Lots of Projects

There are lots of items that need to be done pretty much simultaneously to get the job done. 

We have some young men from the neighborhood helping remove the dreaded lath and plaster. They're doing a good job so far. 

The outside walls needed to be braced before the roof sections are removed tomorrow. That's going to be a big change! (Notice how I still haven't taken down the curtains. They add a nice touch to the bare walls and piles of debris, don't you think? I'm pretty sure I may try to leave them up until they absolutely have to come down.) 

I decided that I would install the temporary power pole. How hard could it be, right?!? 

I wish I had a picture of when I was on the front of the loader at the top of the pole. 

 

For just figuring it out as we go, it seems to have turned out well. Now if we actually have power and no one gets electrocuted we'll count it as a success.

 

I had my great workers assisting again.  They are always eager and helpful! Couldn't have gotten it done without them. 

Old Molding

Part of the process is removing the old molding so it can be refinished. Additionally we don't want it to get damaged when we remove the lath and plaster. These boards are as old as the house; so inevitably some of them break, but many of them survive removal just fine. 

Love that pink!

When it's dark and dusty my phone takes lousy pictures. 

The manufacturing company logo is still nice and bright on the back of one of the pieces. 

In the next photo you can see (look close) that some of the boards are written on. The name is to who it was to be delivered and to what location. Neat!

This is the light in the room. The long cord is interesting. Did they pull it around the room to use light where it was needed?

There are still a few things in the closet. . .

Lath and Plaster

I have a feeling that those two words will be like the worst kind of curse words by the time we finish with the house. I may just start using 'lath and plaster' as my go-to phrase when I'm upset at the kids. "You little lath and plaster; get back here and clean up this mess!" 

It's good to have a wife who is a hard worker AND nice to look at. The mask may or may not be the most flattering accessory. Just kidding, she's cute in anything. 

The old hex tiles pulled right up with the carpet backing. Unfortunately I discovered that the tile and bathtub are installed on top of 6 inches of suspended concrete. That's going to be a bear to remove. 

Can you imagine the kind of work it was to put all that lath and plaster up?! 

Off Comes the Kitchen

This was growing in the wall behind the brick.

 

Somebody's gotta do it. 

Timber. . .

We were going for an open concept. Mission accomplished. 

The Trees and Senior Workers

I always hate to see mature trees go, but it had to be done. 

 

It's good to have new neighbors like him. He's a great help and makes short work of big trees!

I only employ people over 80! They don't complain much, but you do have to deal with longer lunch breaks and higher insurance costs. 

So grateful to have their help; what amazing men!