It’s been a while since my last update on the workshop’s transformation – October, to be precise. While my personal contributions have mainly involved a dozen or so trips to the dump, significant progress has indeed been made. This update also provides a perfect opportunity to share what else has been unfolding in my life, blending the world of sawdust with the realities of everyday challenges and triumphs.
Workshop Demolition: Clearing the Second-Floor Labyrinth
Embarking on a major renovation project always begins with a clear vision, but sometimes, achieving that vision first requires a clean slate. Such was the case with the workshop’s second floor. I opted not to capture the “before” state with videos or photos; truthfully, it was a sprawling, utterly baffling space. The previous owners had framed it into a maze of rooms with no discernible purpose, a veritable labyrinth of confusing layouts. It was partially drywalled, with some electrical wiring in place but no actual light fixtures. There was even a halfway-finished kitchen and a remarkably peculiar, fully completed bathroom, strikingly similar to the one found in Madison’s room at the Clinton House. The entire “floorplan” defied logic; not a single person could comprehend the intended function of any given room. Adding to the perplexity, the existing electrical work appeared distinctly shoddy and unsafe. It was immediately clear: a complete demolition was the only path forward. Every piece of that nonsensical construction was torn down and unceremoniously tossed out the windows, forming massive piles of debris that I then spent a week diligently hauling to the dump.
Despite the extensive demolition, our approach was not entirely destructive. We carefully removed the kitchen cabinets, ensuring they remained in good enough condition to be donated, thus preventing unnecessary waste. Additionally, a significant pile of usable studs was salvaged, neatly stacked and ready for potential reuse in future framing projects. This selective demolition allowed us to maintain an element of sustainability amidst the chaos.
However, for the vast majority of the discarded materials—drywall, insulation, old wiring, and miscellaneous structural components—the most efficient method of removal was a straightforward toss from the second-floor windows. This strategy significantly sped up the process, sparing us the arduous task of manually carrying countless loads down a staircase that itself was in varying states of disrepair. It was a messy but highly effective way to clear the expansive space, paving the way for a truly functional and well-designed workshop.
Equipping for Efficiency: New Tractor and Dump Trailer Boost Renovation Speed
One of the most valuable investments made recently, significantly enhancing the efficiency of our large-scale renovation projects, has been the acquisition of a new dump trailer a few months ago. Its utility has been simply invaluable. The memory of the Calderwood Cottage demolition, where every single load had to be painstakingly unloaded by hand at the dump, lingered vividly. It was then that I made a firm vow: no more major renovations without the aid of a dump trailer. With Madison’s diligent research and our joint efforts in exploring countless options, I eventually settled on this robust Diamond C model. The sheer convenience of merely pushing a button and driving forward a short distance, watching an entire load disappear in a matter of seconds, is a game-changer. It’s an investment I deeply regret not making years ago, considering the countless hours of manual labor it would have saved.
Complementing the dump trailer, we also acquired a tractor outfitted with several incredibly handy implements. Among these, the grappling tool has proven particularly useful, although it took me a good two hours to really get the hang of its operation. Operating heavy machinery requires a certain finesse, and I definitely had a learning curve. Wes, with his fondness for all things “farm” equipment, enjoys playfully asserting his dominance in this arena. He even teased me a bit about the seemingly small loads I was initially managing to pick up. To address this, I deliberately saved a couple of larger loads for him, allowing him to demonstrate his superior technique. We still have a load or two awaiting transport to the dump, but a flat tire on the trailer has temporarily halted progress – a spare tire was an oversight during the purchase, a lesson learned for next time. It’s a minor setback, however, as Wes needs to ensure his shoulder has fully recovered from his recent surgery before he can safely dive back into operating the heavier equipment.
This period of recovery and minor equipment delays has serendipitously provided a moment for reflection and planning. It’s a gentle reminder that even the most ambitious renovation projects must sometimes yield to the natural rhythms of life and unexpected challenges. While the debris waits, the planning continues, ensuring that once Wes is fully recovered and the trailer is operational, we can tackle the remaining tasks with renewed vigor and optimal efficiency.
Beyond the Blueprint: Navigating Life’s Unpredictable Chapters
Speaking of Wes’s recovery, this brings me to a broader update on family matters. My personal involvement with the workshop activities essentially paused in October, primarily due to the intense heat becoming unbearable. Seeking respite indoors, I channeled my creative energy into other home projects. I successfully installed the plank ceiling in the Piano room and completed a refreshing kitchen update. Once these indoor tasks were completed, Wes and I finally embarked on a much-anticipated vacation.
A Well-Deserved Escape: Celebrating 25 Years
This past year proved to be exceptionally demanding and stressful for both of us. For me, alongside Julie, the completion of the Richwood project demanded immense focus and energy. Simultaneously, Wes was immersed in an colossal, six-month-long work project that required every ounce of his dedication. After triumphantly concluding that immense undertaking, he immediately stepped into an additional, significant role within his company, leaving him with scarcely a moment to breathe throughout the year. (It’s worth noting, he also navigated moving into the Clinton House right in the midst of his major work commitment.) We actually celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary back in July, but our demanding schedules prevented us from escaping until October. The vacation itself was a blissful reprieve; we were both more than content to simply relax in a cabana all day, every day, indulging in much-needed rest and, of course, delicious food!
Navigating Health Hurdles: Sickness and Surgeries
Our relaxing vacation was quickly followed by a stark return to reality. The very evening we flew home, I felt an ominous tickle in my throat. The next morning, I was battling an intense illness that stubbornly lingered for a couple of weeks. Just as I thought I was recovering, it seemed to restart, lasting another two weeks. This was then followed by several weeks of a persistent, severe cough that felt like it was threatening to dislodge a lung or two! Fortunately, Wes and Madison managed to evade this particular bug, a blessing given what was to come.
Wes’s Shoulder Surgery: A Path to Recovery
Wes’s avoidance of my illness was particularly crucial because he had a long-scheduled surgery for his shoulder, an ailment that had caused him constant pain for an extended period. Initial steroid injections provided some relief, but their effects were unfortunately short-lived. The day of his surgery was an early start for the entire family; we all rose at 4 AM to ensure he arrived on time. I confess, rising at that hour is a rare occurrence for me – it speaks volumes about how much I care for the man! Madison, ever sentimental like her father, insisted on being there too. Most likely, her presence was driven by a touch of worry, a trait she also shares with her dad – they are truly two peas in a pod when it comes to their thoughtful, sometimes anxious, natures. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and Wes is now diligently undergoing physical therapy, hopefully on a steady path to full recovery. This shared experience underscored the importance of family support during health challenges, allowing us to face these unexpected detours together.
Four-Legged Family Matters: Brody’s ACL Injury
Our human health challenges were soon mirrored by an unexpected veterinary one. Our dear Brody, the poor little guy, tore his ACL (or CCL, for those who appreciate the technical distinction). For four days, he hopped around on three legs, a clear sign that this wasn’t merely a sprain or something that would heal on its own. The vet’s strict orders are for him to avoid using the injured leg, which means he’s either in his crate or being held. This situation presents a unique challenge: normally, any falling leaf or intriguing sound sends both Brody and Bella into a frantic dash for the front door, barking enthusiastically. Managing their excitement while Brody is on limited mobility is a constant balancing act. While this situation isn’t entirely preventing progress on other fronts, my own impending surgery next week makes me hesitant to embark on any new, physically demanding projects just yet. So, I’ve been spending a considerable amount of time on the couch, laptop in hand, meticulously drafting plans for the Clinton House remodel and addition. And, of course, Brody enjoys snuggling up beside me, with Bella inevitably joining in – because what one dog is doing, the other cannot possibly be left out of.
Persistent Workshop Challenges: The Unyielding Leak Saga
Adding to the list of factors that have postponed significant forward momentum on my workshop plans is a stubborn, recurring issue: a persistent water leak. I’ve been waiting, quite impatiently, for a truly windy, rainy day to definitively check whether the previous repair attempts had actually fixed the problem. It’s a frustrating cycle because during regular rainy days, I never observed any water intrusion. It was only during an exceptionally torrential downpour that I made the alarming discovery: copious amounts of rainwater were pouring into my shop. While incredibly frustrating, that crazy storm was, in a way, a lucky break, as it unequivocally revealed a major structural problem that needed immediate attention. I subsequently hired someone to address the issue, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of insecurity until another torrential storm put their work to the ultimate test. For two agonizing months, we experienced absolutely no rain whatsoever, which only intensified my frustration and prolonged the uncertainty.
Finally, a couple of weeks ago, we were hit by just such a storm. And, sure enough, water. The issue hadn’t been completely resolved. Just last Saturday, another significant storm rolled through, and by Sunday, I found myself vacuuming a staggering 47 gallons of water out of the workshop’s back room. It’s a disheartening setback, to say the least.
Despite the recent disappointment, I had already scheduled another, more comprehensive repair for this week. This time, a team of five skilled individuals meticulously addressed various aspects of the problem. Freddy, the owner of the business I hired, assures me with 100% certainty that they have finally fixed all the underlying issues. And honestly, I hope with every fiber of my being that he’s right! The thought of another significant downpour, and the dread of discovering more water, is a heavy one. I’ve even half-jokingly considered if I could enlist a local fire truck to spray water at the building, just to accelerate the testing process and confirm the repairs!
My Impending Surgery: A Pause for Personal Wellness
I harbor truly grand plans for this workshop building, envisioning it as a hub of creativity and productivity. However, I am resolute in my decision not to move forward with any significant new projects until I am absolutely certain that not even a cup – let alone 50 gallons – of water will find its way into my space. This persistent leak must be fully resolved. In the interim, my own personal health takes precedence. I am scheduled for surgery next week. This timing offers a silver lining: I can focus on my recovery while patiently awaiting the next major storm to provide the definitive answer to Freddy’s 100% positivity regarding the leak repairs.
For those curious about the nature of my upcoming surgery, I have a substantial fibroid in my uterus that has become problematic and needs to be removed. The procedure is generally straightforward, and I anticipate being able to return home on the same day, requiring a period of rest and gentle healing afterward. My hope is for everything to proceed smoothly, without any unforeseen complications, allowing me to fully recover and get back to business shortly after the holidays. This personal pause, while unexpected, offers a crucial opportunity for both physical healing and strategic planning for the workshop’s exciting future.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Planning and Future Builds
While I recover from my surgery, the work on the workshop building itself will not entirely cease. I’ve arranged for some crucial additional work to be done around its base. This includes comprehensive waterproofing measures, the installation of a French drain on a side that previously lacked this essential protection, and the replacement of some rather unsightly insulation and flashing that are currently attached to parts of the building. These foundational improvements are vital for ensuring the long-term integrity and dryness of the space, laying a solid groundwork for all future endeavors.
Beyond these immediate practical steps, I have a substantial amount of designing ahead of me. I am currently immersed in the planning and detailed design phase for the renovation and addition to this quirky house, concurrently with finalizing the plans for the workshop building. It’s an incredibly exciting period of conceptualization and problem-solving, bringing me closer to realizing the full potential of this property. I’m nearing the completion of a house design that Wes and I are both enthusiastically happy with – a significant milestone in any major home project. The anticipation of actually breaking ground and starting to build these structures is immense. I truly hope, very, very soon, we can transition from plans on paper to tangible progress, transforming this place into the awesome space we envision. The future is bright with the promise of sawdust and creation!
Happy December to all!