Remodel: Day Four

After a quiet weekend where we allowed ourselves more time to adjust to the disarray of living with construction, it all got a little more real. Larry arrived around 8:30 with the plumber close on his heels. During our touch base, I was informed that, in addition to the plumber, the electricians and HVAC specialist would be here all day. So, no water, no power.

And, guess who is here all day because there is no school for MLK Day? And, guess who has an assignment due on Wednesday? Yup. Thing 1 and Thing 2. Fortunately Winston was able to go over to Peter F's house to play. Simon and I picked up John and took him to Zen Box for ramen and takoyaki. Then we camped out at Dunn Brothers.

Upon our return home, progress was evident. A four-foot long slice of ceiling was missing from above the original entry, and that hole freaked me out a little.

Before (note recessed lighting and chimney water damage)

recessed lighting gone! smaller holes cut for LEDs.

closer view. note guidelines!

All the existing light fixtures had been removed thus leaving several large holes. New holes had been drilled uniformly for the new LED lights. And, another but much longer slice of ceiling was missing near the fireplace. The electricians were cleaning up when I arrived so I said hello. The apparent lead electrician said, "Let's just say you've got an architecturally challenging house." Why, thank you. But, I'm sure he didn't mean it as a compliment.

Scaffolding

Other changes included prepping the space. Scaffolding that resembled a jungle gym had been set up in the studio. The furniture that had been wrapped in plastic on Friday was further consolidated and wrapped again. The peninsula was shrouded in plastic. Another sheet of plastic had been hung over the kitchen doorway. With my prospect removed, I missed my open kitchen immediately.

Old insulation + new insulation (pink stuff)

I spent some time exploring and taking photographs. Then I sat down in the den, in my Mama Bear chair, to process the changes before fixing dinner in my newly, temporarily enclosed kitchen. And that's when I heard running water. When I looked in the general direction of the running water, I saw Nancy in the laundry basket of clean clothes--my clean clothes--and realized she was using it as a litter box. Grrr. Poor kitty.