I thought that would get your attention.

There it is. Up on the roof.

Now before anyone calls PETW (People for the Ethical Treatment of Worms), I didn’t actually consume an earthworm.  It’s a metaphor (or a simile….or is it an onomatopoeia).  Sorry, English class was never my strong subject.

No – it’s a metaphor.  Imagine you’re on a long journey and you’ve reached a point where the only way you can progress any further is to eat a worm.  That’s where we found ourselves this week.  I had a worm to eat and there was no putting it off any longer.

With our foundation guy ready to start in the next couple of weeks, I need to get the old chimney torn down – and that means starting at the top.  I haven’t been looking forward to this.  Not by a long-shot.  And excuses have been easy: “too cold”, “too windy”, “too much snow”, “still lots of time”, “I’m too hungry”, “I’m too full”, “my nose is itchy”.  You know how it is – lots of reason to not eat this worm, but it needed to be done.

So far, so good

Today was the day.  The sun was out, the roof was dry and the winds were calm.  The weatherman is calling for rain for the next few days – so here we go.

I had to build some “steps” just to get some traction on the steep roof.  I tried a few times to just scramble up to the ridge but couldn’t get any grip.  These cleats gave me something to climb on, but needless to say, a 13/12 roof slope is still hard to get up.  That’s more than 45 degrees.

“Yeah – that’s not too bad”, said no one ever

I’ll be honest, it’s not the heights that bother me – it’s the risk of falling.  Duh, right?  Seriously though, I’ve never had an issue with heights – bridges, buildings, CN Tower – no sweat.  There’s no risk of actually slipping overboard.  But perched up on the roof, swinging a hammer with nothing but the chimney you’re knocking down to hold onto?

Not pictured: a happy guy

Here’s the part where I say: it’s now done, I’m safe.  The chimney is down below the roof line and the hole is patched in until the foundation is done, then the roofer can do his thing.   I didn’t mention previously that I’d be doing this this week – my Mom’s reading this post afterall, but needless to say, I’ll be grounded on terra firma for the next while.

Just ignore the missing shingles

Quite a view, though

With the roof now enclosed, we’ll be spending the next couple of rainy days taking the remaining chimney down from inside the house.

We’ve got the rear addition completely gutted now and the shingle siding and trim removed.

So the plan is to remove the chimney when it’s raining, and when the weather’s good, we’ll dismantle the remaining portion of the addition.

And only 1,823,522 nails to pull

Vanessa’s been busy cleaning up the yard – raking up the old dead grass and straw – and burning whatever we can – including the cedar shingles from the addition.

Murdoch’s been enjoying hanging out with us while we’re outside, too.  It’s been a long winter for him as well.

Enjoying the shade of the barn

So, back to my original point: how do you eat a worm?  You just close your eyes and swallow.  Unless your “worm” means getting up on your roof.  In that case, I’d suggest keeping your eyes open.

Not so tough now are you, chimney?