Gut and re-do

I’m really so thankful our house didn’t burn down.

When we were buying this place back in the early 90’s, it passed inspection, whatever that means.  I think it had to do with certain standards or “codes” to which components of the structure must adhere, like the construction, the plumbing…the electricity.  The data sheet from the realtor indicated the age of the house to be “50+”.  It’s the “plus” that should have had me asking a few more questions.

You know what is said about hindsight.

One of the shortcomings of professional standards is that they evolve, improve (theoretically anyway), many times without telling any of the rest of us.  Translation: now that our house is close to 80+ years, it probably would NOT have passed inspection.  I didn’t know that. 

You can’t take it with you.

Well, the old frig finally gave up the ghost.  It was, after all, 25 years old, which might make some of my contemporary homemakers gasp with awe.  Bob really came through yet again—

I had noticed the night before that things were a little squishy in the freezer, cold, but not hard like normal.   Checking the temp, it looked like it had been accidentally turned down, just a little, and besides, sometimes the door doesn’t shut all the way unless I push on it, so okay.  Done.  Went to bed.

Next morning, almost time to head out the door, I go to make our daily smoothies to take to our offices and notice that things are not just squishy, but thawing out!  Uh-oh. Thankfully, at this writing, my husband’s work schedule is more flexible than mine, and he was able to take measurements and make all the necessary decisions and contacts (including the contractor who had to come out and pull down some cabinets in my very small kitchen so the new appliance would fit!)

I came home to a new refrigerator, not exactly what I wanted, but totally what we needed!  My frozen food is much

A Little House

A great poem by Kathy Boecher at A Time To Share!  Not only does it speak to me because of my house (I’ll let the percolate in your imagination–even This Old House experts might be challenged here…) but mostly because of the redemption message that is deeply embedded yet thinly veiled for those who know the grace of our Lord Jesus.  And, as always, the fab painting is by her talented husband, Paul.  

Original art painted plein air by Paul T. Boecher©

A LITTLE HOUSE

A little house stands all alone, no people left inside,

There once was life within that house and laughter did abide,

The windows are now boarded up, the grass is overgrown,

The roof is battered, walls need paint, some love needs to be sown,

A fixer upper, yes indeed, but still a strong foundation,

Where walls can once again be filled with strong determination.

KATHY BOECHER©.