When we tell people we are renovating an old farmhouse, we are often asked if we have run into any surprises. There have been a few big surprises – the discovery of structural problems with the original foundation, drainage issues around the new site and beams that needed straightening and support. Not bad for a building over two centuries old.

This week, we were surprised when we visited the worksite in a rainstorm to see a section of the back of the house missing. This was actually a good surprise because one of the carpenters was there working late to frame in a new wall and a door to the deck. Bit by bit old walls and windows are finding their way to the dumpster and new lumber is defining the space for new rooms and openings for new windows and doorways.

After a deluge of rain and high winds, we had a few unpleasant surprises outside as well. The driveway has turned to mud and sinking sand, and some of unused foam insulation blew across the blueberry field and into the woods.