He tried to prepare me, but…

While I was off at my company’s Atlanta office, spending two days with my wonderful colleagues, my valiant husband continued to manage the renovation.

We reached a critical moment in our now two-year-plus project...

The 20 hated skylights were gone, which meant the roof over the great room was, too. And so was the back wall where the bump-out and screened porch would go.

It was nearing midnight on Friday because the 5 p.m. flight home was, of course, delayed. (I got to fully experience coach while sitting on the runway in the middle seat.)

Pulling into our parking area, my headlights illuminated the debris on the roof, distracting me. I almost crashed into the dumpster. Our neighbors had obviously decided that it was OK to rob us by illegally dumping their crap in our expensive receptacle. This resulted in construction waste accumulating all over our property—inside and out. Yes, I was cranky and annoyed. (Lucky for them, I was too tired to carry out bloody vengeance.)

Once inside, I heard the rustle of plastic. I felt the wind. It was like being in a haunted house. Our great room was hidden behind a barrier. I had just enough space to make it to the bedroom. (It was exciting, in a disorienting sort of way.)

The next morning, Matt woke me up just before 8 a.m. because Alex Schiavone’s crew, led by Chico, was ready to get to work. We fled. (I still hadn’t seen much more of the house than the photos Matt e-mailed on Friday morning.)

The forecast called for blue skies. It rained for the first half of the day. That night—like the one before and after—was sleepless. The house was cold and the sounds unfamiliar. I kept dreaming our local raccoon was inside and getting into mischief. I’d awake, expecting to see his cute, masked face looking up at me from the foot of the bed. (The only creature stirring ended up being Matt, who couldn't sleep, either.)

Then the rain woke me up. There was a leak in the blue-tarped roof and the water poured in at the only place we truly wanted to protect: the fireplace mantle we designed. (It seems to have survived.)

Thankfully, Jean was kind enough to have a birthday, so we got to spend time celebrating with her. And our “Aunt” Theresa invited us over for Sunday dinner. It was nice to be away from the construction chaos!