They Say It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better...

...And that it's darkest just before the dawn.  I hope whoever "they" are that they are right.  Lots of kitchen demolition over the weekend.  We were lucky to be able to get some things done considering last week we had a major setback.  Jeff was the passenger in a rear-end collision and was taken to the hospital with dizziness, and neck/soft tissue injuries.  He is feeling much better now, and he was lucky--it could have been much worse.  The cars took the brunt of it.  One was totaled:-(

So I've been taking lots of "Before" shots on complete faith that there will--eventually--be lots of "After" shots to show our completed projects.  I think I will be taking some "During" shots too to show the progress...er, regression.  Below is the wall we're removing to open the house up.

This is the Before Demolition picture of the wall to be removed.  This view is from the dining room. 

This is the Before picture of the other side of the wall to be removed.  View from the inside of the kitchen.




The wall is coming down!






Notice the green Excedrine Migraine bottle laying amidst the chaos.  We all need it after dealing with this mess all day!  Upper cabinets gone.  We need a plumber's help to remove the base cabinets around the sink because of a water valve issue.

Look at all of that dust.  What a mess!  I hope this will all be worth it.  I can already see how much more open and airy the house will be. 

Jeff's a madman with TWO hammers LOL.  Screaming will probably be a daily occurance until this work is done.

Anyone need a fridge?  This one works.  Any takers?  You haul!

Anyone need a flat top stove?  The new stove is going along the wall to the left.

38 trash bags were hauled away, and we're not done yet. 


Dishwasher is up for grabs too!  I am NOT liking the look of the kitchen in the middle of demo!  This window will be doubled and turned into a picture window.





The new stove will be where the window is.  Right now it is in a warehouse somewhere just waiting to be delivered and finally used to create meals.



Cleanup was h-e-double hockey sticks.  Thankful for my sister Sheila for her assistance.

Demo is kinda dangerous (said with my best Crocodile Hunter accent)

Wherever you look there is a mess.

Here's the "planter" in the back yard.  We never realized that it was there to conceal a giant tree stump.  Not really liking the look of this tractor wheel.  I'd like it to be gone.  Along with the conspicuously located stump.  Sigh...

 We've also taken meetings and finalizing window purchase and been taking care of the 1 1/2 acres of new Spring growth simultaneously.  Very busy!  One very nice thing is that one of our new neighbors stopped over with a dinner basket for us with a complete meal of pasta, salad, fresh fruit, and a beautiful chocolate cake.  That really touched our hearts!  It's a rare thing these days when total strangers will go out of their way to make you feel welcome that way.  We lived at our townhome for over 6 years and barely got to know any of our hundreds of neighbors.  That makes me a bit sad.  I wish I wasn't as shy and reclusive as I am.  I'm trying to work on that.

Anyway, next week it's meetings with the plumber, drywall expert, and electrician.  Things are moving along.  I also got a glimpse of our cabinetry which has been delivered (and taking up our entire living room).  That is the impetus which drives the hard work now--it is absolutely gorgeous!