Better

I am feeling a lot better, though still stressed about the sheer magnitude of the project at hand, wondering if there will be enough time and energy.

I received official notification medicaid and food supplement benefits will continue as before. (I’m still waiting on word on SSI.)

I managed to get many of the smaller items needed for my home repair and improvement project. Today I arranged for a local sawmill to deliver lumber for it. The delivery charge is over $40 but better to pay that and get started than to have any more delays. That should be here tomorrow or the day after. Now I just need to get more home wrap of the variety I prefer. I have an opportunity to go to the city on Saturday, but am not sure if I will be able to ask about transporting this large item.

Meanwhile, since time is critical, I started tearing out wallboard to prepare for building new window frames (and, as it turns out, repairing some other issues with the wall framing). Boo is very worried. He thinks I’ve gone completely insane – I’m tearing apart our home! I found something really frightening hiding in a bedroom wall: knob and tube wiring that was still live! For those who may not be familiar with it, knob and tube was a type of electrical wiring used in the early 1900s. I doubt it was ever safe, and certainly after 100 years it is not safe today! Naturally, I removed it.

My biggest problem right now is probably staying focused. I’m trying to concentrate on the first phase of the work: framing, sheathing, home wrap, windows. But my mind is continually racing ahead to the siding and even beyond – to interior reconstruction and remodeling that is still at least a year or two ahead.

I’m really looking forward to Saturday. I will be attending a hamfest where they are doing another high altitude balloon launch! I had a great time watching that last year and look forward to doing  it again!