Breaking Ground

Yesterday, as everyone went back to school and work, a flurry of activity began at the Summit House. Most importantly, Paco began excavating under the house so we can start the leveling project.

I don’t envy his job. Moving rocks and dirt out from under an old house, that’s sinking, by hand, is not for the faint of heart. But he made incredible progress. When I arrived today, he had almost made it to the goal!

I keep bothering him, asking if he’s seen anything “cool under there.” He keeps promising me I’ll be the first to know if he does. You’d think there’d be *something* interesting in all that rubble. But not so far. *EDIT* he found a piece of glass. Like, a big piece. Not as interesting as I’d hoped, honestly.

This leveling project is the first step in the renovation. It’s exciting to have action and people in the house; and this is just the beginning.

Some other exciting news – we have As-Built drawings completed, and the designer will be presenting options for the new layout this week. The electricians came through yesterday and they are working on a bid to replace ALL the existing electrical – both knob and tube and the updated electrical which somehow worries me more than the original K&T.

In between all that, Nathan (the contractor) and I spent a lot of time puzzling. This house has so many oddities. So many weird additions, deletions, and manipulations. It makes my brain hurt at the same time it lights me up with excitement. I’m using parts of my brain that haven’t been used in awhile, then I get to go pull carpet tacks (because that’s my job now), scrape paint, or bash on things. And I’m altogether happy at day’s end.

I’m 100% overwhelmed, but in a good way.

And there’s a trench in my house.