The Pool Pt 1

I wanted to wait for one more week before giving this update; however, the pictures I meant to show today are on my father's computer. This will be a series of three updates because the task of cleaning the pool has been too large for a single post. If you have ever wondered what happens to a pool if a house is abandoned for years, I have a treat for you. Apparently, some kids from the neighborhood had decided to have fun vandalizing the abandoned house.

Take note of the hand rail. We also found broken bottles around the pool.


Turtles, pool furniture, broken glass, leaves, and detritus had been accumulating for about four years.

My father had a small pump, so we did our best to drain the pool. The floor was covered with an unbelievable layer of leaves we had to muck out of the pool. It was a long process, so I'll keep from rambling by letting the following photos speak on my behalf.


Eventually the decayed leaves left a sludge so thick that our pump would no longer remove the water, so I bailed water with 5 gallon buckets.

We cleaned the walls with bleach and a pressure washer, and I was quite pleased with the result. The pool is by no means near a state that will allow relaxation on a warm spring day like today, but it I'm looking forward to summer.

Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalm 51:7

The Deck

I have decided to update with a focus on one specific part of the house that has been improved throughout the process. These updates will not be chronological, but I hope that you get an idea of some of the work done as the weeks progress.

Let's start with the deck. It was in rough shape, and I was scared the the leaves were covering several boards in need of repair. We started things off by sweeping the leaves and getting rid of a few scraggly bushes. Then I was stunned by the progress we made with the pressure washer.

The boards were covered with a thick layer of mildew, but it came off and revealed the nice grain of the wood.

What do you think? I was encouraged to see how this part of the place transformed. I wanted to sweep away the leaves, but other projects about the house were more pressing. When all of this is said and done, I'm looking forward to sharing a cup of sweet tea while sitting around my corner benches with friends.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

~Ecclesiastes 9.10a~

House to a Home

Greetings!

I have decided to start recording my thoughts and experiences in the process of becoming a home owner and moving to being able to dwell in that house. In the coming days, I hope to keep you informed via a weekly or biweekly series of updates with several before and after pictures.

After I'm finished, give me a call, and I'll have you over for a cup of tea.

Nathan