Port Au Prince, Haiti

Welcome friends. Just wanted to let everyone know I am in Haiti, trying to help with reconstruction. For updates, visit our blog at  http://www.capefearhaitihelp.com/

Papa, Mr Fixit and Haiti Helper

Papa-

Ah, time for some fun. One of the great things about living here in Wilmington is the opportunity to spend time with Myles. So, it's time for a first fishing trip here at "Papa's Lake".



Mr Fixit:
With my new house, I also have the fun of nearly unlimited projects. Here are before and after pictures of a couple of the bigger ones, moving a wall to create a laundry room and closet, and repairing badly rotted exterior doors in the back of the house:




Haiti Helper:
But, probably the biggest thing I've been doing is leading a team on a mission trip to Haiti. So far, that has meant leading meetings, organizing support, communicating with associated organizations, obtaining materials and general preparation. Things like our Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser. Below are pictures of our team, as well myself, mingling with customers Bill and Catha.


But, in less than 2 weeks, we will be travelling to Haiti for an 8 day working trip. The problems in Haiti are big and well known, and the challenges are big as well. But, we couldn't stand by and watch, when the possibility of helping was within our grasp, and so, we'll try our best to help.

If you've watched the news reports and wished there was something you could do to help, this is your chance. If you want to know more about how you can help, with moral support, prayers or donations, visit our website at
http://www.capefearhaitihelp.com/
For more visuals on the situation there, visit:
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/11/haiti_ten_months_later.html

See you on the other side.

North Carolina, Texas, Haiti

It seems at least a few people are still interested in what I'm up to, despite the mundane nature of most of it. So, here is the latest report.

Since purchasing my house, I've spent a good bit of time getting a few improvements done. But, in between, I've made a couple of trips to God's Country (Texas, for the uninitiated). One, to Houston to clear out my storage and drive the big yellow Penske diesel back to Wilmington to deliver my household goods. Yay, I'm no longer camping! There are even light fixtures and A/C registers in the living room.
Then, we celebrated my parents 60th wedding anniversary with a little party in Rhome. It was good to see everyone from family to friends I grew up with and to celebrate that accomplishment.

As for my time in Wilmington...most things are unpacked and in place! And, I've managed a few projects. I've planted a bit of landscaping and replaced the column on the front of the house, not to mention pounding the front door back into alignment with its opening.

Gail and I doubled up on the insulation in our houses. I procured a new cook stove and repaired the kitchen cabinets so that doors don't fall off when you open them. The biggest project I've tackled, still ongoing, is moving a closet and laundry room back to their original location. This required relocating some walls and doors and adding to the laminate flooring in the den.
I pulled out all the copper pipe for propane heat. It was poorly installed, and propane is prohibitively expensive here. I'm going all electric, at least until I can add some alternate systems, perhaps solar or ground source.I've managed to grow a reasonable garden, despite getting a late start. I've been supplying the whole church with cucumbers for the past month or so. I've been picking more okra and blackeyed peas than I can eat lately. Fresh green beans, zuchini, tomatoes and sweet corn have also been making a regular appearance, keeping me in pretty good supply of fresh groceries. Maybe I should start late every year. And, more exciting things are in the future. I've agreed to lead a reconstruction/medical team to Haiti in November. I'm excited with the prospect that we can make a difference there. If you would like to read more, or are interested in participating or supporting this effort, see our website at http://www.capefearhaitihelp.com/ . All help is welcomed and can make a difference in a devastated Haiti.

Well, back to work. Seems like I'm as busy now as when I got paid.

First Time Homeowner

As several have observed, it has been a long while since I've posted. And, for those who've asked...no, I'm not still in Ireland!

After almost 4 years in motion, I've decided to settle down a bit in Wilmington, NC. After a few months of toying with the idea of developing some rural property, I finally settled on buying a house in a subdivision. I bought a fixer upper, a foreclosure, and have moved in. So, I've gone from world traveller to Mr Fixit.

The work has just begun, but here are a few pictures of the place when I moved in. As you can see, I'm still camping out. Later this week I'll travel to Houston to move my furnishings from storage.

Note, the column laying on the porch.

After a few days of cleaning, my first order of business was to add a new microwave over the stove replace the vent hood which had been ripped out. I'm still working getting a new stove installed.

Then, I decided I couldn't live with the dark green/chocolate brown color of the dining/living area. Here is a picture of the original color and the new one.

And, best of all, according to the government, I'm a first time homebuyer. So, thanks everyone for chipping in on my home purchase.