Working for the weekend

I decieded to sacrifice my normql day off (wednesday).  So I could have a long weekend to use getting downstairs work started and get Todd moved into his new room.  Hoping to get a few of the larger items moved and get the upper living room converted back to a bed room.  Got a beef tenderloin ready to be trimmed and merinaded and 2 cases of corona.  Need a few other items for the house "rewarmin'" party.  Invited james and katie.  Hoping the guys from wizards (tar-v, "x" and twizted) can drop by also.  I always seem to have too much food.  No pictures today, for I write this as I am getting ready for bed.

Grillin' corn

Never done it myself but always willing to try.  Marinade chicken and corn on the grill.

Mowing at work

Finished mowing ahead of schedual with help from my wife and Tyler
My wife works very hard trying to stay on the tractor as she is bounced around.
Will be purchasing new tractor this winter or spring.  (tax money more than likely)
wife picked out a Cub Cadet at Farm & Fleet  that she can operate all the controls easily.  I am considering a snow thrower attachment.....

The mac and cheese here is the best.  They use a elbow noodle that keeps on going.

No more braces for todd

Celebrating the removal of hardware from Todds teeth with a trip to his favorite restaurant.

Google street view car.

Not the best pictures.  But if you ever wondered how google got the street view pictures and the best mapping... well this is how. Yes they really do drive up and down every road.

Moving day

We were told today that if we don't mind working around the contrctors,  we could start moving stuff in on the 3rd.

Bellevue Ave.

My family and I have lived at our current address for almost 10 years now.
We finally had to make a decision about our living arrangements.  With Todd now 18 years old and still dependent on us it became very clear that we needed more room.

We live in an upstairs apartment of a duplex that is 70 to 80 years old, and was converted to a duplex about 20 years ago.  Now we have decided to take over the property and convert it back to a single family dwelling.

North Side (and currently the entrance to upstairs)

East side (and entrance to downstairs apartment)

South side

West Side (view from sidewalk)

West Side (view from Driveway)

Remains of 2 car garage that was taken down 2 years ago (note the fire pit)

1 of the longer days.  ( built this corner dinning table with help from my wife and the larger top with help from Phil Jordon) 

So, as the destruction and remodeling progress, I will let you see into our home and show what is happening.

I now have pictures of the downstairs.  Jen was reluctant to move and her son and boyfriend all did a lot of damage.  But gives me a reason to start over and repair or replace.

Front Door (notice the door knob missing)

Best part of the whole thing...updated power box

Doors broken or missing

water damage from when they just pulled the washer out and left.

Bathroom flooded, but because of the damage they had done they dint contact landlord and let him know.

they ripped the ceiling fixture out.

pullups on the shower curtain rod?

they removed the shower head

2 year old fridge,  what is that brown stain?

We couldn't get the stove to work.

Sink leaks

wall cracks

they smoked pot and other things.  so they removed smoke detectors

fan was hanging by the wires.  put it back up to prevent a fire.

Why???

only 2 doors left in 1 piece in the entire house.  and this isn't it

 So.  just so you all get an idea of the project in front of us.
we live in a 3 bedroom upstairs and plan on converting it back into a 4 bedroom home.  Christina has new appliances picked out, Dishwasher and fridge.  We are gonna keep our Kenmore elite stove a few more years (warranty is up next summer)