Grounded

The house was built in the early 1950's,
expanded over the years
with separate crawlspaces--
much to the electrician's chagrin.

Painted Mother India blue
by the previous owner.

Since moving in, we have
painted, painted, painted,
replaced washers and sinks,
ripped up carpets and polished wood floors,
hung blinds and curtains,
cut a doorway between
the kitchen and dining room--
and this week, got grounded.

Modern plugs, for modern appliances,
in dining room, living room, bedroom...
and a bonus completely new outlet
on the sunporch.
The bedroom wasn't originally on the list,
but there was this small fire...
The electrician was skeptical of our account
until he plugged in his tester
and let out a scream of his own
as flames shot happily up in the air.
We told him so.
But now that bedroom is grounded too.

The list of renovations
still stretches out to the horizon,
but that is half the fun.

Top of the list, the dining room,
with water stained wood paneling,
and beebly bobbed chandelier,
and a conspicuous lack of piano.
Not to mention the acoustic tile
ceiling badness.

All in good time.
All in good time.