So, it’s been a bit since I last blogged-on. There has been a TON of work happening, but it’s not pretty. Well, it is pretty great that it’s happening, but it’s not pretty to photograph and share. Charles got her guts. Her vital organs. The operations that allow her to become a home again.
This infrastructure is kind of frustrating, honestly. It is a huge chunk of the budget. It requires multiple contractors and laborers. It takes thought and strategy and skill. But EVERY SINGLE ONE of our HVAC guys, the fabricators, the gas plumbers, the electricians, the plumber all showed up, in sub-zero weather (grateful that they were “indoors”) and they were satisfied with 40 degrees and no moisture. These are the kinds of skilled labor that Mike Rowe preaches about. I do too. Not everybody needs a four-year degree. Or a master’s degree, or a Doctorate… or…or…or. In fact, I had an incredibly ugly confrontation with a woman recently who could only shout obscenities at me, was judgmental and entitled and, get this… her closing accolade about herself was that she “had a master’s degree”. She’s not employed, mind you, and has oodles of student debt she’s never going to be able to pay off, but hey… she’s really smart. Just ask her. My point here is exactly what Mike Rowe’s point is. You do you. And be proud and productive in that. And if that is a skill or a trade, then good for you. This world needs more folks like those who showed up at Charles to do the surgery to get her the guts she needs. Learn more about Mike’s work to support here: http://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship
The rest of the not-so-picturesque work that’s happening is the plumbing. Enough piping for three full bathrooms and a powder room, the kitchen, laundry and bar. Then there’s the rest of the framing, the insulation and drywall. It’s a big house. That’s a lot of 2x4s, 2×6, hanging rock, taping and mudding. And let’s not foget that one of the “throw-downs” I had was to save every room of original old hard growth pine flooring that I could. Oy Vey! That is a whole other “WTF was I thinking?”. It’s not happening overnight, but every day is progress. And every step closer to looking like floors and walls is a little glimpse of glory.
Of course… grateful for Dan’s work, and all of the work done by strangers who have now proudly “owned” a part of this restoration, but especially pleased that little brother shows up to help, and gets the “phew” in on a little sanding training during his spring break. Typical Potter style. Lots of work, but always lots of fun!
The last few days up at Terry. https://terrypeak.com/ Up there this week they’ll dig a big hole and flood it. They’ll host the “Wild Bill & Calamity’s Wacky Western Pond Skim”, and then they’ll close the doors and welcome spring.
So, what’s next? The list is still pretty long, but it is getting shorter. Tile is here and will go in soon. Not only does Charles have water in the home for the first time in 20 years, but she’s going to have a potty too! We’re just days away from finalizing the kitchen design and getting everything on order. Fireplaces are also on order, and the mysterious missing back door should be showing up about the time that the fireplace mantle for the living room and the giant bathtub do. It’s all exciting. It’s taken some guts, but we see the glory.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for being a part of this process. Be kind to each other and pray for peace. I’m sharing some of ours from this afternoon.
Saving Charles 