Camping

My good friends know I do not camp. They know I love the great outdoors. They will attest I am the first to partake in any adventure in nature from the most mundane hike or canoe trip to nighttime cave diving or midday bouldering into the nearest hornet's nest, but I do not camp. Frankly, I don't even agree with the use of the word as a verb describing a recreational activity, but that's a different topic. I pay my bills, I get to live indoors, end of story.

So it is understandable I am less than fond of those first few days and nights living in a renovation project. Now that I work from home, escaping to the office isn't even a option. Stuff doesn't work, there's noise, and fumes, and dust; you refuse to unpack for the simple reason of the dust and the fumes; it's just a lot like camping. I realize most people don't camp in the middle of a construction zone, but waking up cold and sore, with questionable working facilities, is just all too close to camping for me.

Short Punch List (with unhappy face rating):

carport--structural :-|:-|:-|

HVAC--replace :-|:-|:-|

washing machine--electrical :-|

toilets--minor :-|

floors--reno :-|:-|

master bath--gut :-|:-|

guest bath--reno :-|

windows--replace :-|:-|:-|

blinds--shortening :-|:-|

 

Just like a second child, Trading Up is not receiving the attention and time behind the camera and his older sibling, but here are some pictures of the first few days.

Before: Old Laminate (and 12-yr old Spanish wine)

Laminate Removed and Tarrazzo Exposed

Before: Facing Front Door (old laminate)

Current Office Space (laminate removed)

Before: Kitchen sans Fridge (and a good cleaning)