Underground

Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning got us readay to pour some concrete. The last pour will be at 11 am this morning. What do we have, hummm, a moat for alligators, a form, footing, and lots of plywood and rebar? I feel like it is really happening. Again, thanks to the neighbors for tolerating all the noise! As a teacher, I really like watching them "play" with numbers, angles, and levels. It's really fascinating. I wish I could watch all day (I am sure they are glad that I cannot!)

dirt removal

One more video before I add the rest of the pictures. The noise ordinance in Wheaton allows for work to begin at 7am. And yes, everyone is ready to go before then. I'm glad school has started so I know everyone is up and running when the noise begins!

Dig

So finally, August 19, we are actually breaking ground. I guess this is always the tricky part. Digging deep, inspections, weather forecasts for rain, concrete, more inspections...kinda cool what a little machine can do. I probably would have been more excited if I didn't wake up with an awful kink in my neck. I don't think that its the bed, but maybe the pillows. I really do miss the ceiling fan. I apologize to anyone who has visited and had the same problem; I will have to replace those at the end of all this.

Living at 1037

So you wonder where we might be living? Here of course! Must save every penny as we upgrade. Well, it's not so bad. We have 50% electricity and running water. The electricity is only on the first floor and basement and the water is cold. We don't have a shower, so what's the big deal? We shower at the gym, or school, or a knock on a neighbors door if all other options are unavailable! Upstairs is very cozy-lots of clothes, dressers, and lamps in the front bedroom. Downstairs, in the "wine cellar," we have created a kitchenette, dining, and family room-don't people call that a great room? Breakfast consists of granola bars, yogurt, or fruit. Lunch is a sandwich for me and chef's specialty for Mike at work (I get ham, Mike gets shaved meat with a seafood sauce, soup, cookies, and whatever delicacies come his way-lucky guy) Dinners include microwaveable options, grilling, sandwiches, and chips or crackers. There is no shortage or diet coke or water-the rule is that as you take one out, you put one in. A minifridge can really hold alot of stuff! Conveniently enough though, we have awesome friends (also our neighbors) who have us over or go out and dine with us! Leftovers are always a hit too! And lastly, in the evening we both grab a flashlight and illuminate our bathroom and hallway as we brush our teeth and set the alarm clock. It's really not so bad. I do need to change the battery on the clock as I do every summer at the start of the school year; it is the same round, pink 12-hour tick-tock I have had since 2nd grade? You know when 012 benetton was the only brand I wanted my mom to buy me? I love that clock!
Otherwise, it is back to school, early morning exercise for both of us, work, dinner, a bike ride, and bed. That's pretty much our story now!

Gone

Gone, baby gone! Yep, nothing remains except a few unwanted pipes. In two days, the 1971 was totally eliminated from memory. From one backyard to the next, the sightline has increased and new neighbors are peeping in windows and backyards of people previously blocked by us!

End of Day 1

At the end of the day, this is what remained. Not much more than a dance floor used by MacIntosh, the old dog of the previous owners. Mike and I stayed in the houses that night. Only half, not the upstairs, had power as the whole house and garage are on 2 circuit breakers. That too will be a thing of the past!

view from inside

SO I watched these guys all day and continued to take pictures. From the inside bathroom I could look down, and from the yeard and driveway I prowled around--no scrutiny, just amazement!

Eye-witness account

We all stood around in awe as we listened and watched the house fall apart like a card house. This was just one of the many jaw dropping sights we saw on August 14th as the house was demolished. And when you see the rotten wood jumping around, you probably wonder how it didn't fall down on its own! (Maybe if I am patient enough in the future, I can download another video. I had one and then erased it for another selection which was about to send me over the edge after about an hour of tinkering. I hate computers sometimes. Suggestions welcome)

Day 1 Demolition

Who would have thought a couple of guys could rip down a house with a few tools and their bare hands? At 7:15a.m., Mike-the friend, neighbor, & contractor, aka Mike the Fixer-gave the orders, and our house underwent a turkey carving. A couple saws with jagged teeth began piercing the roof. Eventually all the doors and windows were removed, and the walls came down too!

Permit

Finally after about 8 weeks, the permit was actually issued and our confidence rose as this project was actually about to happen! And it really was about to begin.

Then in 1971, someone added on to the back of the house and must have tried to save a buck. From the inside it wasn't so bad, from the outside, not so hot!

preparation

As we emptied the house( before we actually had the permit yet), we found a good home for the old fridge, a bed & our little man! Mike's family graciously took it all & have subjected themselves to Atlas's high maintenance routine. We drove all the way to Indiana looking like hillbillies in that fire engine red rental truck! An for those of you who know Atlas, his ride was so smooth, there were no barfs!!! Lucky for us and I think he felt better too!

Big blue Portrait

This is what the house looked like in it's early days beginning in 1911. In 2004, Burt and Barbara picked this mild shade of blue when they were told to pick a neutral color before selling the house. It definitely toned down the earlier boisenberry, aka Barney purple, the neighbors called it!