Oh the smell. . .

>This morning, we drove up ready to work. I am glad Steve warned me about the smell. However, some things cannot be communicated with words. Suffice it to say, all windows and doors remained open today.

My goals today were to clean out the garage, bleach the refrigerator (which had been left shut and unplugged), and rip up every inch of carpeting in the house. I had no idea what Steve's goals were. I told him to do only things the rest of us couldn't because I didn't want him wasting his abilities on grunt work.

Oliver and Isaiah set to work immediately on the garage. It was filled with debris and miscellaneous items, but it was a straightforward job. They finished it in less than an hour.

I began by removing the carpeting in the master bedroom. It was not required of me to take out any padding in that room because there had been none. On an interesting note, under the low-pile rug, was three-quarter inch oak. The original sub-floor was apparently sagging and the previous owners had decided the best course of action was to use expensive wood to straighten it out.

I next attacked the carpet in the master bathroom. Is there anyone who really thinks carpet in a bathroom is a good idea? Not if they think at all. It was a slimy job. I wore gloves. At least it came up easily.

The carpet in the living room was original to the house. It was a well-laid piece and extended from the living room through the back hall. The uprooting of such an historical artifact is sure to unearth some smells. At one time, there was a not-so-housetrained- pet living there, I believe.

Once I got the living room and hall carpet outside, I proceeded to the back bedroom. By this time, I had come to the conclusion that I should be cutting the carpet into small pieces to make the disposal easier. Oliver came with a sharp too and began cutting it into strips. This made the tearing and carrying easier on my rapidly fatiguing body.

The back bedroom had some stubborn sections of carpet I decided to leave for later. I removed the bulk of it and pulled the remains of the disintegrated pad off the floor. I was relieved to see that this floor was in the best shape yet of all I had seen.

Then Oliver began cutting the carpet from the second bathroom.

I am convinced there was not a nastier job done on that house today. I am nearly as sure that there will never be another such job. The smell in the house originated from that little room. I helped my brave son from time to time, but had to keep leaving to force back the gag reflex.

Go outside. Breath, Becky, breath.

While I was outside getting some air I heard loud noises coming from the bowels of the house. I hurried back in to see if Oliver was okay.

“What on earth is going on?”

Oliver, a little sheepishly, “Those are my battle cries. I'm going to get this junk out of here.”

“It sounds like you're throwing up.”

Wrinkled nose, “It smells like someone did.”

“Don't be ridiculous,” I snort, “I've never smelled vomit that bad before.”

Unfortunately, there are some remnants still left to portions of the wall, particularly behind the toilet. Neither Oliver nor I could dislodge them. I hope Steve has a strong stomach the day he decides to attack that job.

What do you suppose Steve was doing during this time? Exactly as I said, something we couldn't.

There is a mysterious thing about all modern houses. It is called an electrical box. I know nothing of that realm and I mostly try to pretend it doesn't exist. As long as everthing runs, I don't have any need to think about it.

We have not turned on the electricity yet because Steve wanted to do some rewiring of said box prior to any juice flowing through those wires. That was a good idea.

When he opened the box to inspect it, numerous cables and wires – still attached to whatever it is those things are attached to – came tumbling out. Steve made a noise between a laugh and a shout, to which I came running.

“Look at that!” he exclaimed.

“Wow,” I said, hoping that was the proper response.

“Who does wiring this way?” he was tugging on things and shining a light into holes.

“I doubt it was done by a professional,” I offered.

“Look at this,” he pointed to something and shook his head.

I thought I'd better admit to my ignorance before he asked my opinion.

“I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Steve is a good teacher and fairly patient about my lack of mechanical aptitude, so he proceeded to explain.

“It is supposed to look like this,” he pointed to a jumble that looked identical to the one he was scowling at.

“Ah,” I wished I hadn't come in, “I see.”

“Yeah,” he picked up a tool I didn't recognize.

I left him cutting wires that I hope were supposed to be cut so I could go back to my carpet-tearing.

Steve also yanked out a toilet today. This was enormous fun for the girls. They didn't know one could do such things with a toilet and, seeing their dad carry it out to the garage by himself solidified the knowledge that he is the strongest man on earth.

I wish I could be just as convinced. The water heater must be replaced and it is just a bit too much for one man to handle. My great might was called into service as Steve and I hoisted the existing one out of it's cabinet. I've decided not to become a plumber.

Clae weeded the flower beds. I don't claim she finished them, but she did manage to accumulate a large pile of weeds. After weeding for a brief period ourselves, Oliver and I decided it would be a good idea to have Steve pick up some spray-on weed-killer;

Isaiah was given the unenviable job of cutting the first two carpets into manageable pieces. This was done outside on the driveway where he also was instructed to watch Mercy who has no sense of where the driveway ends and the road begins. It did not take long before Isiah was worn out and asking if we could drive Mercy around to get her to go to sleep.

I wasn't sure how much help we could expect from Sophia, but she did her best. She carried tools from one person to another, entertained Mercy from time to time, and even hauled out some carpet pieces. She is a very sleepy little girl tonight.

I was very pleased with the children's work and behavior today. There were a few differences, but, on the whole, they got along and did as they were told. They are looking forward to going again.

This is a good thing as there are walls and floors to be painted, cupboards to be sanded and repaired, bathrooms to be cleaned, floors to be laid, siding to be installed, a deck to paint, lawn to be mowed, flowers to be planted, doors to be hung, windows to be replaced, shutters to paint and rehang (did I mention they are pink?), and I didn't quite finish that fridge I was going to clean out today.