Let's start with the ugly so no one thinks I mean Steve!! While I was getting up close and personal with the house foundation to take some pictures I found this guy living between the stone and wood. Now, not everyone thinks snakes are disturbing...in fact our daughter Paige keeps one as a pet...but frankly I have had enough encounters with them over the past few weeks to last a lifetime. These next pictures are of Striker warding off disaster by the pool and then again by our entrance door on Turin Road. Snakes be gone!
Moving on to the bad...everything has been going splendidly with the renovations, but as Steve prepared to replace some rotten planks around the base of the house he discovered that the entire supporting beam has been practically reduced to dust by termites. Using all the jacks he can get his hands on (including the one my father in law had just donated to the Salvation Army and had to go back to retrieve!) he and the guys have supported the east side of the house and are now fashioning a new, strong support to tie in with the floor joists and studs. Needless to say this is slowing down our progress, but it is necessary and vital, and we are thankful that Steve is patient and optimistic.
Now for the good news. Larry, Brian, and Joel are making great strides with interior demolition. The entire downstairs and the front rooms of the upstairs are now stripped down, first exposing beautiful old lathe and plaster and then beneath that, solid supporting boards. The house feels kind of naked on the inside, but this is allowing us to get rid of old molds and critters that have been living in the walls and ceilings. All in all, we are pleased with this week's accomplishments!
Looks great!
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