Good morning!

The plan is coming together.

On the remote job front, I’ve been working on learning through Cybrary.it as well as working with my current employer to see if opportunities exist for future remote work. Not much else new on this front. I am interviewing for an opportunity to have a cross company role I hope works out. It could provide a springboard for rewarding remote work with a company I’m proud to be a part of.

In the mean time, I want to highlight great people we encounter who have an impact on our journey to a new life. My first highlight is James Cortez of Beast Welders in Rancho De Taos, NM.

We needed a gate to secure the driveway from unwanted traffic.  I wanted something reflecting the rugged lifestyle of Northern New Mexico while supporting local business. Enter Beast Welders.

Over multiple discussions and artistic renderings, Mr. Cortez patiently waited over a year for us to get our act together.  In the spring of 2017, I visited Mr. Cortez’s studio, which turned out to be his front yard, to see his handiwork first hand. I was impressed. Using a mix of artistic elegance and brute force, magic happens in this outdoor studio.

The end result was a gate we are thrilled with. Here is the gate being installed by James and his crew (son and daughter).

And here is the final product:

Beautiful right!

Mr. Cortez was able to capture the look and depth of the mountains with accents of the desert. The rusting technique makes the gate fit into the landscape and colors of the high desert.

If you are interested in having a custom gate made for you property and are in Northern New Mexico, I strongly encourage you to check out Beast Welders.