Sunday, February 14, 2010

On love and heat.....


Valentine's Day

So while my teenage son lies fast asleep, I'm awake and writing, my spring heart dreaming of warming sunshine and gardens and love.  That strange amazing internal state that binds us to each to one another, and torments us when absent.  A connection to the world, the world within us that we are at the same time within.



No progress at the site all week, not sure how long it'll take for the feet of snow to shrink down to passable.  The driveway is over 1000 feet long and tough to dig out of once you're stuck in it....speaking purely from experience, of course.....  Hoping this next week to get started on the systems installation.  We have subs lined up to deliver the heating, electrical, and plumbing systems.  The house will receive the gift of two Trane 100,000 BTU XR95 Gas Furnaces (LP) to start with.  To make it affordable, and because of constant wind generated breezes even during the hottest summer days, I'm not installing AC yet, but am installing the coils.  At some point in the future we will be adding Trane 13 Seer 4 Ton units, but we are trying to be cost-efficient at this time.  I was planning on going with heat pumps initially, but have heard too many complaints about cold air blowing.  Both Jeff and the sub were worried the structure would never fully remain warm and draft free.  Doing the walk-through recently to designate fixtures, outlets, and light switches was really fun!  Made me think the completion phase is coming into view.


From the old Maryland Historical Trust Historic Sites Survey SE5

K-231

"The Meeks House is a 2 1/2 story brick dwelling, 3 bays long and 2 bays deep with a long 1 1/2 story brick kitchen wing.  The 2 1/2 sotry section has a stepped water table which jogs above the basement windows, and a belt course between floors.  There are segmental arches above the windows and the door.  The entrance is located on the east side of the north facade.  The north and west side are laid in Flemish bond.  There are 2 fine federal dormers on the north side of the "A" roof with flute pilesters and arched upper sash.  Off the east gable is a long, 4 bay, 1 1/2 story brick wing which has a leanto on the south facade."

Enjoy your day!

Kate






















1 comment:

  1. An awe-inspiring house.
    I can’t wait until the snow melts so Tara and I can return to see the tremendous progress that has been made. I love what you are trying to accomplish with this extraordinary piece of history. You have such a divine spirit. Keep the updates coming!

    Jimmy

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