Let There Be Light!
By Loretta
@noni1959 (12576)
United States
January 7, 2026 6:34pm CST
After what feels like forever, today brought a huge milestone for us. Early this morning, PUD was out digging trenches along the small road below our mountain to install the transformer, then made their way up here to set the meter at the house.
My son and I headed into the city to grab groceries, and when we came back, one of the workers was still here doing final checks. Just as we parked… the house lit up!
As many of you know, we’ve been spending these cold winter days living out of our travel trailers while waiting for this house to move forward. Without power, they couldn’t work inside or finish the septic system (which has an electric pump).
Between storms and setbacks, we kept getting pushed to the back burner.
We still have a ways to go before moving in, drywall, carpet, plumbing hookups, and more, but having power means real progress can finally happen. This was a big step forward, and it feels so good to see things coming together.
I’m beyond excited and just had to share the good news.
How is everyone else’s day going?
Photo is taken a few moments after the house lit up. This is the back of the house.
18 people like this
18 responses
@Marilynda1225 (88974)
• United States
8 Jan
I bet your said a big "hallelujah" when you saw the lights. I'm happy to hear that things are progressing well and hopefully you'll be moving into the house one day soon.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (88974)
• United States
12 Jan
@noni1959 you really have had to deal with so much bad weather. Fingers crossed the rain doesn't deter things even more
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12576)
• United States
13 Jan
@Marilynda1225 They are in there working today. They came yesterday as well. Two days in a row! I don't know what to do with that. 
@GardenGerty (167950)
• United States
8 Jan
I bet that feels wonderful to see those lights.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
8 Jan
Yay!!! Lights!!
Is the heat electric, or? I was hoping when the house had power, it would be warmer and you could at least sleep in there if it got super cold. I am so glad, I know that getting the power hooked up is a huge deal!
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12576)
• United States
8 Jan
It is; however, while in Aberdeen today, we stopped at the fireplace business and talked about having one put in later. Thankfully, it doesn't get hot enough here to run the A/C more than one or two days a summer. My son and I conserve, but those girls are going to have to learn better. The inside isn't done yet, so we can't haul in beds or anything. Still need the carpet, trimming, patching, etc.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12576)
• United States
8 Jan
@MarieCoyle No, that is part of the house build. It is all included in the Hey Jude Clayton Homes package. He selected colors, carpet, wood flooring, etc. The appliances are already in. They just need to finish out what wasn't done since it had to be brought in from 300 miles away in two pieces. All the outside hook ups etc. needed to be completed before finishing out to avoid messes. This was raw land and involved a lot of permits, different contractors, city, county etc.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (55456)
•
8 Jan
@noni1959
With electric rates as high as they are right now, and predictions of them being way higher in the next year, we all need to conserve. I know I am very vigilant about lights off, etc.
Are you and your son doing the inside part yourself?
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91239)
• United States
9 Jan
Its getting going Loretta..I am so happy for you lovely friend..I love the photo
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (169314)
• United States
8 Jan
Congratulations! Now things can get on track!
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12576)
• United States
8 Jan
@DaddyEvil We got word a few minutes ago, the house crew wants to come Monday to work on the inside. My son messaged back the stairs etc. are not built for all the doors so the guy will check into how that can work. It's the other contractor that does that. So many hands in the fire but it's moving forward. I'm excited.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (94870)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
8 Jan
So glad for you getting everything back to normal.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12576)
• United States
8 Jan
@sallypup When I was young, I camped rugged. Boiled water to drink and bathe, camp fires to cook on and used a hatchet, saw and other tools. We have power banks we use three different generators to charge up (a 20 amp, 30 amp and my son's truck - a FORD Power Boost), smaller power banks, propane, and batteries. it works but I stay cold since I keep the temp down to save on propane. It's too wet to do fires.
@Deepizzaguy (118822)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
8 Jan
Congratulations on getting your house lit up today.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (118822)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
8 Jan
@noni1959 I know that feeling since my former home lost electrical power due to hurricanes.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12576)
• United States
8 Jan
@Deepizzaguy We've been waiting for this for almost a year now. It's a new house build. Sorry about the hurricane loss.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (215266)
• United States
9 Jan
Yay! One big obstacle eliminated. I'm happy for you.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12576)
• United States
15 Jan
@LindaOHio Me too. They are out there building porches and rails now.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (215266)
• United States
14 Jan
@noni1959 Yay! I hope they get a lot done.
1 person likes this
@luisadannointed (10125)
• Philippines
8 Jan
Cool! I hope everything will be fixed. Hope you can share us the good news when you finally move in. The house is pretty big. I think its so beautiful inside, do you have a mini library or office inside?
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12576)
• United States
13 Jan
There is a small office inside where my son will do a lot of his inventory and work. The rooms are basic size to allow four bedrooms, the office and a flex-living room. I have the very end bedroom and flex-living room. When things get more done, I'll do updates. 
@moffittjc (127596)
• Gainesville, Florida
13 Jan
What an awesome start to the new year! I'm sure you are beyond elated to have power at your house. Now you will be able to see some measurable progress!
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (17130)
• Torrington, Connecticut
8 Jan
Glad everything is coming together
1 person likes this
