Monday, September 5, 2011

The bottom, before the bounce

  
Our garage, as seen from our den

Our den, as seen from our garage

The remains of our den and garage, as seen from anywhere

Believe it or not, this is a kitchen


We're at the point where we're all about the process now.  It doesn't hurt at all, and hasn't for days.  It's much more of a worksite  now than a home lost.  The kitchen cabinets are out, the stove, dishwasher, refrigerator and even the kitchen sink are all out and on the lawn.  The final section left was the workbench in the corner of the garage.  I designed and built it myself a month after we moved in.  I made and fixed so many things on it and with it over the last two and half years -more projects than I can count.  I took it apart today and tossed the remains on the lawn -and felt nothing.  I'll build another one after we're up and running again.  Demolition had become just a job now, and that's a good thing.

Now we're just waiting on insurance adjusters and contractor's estimates.  The former to give us our budget for the rebuild, and the latter to tell us how much we can get on that budget.  The goal: a second bathroom.  Not very big dreams for a would-be deity (See?  I do know how to spell it!)

Of course, IF I WERE GOD...
There would be a another flood, a minor one -half inch or so, to wash away the dirt on the floors.
Followed by a minor tornado, a half yard high or so, to dry the newly washed floors.
Followed by a squad of Tolkien's dwarfs (renown for their construction skills) to rebuild my house.
Followed by a platoon of Elrond's elves (renown for their decorative flair) to paint and decorate.
Followed by a troop of sexy wood nymphs (renown for -mind your own business, Me-dammit!) because I swear to Me, I deserve it.


14 comments:

  1. I read this, then went below and saw the previous. All kidding aside, very sorry to hear you were hit so hard by the storm. Here's hoping you'll be back to normal as soon as possible, my friend. Prayer said.

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  2. Even with the previous photos, I didn't get the magnitude of this until now. This is dreadful. I gather you can't live there while this is going on. I am so sorry you guys are going through this. At the very least, I hope you get a new bathroom out of it. And you are very welcome to come with your little tribe and stay a while. I cook, you know.

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  3. I am in awe of your ability to just pick up and work without any amount of self-pity. I'm anxious to see the finished project when you have everything back together AND a second bathroom. I have faith! When God gives you hurricanes you make housing upgrades! That's how it outta be!

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  4. I see that your neighbors are also facing major clean-up/reconstruction. They don't blame YOU for this, do they, oh great NAG?
    Did you consider setting up a Paypal account for your readers to crop a few dollars in? You know, because it's a way for us to help you, perhaps to say thanks to you who have helped us through so many great sporting events and awards ceremonies?

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  5. "Drop", not "crop". But you already knew that.

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  6. As you bounce, take pictures. I'd love to see the progress.

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  7. Thanks to all of you for your support and well-wishes. I don't know how often I'll be writing in the near future. When we hit significant milestones in the recovery I'll post them here, it may be a while; there's a lot of people waiting for help.

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  8. So sorry to see how Irene battered your area. Having lost my entire home and rebuilt over the last year, I can relate and know how awful the loss can be. Glad that you are safe and can tell you that I understand how humbling it can be to accept and see the efforts of those who come to the aid of those in the midst of tragedy. It can and does get better. I wish you well.

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  9. I had no idea the damage was this bad for anybody. I'm really sorry, God. Although, technically, I guess, it's your fault.

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  10. Just checking in over here, buddy. I'm sure you're busy. Thinking about you.

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  11. So sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

    Right. You know that.

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  12. OH MY GOODNESS..... I wish there was some way I could help to clean up that mess...... ! I just can't imagine! Will insurance pay for cleanup?

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  13. Thanks again for all the well-wishes everyone. It really is nice to hear.
    We're just starting to hear back from the various insurances involved. There will be a decent amount of money coming our way soon, and we will start rebuilding.

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