Dumpster Etiquette

Is there such a thing as dumpster etiquette? It never occurred to me that there would be until I walked by the dumpster in my driveway and wondered how that got there?  It has been years since I have had a child in my home young enough to ride a plastic 4 wheeler, so it certainly isn’t mine.  And I suppose that if someone needed to get rid of it badly enough what better place for it than in a dumpster.  The problem is, the dumpster is not for public dumping.   I also remember trying to place where in my house the metal railing came from when I walked by.

What do you do when someone throws their stuff in your dumpster?  Apparently, nothing!!  However, when someone wants to go through your dumpster you get to tell them “no” for a variety of very good reasons:

1.  The dumpster is on my property.
2.  I am financially responsible for the contents.
3.  There is a plethora of dangers in the dumpster.
4.  My homeowners insurance would not be happy if someone got hurt in the process of dumpster diving.

Unless I’m not around to tell them no.  And then none of the above reasons will matter, until something goes wrong!

The Mourning Begins

 

 

 

How do you mourn a chimney?  Is there a formal process or appropriate ceremony? Does it depend on the age of the chimney and the materials that it was built with?  At any rate, the death of a chimney is sadder than one would think.  It started with an email asking permission to tear the chimney down.  the decision was quick.  The affirmative answer was based on the need for the space and before I was prepared, the chimney was gone.

 

 

 

I came home one evening after work to investigate the progress and as I pulled in the driveway I was greeted by 2 piles of bricks.

I made my way upstairs and gazed at the space where the chimney once was. It was a little bittersweet.  I knew the decision to do away with the chimney was necessary; however, I found myself grieving the lost history the chimney represents.

Progress marches on……

…and so does the dust. Or is it dirt?  I believe over 100 years worth has settled onto every surface and into every crevice of this house.  Did I mention that demolition is filthy???

Casualties of Progress

Progress is inevitable. We are part of a society that has a never ending quest for better ways and improved lives.  As progress marches on, we gain and we lose.

Change happens for a variety of reasons.  For me, I have always wanted to own an old Victorian home.  It truly isn’t practical for a single, adult woman to occupy  4500 square feet by herself, so I find myself on the verge of renovating a 1500 square foot 3rd floor space into an 2 bedroom, 1 bath loft apartment. 

Construction is everything that it is said to be and then some.  Demolition is loud, messy, nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time.    It is sad to see the vintage plaster and lathe removed to expose the skeleton of the house. 

However, the discovery of cream city brick chimneys are gems to be treasured and preserved. 

I anticipate many surprises, both good and bad as the project progresses.  My reward is watching the evolution of a house and being a part of preserving a history that will last for many years to come.