This year, Mark and I went to Burning Man for the second year in a row. On the way home from Burning Man, Mark made a decision that he would like to design and build a home before the year ends. We have been working on home designs almost every day since. We have made much progress! We have come up with a floor plan that we both love! It is small but it will meet our needs for the time being. We are planning to apply for a building permit as soon as our plans are complete. We were thrilled to learn that composting toilets and graywater systems are legal in the state of Hawaii! We have sent our plans to a draftsman and engineer for comments and suggestions. We intend to build this home without a mortgage.
Aloha Garden of Peace 
Dear Mark and Rachel,
I was happy to see your planned home. Some of the words I couldn’t make out but see you will have all you need. Will the toilet and grey water system be in a separate structure?
The Japanese maple is a brilliant pink-red now and I love looking out my kitchen window and seeing it.
Please send your highlights of the year so they can be included in my Christmas greetings to family and friends. I’d like to send them the first part of December.
Did you get instructions online about repairing the toilet and grey water system?
Lovingly,
Mother-Evelyn