue sharing my adventures with you all.
I’m not really much help to Stuart, but he kindly explains everything he is doing so I am beginning to get a very basic understanding to the component parts of the van’s electrics. He also answers my questions, helps solve build problems that need a fresh eye, and offers advice for the ever-important question of What Next? I literally wouldn’t be able to do this without him and am so grateful I don’t have to.
Perhaps the most exciting part of our two days was getting the solar panels fixed to the roof. I bought them a long time ago and they have been safely waiting in my Mums shed. Seeing them glinting on the roof of the van makes me smile. Though they aren’t fully wired in yet, simply having them up there makes the dream of my van home feel far more real and achievable. I will harness the sun for art and adventures. It will nurture and power my life as it nurtures and powers this planet. What a magical and humbling thing that is.
Before Stuart left on Friday, I got his help creating a list of what I could work on without causing obstructions to the installation of the water and gas systems. It’s a long enough list that I will be able to continue making progress while saving up for the next big step. I like the big steps, I like opening my van and seeing such huge progress, but I also appreciate the little steps because they keep me moving forward. So, I will keep taking them and see how far forward I can get.
More next week, until then I hope you enjoy the sun, and the green beauty it has brought to our trees which are now crowned by the bright green of fresh leaves.