The painters have stripped the woodwork down to its bare self, removing years of paint that was so built up it looked like alligator skin. I wonder when these boards last felt the sun and rain. They look beautiful and are in great shape.

The front doorway looked so good stripped down that I had to take off the gnarly aluminum storm door immediately, it clashed so much.

With the paint off you can see details like this patch repair made with sheet aluminum. And the replaced boards showing that the kitchen windows used to be larger, below counter height.

Already they’re beginning to paint – soon the house will be wearing its new look.

I’ve moved and everything and nothing is happening. Nothing that doesn’t happen to others, and everything upside-down. Many good experiences with lots of scary feelings thrown in. Also a ton of adult decisions, some with heavy implications, such as cutting down trees, and some that are simple delights, such as choosing a location for my studio desk, and picking out trim for the top of the porch posts.

The cats have settled right in, which I take as a seal of approval.