2016. January 24th.

The Matthias Building. January 2016.

"Steph, do you realize it is the first winter in how many years that there isn't an 'ice skating rink' on the floors?"  His words echo still in my head.  It is true.  The concrete floors are dry and the walls stopped weeping all due to the new roof.  I listened for the happy sound of rain water rushing through the roof drains into the storm sewers until the snows finally arrived.  I watched as the concrete, although thickly sturdy for decades seemed to be curing only now.  No longer, as I walk my usual 'patrol' of the outside walls, did I see water or signs of water flowing out of the building onto its sidewalk outline.  No, Matthias finally had dry sidewalk hugging its outer walls.

While the building never had a horrible smell, it has changed.  It never smelled of mold but it always had a sad smell about it - a wishing smell of something better.  I saved some of the old joists having been stacked on the main level.  It is the only remaining old wood, besides door and window framing. To board off the south side window openings, I used some of the lighter slat-type boards only after realizing how heavy true 2 by 10's and 2 by 12's really are.  But that is another story!

For the first time too, Matthias has heat but understand, please, what heat really means.  In our recent sub-zero weather I maintained twenty degrees and during the warmer part of winter actually kept all levels 36 degrees.  I found out quickly how the cold seems to hunt and find every crack.  (I also discovered with great glee the wonders of modern technology with gap-filling foams, special caulking and the smorgasbord of insulation).

Window 3

Window 4

I worked alone to board the windows on the south, alley side of the building.  I don't know why but there are moments with the progress of the building in which I feel that if I do not learn what it has to teach me then somehow I missed the point.  Time was running out.  Last year we had one of the largest, if not the largest snowfall in early November.  The window openings needed to be blocked.  I was unsure of finances.  I had to do it.  So I did.  In the first window I still had the misguided notion of using old joists and had no idea I would need to brace.  In the second window I dreamed up several schemes to use plastic sheeting and even dreamed of installing a solar panel.  (Plastic sheeting times two and insulation won out).  But by window three I became used to the twelve foot monster ladder and the feel for balancing ten foot 2 by 4's as I 'framed' as best as I could.  By window four I was both panicking for time and inspired by the thought of lighted tree branches for display....

I will only be able to do this once - to board up the windows with lighted displays of inspiration or to paint and light the plywood garage doors.  Only one season like this one, the first with electricity and heat yet also in its rough stage of renovation.

I savor the time to enjoy Matthias and, the time to grow with it.  As I checked the thermometers and swept, I remembered those words which delicately reminded me of how far the building has come.

You can even hear it in the building:  The sharp sound of dry footsteps.

Pleasantries to all of you....

Stephanie
Winds & Paradox Incorporated