The RHHP spring work day

Amy doing some serious cleaning...

This is what happens to old caulking...

Joseph creates order out of chaos..

What is the quickest way to get the grill from here ....

....to here? Letting gravity do the work.

loading up...

Off to Sissons Street..

Yesterday was our spring work day. We accomplished much in just a few hours. In addition to the usual round of deep cleaning of areas not normally cleaned (Stephanie cleaned the grimy wall and floor around the stove while Joseph cleaned up the bike room) we focused on hauling out junk. In a few short hours, we managed to rid ourselves of some long standing irritations around the house that had never been annoying enough to spur us to take action, until now. I think most of you will be able to identify with that.

Jeff and Remi made a trip to the Sisson Street transfer station with a load that included a dryer that no longer worked defunct barbecue grill that had been sitting on the deck for several years. Both items were taken off their hands by others while waiting in line at the Sisson Street station!

It was good to labor together. Many hands made light work. House members who were not present either completed the tasks of their choice before yesterday or will complete their tasks in the days to come.

These were formerly bunk beds for the YES program.

John carrying a board to his house a block away.

John unloading lumber

Marcus and Jeff unloading lumber

Jeff, Marcus (former RHHP resident) and John taking a breather

We also removed most of the lumber that have been piled up in the attic for several years. These were clean 2x4s and other boards that were once the bunk beds for the YES program. Laura and I made numerous trips to the attic and we managed to clear out most of the piles. We also got in our workout for the day.

The lumber went to our neighbor John Sezikeye down the street. (Mike, another neighbor, took a few boards to use in his garden.) John owns a number of houses in the neighborhood and rents out rooms (at very affordable rates)  to refugees who need housing. He is renovating the basement in one of his houses on Eutaw Place and will put the lumber to good use. Thanks to Jeff for the use of his truck.

Andre securing the load

Many thanks to NBMC member Andre Hackman who repaired our lawn mower. He brought it back yesterday morning but did not realize that the reward for his good deed was load of junk for him to take to the dump. By the time he left he had close to a full load. I do not think the apostle Luke had this in mind when he wrote in Luke 6:38, " give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” We certainly pressed down and shook! Andre took care of the running over part with some bungee cords. Thank you again, Andre, for sharing your skill and your time with us.