Dancing on Air

The first half flight to the second floor is done. So is the landing midway between the first and second floors. The stairs to the basement are in, although you really can't see it in this photo. For now, we've got temporary railings. We haven't quite figured out what we're going to do for permanents.

Last of the Vermin?

We're still pulling the house apart. The East wall studs are out completely, the South wall siding is off and a temporary load-bearing stud wall and post have been placed to hold up the second story (heard this before?). The crew is going to make an attempt at finishing the framing and sheathing before the week is out, but they might be slowed down if they find any more termite damage. The heavy timber sill plate on the east wall was chewed through so badly that it made a hollow thud and exhaled a cloud of wood dust when tapped.

In case you're worrying, the termites are long gone (thank goodness).