tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-147105792011-12-14T22:10:39.233-05:00This poor house, built in 1910, has seen better days. We purchased this house with "potential" in July, 2005.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.comBlogger1071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-60089695722432741142007-10-12T11:42:00.000-04:002007-10-12T11:43:22.702-04:00

The work continues on the new door has been installed and the bathroom is finally nearly complete

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1156820298457495262006-08-28T22:55:00.000-04:002007-01-19T22:08:04.403-05:00

The This Old House Drinking Game Originally found at http://www.fred.net/turtle/souse.shtml (no longer active) Take a drink if: Steve offers to help A new contractor is introduced The homeowner says anything about their budget Norm taps his safety glasses and reminds us how important they are A new technology is displayed or discussed Anyone visits a manufacturer's plant

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1137814609994925922006-01-20T22:29:00.000-05:002006-01-22T03:55:51.216-05:00

The furnace runs full tilt, not sure if it's a thermostat issue or what. The gas had been shut off right after we closed in July, and trying to be frugal, the significant other decided to deal with it later. After proving he was the owner, the gas was finally turned back on. Hot water, yippee! We actually spent New Year's Eve in the house, and I woke at 3 am in a tropical heatwave.The furnace

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1134507309411764542005-12-13T15:21:00.000-05:002005-12-13T16:08:12.593-05:00

I haven't been to the Dirty House in quite a few weeks given the bathroom situation and my aversion to gas station restrooms, but Joe has been hard at work and it's getting close to completion. After removing most of the walls, plumbing and all of the subfloor, the tile is finally complete. The wood paneling is up and waiting to be stained. The toliet flushes-yippee! The tub has it's new home

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1129425781510907192005-10-15T20:21:00.000-04:002005-10-15T23:03:41.663-04:00

It started innocently enough....I asked that we replace the toliet and the sink before we moved in. I wasn't asking for an ENTIRE new bathroom, I was okay with the awful vinyl tile for now...I spent 8 hours removing the wallpaper from the 80s (1980s) a few weeks ago, and then discovered that there was "some" water damage behind the toliet. This is what I saw today when I walked into the living

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1128827930533687572005-10-08T22:35:00.000-04:002006-02-11T13:05:06.206-05:00

The stairs after removing the carpet....And the stairs now...all broken treads replaced and finished! This portion of the stairs cost $35 for maple wood with some polyurethene finish.

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1128824490863681672005-10-08T21:35:00.000-04:002005-10-08T22:21:30.873-04:00

The bathroom project has begun. The old, scary toliet is now sitting on the tree lawn. Classy.The smell in the bathroom is unbelievable, the tiles and subfloor are soaked with urine. We figured it had been soaked up into the drywall as well, so that's gone now, too.Of course none of the bathroom fixtures have shut off valves, so he had to turn off the main water line. That still didn't stop the

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1126409425989221502005-09-10T23:08:00.000-04:002005-09-10T23:30:25.996-04:00

We have stairs! Okay, we have exactly 3 stairs that don't scare me, but the rest are on the way this week. As these were covered with carpet upon purchase, we had no idea that nearly every one was cracked beneath. And yes, the nasty plywood at the top is now gone, in previous post.Ugly ceiling fan in kitchen=goneUgly light fixture at the top of the stairs=goneMost of the rooms don't have

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1126405166691091392005-09-10T21:13:00.000-04:002005-09-13T22:19:33.816-04:00

Today Joe decided to find out what was really under the nasty plywood boards at the top of the stairs. I was convinced it would be a disaster. Joe's theorry was that a previous owner from long ago just wanted to raise the floor, my theory was giant hole. Optimism won this battle. Compared to the finished floor in the bedroom, it does look bad, but it will be no match for Joe's now expert floor

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1126052160128920752005-09-06T20:02:00.000-04:002005-09-06T20:37:35.306-04:00

My paint stripping project is coming along on the built in pantry. I have finished the drawers (right) and removed the paint from the bin pulls.I am still working on removing the wallpaper in the bathroom. Thankfully, wallpaper wasn't covering most of the walls. There is some ancient wallpaper in the 2 existing closets, but this has to be even less fun than cleaning....Above is the nearly

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1125443121585560242005-08-30T19:02:00.000-04:002005-09-01T21:27:11.936-04:00

By some sort of statistical magic, Cleveland is no longer the poorest large city in the US-sorry Detroit! We're number 12!! How a city goes from 1 to 12 in one year is beyond me, but I'll take it. Maybe the folks in the city will realize that casinos don't help a city do better (sorry Detroit...)

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1124580308976995742005-08-20T18:21:00.000-04:002005-08-20T19:25:08.983-04:00

I bought "The Money Pit' (Tom Hanks, Shelley Long) shortly after I bought my first house, a seemingly benign townhouse. After everything that could have broke did, and every varmit that could have snuck in did, I needed a good laugh. Then I happened to watch "Life as a House" (Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas) a few years ago, about an architect who decides to renovate his rundown beach house

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1124511250126741142005-08-20T00:07:00.000-04:002005-08-20T00:14:10.126-04:00

I finally summoned the courage to clean the bathroom. I bought some sort of wand like sponge thing to assist with the procedure-how else does one clean underneath a clawfoot tub? I swept and swept, then I used the bleach and water mixture, twice. And I didn't rinse, I don't care, maybe the awful vinyl tiles will just disinegrate beneath the layer of chemicals. I even wiped down the toliet that

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123904429836407872005-08-12T23:35:00.000-04:002005-08-13T00:22:53.233-04:00

This stuff is the absolute best! I was using regular 409 to clean, but Joe picked this up and it worked miraculously. I cleaned for another 5 hours today and I'm completely exhausted now. It's so hot!The walls of the basement stairs were absolutely disgusting because the stairs are so steep, one must put his or her hands on the walls to keep steady on the way down.I thought that the walls were

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123902636372110152005-08-12T22:54:00.000-04:002005-08-13T00:25:16.463-04:00

I decided to take a break from the cleaning and wander through the woods to pick up trash, and I found this improvised "planter" made of concrete blocks. I also found some old stone steps down the hillside and parts of an artificial Christmas tree. Didn't these people understand that fake trees don't belong in the woods???A few of the tires in the woods...I think there are about 20 of them out

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123817758630584702005-08-11T23:26:00.000-04:002005-08-11T23:35:58.636-04:00

3 hours today cleaning, washed all of the windows inside, at least downstairs, then I ran out of window cleaner....Swept the front "porch", found an empty drink container tipped over the edge of the window behind the lovely wardrobe. Moved the wardrobe because it was blocking the window, then realized that the porch has such a tilt that the doors won't stay closed if it's not on a side wall...

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123514512284556032005-08-08T11:15:00.000-04:002005-08-08T11:29:44.716-04:00

I highly recommend the pet drinking fountain, hours of amusement for all!This is the first photo I've gotten of all 5 in the same place. It involved catnip. Today is also my last day of freedom as I start working tomorrow-yippee!!!I won't have as much time to sit around watching the cats all day and taking photos.

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123513895920029062005-08-08T10:56:00.000-04:002005-08-08T11:14:26.290-04:00

The living and dining room floors are finished!! Remember what these looked like before? Absolutely amazing! Joe is so happy with the results, he's going to stick with it and finish the library room next, maybe even upstairs. He's decided to move onto painting for some variation in the routine...now onto the fun of choosing paint colors! So far, strike one on the yellow. We were hoping for more

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123512933828911142005-08-08T10:31:00.000-04:002005-08-08T10:55:33.840-04:00

I decided I couldn't tolerate the bathroom situation, so since the Home Depot is running 6 months no interest, no payments, I bought the toliet and new pedestal sink. Buying the toliet was more complicated than I thought, how many options in white can there be??? I figured we didn't need a $200 model, but I thought the $45 option was probably a bad idea, I mean, it is important that it works!We

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123510387331190022005-08-08T09:18:00.000-04:002005-08-08T10:28:05.733-04:00

Wow, choosing kitchen cabinets is amazingly complex. We went to the 2 major home improvement chains about 5 times in the past week. I think this is what we ended up with. Trying to finance these projects and figure out what we want to live with FOREVER is definitely a challenge. I know we ordered this style and the color is close. The cabinets won't be ready until mid-September, however, so I

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123179683337977602005-08-04T14:19:00.000-04:002005-08-08T11:55:07.923-04:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I've posted anything, where is the time going??I put the house photos first so that those who don't like cheese or cats can stop when they reach that point. Enjoy;)

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123179518354016812005-08-04T14:18:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:18:38.360-04:00

The "before and after" of Joe's floor project. It's taken him dozens of hours to scrape the old brown paint off the floors. The paint is so thick that one of those big sanders won't work. He wanted to give up and put carpets down in the remaining room, but I think I've talked him into finishing that one as well. The color of the natural wood is so nice so it'll be this way when it's finished. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123179370360369422005-08-04T14:16:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:16:10.360-04:00

The side window in the dining room was more of a challenge to do cheaply. I didn't want to put anymore holes in the woodwork around the window, so I tried to put the hardware into the wall around the window but I put them each about an inch too far over so the rod barely expands enough to reach both of the things that hold it up. Oh well, it's still better than the blue and yellow flower

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123179233916745272005-08-04T14:13:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:13:53.920-04:00

I put up some very cheap curtains over the patio door and was able to pitch the awful vertical blinds that fell on my head the first time I opened the door. They had random stuff smeared all of them, too. Under $15 for the curtains, rod and tie back on the side. And they don't fall down!!! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123179110589758482005-08-04T14:11:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:11:50.593-04:00

Joe is starting to put on the finish today in these two areas-living room and dining room. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123179055603888262005-08-04T14:10:00.001-04:002005-08-04T14:10:55.606-04:00

I just can't seem to get this stuff (cheese?) off the wall! I think we're going to just sand it off. Ugh. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123179013206356162005-08-04T14:10:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:10:13.206-04:00

Close up of the random stuff stuck where the stair molding meets the door trim. I used a nail to scrape it out. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178953064867732005-08-04T14:09:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:09:13.076-04:00

Close up (sort of) of Kitty #6. She absolutely gorgeous, mostly white with calico spots like Squeaks but long hair like Bibbles. She lives on the street, not sure if she belongs to anyone (yet..). She ran off when I tried to get a better photo. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178875398638342005-08-04T14:07:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:07:55.403-04:00

Lots of deer footprints in the giant sand circle. Kitty #6 is lurking in the background under the tree. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178747341945622005-08-04T14:05:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:05:47.346-04:00

The disgusting things are gone! Note the layer of dustgrease on the top. The stove was removed yesterday as well! Joe and his coworker used the last of my rubber gloves to carry it out to the curb.  

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178676774360032005-08-04T14:04:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:04:36.776-04:00

Joe ripping down the last of the cabinets. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178636530386702005-08-04T14:03:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:03:56.530-04:00

Close up of the vent in the kitchen floor. It's basically right in the middle of the wall. Yes, it's gross. And yes, the wall is splattered with some nameless goo. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178547042788172005-08-04T14:02:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:02:27.046-04:00

This is a whole other project, but it has "potential". 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178498512607042005-08-04T14:01:00.001-04:002005-08-04T14:01:38.516-04:00

This is one of my favorite things in the house, the pantry. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178463745963122005-08-04T14:01:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:01:03.750-04:00

Close up of the shelves...more stuff to clean. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178428908257012005-08-04T14:00:00.000-04:002005-08-04T14:00:28.913-04:00

Inside shelves, lots of storage space...someday. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123178389431105592005-08-04T13:59:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:59:49.436-04:00

Gross!!! I think it's dried up chocolate syrup.. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123177829543515322005-08-04T13:50:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:50:29.546-04:00

Note that all they do is nap ALL DAY! That's the life I'd like to have... 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123177787765358692005-08-04T13:49:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:49:47.770-04:00

Smudgie and Bibbles hang out together constantly. You'd never know that Smudgie's only been around since April. I was worried about bringing another boy into the house, but the girls fight much more. Bibbles and Smudgie had one little "discussion" and all has been fine since! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176462572950092005-08-04T13:27:00.002-04:002005-08-04T13:27:42.576-04:00

Bizarre kitty! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176449182423842005-08-04T13:27:00.001-04:002005-08-04T13:27:29.186-04:00

This looks so uncomfortable. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176433826003562005-08-04T13:27:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:27:13.830-04:00

Squeaks sleeps in the oddest positions... 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176404834832402005-08-04T13:26:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:26:44.836-04:00

This is Squeaks in the grocery bag. She crawled in while the bag was on it's side, then somehow moved it upright while in it.  

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176129793479902005-08-04T13:22:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:22:09.796-04:00

Dinner cooking, note my improvised butter container. Can't have lobster without butter! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176091079221172005-08-04T13:21:00.001-04:002005-08-04T13:21:31.083-04:00

Joe putting the lobster and scallops on the skewer to cook over the campfire. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176064257756872005-08-04T13:21:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:21:04.260-04:00

More peanut eating.. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176046362760972005-08-04T13:20:00.002-04:002005-08-04T13:20:46.366-04:00

A dragonfly landed on the front of his shirt as we were setting up the campsite. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176019871390062005-08-04T13:20:00.001-04:002005-08-04T13:20:19.876-04:00

Eating peanuts by the fire... 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123176007494162182005-08-04T13:20:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:20:07.496-04:00

Joe at the campsite the night before my birthday. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123175977873866482005-08-04T13:19:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:19:37.876-04:00

Some of the Bromeliads Joe added to my orchid log, last year's birthday gift. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123175924830119862005-08-04T13:18:00.001-04:002005-08-04T13:18:44.833-04:00

Close up of the omelette 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123175905087721002005-08-04T13:18:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:18:25.093-04:00

Joe preparing my birthday omelette of lobster, scallops, spinach and fontinella cheese. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123175868981818422005-08-04T13:17:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:17:48.986-04:00

The flowers Joe brought me the morning of my birthday 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1123175715468807262005-08-04T13:15:00.000-04:002005-08-04T13:15:17.100-04:00

My birthday feast. Cheese bounty from Amish country, lobster and scallops, along with my favorite adult beverage. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122521487146386952005-07-27T23:31:00.000-04:002005-07-27T23:31:27.163-04:00

This is what I'm thinking for the kitchen-very rough measurements. The upper right is the open shelving and the pillow like thing is the column. Next to the column would open into the dining room area, no door. The bottom left corner is just an opening, not a bifold door but I didn't have any other options.  

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122427623526971542005-07-26T21:20:00.000-04:002005-07-29T12:14:52.816-04:00

Had two electricians look around today. Learned that the electrical service is 50 amps, which I think means you can't have more than one light turned on at the same time...;)There's a little issue with the wires connecting to the house from the street, some sort of rule that they need to be more than 3 feet away from the windows in case a firefighter has to come in that way. The 2nd contractor

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122264069448107612005-07-24T23:57:00.001-04:002005-07-25T00:01:09.450-04:00

I have decided to use the blog (web log) format instead of maintaining the old website. This takes much less time and energy, both of which I don't have much of anymore!Worked at the house again today for about 2 hours, but with the heat and humidity it felt more like 4 or 5. Tearing up the old, bad flooring wasn't too terrible. My main concern is still the kitchen project, we just don't know

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122263847013023552005-07-24T23:57:00.000-04:002005-08-08T12:59:51.340-04:00

The second bedroom with the "Pound Puppy" curtains.

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122263379539330732005-07-24T23:49:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:50:01.920-04:00

Another view of the trouble spot, what do you do with a space this awkward? We are still thinking it over...

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122263335111806902005-07-24T23:48:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:48:55.116-04:00

This is the major stumbling block in the kitchen renovation...there is a column in front of the cabinet area, so it'd be impossible to put in a real cabinet below this one in the photo. All of the upper cabinets will be removed as they are too dirty and cheap to save. As you can see, I do still have some papertowels left, though I've gone through a dozen rubber gloves to this date. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122263204796612852005-07-24T23:46:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:46:44.800-04:00

The nice part is that there is a window over the sink and it overlooks the backyard. The "quaint" little curtains will go once I've thoroughly washed the kitchen and we've removed the upper cabinetry. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122263143904054972005-07-24T23:45:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:45:43.906-04:00

Note that the window sill is BELOW the top of the stove. We have some major kitchen planning work ahead. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122263094102492642005-07-24T23:44:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:44:54.106-04:00

The requisite hole in the wall made by the door knob. Minor, minor issue. The fact that the only outlet in the bathroom doesn't work is my main issue.  

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122263002784131332005-07-24T23:43:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:43:22.783-04:00

So I thought I'd start a quick project and remove the awful oak towelbar....easier said than done. Apprarently this part is GLUED to the wall. I just walked away. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122262834112934212005-07-24T23:40:00.001-04:002005-07-24T23:40:34.116-04:00

Stairs leading up to the 2nd floor. Note the plywood layer, we haven't the courage yet to remove that to find out what it's there.. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122262802948379732005-07-24T23:40:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:40:02.953-04:00

The stairway. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122262780276496652005-07-24T23:39:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:39:40.280-04:00

This is what the floor under the nasty blue carpeting looked like before I got a hold of it! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122262737395293572005-07-24T23:38:00.001-04:002005-07-24T23:38:57.403-04:00

Almost finished, just need to clean up the mess. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122262696953650752005-07-24T23:38:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:38:16.956-04:00

More debris from beneath the fake wood floor. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122262482142383832005-07-24T23:34:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:34:42.146-04:00

Discovered just 2 broken floor boards, the "antique" wiring can be viewed underneath these boards..more on that at a later date. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122262402607915722005-07-24T23:33:00.000-04:002005-07-24T23:33:22.610-04:00

Debris from under the faux wood flooring in the bedroom 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122068852530525682005-07-22T17:14:00.000-04:002005-07-22T17:50:46.190-04:00

Cleveland turns 209 years old today!Did you know that in 1930, Cleveland was the 5th largest city in the US with a population of 900,429?In 1800, the official population was 7. Ohio joined the United States in 1803.By 1990, the population had dwindled to 505,616, making Cleveland the 23rd largest US city.And in the 2000 census, the population continued to decline to only 478,403.The city was

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122055403811790502005-07-22T13:59:00.000-04:002005-07-22T14:03:23.816-04:00

Spent 3 hours at the house today and feel like I got nowhere, though I did determine that we have no hot water. A good hour pulling out the weeds in the front and side of the house. Mopped the floor in the kitchen, vacuumed some areas of paint scrapings and the nasty vent upstairs. Carried outside the cabinet that was sitting on the floor in the kitchen for whatever reason. Saw a gorgeous

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122004056653863562005-07-21T23:45:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:47:36.656-04:00

Here are the photos from the first few weeks of home ownership. There will be more writing, fewer pictures later, but I just wanted to get it all out here.Stay tuned...

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003794492003492005-07-21T23:43:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:43:14.496-04:00

The real reason we bought this house, what a view. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003767399194602005-07-21T23:42:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:42:47.403-04:00

What I found in the floor air return vent in the living room. Yes, some of that is candy still in the wrapper. The ants were enjoying it. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003728422173322005-07-21T23:42:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:42:08.426-04:00

What's all of this? 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003574307256072005-07-21T23:39:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:39:34.310-04:00

Me preparing to clean (again). Thick gloves are really necessary, you never know what you'll find! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003531311769202005-07-21T23:38:00.002-04:002005-07-21T23:38:51.310-04:00

It does look much better now 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003512926465582005-07-21T23:38:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:38:32.930-04:00

This only took a few hours 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003492445449002005-07-21T23:38:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:38:12.446-04:00

Progress on the floor 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003458665107242005-07-21T23:37:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:37:38.666-04:00

Joe taking a break 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003445477868992005-07-21T23:37:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:37:25.480-04:00

The gorgeous tree in the backyard 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003419092107612005-07-21T23:36:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:36:59.096-04:00

Another mystery stain on the stairway 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003387360827752005-07-21T23:36:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:36:27.360-04:00

Oh, I forgot to point out the hallway that smells like urine. Human urine...we're going to remove this over the upcoming weekend. I'll be sure to photograph this mess! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003337534536682005-07-21T23:35:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:35:37.536-04:00

The entrance to the 2nd bedroom 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003286069722702005-07-21T23:34:00.002-04:002005-07-21T23:34:46.070-04:00

Yep, that's pink and green paint on the door. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003262464837992005-07-21T23:34:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:34:22.466-04:00

Who glues a poster to the wall? I just don't get it!!! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003244116512252005-07-21T23:34:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:34:04.120-04:00

No, that's not dirt on the trim and door, thankfully, just missing paint. I think... 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003198819559312005-07-21T23:33:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:33:18.823-04:00

Note that the PO removed part of the door to accomodate the toliet placement....yeah, that's a great idea! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003173609430162005-07-21T23:32:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:32:53.613-04:00

The spacious bathroom 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003133389022672005-07-21T23:32:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:32:13.393-04:00

Hhmmm, what's this? 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003110113322122005-07-21T23:31:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:31:50.116-04:00

Let's go upstairs....watch the broken steps! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003075897310242005-07-21T23:31:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:31:15.896-04:00

No, it wasn't foggy outside, that's filth on the inside. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122003026133194782005-07-21T23:30:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:30:26.140-04:00

Joe removing the mirror that was glued to the wall. It had to be broken first, which caused a few minor issues later when the floor was sanded...always remember to sweep the floor before you start sanding!!!! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122002968839402902005-07-21T23:29:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:29:28.843-04:00

Joe in the doorway to the small room off the library. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122002933750600522005-07-21T23:28:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:28:53.753-04:00

Work area 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122002891515683232005-07-21T23:28:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:28:11.516-04:00

This is the disgusting kitchen...I just can't capture the layers of filth on camera. It all has to go! 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122002836377713712005-07-21T23:27:00.000-04:002005-07-21T23:27:16.380-04:00

Here's the living room and dining room area with the floor stripping in progress. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710579.post-1122002795285159452005-07-21T23:26:00.001-04:002005-07-21T23:26:37.306-04:00

What a lovely use of space. Someday this will be a real porch again. 

Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669924686524317194noreply@blogger.com0