I know; It’s Saturday. I promise I am not losing my mind. Can we agree to pretend it is Friday?
Episode #2 of the Blake Hill House podcast is live! Did you get a chance to listen yet? Producing the podcast has been a humbling experience. I have already decided that if I win the lottery, I’m hiring a production company. Ha! Still, it is so rewarding to finish each one and hit that publish button.
I am still working out the kinks of submitting True Tales of Old Houses to different subscription services. If it is not available on your favorite platform, let me know, and I will see what I can do.
Plumbing: A Near Catastrophe
This week, we had our first problematic plumbing leak, but it could have been so much worse. I noticed an odd spot on our kitchen ceiling, so I grabbed a stepstool to investigate. I discovered wet drywall. Ugh! Since our main bathroom is right above the kitchen, I knew that was the source of the leak. I called a plumber. Initially, we thought it might be a leaky toilet, so they reset it, and we crossed our fingers. (Note: resetting a toilet is a pretty simple job, but I did not have time to do it myself. Don’t let my laziness convince you that it’s not a DIY project.)
Unfortunately, the leak continued at a rate of about one drop every ten minutes or so (slow), and they had to get more aggressive with the hole in the ceiling.
The problem ended up being a small leak in the drain pipe where the PVC joint had not been glued. That is so frustrating since it is clear that someone did a lot of work replacing old pipe with more modern PVC at some point. The initial fix, to glue it correctly, was going to involve cutting into the ceiling and wall of the bathroom behind these cabinets plus the floor of the upstairs bathroom. In other words, it was going to be a big mess that left an even bigger mess in its wake. Disaster!
After considering all that would entail, we decided to try a cheaper fix of spraying LeakSeal® on the pipe instead and crossing our fingers once more. The leak was so tiny that it was worth a shot. So far, so good. We left the ceiling open just in case, but the leak has stopped, and it has been three days.
The Annual Fundraiser for the Botanical Gardens
Andy is on the board for our local Botanical Gardens, and every year, we attend their annual fundraiser. We get all fancied up, and for one night, I forget how often I wear ripped jeans and stained sweatshirts.
It is hard to believe that this building, which opened in 1900, was once in such a state of disrepair, that the city wanted to tear it down. It was saved from demolition twice. Thankfully, we all now know what we have here, and there is no danger of losing this local treasure. Take a closer look at this beauty. Can you imagine restoring all of those windows? So many were broken at one time.
It’s Fall Y’all.
I won’t be using a letter board to tell you that, but I offer some photo proof instead. Our summer has been unusually long and warm, not that I am complaining. Just this week, the leaves have started to change, and most of our mornings are crisp and cool.
I get such a kick out of watching what happens to the hydrangeas at the end of the season. This variety is pure white all summer.
I am off to run a half marathon tomorrow. I’m nowhere near the shape I was in for last year’s full New York City Marathon, but the night to myself sure is appealing, and I’m meeting friends on race day too.
Also, next week is the first week of the One Room Challenge™. I am about 95% sure that we will participate again. Nearly every other day, I am excited about the possibility. So, If I can get excited two days in a row, I’ll know it’s for real. October is shaping up to be a full month. In addition to the ORC, I’ve committed to helping my good friend Holly construct a built-in TV unit in her living room. We will be sharing that process on the blog too.
Have a great Friday Weekend!
