Remodel Update Week 2
The I-beam is in place! This week the project has gotten dirty and more serious. I would say that the project has really started now with a decent amount of hammering, smashing and banging. Notable events this week include installation of the new furnace (not hooked up), the pouring of new footings for some central supports and pulling the central foundation support that has been in place since 1939 and replacing it with a super strong steel beam. Thank you for your 72 years of service large wooden beam.
Nothing much happened outside this week, but that will change this week. The excavation crew arrives Monday to start digging.
Remodeling — bunch of guys are sliding an I-beam into our basement.
Hunger Games Trilogy
Tammy had read The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins a few months ago and really like it. I had just finished reading my book club pick Never Let Me Go and I had put the Hunger Games trilogy on my Kindle application. While on the bus into work I decided to start The Hunger Games. A couple of weeks later now and I’ve read them all.
I’m a slow reader, typically. Every once in a while a book will catch me and I can’t put it down. Into Thin Air was like that, as was The Omnivore’s Dillema. I read the entire Dune series in a few weeks one summer as well. The Hunger Games was like that. The first book introduces you to this less than ideal vision of the future. The story arc is easy but very fun and enjoyable. Recommended reading, particularly for a summer vacation.
My only critique of the book is the ending of the last one. I was left wanting more, something more interesting to happen. It wasn’t that it was bad, I just wanted more story.
The King's Speech
We finally got around to watching The Kings Speech last night. Very good movie and incredible acting. Worthy of the awards.
The Wikipedia page for the movie is a good read too.
Spring 2011 Cyclones
Team photo of the Spring 2011 Cyclones after the last game today. They played a great spring season and will be back strong in Fall.
Remodel Update Week 1
The first week of the project really just focused on getting things ready for real work. The deck was tore apart so that the new mudroom foundation could be put in. The first part of the work on the support structure of the house started. We are removing a central support post in the basement to open the space up for the family room.
Tammy got two tickets to the Twins for her birthday from my Mom, with babysitting included.
Mazie with her Spring 2011 Soccer trophy.
First Twins game for me of the 2011 season and first game for Tammy since Target Field opened. Beautiful day for a game!
Memorial Day Tribute
My friend Dennys Bisogno is a great photographer and is now doing some video work as well. Here is a video he did for Memorial Day in River Falls, Wisconsin. Touching.
He shot this on his Canon 1D and edited in Final Cut. The clip of the elderly soldier walking down the path at 3:40 is just great.