The demolition of the back of the red cabin is done, but yesterday I found out we need to remove the entire old roof because it probably can't bear the weight of the addition's roof. I can see that it is for the best, but it seems like every day another element that lends the unique character to the place is doomed. That's not all bad - the result will be very nice and much more livable.

All the contractors are coming here on Monday to coordinate ideas.

Yesterday it was the builders who came to look at it for the first time. Here is their take on it: the new roof line will allow for the creation of a sleeping loft with a clever ladder arrangement. The front picture windows have to be replaced because they are single-pane, so we will install working windows that can let in the mountain breezes. The look of those new windows will have a big affect on how the house welcomes us in, so I'll have to do some research.

We'll still have a covered front porch where we can park ourselves on lounge chairs and listen to the river. The latest thing I have to let go of is the quaint, narrow front door. I wanted to keep it as a last remnant of how the front used to look, but am getting a creeping feeling that it might be so out of proportion with the rest of the facade, it will end up looking silly. I'll ask the builders about that.

I'll know a lot, lot more after Monday.

I told the contractors I realize my approach to planning this project is a day at a time, making each decision as I come to it. If I were to map out the steps and requirements all at once, I would never get started because it'd be overwhelming.