This is a set of blog posts created during an important period of my life– the renovation of an old house with a colorful history and unusual features. It took a year, and then some, during which I aquired a life partner who engaged fully with me, and in my folly. The project has long since completed, but the relationship endures. I maintain this site and keep it available for both reference and nostalgia.
If you embark on an exploration of this blog, you will find some of the posts informative, some amusing, and some just puzzling. There are challenges, accomplishments and setbacks. There are learning curves of demolition and construction. There are parties and celebrations. There is also some commentary– mine, and those of others, inspired to offer advice and encouragement as I shared my experiences while renovating This Odd House.
I hope you find them of interest.
Thor Olson
October 2024
Some suggested highlights and entry points:
First post, it starts here: Gingko!
House purchase: First Tour and Features and bugs
Housewarming: The”Before” Party
Demolition begins: Demolition planning
Removing a chimney: Chimney be gone!
Most commented (who knew?): Electric stoves: the GE-P7 Americana
Skylight installation: The head is quicker than the hand
Time capsules: Urban Archaeology
My partner moves in: This Odd Homeless Shelter
Some history: A time traveller appears
Kitchen renovation: Ikea Idea
Celebrating a new floor: Sock Hop
Imagining a new space: Vision and Visualization
One Year On: Anticipating the “After” Party
A visual comparison: Before and After
Housewarming, birthday, and commitment: The After Party
Renovation resumes: This Odd House, Part Deux
Recycling and pouring iron: Iron to Iron, Rust to Rust
Modernizing a stairway: This Odd Staircase
Updating the bedroom: The last touch.
Some reflections: To Laugh Often