The Big Dig

Today is a big day for us. We're having our foundation drains replaced around our house. Five years ago when we moved back to Barboursville, we had several bad weeks of rain and ended up with a LOT water in our finished basement. We had some drains replaced around the foundation which fixed the problem- until this summer. We've had 4 'floods' during June and especially July. (This is a picture of the hall leading into Hannah's downstairs bedroom.) As frustrating as it's been- and it's been VERY frustrating- we're keeping it in perspective. It's just water, it's just carpet. So now, our only recourse is to take out our driveway and patio, replacing the drains around the remainder of the house.

Since we had water in the basement five years ago, we get anxious every time it storms... running down to look in the basement, 'just to check'. Within a week, we'll have a peace of mind that we haven't experienced in the last five years. Our contractor, Shane, is a super nice guy and has done this many times before, even for our neighbor. I've tried not to hover and to let him work, but it's really fascinating. To satisfy my curiosity, he's been explaining to me what he's doing and why. Here are some pictures of our mess.

With the promise of completion within the week, we're happy to have to deal with a few inconveniences, like mud. Our little dog, Ebony, has to be tied on a long tie-out in the backyard to keep her safely away from the equiptment. She's a little freaked out but I keep going outside to reassure her. Also, they had to remove all our landscaping. Over the last five years, I've planted several shrubs, roses and least year a beautiful Eastern Redbud tree. It had pretty blooms on it this spring. It's looking a little sad right now... they promise it'll survive the trauma... I hope so. I can't wait to see what the kids think of all this- all this work has transpired while they've been at school!