Since our last blog update we have done a lot of hurry up and wait! We accidentally found out about a city mayor and alderman meeting two weeks ago and within 3 hours many from our street were in attendance to ask questions. Percentages of damage were told by the Codes Director after the meeting. At that time we learned that our house was placed at 62%. That is above the 50% stipulated by FEMA. In the same breath the Codes Director quipped, “that’s not right!” Exactly what we were thinking.



This caused another delay to have Codes return and assess. Dryness did pass and one of the codes men said he had done the original inspection and that he would not have put it more than 50%. To add to our unsettled feeling several houses on our 32 home street are slated for demolition. This sent us into survival mode of storing our furniture and moving to FL! But…the next day we went to Codes and the damage was placed at 42%. Rebuild was then our expectation.


In the meantime we interviewed several contractors of a variety of backgrounds. One couple wanted to tear out our solid 12” plank sub floor and put in a French drain. All other contractors felt the sub floor was good and drying and shrinking back to normal. We have had a parade of plumbers, electricians, painters, and carpenters march through. But we did choose our builder and have very good feelings about this non pressured person who builds beautiful houses. He will be rebuilding our home and the two beyond us.


We have spent the last month parked at our neighbor’s home. This generous couple has allowed us electricity and water and use of their bath and laundry. While the house has had no more tear out and dry out crews we have sifted and sorted in our yard. Charles built his man cave in our barn and even put in a discarded house door and his AC in plywood, removable section. I don’t have a picture of this invention, yet.


We are in Red Bay, AL at our motor home factory for our yearly appointment. When we return home we will turtle into our driveway and plug into a new 50 amp electrical service. The old service was under water…about 4+ feet!


We have gone to choose our cabinets, and look at flooring, tubs, and toilets. We will look at counter tops and more flooring. Sounds like we are building a new house. Way down the line is getting our antique furniture cleaned up and some of it restored. Of course, we have to shop for a washer, dryer, refrigerator and decide about replacing the deep freeze. And…there is nothing soft to sit on in the house. Fears of mold forced us to throw out chairs and couches.

So…the house stands on June 2, 2010 as it has for the past 3 wks….no counters, no cabinets, not bathroom fixtures..and bare studs showing.


We think we are making progress!! Many thanks for your E mails. We really do appreciate the support that we feel.