remodeling again

[lenny]

This is house number 6 and my wife says it's the last one so it better be good this time. Picked up this old place for 18k on 4.5 acres 60/40, cleared/timber. The place has been vacant for 35.5 years and it shows. It needs everything it could possibly need from foundation, structure, windows, etc,,,,,,,,,. I started working on the house full time a week ago Monday. I started by stripping everything out of the basement. The basement had a coal stoker, 2 steam boilers, 2 tons of heavy steel pipe, 250 gallon fuel oil tank. a ton of coal, 3 pickup trucks of everything and anything. Basement is now virtually empty. Scrap yard gave me almost $500 for the steel. There were 6 posts that support 2 beams which carry floor joist loads and above bearing loads. 2 of the 6 were rotted up 6 inches and hanging from the beam supporting nothing. Sagging of the structure was significant and was 1 5/8 low in the center. I fired up the laser and brought the old place up to with 1/4" all in a day. Some plaster popping and creaking but all in all a easy raise. The place is heavy with 3 finished floors. (2) 20 ton jacks were needed. Yesterday I had the excavator over there doing grade work. Water has been infiltrating 2 stone wall for over 35 years and now we have the correct pitch of grading away from the structure.

The front porch is a disaster and the left side footing is 2 1/8" low so a bit of work is in order. Water has been a real destructive element on this old house. It is not beyond hope but I have my hands full with this one. one thing that has saved the wood structure is the original cedar shake roof. Believe it or not there are no major roof leaks over the interior of the structure. As I get to the inside of this place in about a month I'll get some pics but for now the push is for the exterior. Tomorrow I start to restructure the front porch starting at the footing.

Check this mess out !

[lenny]

pick one here is the same location as pic 2 in my first post and shows the proper grade, minus a little hand work. In the first it's kinda hard to see but water run towards the house and that is bad. We took out over 2.5 feet of earth on that left side up the hill and cleared a few cord of oak and maple

[treetrunk]

thanks for the update lenny I"ve been wondering how things where going with this project when you first posted about it earlier in the year. Seems like you have your hands full.

[frnash]

Lenny, you are amazing!
Those guys on PBS (http://www.pbs.org/thisoldhouse/home/) can't come close to you.

[favoritos]

Lenny, the structure is beautiful, but it looks like you have a lot of work. How the heck do you have time for Rally Racing?;)

I'm always amazed when I see grading sloped toward a structure. It is a pretty basic concept to run water away from a foundation.

It looks like the house had very little time left without your intervention. Nice to see you tackling this project. Too many people use a very destructive tool called a match.

[scott_l]

It will be interesting to read your updates and watch the progress, please keep us updated as time allows.

I am assuming your intention is to fix it up and then sell it for a profit, where is it located?

[mrsrunningbear]

Great pics Lenny, it will be fun to see the progress! Bet you can't wait to get it done and move in! Lots of space for all of you. I bet all the kids will have their own bedroom in this house. We'll be up to see it soon!

[Stack]

Lenny that is a really cool house with a lot of character, I can't wait to see the progress! The 4.5 acres is a nice bonus for the kids.

Stack

[scott_b]

Great project, can't wait to see the progress.

[bonnevier]

I agree with everyone...great project and can't wait to see how things progress. Like you, I can see the potential in older homes with just a little TLC!

[eagle1]

Wow dude, you like a challenge don't you. Looks like a cool home on a beautiful lot. Can't wait to see it when your done with it.

[frnash]

Where else but the UP can you find a house that has been vacant for 35.5 years without some bureaucrat/zoning official demanding that it be demolished and removed? There's a lot of that UP there!

And how about all the old abandoned mining properties? They just walked away and left 'em — not just the buildings but vast amounts of equipment as well! What, was there no salvage value in all that old steel back then?

There's a lot of old autos just abandoned in "da bush" too, and one I recall was left in a garage for decades, until the garage collapsed around it. and another with its hood and engine missing, only to be replaced by a little sapling, which has since grown into what is now a huge tree! Try that anywhere else!

[Skylar]

Wow, Lenny, you sure have a big project head of you! Looking forward to watching the progress!

[dcsnomo]

This will be fun to follow. How long are you planning to be working on it?

[lenny]

I'll be working on it till it's done and I have a 50/50 chance of being in it by November. Today I Jacked up the left side of the front porch. The bottom plate rotted off the footing. I slipped in a new pressure treated 2x8 and she is level again. There was lots of rotted wood and I will not finish replacing structure till the end of the weekend. Everything is so time consuming on a project like this. In the back of the house, water has been running into the basement and has significant damage. I had the excavator dig down to the footing and expose the entire wall. We're gonna plaster the wall and seal it. Also have a drain tile ready to go in bu the end of tomorrow. Back to the front porch, I had to replace the floor joists, ceiling joists and roof rafters. It's still better than demoing the entire porch and starting over. I am maintain the look and salvaging every last board foot of lumber if it's not rotten. I'll get a few pics tomorrow of the progress.

[peter]

You got some work ahead of you. Great pics.

Whats the inside look like? I bet it was pretty cool walking in there after being vacant for 35 years..

[lenny]

You got some work ahead of you. Great pics.

Whats the inside look like? I bet it was pretty cool walking in there after being vacant for 35 years..

The inside is the best part of the house but to most it would be considered rough

Today we finished digging a trench with the backhoe and hit rock, I mean big time rock. Took us 5 hrs of 90 lb jack hammering to get through, wow am I tired. My buddy Eric is hammering in the first pic, that's also his Evo ralley car in one of the pics

[rp7x]

funny todd never gets dirty

[xyooper]

funny todd never gets dirty

that made me laugh

[lenny]

things are going slow on da old home. The trench is filled in around back, new service is run to the house and the power company is coming soon to energize it. The basement structure is sound but now I have been working on the roof structure. I found a few fractured roof rafters so I built a small wall under them and jacked the roof back up to the correct position. The rear entry way of the house was an addition way long ago and was built by someone who it mentally challenged in building construction. The ridge rafter was out of level 7" over a 9' length,,,,yup,,,,that's what I said,,,7" of 9' and there's no fixing it from the inside without taking it apart. I reinforced the hip rafters and built it up on the outside tying it all together with 3" deck screws. It's still not perfect but for a 100 yr old house it's certainly respectable. All the decorative tail rafters on the back of the house were rotten and were cut with the wrong roof pitch. So I made new ones and cut the right pitch to match the rafter pitch, it looks right now.

This roof is 30 squares and has the original 100 yr old cedar shake roof with asphalt shingles over it. There is a ton of work removing them and even more work picking it all up off the ground. I am re-sheeting the entire roof with 7/16 osb over the existing 1x10 roof sheeting.

I've worked on average 12 hrs a day for 2 weeks since I posted last and seem to have accomplished not much.

[skiroule]

Geez Lenny,

Show a little ambition!

Having been involved in a number of remodeling projects, I'm exhausted just looking at the photos. Contrary to what you feel is "not accomplishing much", I'm impressed by what you've done so far.

My daughter lived in Calumet/Larium for a number of years before she moved to Marquette and I was always fascinated by the classic "project houses" in the area, some of which were undergoing some great restorations.

Good luck on your project. It's a house with character that is hard to find in modern construction.

[scott_b]

Great progress Lenny. Can't wait to see the progress and the end result. Keep up the great work.

[mrsrunningbear]

WoW Lenny what progress!! Thanks for the pics cool to see the life coming back to that classic old home!!

[yamahauler]

Wow Lenny, you have a ton of ambition. How in the world did you learn how to do all the things that you are doing and have to do?

[yamahauler]

Do you end up selling the houses or renting them out?

[lenny]

Wow Lenny, you have a ton of ambition. How in the world did you learn how to do all the things that you are doing and have to do?

Back in Illinois I worked for a remodeling contractor and we did a lot of stuff. We never did concrete or excavating, heating cooling, plumbing or electric but just about everything else.

Today we tore off the back side shingles. It is so hot and humid, it has to be over 90 and strong sun. I had drank nearly 2 gallons of water by 2 pm. I litterally ran myself right of of energy so I came home, Eric was shot also. I may go back after 7 tonight and start cleaning up my mess. Right now I am heading to the beach and gonna swim in Lake Superior. I know my core temp it up and that will bring it down quickly

[lenny]

Do you end up selling the houses or renting them out?

I still have them, we're going to move into this one and I will sell or rent the other 2 out this winter.

[local897]

Wow Len! Glad to see it worked out that you got the place. I am sure it is going to be a jem when you are done with her! I emailed you when you get to reply send me the address would love to swing by check it out. Stay cool don't over do your self.

[jonesin]

new chimeny in the future too? fireplace on both floors I assume?

[lenny]

new chimeny in the future too? fireplace on both floors I assume?

We tore out the chimney on the driveway side and the other one is going to be repaired. There is just one fireplace in the house on the lower level in the living room.

[lenny]

It's been slow going on the old place. I am still on the roof and will be for about 5-6 more days. The roof has been stripped off, replaced all rotted areas which was a bit more that I expected. We re-sheeted the entire roof and papered most of it. Should be about half or close to half shingled tomorrow. My wife and kids have been removing wall paper and is about 90% complete, will be complete tomorrow. Today the new 200 amp electrical service was installed and energized. The old gale has juice flowing threw her once again. I hit the main and clicked on the gfci outlet and said bye bye to the old generator till next big project.

[lenny]

a few more

[Skylar]

Keep up the good work Lenny! How come you did not go with a metal roof?

[mrsrunningbear]

Your getting there Lenny, Di and the Kids! Looking Good!

[lenny]

Keep up the good work Lenny! How come you did not go with a metal roof?

thanks, I felt the metal roof would detract from the look of the home.

[skiroule]

I hit the main and clicked on the gfci outlet and said bye bye to the old generator till next big project.

The next big project?

I think the upstairs corner porch is a great feature. It might seem like things are going slow when you're there every day but looking at the photo updates, it sure looks like major progress.

[favoritos]

Looking Good. I know it is a lot of work but it is great that you and the family are working together on this project. It is great to see a beautiful structure come back to life.

[samc]

Looks great - I like that the kids are helping!

[mguthrie]

Wow Lenny go go go. Awesome progress.

[wilson]

lenny... find any good treasures in that place yet?

[roundhouse]

Nice work. It's like the UP version of "this old house", only this is more ambitious than the projects I see on TV!

[lenny]

lenny... find any good treasures in that place yet?

have not , wish I did but nothing more than an old homework paper from a girl probably from the 50's, some old newspapers from 1916

[lenny]

Nice work. It's like the UP version of "this old house", only this is more ambitious than the projects I see on TV!

sometimes I think, "what did I get myself into" but it's all good. I just keep fixing and more fixing,,,,someday!!!!

[frosty]

Whats the status Lenny?! I got sucked into your "this is your old house" episode!:)

[snow_monkey]

Next season available on dvd!

[lenny]

Whats the status Lenny?! I got sucked into your "this is your old house" episode!:)

had a good day today for roofing, 75 and cloudy, sun came out a bit ago and wow did it get uncomfortable fast. Cloudy now and just came home to eat dinner, going back for a few more hrs. We are over 50% shingled as of now and probably 75% before the end of the weekend.

[frosty]

Pictures! Need visuals! We need to bring up a camera crew to your place and start filming "Lennys Victorians". :)

[lenny]

Pictures! Need visuals! We need to bring up a camera crew to your place and start filming "Lennys Victorians". :)

he he he, maybe a few pics tomorrow. I did achieve my 75% complete goal but it took me till 8:30 tonight to get there. The main roof minus the porches will be done by the end of the day Tuesday, weather permitting. I spent a bit of time flashing the chimney. I ground a slot in the brick and used a brake to bend my metal. I bent a 3/8" tab and slipped the metal in the notch and caulked it. I didn't use the step up method but I believe it will perform fine. I ran 2 courses of ice and water shield up the eves, should be good for many years

[dhealy8]

It's lookin good and coming along Lenny! We'll stop by and check it out again in a couple weeks. As you know, will all be worth it when done, esp that big ol place!

[lenny]

It's lookin good and coming along Lenny! We'll stop by and check it out again in a couple weeks. As you know, will all be worth it when done, esp that big ol place!

look forward to seeing you Dan.

I came very close to my goal of finishing the main house roofing but lacking a few hrs only, will finish tomorrow. The last few days the sun has been hot and had to get off the roof for a good portion of the heat hrs. We tore out plaster in 3 bedrooms (ceilings). Things will be moving along good once I get the roof complete. Pics tomorrow for sure!!!

[cuzzinolaf]

Will this be your house, something to flip or a rental?

[frosty]

look forward to seeing you Dan.

I came very close to my goal of finishing the main house roofing but lacking a few hrs only, will finish tomorrow. The last few days the sun has been hot and had to get off the roof for a good portion of the heat hrs. We tore out plaster in 3 bedrooms (ceilings). Things will be moving along good once I get the roof complete. Pics tomorrow for sure!!!

Hey Lenny, just a reminder about that plaster that is 100 years old-ABESTOS!!!! Please be wearing masks and ventilate the house when doing it!;)

[lenny]

Will this be your house, something to flip or a rental?

we're moving into this one, gonna be our permanate place!

[lenny]

Hey Lenny, just a reminder about that plaster that is 100 years old-ABESTOS!!!! Please be wearing masks and ventilate the house when doing it!;)

no doubt, even without abes, that dust does not belong in da ol air bags,,thanks :)

[dcsnomo]

Pictures! Need visuals! We need to bring up a camera crew to your place and start filming "Lennys Victorians". :)

C'mon, Lenny...put up a webcam for us!:)

[local897]

I stopped up to the old house on 8/12 and its looking good! I had my camera but didnt even think of taken a picture or two! This place is huge too it is going to look good when Lenny and his crew get done like in all the other houses he has build. Cant wait to see where you are at on Labor day weekend maybe you might have time for a BEER or two then.

[lenny]

"maybe you might have time for a BEER or two then"



oh yea!!!!!

I did try to get some pics tonight but as soon as I turned the camera on the battery light flashed and off it went,,, tomorrow!

[rp7x]

were stopin fri to pick you up

[arcticgeorge]

"maybe you might have time for a BEER or two then"



oh yea!!!!!

I did try to get some pics tonight but as soon as I turned the camera on the battery light flashed and off it went,,, tomorrow!

Hey maybe ill join yous guys, Lenny can give me some tips on remodeling since iam in the middle of doing my place.

[lenny]

Hey maybe ill join yous guys, Lenny can give me some tips on remodeling since iam in the middle of doing my place.

you know it bud,,,,come on up,,,we'll have a good time, and I'll tell you everything I know, shouldnt take 20 mins ;)

L

[lenny]

finally got some new pics, you know, when you live in da UP you gotta drive 20 miles to get batteries,,,,sheshhhhhh

[lenny]

here's one on the highest ridge of the house looking out on the front yard

some interior pics also

[peter]

here's one on the highest ridge of the house looking out on the front yard

some interior pics also

You are keeping the old trim in this house I hope!

[lenny]

You are keeping the old trim in this house I hope!

you got that right! Trim and floor are stayin and in good condition, just need a good cleaning!

Had a big bonfire tonight, sat back and had a few brews (home made, friend) waiting for rpx7 to show up and they never came. Whats up with that!!!

[frnash]

… Had a big bond fire [sic] tonight … Burning summa dem worthless gummint bonds? :D
Good thing you didn't get a piece of that tornado that hit Ontonagon on Friday morning (http://www.mininggazette.com/page/content.detail/id/521633/Tornado-hits-Ontonagon-Friday.html?nav=5006)!

[lenny]

yea, that's right


I fixed it!

[arcticgeorge]

Nice job on the roof...looks perfect. Now how about that chimney? looks like a rebuild at the top? A few brick and new cap eh?

[local897]

had a few brews (home made, friend)

Jealous I wont some. Hope he is going to be around Labor Day Weekend?

I dont think there was ever a word say about How you got all the shingles up on that there tall house!!??

[lenny]

Nice job on the roof...looks perfect. Now how about that chimney? looks like a rebuild at the top? A few brick and new cap eh?

Yea, The top 4-5 bricks need atention. I'll do that myself but need proper scaffolding. I'll probably make a form on the ground, mount it on the roof, pour a cap with some rebar for reinforcement, remove the form. Oh yea, can't forget the oil to keep the cap clean of wood when removing the form.

[lenny]

Jealous I wont some. Hope he is going to be around Labor Day Weekend?

I dont think there was ever a word say about How you got all the shingles up on that there tall house!!??


I was a little embarassed to mention that. Dem dar chingles were humped on de ol shouder and walkeded up de latter, all 90tree bundles. Eric humped up probably 60% and I did the rest in the evenings after he left.

[mspease]

It's looking good Lenny! I like the woodwork and the older windows. Should be really nice when you're done. What a view from the top of the house.

Sorry we missed you Friday, we stopped by there about 2:30 local time. It looks like we missed a heck of a bonfire! It was good to see you again on Saturday and Steve and I hope to ride with you this winter. Take care!

[lenny]

Mark, you and Steve are a blast to hang out with. I feel like we've known each other all long time, same with John. It was a good time and look forward to riding, lets make a point to see that it happens! This web site has just been a huge blessing with all the friends I have been making. Honestly, what would life be like without friends?

[mspease]

Lenny,

I agree 100% with everything you said. See you this winter!

[favoritos]

I was a little embarassed to mention that. Dem dar chingles were humped on de ol shouder and walkeded up de latter, all 90tree bundles. Eric humped up probably 60% and I did the rest in the evenings after he left.

Holy :eek: , that is a lot of work just humping the bundles up a two story ladder. I sure hope you were not using one of those 250# ladders that feel like a rope swing when you add a little weight.

Nice progress so far. Should have the exterior buttoned up before the first N-Easter rolls into town.

[lenny]

still going at it with da old place. This week we finished the porch roof, pressure washed every square inch of the basement, ceiling, joists, I mean everything. The lumber looks like new again. The basement has a floor drain and it work great. There was a little mold on the basement stairs at the base next to the floor and it came right off. I have 7 permanent light fixtures down there and it nice and bright. The basement took about 2 days to get as clean as we got it. I have been working on the windows with my wife. We had 24 pieces if broken glass in the house. Removing glazing and replacing glass isn't so bad but scraping and prepping the window for paint is time consuming. I have about half of the upstairs finished and should have them all done by the end of this next week. I picked up my douglas fir flooring for the porch and will install it soon. Oh yea, we removed some walls downstairs and also will remove some load bearing walls. I ordered the LVL beams and they came in yesterday so that is the big project for this upcoming week. Should be about 2 day project. After this header install we're ready to start rebuilding the inside but still need to do a ton of work outside. It's coming along good and I believe I should be able to get in it before winter.

[mspease]

I love those basement walls and the wood looks great! That's back when they made some quality lumber. Keep updating us. Hopefully rp7x and I will be parked in your front yard again this winter, but on snowmobiles this time!

[lenny]

installed the d.fir T&G floor on da front porch today, going back now till dark to continue repairing window glass. Planing to repair siding on dormers where the flashing is, install lvl beams and wrap up other misc projects before we start anything new. Will install bead board on porch ceiling soon.

[scott_l]

looking good Lenny, thanks for sharing..........none of my damb business, nor am I trying to get to personal, but do you have a traditional job (m-f, 7-3)? The only reason I ask is your taking on a huge project and to do that untop of a traditional job would be unbelievable....ether way its a huge project, nice to see the family is helping. I personally think it's good to get the kids involved, it shows them things are not just handed to them in life.

nice job/keep up the great work........don't answer my question if it's to personal!

[peter]

Lenny, these old homes have so much more character then the new one.

[rp7x]

i think he won power ball or somthing like that? now he's just trying to spend alot off it

[lenny]

looking good Lenny, thanks for sharing..........none of my damb business, nor am I trying to get to personal, but do you have a traditional job (m-f, 7-3)? The only reason I ask is your taking on a huge project and to do that untop of a traditional job would be unbelievable....ether way its a huge project, nice to see the family is helping. I personally think it's good to get the kids involved, it shows them things are not just handed to them in life.

nice job/keep up the great work........don't answer my question if it's to personal!

It's not personal, I am a licensed contractor and do contract jobs. I am doing this job as my own personal residence, I will rent my old house so in a sense I am getting paid to work on this one but will just get paid in small amounts later. Many people think I am loaded but that is far from the truth. Not bragging but I am ambitious and optimistic. We live in a area where snow is good so why not provide lodging options for sledders.

[local897]

Many people think I am loaded but that is far from the truth.
There is a difference in being loaded and smart with your money! Looking for some more help I am looking for work? Call me or email me if you are.

[lenny]

working on getting the house sealed up and right now and that means repairing the existing windows. It's just crazy how much time can go into a window especially when they are a total mess. House had no maintenance for 35 years so there is bird crap, fly crap, bugs and webs all over the windows. Paint peeling off like crazy, paint all over the glass. It couldn't get any worse but I just cannot afford to replace the windows right now. The glazing is rough in many areas and fair in about the same so much time is involved in the glazing alone. Here are some before and after shots of the windows. If the glass is broke in a sash it takes me about 2 hrs a sash to fix the window up to what I say is respectable and that still leaves the frame to deal with. I do this in the evenings on my off time,,,he he he, what a life!

Plumbing rough in coming soon. I also contacted the electrician and he is waiting for the word to get going but plumber first. Plumber should have a 2-3 day rough in but before that I still need to install the 4 lvl beams where I am taking out load bearing walls and that is Mon.

[lenny]

oh yea, I forgot to mention. I have a sonic crafter tool that is remarkable. I mean every guy needs one of these things that's how good they are. There is a sanding attachment that just makes this job so much more efficient, without it I would be at a disadvantage. Ah,,,O'Reily is on,,,C,Ya

[mspease]

You like O'Reilly too Lenny?

[lenny]

O is good, I do miss GB. I do listen to both sides so CNN is on often, not that I accept either network as truth as they do clash but a well rounded report give a guy an opportunity to decide for himself.

[bonnevier]

Sounds like Monday is going to be a true "Labor" day!

[allen_shores]

What kind of sonic crafter do you have? So many to choose from not sure what to buy, and how much to spend.

[lenny]

I have a Rockwell and it's seems like a well built unit. I've not had it long enough to recommend to someone but from 10 hrs of use it seems very good so far. My buddy had a Fine (wrong spelling) and says it's not necessary to buy that brand because they are high priced. I can tell you one thing I will never be without a sonicrafter as long as I am in construction!

[lenny]

today we removed some siding and replaced it where the roof flashing is. We just tore it out when we roofed so we could get the tins under the siding and now it's time for a proper repair. We did all 3 dormers today and will do the f.porch tomorrow. Looks lots better!

[tomxc700]

My buddy has the rockwell and he uses the crap out of it. He has had it for about a year now. It is a very handy tool to have around, lots of good uses. The only thing I dont like about it is how hot it gets when you use it for a long time.

[scott_b]

My buddy has the rockwell and he uses the crap out of it. He has had it for about a year now. It is a very handy tool to have around, lots of good uses. The only thing I dont like about it is how hot it gets when you use it for a long time.

Lenny, great job, looking forward to seeing the finished product. Are you going to keep the place blue or repaint with a different color?

Not to go too far off topic but I find it a little funny that these "sonic crafters" are just now getting around. Fein has made them for years and held one or more patents on them but as with all Fein products they are very expensive. A friend in the industry told me that when the patents expired there were a flood of competitors and they were selling like crazy. Apparently now that they are getting into more professional's hands and people are wearing out the cheap ones ($35 at Menard's) Fein's sales have gone up. Guess they had the wrong price point. Great tool.

[lenny]

oh man is it ever a great tool, cannot live without it now, seriously!
If this one goes I will buy the best one available because you just cannot do without such an important tool

[lenny]

we installed 2 lvl beams today, that was a lot of work. we built 2 temp wall on each side of the wall to be removed. Pulled out the load wall and installed the header, worked flawlessly.

[lenny]

5 doors were removed from the floor plan. I like the open area especially for having friend and family over. We also have a few windows sash installed and they look pretty good

[dcsnomo]

5 doors were removed from the floor plan. I like the open area especially for having friend and family over. We also have a few windows sash installed and they look pretty good

Will my invite be coming soon? :D

[lenny]

your offer is an open standing offer good for life, hope to see ya some time! ;)

[favoritos]

Nice progress. Those old headers are a rather interesting design.

[lenny]

Nice progress. Those old headers are a rather interesting design.

Thanks, I had never seen a header like that and am impressed with the design. I know the house was built before 1926 but how much before I do not know. I am guessing 1900-1910. It was originally built with electrical wiring so maybe someone knows better when that technology was implemented? Today we took it easy and just cleaned the place up. I was accumulating a lot of debris so we took the time to get the job site in order. Tonight my wife and I finished scraping the paint off the last few window glass and I installed most of them. The next few days we will wrap up unfinished projects so next week we can build the front stairs, poor a footing and rebuild the rear porch. Still more glass to repair but I'll get that done in the evenings.

[lenny]

another day of loose ends. We vacuum cleaned the attic. I removed old electric from ceilings and cleaned out old plaster and lath from the corners, spent all day doing that stuff

[windingtrailgal]

Lenny, have been following your renovation since you're first post. Went back and just looked at pics tonight. Amazing! I love the before and during pics. Can't wait to see the rest of the hard work and then the move in ready pics!
I shoulda posted months ago to cheer you on!
Awesome job! Looks like it's gonna be a beautiful home!

[lenny]

tanks windingtrailgal, One of our most recent realizations has come to show us that we will not be moving in before winter like we hoped. Couple reasons why, first being money and second my health. Earlier this year I contracted a roof job and created a pain in my elbow that wont go away. I have ignored that pain and it has gotten worse (duh) and now my shoulder is bothering me. I believe both will reside if given sufficient time to heal. My elbow can be pretty serious at times, my shoulder not bad. I really need to work a reasonable amount of hrs and let my body catch up. I can save money to complete the house and at the same time heal up to avoid permanent body damage.

I've not had the fishing boat out 1 time this year nor the jet ski. Looks like 80 and sunny today so why not a jet ski day! The mind says no but the body says yes!

[luke_duke]

Nice pics. Best of luck with your elbow, sometimes rest can go a long ways.

[700classic]

I'm not a doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. It sounds like Tennis elbow. I've had to deal with it in the past. Ice it and get a strap for tennis elbow at Walgreens, Rite-aid,etc. Your shoulder is probably hurting from compensating for your elbow being sore( swinging hammer with more shoulder than elbow) Good job on the house!

[skiroule]

I'm not a doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I wonder how many people got this?

Lenny, you've been going like a man possessed. I'm guessing it's really hard to dial it back but maybe a little R&R is in order. I spent a good chunk of the summer building a garage for my fishing boat and it really cut into (guess what) my fishing time. Not very smart.

This has been a really fun project to follow and we'll look forward to the time when you get back in action.

[windingtrailgal]

:)@ 700classic

I always say "I'm not a doctor and I never played one on TV but..."

Lenny, it was too hot a summer to not take the time to get out on the fishing boat or jet ski! Hope you did so today.

It's been amazing progress on the house. Taking on a house that stood vacant for that amount of time looked so daunting in the beginning. You've made it look like it's been easy?! Am sure pushing yourself like that hasn't helped the irritated elbow!

[chevytaHOE5674]

Lenny I drove past the house the other day and remembered this thread. House it looking good after sitting vacant for so long. Best of luck to you on that project.

[lenny]

Lenny I drove past the house the other day and remembered this thread. House it looking good after sitting vacant for so long. Best of luck to you on that project.

Thanks! feel free to stop by anytime :rolleyes:

[lenny]

I only worked a total of 8 hrs the entire weekend. I did take the jet ski to the big lake and had a blast. Nothing better than cold water running through a 1100 cc triple keeping her cool, had some good fun with the family. I'm heading back now after devouring 3 nice pcs of Indiana sweet corn. MMallot from this board who lives in Indiana is up for the entire week, gonna trail brush later this week. He was over at my place helping today, what an great guy. He even wants to help out tomorrow.

[lenny]

a few more pics. The last few days I have been repairing structure inside the house. In the attic there was a open top water tank that eventually started to leak. It caused rot to a few of the ceiling joists so I sistered a new one along sid ans was able to allow it to sit on the top of the walls just as the original. 6 ceiling joists in a diferent were notched by the plumbers and they removed the top half of the 2x8. The joists did sag about 1/2". Again I sistered in new joists and bumped up the old one back to level again, worked very well. In the attic there were 6 fractured roof rafters that we sistered on new joists, posted up the ridge also.

Here are a few pics of the Master bedroom, the window sash's came out real nice.

[lenny]

pics are a bit harder to do now with new format

[lenny]

not sure if I ever mentioned that there are 3 stairways going up to the second floor, 1 staircase to the attic, 2 stairs to the basement. 6 staircases total and all in great shape except the basement set which I plan to fix in the near future. Here are the 3 going to the second floor

[skiroule]

This house seems to have been originally built for someone that could afford a little higher standard of living. It would be interesting to know the history of this house and how it came to be vacant for so long.

Also, you violated members orders by "only" working 8 hours this weekend. I thought our instructions were pretty specific.

[lenny]

I have toned down my hrs and can feel the difference. My shoulder is almost perfect and the elbow still is a issue but certainly improving. Still working on lower level windows and will be for a few more days so not much to show for. In the den there was a window that was disassembled with the sash's in the closet along with all the window weights, stops and trim. I spent about 5 hrs on this assembly getting back into shape and seeing a complete unit that operates properly and smooth is so encouraging for me. With no one in the house for so many years and not loosing all the parts is a miracle itself. Now when I pull up to the house and see no more boards over the window it really makes me feel good to see it shaping up. I'll snap a few pics when I complete the windows.

[windingtrailgal]

the new windows look great!

I know I read that it was vacant for, what?, 35 years? Why so long? Did you mention it and I just didn't catch it?

It looks like it's an incredible house - LOVE the staircases...seems kinda sad that it was vacant for so long. Glad it's getting fixed up. I grew up in a 1880's house - my piano teacher was in her 80's when I was a kid and she remembered when they put the indoor plumbing in my house. My mom sold it back in '93...haven't been back since. I always think of Miranda Lambert's tune "the house that built me" when I think of just wanting to go back and see it.
Love them old homes and their 'feel' and their history. I've lived in this 100 yr old house with bigdaddy now for over 15 years and it still doesn't feel like home as much as that old house I grew up in. We live in an old house but it doesn't have any of the character - or construction - of the house I grew up in.

Glad the shoulder and elbow are feeling better. if you can just get a few more days of jet skiing and fishing in I'm sure it'd be right as rain. Before we know it? the best kind of throttle therapy.

Kinda takes the pressure off to know you won't be done by winter move in anyway, right? :D

Again, thanks for the posts and the especially the pics!

[lenny]

the new windows look great!

I know I read that it was vacant for, what?, 35 years? Why so long? Did you mention it and I just didn't catch it?

It looks like it's an incredible house - LOVE the staircases...seems kinda sad that it was vacant for so long. Glad it's getting fixed up. I grew up in a 1880's house - my piano teacher was in her 80's when I was a kid and she remembered when they put the indoor plumbing in my house. My mom sold it back in '93...haven't been back since. I always think of Miranda Lambert's tune "the house that built me" when I think of just wanting to go back and see it.
Love them old homes and their 'feel' and their history. I've lived in this 100 yr old house with bigdaddy now for over 15 years and it still doesn't feel like home as much as that old house I grew up in. We live in an old house but it doesn't have any of the character - or construction - of the house I grew up in.

Glad the shoulder and elbow are feeling better. if you can just get a few more days of jet skiing and fishing in I'm sure it'd be right as rain. Before we know it? the best kind of throttle therapy.

Kinda takes the pressure off to know you won't be done by winter move in anyway, right? :D

Again, thanks for the posts and the especially the pics!

I can only speculate as to why it was vacant for so many years. In 1953 a family bought the place and from what I have been told, they did not maintain the place, wouldn't fix anything and if they did it was a DIY. The Owner than died and the son got the house in Nov of 75. They stayed 1 year and he got a different job and relocated. My understanding from a few of the old neighbors, it was kinda rough in the 50's and has never received the attention it was in need of. A local guy wanted to buy the place i the 60's and went through it but didn't buy because it already needed to much. No body has had the ambition to tackle the place till a dumb a** like myself came along AND HERE I AM

[lenny]

Okay, that's not me but it could be some day

[favoritos]

Looks awesome Lenny.

According to the pics, that open top water tank is called a bathtub around our neck of the woods.;)

Did that house have a set of stairs right into the kitchen? Maybe into the hall just outside the kitchen? Seems like the house was set up for staff help with so many staircases.

[durphee]

Lenny,
great work. I remodel houses (not a contractor but i have several rentals and flipped 2 houses) also but NOTHING near the amount of work you are doing. Keep up the good work! I also love the history and stories behind some of the older houses. My first remodel was a 90 year old house and we had the original "blueprint" put behind sun resistent glass and displayed it in the living room. Ironically, the original family that owned the house for almost 2/3 of the time knocked on our door and purchased the house back from us after the remodel!

[lenny]

Looks awesome Lenny.

According to the pics, that open top water tank is called a bathtub around our neck of the woods.;)

Did that house have a set of stairs right into the kitchen? Maybe into the hall just outside the kitchen? Seems like the house was set up for staff help with so many staircases.

I does have a set of stairs in the kitchen and also right in the back door,,wow,, I am so accustomed to showers!

[lenny]

Lenny,
great work. I remodel houses (not a contractor but i have several rentals and flipped 2 houses) also but NOTHING near the amount of work you are doing. Keep up the good work! I also love the history and stories behind some of the older houses. My first remodel was a 90 year old house and we had the original "blueprint" put behind sun resistant glass and displayed it in the living room. Ironically, the original family that owned the house for almost 2/3 of the time knocked on our door and purchased the house back from us after the remodel!

that's cool, they must have been attached to the place?

Remodeling is a very challenging endeavor to me. You wanna make the place look good but at the same time you wanna keep it with it's character, balance is they key I suppose

[lenny]

check these pics out, do the windows look better? 2 more days of windows and I'll be done and ready to move on to the front steps and porch trim.

[mspease]

Windows look great Lenny! Have you ever tried a strap for your elbow like I used up at John's when we cut wood? They make a big difference, provided it's a tendon issue.

[lenny]

Windows look great Lenny! Have you ever tried a strap for your elbow like I used up at John's when we cut wood? They make a big difference, provided it's a tendon issue.

Thanks Mark, I have tried a strap when the pain was very serious along with I-bu-pro-fin (<--- hope frank doesn't see that) and it all does work.

[favoritos]

Front steps are already perfect. Just think of all the time you could save on shoveling snow.;)

You must have a few trips up and down ladders by now. Did you do those 3rd floor windows from the ladder?

[lenny]

Front steps are already perfect. Just think of all the time you could save on shoveling snow.;)

You must have a few trips up and down ladders by now. Did you do those 3rd floor windows from the ladder?

No, all the window sash's come out of the frame and worked on on the bench. Just getting the sash's out can be a job by itself especially when they have not moved in 35 years and have been painted shut. To get them out you have to remove the outer sash stop and that will allow the lower window to be removed but than the hard part. You need to get the upper sash down to the bottom and remove it's stop which is a bear. Some of the cords break, most of the stops are painted in and need to be loosened up without damaging them. Next I use the multi tool and scrape the windows and than by hand, remove broken glass, sand the windows, install new glass, re-glaze, prime, finish paint, scrape paint off glass. Do the same thing to the stops, and just clean up the slide jambs. All that than you still have the window frame inside and out to do along with trim on both sides. It really is major time consuming. I made an early day today as I am overly frustrated with the slow drying of glazing and paint with this rain and cool temps. I just said screw it, it's one of those days!

[favoritos]

Lenny, I think a lot of people would have said "screw it" a long time ago.

That is a lot of work just on the windows. How the heck do you replace the broken cords without opening the wall?

[lenny]

Lenny, I think a lot of people would have said "screw it" a long time ago.

That is a lot of work just on the windows. How the heck do you replace the broken cords without opening the wall?

The window frames have a small panel (3"x12") that is removable which allows access to the weights, getting the cord down to the weights is another story. Easiest way is to remove casing on one side and cut a small chunk out of plaster that will cover back up when casing is reinstalled. Removing the small piece of plaster allows you to grab the cord as you slip it through the top pulley and tie a small weight to it in order to get the cord down to the bottom removable panel to re-tie the new cord to the weight, easy as pie,,,yea right!

[lenny]

1st floor windows are complete, attic windows need paint scraped off glass and installed. Basement windows are out and ready to prime. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as windows goes.

Stats: 72 window sash's, 35 doors, 82 steps on all stairs, 428 individual pcs of glass within all doors and windows including storms (crazy)

[lenny]

in the beginning I couldn't cut a piece of glass to save my life, now I am a glass cutting fool. When I removed all the broken wavy glass I saved anything of size and have been using it to replace smaller pieces. Today I cut my last few pcs and glazed them. Tomorrow I install the basement windows and she's all done. Another milestone complete and ready for the next project (front steps.)

Till than, Leo the Lop (as my buddy calls me, not sure what that means)

[snoseekr2]

Lenny i feel ypur pain brother, just finished that side job scrapeing and painting 45 windows on a 100yr. old house. It took for ever.

[700classic]

This is house number 6 and my wife says it's the last one so it better be good this time. Sorry lenny, but every time I bring up this thread this line always catches my eye. Is your wife trying to say that the other 5 were not so good?:confused:

[lenny]

Sorry lenny, but every time I bring up this thread this line always catches my eye. Is your wife trying to say that the other 5 were not so good?:confused:

now you got me wondering, where's that women at!

[lenny]

just got back from da old place, was working on the front door, big old 42" door. The front entrance had a temp built by previous owner to keep people out. The door had been kicked in so one of the panels was split and damaged. The style' were separating from the rails about 1/4". I set the door on a bench and took a good look at it. I borrowed some huge clamps from my buddy and before clamping I glued the joints up real good and tightened er up. All the joints came right back to place. There was a big split in one of the panels where it had been kicked in. When the door was kicked the panel split and hung up on itself and warped in that condition for the last 20 years probably. What I did was tap the rail apart further and allow some room to separate the broken split panel. AS had to smack it hard and she snapped close but being warped it wasn't flush. I was able to get the pcs flush and clamped the door tight and she stayed. Very much amazed now that the door looks really good. Pre drilled and counter sunk some 3" screws to keep it tight. Tomorrow I'll replace the damaged jam and trim, if this comes out nice I'll be so pleased.

[duane9835]

WOW!!!! Awesome thread and work!!!! I need to find a place like that around here for my ever growing family, I thought the 4 bedroom i built 7 years ago was going to be enough......
Nice work.....

We have been looking for an old farm house with a little property but there is not much of that left?

[lenny]

Thanks Duane! Today I got the front door into shape and this old gale of a house has gotten her dignity back. Had enough time to take the back door off and re-work it. She needed some serious planning and replacing broken glass. Both doors swing nice now, latch perfectly. I just need a few skeleton keys so I can look them

[98panther]

Unless I missed it Didn't see any mention, How you gunna heat it?

[lenny]

My latest plan is running hot water under the floors with reflectors. If I plan right and save I would love to go with a Duel fuel boiler, LP and wood with the wood heat a gasificatioin system and I would run the wood as the primary, probably along with a huge holding tank. 10 g's would cover it and pay for itself in 5 years. Tarm USA or ECO have 94% efficient gasification technology and for wood that is remarkable. I really like the idea of allowing the wood to season for a year and being outside a winter killing most bugs so I can store wood in da basement.

[lenny]

Today I dug up by hand the old footings for the front porch stairs. Those footing went down 22" only, no wonder they were crooked and heaved. I dug down 46" and set my posts, poured some crete. Installed a new lock on the front door, installed all the basement windows. The house is ready for the winter now and all closed up. Tomorrow I finish the front stairs and start trim on the porch.

If anyone wants to come up real soon and help me gut the place I will give them free lodging this winter and they can also stay for free while they are here. We can also have a few cookouts and a few brew's. Fall colors are getting close to peak and maybe a little atving will be in order,,, anyone?

[Cat Woman]

Lenny this is absolutely amazing. You are a true inspiration to us all. There is nothing like old school character and charm!

[lenny]

tanks, you da cat women

[lenny]

I've been doing a few actual paying jobs and have 2 large jobs coming soon so things are progressing slow now. I do have steps now in front but still need to trim the porch and will be there for the next 4 days so pics soon.

[lenny]

started working on the old place again. Finally finished the porch, will have pics tomorrow, left at dark tonight

[lenny]

finally have a few updated pictures

[scott_b]

Very nice Lenny.

[windingtrailgal]

Porch looks nice, lenny! Not much time left for outside work...

[lenny]

I hope we get another week with sun and in the 50's or even 60's, we'll see!

[chadlyt]

I have to say, everything you have done so far looks really nice. The front porch work is great!

I love these remodel threads you have done, keep up the good work!

[lenny]

thanks everybody! The rain and wind up here has been strong. It's kinda hard to plan outdoor work when the weather is like it is. I have a roof job to do and have had the material for a week now and can't start it. Looks like fri may be looking up. My wife has me fixin stuff around the house. Also a pellet stove in "The old Town Hall" is down and I have parts on the way, circuit board blew.

[mrsrunningbear]

Looking good Lenny! Oh and by the way guess what I'm having for breakfast.....GEN HOE! just sayin' ;)

[lenny]

lucky!!!! I had it about 4 weeks ago. I had a full shrimp in Lobster sauce dinner along with a order of fried won ton dumplings

[frnash]

What's been happening since Oct 18th? — Coincidentally, the day I had my total right hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty)!

I don't recall seeing, and it's a bit hard to judge from the pictures (and six staircases):
What are the rough exterior dimensions of this house, and how many total liveable square feet?
Is the attic liveable?

[erkoehler]

WOW, quite the thread. Just read through the whole thing and it sure is coming along nicely!!!

Will you be doing any exterior painting before winter?

[lenny]

Frank, I hope your doing well in your recovery. Are you feeling good? As far as the house goes, not much progress. It's done for this year except maybe a week or so of plaster removal. The house is an odd shape in the back because the 2 story porch protrudes into the living space so the actual footage is smaller then it appears, roughly 2700 sq ft. The attic was finished but I gutted it out already. It's still framed and I plan to finish it off adding about 700 sq ft up there. Inside the ceilings are all down and a few walls. All my modifications are complete concerning carpentry. Money was a big factor to me putting the project on hold along with right arm and shoulder hurting all the time. I feel 50% better but my wallet is still hurtin,,,he he he. I made a decision NOT to borrow anymore money so it's a pay as I go job now. I have not lost any interest in moving in and we love the place, just a matter of time. I am looking at making some big changes in my life and the little bit of debt I accumulated needs to be priority so first things first




What's been happening since Oct 18th? — Coincidentally, the day I had my total right hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty)!

I don't recall seeing, and it's a bit hard to judge from the pictures (and six staircases):
What are the rough exterior dimensions of this house, and how many total liveable square feet?
Is the attic liveable?

[lenny]

Thanks bud, I will not be doing any painting before although my wife did prime all the new porch material I did. It's protected minimally till next spring. See,,, next spring I will finish the outside first and than move inside and do as much as I can with whatever money I can save.

[jbsugarbrown]

Lenny,

Good for you on not wanting to take on debt--Very much agree with that. The house is absolutely beautiful (& these house threads are so much fun to see & read about!)---We have been looking for an original house that has not been "messed with", in that it has "good bones" as they say (& is out in the country) but it is so unbelievably hard to find where we are at! Been looking for years---see them all the time in the U.P., usually in town.

A few years ago we ended up building a cedar shake, Craftsman-style cottage that we painstakingly tried to give that old rustic-elegant charm (Exposed rafters, dormers, porches, all wood inside, quarter-sawn oak cabinets with soapstone countertops, antique fixtures-or vintage style, built-ins, recently got an antler chandelier for the great room). Took a great deal of time for us to design & to either find these things or someone to do them the way that we envisioned them. And never having built a house before, well it sure was an experience :^) Someday I hope to be organized like you & post pics. of the inside, but for now only have a few of the outside under my profile.) Meanwhile, we continue to search for "the one" on some acreage.

Old houses have a grace & charm that is almost impossible to duplicate---it's almost more of a feeling you get when you see one or enter one that has been kept mostly original. You can just sense the stories it could tell or the memories that have been made within it's walls. Yes, they can be difficult & they have a lot of years on them where someone could've neglected them or really boggled them up, but the good ones are worth saving & you definitely have a good one. It has been my experience that sometimes new stuff can give you grief or break just as often/easily as the old & the old is usually much simpler---back to the basics.

You have found a true gem & you should be commended for going about it the way you have. I'm impressed with both the house & your talents & values. I enjoy seeing your progress & hearing the stories that go along with it. Thank you for being so kind to share them.



Nash, Hope you are recovering nicely & feeling well! That explains where you have been---been wondering about you & hoping everything was okay!

Jennifer

[jbsugarbrown]

Almost forgot, Lenny---This past weekend in our newspaper (near Grand Rapids), someone had an inside wood boiler for sale. Greenwood brand, gasification boiler, brand new, never installed, heats up to 10,000 sq. ft. Says they paid $13,000 new & are selling for $10,000. Probably not something you want to be bothered with right now & a long ways away from Greenland, only mentioning it because it made me think of you---remembered that was what you said you were wanting to put in the house.

[lenny]

thanks JB for the great post. You know, and I may have already mentioned this, the first time I saw this house I didn't even live here. I had just sold my house in Illinois and drove up to Greenland to look at houses to buy. I saw this one from the road because it was mid October and the leaves were down. I asked a few people about just out of curiosity and kinda moved on. That same trip up hunting for homes my wife and I found our current home. The following spring I couldn't take it anymore and had to inquire about this old house and did just that. I contacted the owner and he said he was just starting to think about selling. He said he would send me detailed info about the house along with a key so I could check it out and he did just that. In my mind the house was sold and I was the buyer meaning I loved the place even more than I did just seeing it from the road. The owner was going to travel to the UP for a funeral and asked if he could meet me and I was all for it. I just so happened to be working on a house a few blocks from home and he pulled up. Joe and I chatted for a bit and I found him to be a super honest friendly guy. Both Joe and I agreed upon a price and we were off. Joe and I both had reservations of completing the transaction and it took 2 years to do so. I still keep in contact with Joe and he is a special person to me. From day one after we made the deal he kept his word. He always said his word was as good as a hand shake. He's just a real good guy and I thank God for a new friend. Other people contacted him during the 2 years of us trying to complete the deal and he kept his word despite me failing to pay him when I said I would. Eventually I made good and did my part and became owner of "The grand Ole Gale" as Joe referred to the house. It had been his dream house just like it is now my dream house. I send Joe updates of the progress and he loves it. I want so bad for Joe and his family to be the first to stay in the place after it is finished and will do whatever I can to work it out, that's how much I am thankful for what he did for me. Joe could have sold the place to someone else for more money and he kept his word which shows a special person with strong integrity. I believe this deal was pre arranged by the big guy above, thanks to Him for that, kinda like our last van. My wife and I needed a more efficient vehicle so we started looking. I spotted one immediately but was 300 miles away. I called it and talked to the guy but it was for bid on EBay. Di and I prayed about this van and just so happened we won it for $2025, it a very comfortable 2001 Chrysler Town & Country, needing nothing and ran like a charm, still driving it. I went to pick it up and the guy invited me in to complete the deal and his entire family was there eating dinner so he has me sit and eat along with them. I talked to him for a few minutes and he was a pastor of a local church. Anyways, a super guy and family and we're the new owners of his van. Sometimes I worry about the van because it has 238k miles but my wife reminded me it's our van "from God." The van will poop out some day but we will be prepared to replace used when the time comes without financing 30 G's just as we will move into the old place some day.

[jbsugarbrown]

Wow, Lenny, what a great story! We, too, have some similiar stories. One property we owned (vacant land that we had wanted to eventually build a log cabin on) left us speechless & pretty much in tears. The way we acquired both adjoining parcels was a story in itself for another time---but we had owned it for several years & as much as we wanted to build on it, we started thinking more & more in our hearts, how we would rather be debt free. Well, we debated it amongst ourselves for a year trying to come to grips with selling it (we had looked a long time for something like it). Eventually, we gave in & had 3 different Realtors come look at it. The first, not someone you would ever expect to hear this from, said out of the blue, "Well, it just depends if you want to do what the good book says." He was talking about being out of debt---only we didn't know him, only of him, and we had never said anything about being out of debt to him! That had us in awe & tears. We ended up having one of the other Realtors list it---well it never got listed---right after we agreed to have her sell it someone came into the office looking for exactly what we had & wanted it. Then the Realtors friend found out about it & wanted it to. There was a bidding war, which was unbelievable--they both wanted the property badly. Needless to say, we got rid of our debt. It was the best, most freeing feeling, undescribable. As soon as we made that decision & started taking steps, doors opened that only He could open. Blessed we are. You and Joe were both faithful & kept your word. I love hearing stories like that and yours is an especially good one---Your family was meant to have that house!

[chadlyt]

Lenny,

Great post there. There are needs and there are wants. Wanting to borrow money can be a huge pull, as it would ge tthe house done. But not borrowing money, and fixing it up as funds come availible will be a great reward when you move in and do not have ethat bank loan sitting above your head. I know i sound like Dave Ramsey, but good for you.

[lenny]

yup,,,,, G is G

[favoritos]

Lenny, that is an awesome story. I knew that house was special.
If I remember correctly, there is a JD member who's grandmother grew up in the home?
It is so great to see a structure like this come back to life. I grew up in a community that destroyed old buildings. I hated to see those classic buildings get destroyed.

[Administrator]

After getting to know Lenny pretty good, all I can say is: "The world needs more Lenny's!".

-John

[rp7x]

x2 lenny's friend ship = price less

[mspease]

x3 Lenny is a good man, no doubt about it!

[lenny]

well thanks fellows, I appreciate the kind words more than you know. Eric and I are gonna be working at the old place for the next 5 days removing plaster so some progress will be occurring. Next Thursday is Thanksgiving and my family and I will drive down to Great Lakes Naval Academy to have Thanksgiving with my son Daniel who is in his 6Th week of basic training. Here is a pic of Dan the day he left weeks ago.

[mspease]

That will be great to be able to spend Thanksgiving with him. I bet he's looking forward to it as much as you guys are. You must be a proud dad! I see he took care of the haircut before he got there.

[catalac]

Lenny, I was at Great Lakes 27 years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
Your boy probably is already freaking out about seeing you guys. I know I couldn't wait to see my family on graduation weekend.
Good job on the new place. If you need some plumbing done, I would trade some work for some good riding. lol. Have a good thanksgiving.

[lenny]

yes, we are so looking forward to seeing him. He actually wore his hair like that for the last few years. I'd been giving him crew cuts since he was a small and he actually liked it,,,,lol,,,,go figure. CATALAC, thanks for your service bud, your a true hero, all service people!!!! I am going to need lots of plumbing, just gettin to cold in there, not even looking forward to working there today but after I get moving it will seem fine, have done it for years.

[lenny]

had a good day today removing plaster. Removing all trim and labeling it is time consuming. We completed 2 bedrooms today and will do 2 more tomorrow.

[switch07]

Lenny,
Congrats on your son joining the Navy. Also welcome to the club of parents with children serving our country. My daughter trained at Great Lakes also and I was a mighty proud papa watching her graduate. Since then Kristin has been stationed in Norfolk VA, where she met the love of her life, married, and gave me a beautiful grandson. Her and her husband Chris who is also serving in the Navy, have since moved on to San Deigo. Three weeks ago Kristin returned to port and her family after a 6 month cruise to the far east and Persian gulf area where her ship, the USS Howard rescued a Danish family from the pirates of Somalia. Can you tell I am proud of my daughter yet? The wife and I just returned from San Deigo last week after a great visit with the kids and taking in the Packer-Charger game with them. We took several tours of both Naval bases out there and got to see her ship and the five inch cannon she gets to shoot......now thats dream every dad has for their daughter huh? Have fun at Great Lakes and thank your son for serving. Welcome to the club!!!! Hope to see you on the snow this year....

[lenny]

switch07, great post, I like it a lot. Your daughter is incredible,,,thank her for me will ya? It's to bad we still live in a world where leaders see no means to end a dispute except with force. So many people die and stuff wrecked, seems to great of price. Regardless of the price, it's just the way the world functions much to my dissatisfaction. These kids going in and sacrificing and worse yet some dying or maimed says so much about them that there is really no way to put into words exactly what they deserve. I hope but doubt there will be a time in mans history that we overcome the need to force each other to death what each other wants, it's our nature unfortunately. With all the said:

God Bless America