June 22, 2005—The Winds of Change Blow Swiftly
Last September when we were probably sitting somewhere alongside a river in Montana, I needed something to do so sent off Marc’s resume to some internet ads wanting construction superintendents. A couple of weeks ago, we finally had a positive response to one of those resumes, so positive that the company immediately interviewed and hired Marc.
Obviously, for us to uproot from our endeavors and new jobs in Yuma, the offer had to be outstanding, and it was. This company builds apartment communities all over the state of Arizona and New Mexico so once again we would have the possibility of travel as we completed one project and went on to the next. It seemed like a good fit, and now I am writing this from the very small town of Show Low, AZ in the White Mountains.
Show Low is not near to anything, sits at an elevation of nearly 6400 feet, seems to be a retirement community, and is very reminiscent geographically of our former home town of Bend, OR minus the Cascades. The town is in the pine trees; the edge of town and beyond where we’re located, sits in the rolling juniper covered hills. It is very small and very spread out and is growing so has lots of new buildings. To better help orient you, we appear to only be about 60-70 miles from the Petrified Forest National Park off Interstate 40.
Marc’s job site is a pretty piece of pine laden property on the southern end of town where he will build 150 apartment units in 19 two story buildings, with a clubhouse and carports. We predict it should take nine months to a year.
Wrapping up our lot in Yuma was a sad thing to do, but we plan to rent it out over the winter since we won’t be back there any time soon. We will continue to develop it as we can, which now may take several years. The privacy wall I was so anxious to see done, got built but not plastered. We had just planted some snail vines to grow up the side block wall and some small palms in the front planter area they just finished building. We got a drip irrigation system in and hope it works while being unattended. We had also just purchased a spa; it now sits covered and empty awaiting our return.
I said sad goodbyes to my co-workers and teammates on the subdivision sales job I held and hung up my license until I decide if I will pursue real estate here. We have located in a very nice RV resort out in the country, complete with full amenities, a golf course, and big lots. I will spotlight it later as I’m leaving soon to visit my family in Bend.
We hope to repair our website and be better about posting updates since we look forward to exploring this area of Arizona and bringing it to our readers.
