Update on Reconstruction

 

Work continues, somewhat slowed by lots of rain, not to mention other obligations. Justin is having fun on the exterior . . .

while continuing with the mundane block-laying on the interior.

I'm loving this look.

                            Meanwhile, cleanup continues -- 

sifting through the piles of ash and discovering sad artifacts.

For those who asked after the big hydrangea that blooms so extravagantly, I'm happy to say she's alive and apparently undaunted.

If only our beloved country can survive the current regime-- its corruption, its shredding of norms, its attack on the environment and our national parks, its irresponsible and cruel policies--as well.

With a Little Help from Our Friends . . .

It was cold and drizzly yesterday but that didn't stop Cory and Doug from helping Justin with digging and pouring footers so that the new block could be laid against the old wall.

This basement section that the barn/workshop stood atop was called the casing house -- a place to put the dried tobacco from the barn above to bring it into case--which is to stay moist enough to work the leaves without their shattering. 

It was all dirt floor originally but when we quit growing tobacco, John added a partial concrete floor. Now, eventually, there'll be a full floor. 

 These are some hardy fellas -- I can't thank them enough. And they plan to keep on working on Sunday--when I hope the weather will be a bit kinder.

 Cory pointed out a relic on the old floor that is likely to be lost--Bozozo Construction Company--which is the name John used back when he did some renovations. (Bozozo is what our older son called bulldozers when he was very, very young.)

Which reminds me -- we'll have to get a Josie footprint in the new cement floor--and maybe write Bozozo ReConstruction Company too. 

A New Look

Thanks to Justin, the basement has been cleared and he and John have been hauling off the debris. And plans are afoot. 

The arch (part of an old feed ring) is in token of Justin's plans to make an arched doorway. A concrete floor will be poured and concrete block will reinforce/supplement what remains of the previous walls. 

Once that's done, we can proceed with the next level--the shop itself.

Just getting rid of all the old carcasses--the remains of tools and roofing--has lifted everyone's spirits.  There's a long road ahead but we're on it!