Demo Day

We are finally ready.  Permits are in order, subcontractors are lined up, and Hurricane Irene granted us a free day off of work.  Monday, August 29 was demo day.

The dogs were wondering what is going on.

I had removed many of the perennial bulbs from the beds that surrounded the old addition, with the help of a great friend - unfortunately we got poison ivy in the process!!  We also saved most of the stones that were used to make the rock wall.  The electrician and plumber came to disconnect everything leading to that section, and the framer cut the roof for easy separation.

Goats don't care -

Kenny getting ready to rip & tear.  He jokingly said "Oh I read that book, "How to Tear Down a House", last night so I'm ready!".

Got a good spot -

It was a bit nerve-wracking!

But all went smoothly and the addition came right off the stone house as expected.  We tried to salvage as many of the old beams as possible.

Juan found a praying mantis - we were happy to see this sign of good luck on Day 1 of our demolition.

The symbolism of a praying mantis:


The mantis never makes a move unless she is 100% positive it is the right thing for her to do. This is a message to us to contemplate and be sure our minds and souls all agree together about the choices we are making in our lives.
Overwhelmingly in most cultures the mantis is a symbol of stillness. As such, she is an ambassador from the animal kingdom giving testimony to the benefits of meditation, and calming our minds.
An appearance from the mantis is a message to be still, go within, meditate, get quite and reach a place of calm. It may also a sign for you to be more mindful of the choices you are making and confirm that these choices are congruent.


I love what it represents and how it fits into our lives right now.


But enough with the serious stuff... celebratory champagne!

We had to start right away removing the old concrete/ plaster from the old exterior.  This wall will be our new kitchen wall, so we want to get the exposed stone nice and clean.  Minor damage above the doorway where one of the pegs was very securely in that beam.

Chris getting right to work:

 The house looks so small and cute!

Beautiful end of an awesome day!