I really hope it's always darkest before the dawn...

So, how about an update?

Still no permits.  Maybe if I ask Santa for them we'll get them by the New Year.  Maybe?

Anyway, the elves are still busy inside.  Skip has installed ALL of the replacement windows and trimmed out all but one, which can't be done for awhile (it involves plaster, wiring, alarms, insulation...  all that boring guy-stuff).  You can see one of his finished windows below -- it's even painted!

There's also been some demo on the first floor.  The half bath and floor in the back hall & bathroom have been removed.  This is the section of existing floor that will be dropped to match the new family room.  If, you know, we ever get permits.

Outside there has been additional deconstruction.  Our contractor told us that if we took the brick off of the east wall we'd gain about six inches in the family room.  So, Rob tore that off last week too.  A new pile of rubble!

We did make a purchase last weekend -- our very first family tree.  Probably not a big deal to most people, but strangely a big deal to me.  I love our little tree.

That's it for now!  Crossing our fingers that Tom the Builder Guy arrives on his white horse next week with his extreme makeover crew (or at least the permits).  A girl can dream!

The view from the kitchen sink...  looking out the living room window!

No more floor -- the back hall & 1/2 bath.  (Nice toes though, right?)

The former water closet.  Or 1/2 water closet.  It really was closet-sized, wasn't it?  I never noticed how small that was...

Window trim, up & painted.  I like!  Thanks, Skip!

Rubble, from...

The brick face on the east wall.   Six more inches, people! 

The bushes are out; upstairs windows now with Tyvek trim (until we get the siding replaced, after we get permits or Sara gets married, which ever comes first.)

Our new tree.  A Japanese maple.  Love!