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You can just about make out the outline
of where the new foundation is going |
Next time you're driving around town and you see a crew digging up the street to lay cable or sewers, take a moment to thank them and to thank your lucky stars that you're not one of them. There were four people at my house today, from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and, except for a lunch break, they spent the entire time digging dirt. No machinery, no earth movers, just shovels, sweat and muscle. And all in the 85+ degree heat. I've heard the expression, "Well, at least I'm not digging ditches," and now I have a deeper understanding of the warning behind it. It's hard, hard work and I can't praise those men enough.
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The trenches are currently
1 foot wide and
2 feet deep |
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This is the westernmost part of
the new addition |
It's weird to look at a rectangle of dirt and try to imagine a building on it. We stood between the trenches and thought about standing in our bedroom, our closet, our bathroom, our sitting room. I have heard of people who move out of their homes during remodeling because it is difficult to be in the house when so much is happening to it. I think we're lucky that we don't have to move out. Our living quarters aren't really being affected (except for dirt. See: yesterday's blog) so we have the chance to see the day-by-day action. I love the tactile aspect of the stucco, the wood, and the dirt. Darryl told me today that he's looking forward to the framing, because he wants to help the contractor as much as possible. "I want to be able to stand in the room and say, 'I was a part of this, I helped make this,'" he said. I totally get that - I want to be there too.
Excuse me while I go take a crash course in how to hammer a nail into a wall.
Some of my most satisfying moments (not to mention the most back-breaking) are from the summer I spent working construction. And Darryl is right. It's quite a feeling to be able to look at, let alone live in a building that you've helped put together with your own hands. And get ready, Laura: nothing quite like perfecting the art of driving in a framing nail in two blows. It's a skill that can serve you well! Reed
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to have to re-watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers so that we can really do this properly. I wonder if our contractor will do everything as a dance.
DeleteThere is something to be said for doing work with your hands and the satisfaction that comes from seeing what you created. And if the hammering nails doesn't work out for you, you can borrow my framing nail gun. It's a lot of fun too.
ReplyDeleteFun, eh? I have to trust you on that one, Eric. You certainly have the proof in your house to back it up.
DeleteOk. So you'll go to any lengths to stop me coming over!!!
DeleteI feel very proud of Darryl and you. It would be beyond me to do such a thing. I'm not sure when I can come to see you all, but I can keep uptodate via the blog. Much Love GH
I might let you choose the paint color of the spare room if you're nice to me!
Delete