Old(er) Photo

Dave contacted the auditors again today and asked them to send us the picture that they had on file. They were actually willing to do it, which greatly surpised us. We are so thankful to them. While this picture was obviously taken after the siding was put on (we think about 3 owners ago, according to one of our neighbors), we at least now know what the brickwork looked like around the porch. We can only assume the exterior of the house was similar when it was originally constructed.

I wonder if my paint removal process will work on masonry or if we should try pressure washing or sandblasting first. Believe it or not, someone actually painted the beautiful brickwork the same color as the vinyl siding on the house so it completely blends in!

We also happened to recognize the realtor's sign in the front yard. So I gave them a call today and asked them to check out any files that they might have for this address for pictures of the interior, as our search for the original floor plan layout continues. I will be sure to share if they do happen to find any.

In the meantime, work on the stairs has continued. The process has gotten easier, though. The trick was to use a lot more of the stripping gel - you almost have to paint it on so that the stairs look like you painted them orange. It only took me a couple of hours to get four more completed today. We are now at the halfway point to the landing (which I am NOT looking forward to). I can only pray that the landing comes as clean as the stairs and as easily.