Chapter 3, The Unexpected... Summary and Analysis

The Hoovers work on their log cabin as they discuss the logistics of their lifestyle transition. Without an income, they must carefully budget their expenses. The delivery truck arrives with their Chicago possessions, affirming the Hoovers' fear that they are, even with two cabins, short on space. The moving bill proves twice as large as expected and Helen's retirement check is to be delayed until January. It is already November, and the Hoovers' do not yet have wood for the winter. Helen plans to sell her metallurgy books. Ade has a plan for making money as well but will not say what it is.

Helen wakes to near-freezing temperatures in the larger cabin. The Hoovers bundle up and try to conserve wood by huddling near a single heat source. Ade explains that the larger cabin, being a...