Author Archives: Thor

In the afternoon light, after a one-year makeover. July 7 2013.  A year ago, I hosted the “Before” Party.  I had just taken ownership of This Odd House, and was making my plans for it and wanted to have people … Continue reading →

I like the term “maker” for those hobbyists who take on constructive projects and build cool things.  There is a local club called “Twin City Makers”, operating out of the “hack factory”, a building outfitted with shops and specialized tools … Continue reading →

A few of the lists I make for myself, attempting to avoid things falling through the cracks and keeping tabs on the remaining items in the renovation/remodeling plan. In every construction project, the major parts get done, and then there … Continue reading →

One of the design errors I committed was underestimating the ventilation requirements of an active kitchen.  It is common for an over-the-stove microwave to provide a vent fan for removing the fumes from the chemical reactions common in the preparation … Continue reading →

I started the renovation of This Old House by considering its energy usage.  An energy audit was performed early on,  and I have replaced the old boiler and asbestos-clad pipes, and last summer I started investigating the replacement of the … Continue reading →

One of the quirky features of This Odd House are the “runway lights” that  accent the stairway to the second floor.  They are on a dimmer switch (of course) and are fun to light up when company comes over (“who … Continue reading →

I have had a dry spell in blog entries recently because of health issues.  Not mine, but rather of my partner Portia.  Several weeks ago she had a blemish on her face removed, one that had been present for many … Continue reading →

With the renovated and remodeled kitchen now complete, it is finally time to “move in” to This Odd House.  You may recall that I purchased the property in July, spent a month doing demolition, then packed my possessions and transferred … Continue reading →

In the course of this project I have engaged with many craftsmen and construction professionals.  I have also described my plans and desires to friends and relatives, often finding myself at a loss to accurately or convincingly convey them.  The … Continue reading →

The kitchen had finally reached the stage where the appliances could be installed.  It would seem a straightforward task: move them into position and plug them in.  But as with so many other steps in this project, it did not … Continue reading →