Day 282 October 16, 2002

I woke up very early (for me) around 7:30. I need to call the building inspector between 8 and 8:30 to catch him before he goes out on the road. I hope to get his approval for my stove installation so I can get my C of O and get the hell out of Dodge. I called and left a message at 8:10. He didn't immediately return my call so I set about preparing the mud room tile area for grouting. I cleaned and vacuumed, got out the tools and mixed up a batch of grout. As I was letting the grout "slake" (sit and absorb moisture) the inspector who came out to my cabin on Monday called me back to ask if my stove was UL approved (yes) and if I could bring the chief inspector the hearth specifications required by the stove manufacturer. Absolutely. I got directions from him and went to their office. I felt confident in my installation and was buoyed by their willingness to discuss a solution. When I got to the office (quite busy) the chief was in a meeting. While I waited I took in all the maps and pictures on the walls. These guys don't have an easy job. They are also in the same office as the embattled tax assessor, and that can't be fun. The inspector came out into the hall and I showed him the manual for the stove. He asked me for the dimensions for the hearth I had built and I gave them. He realized that this is a very modern stove and that the spec they had furnished me were for an old school wood stove. He felt there was no problem with my installation, made a copy of the stove manufacturer's requirements and informed the other inspector to approve my paperwork. I thanked the men and split. I'm thrilled. I head back to the cabin. I discarded the grout I had mixed, mixed a new batch and grouted the tiles. I called Laurie to give her the news, took a last satisfied look around, and went home.