You don’t wake up thinking, today my dog is going to die. But, he did. I’m en route to Ohio now to hold Ralfe one last time before I let him go to run wild, forever and always.

Rescued in Haiti, Ralfe had just turned 3 in August (I swear he was a Leo, in personality and character). When I had my first pet, Cori, I was in middle school, or perhaps elementary. I literally remember worrying about how long he would live (15 years seemed a long ways away)! As a dog mom to Ralfe, the thought of my life without him — even after he lived a long and full life — brought me to tears. To think he didn’t even make it to play with my (future) kids … no words. To think I helped save his life in Haiti to only have it end tragically in the U.S. … no words. To think his small, strong body was left on the road after being hit, with the driver leaving him to bleed and bleed … no words.

To all those who knew Ralfe, they know the street dog mentality never quite left the dog. He was energetic beyond belief, and ate every meal as if it were his last. Listening he did, on occasion. The Ralfe that I saw, however, was not only mischievous. He was curious, in a beautiful way, and he loved me and my family unconditionally. He helped me rescue and feed many a stray dog in Haiti. He snuggled under my covers. Jumped and howled in greeting, always. Followed me at home, everywhere. Listened to me sing, without complaint. Allowed me to carry him like a baby, and dance, dance, dance. He was my renovation buddy. He was my cheerleader. He helped me appreciate life outside of the office, outside of real estate, outside of Home Depot and IKEA (though he would patiently wait for me in the car while I ran my errands). His sweet face, trying  to process scents and places and things at a mile a minute while walking Roosevelt Island, left me laughing.

I loved you Ralfe, I always will. Mwen renmen ou.

Silly a request as this may be, if you have any memories of my crazy pup, please post them for me to remember.

Pictures Celebrating Life:
(1) Little, Haiti, US: https://goo.gl/photos/Wtsb8F4naXRjryiC9
(2) U.S.: https://1drv.ms/a/s!AoFzXgzKBWbarloMrP6tFCxUHk1_
Hit and Run (not pretty, do not open if you do not wish to): http://1drv.ms/1NBDRlA

Run free, puppy baby.

@firsthomedc learning about the DC Housing Production Trust Fund with @dhcd in #Anacostia

While I may only hear the sirens and see the throngs of people awaiting a glimpse of Pope Francis, it is remarkable to think that he is here, in a town I now call home.

Beinvenido Papa Francisco

Hello!

So, tiling has started at Shannon #2. Having practiced on Shannon #1, I thought my second time around would be a breeze. Then, I remembered the importance of leveling, that thinset can be messy, and, of course, the importance of appropriately cutting the tiles used. I also came to realize that pre-mixed thinset can sometimes take longer to dry.

A couple days of 24/7 fans, re-doing tile, and admitting (to myself) that some pieces of tile are not level to perfection, my laundry area (under the stairs); HVAC utility closet and data hub; and, powder room are mostly complete.

Shout out to Stephen Ortado from Historic Structures for graciously donating the tiles used in my laundry and powder room. (For anyone who has purchased tile, you now how costly it can be!) For my utility closet, I used the remaining tiles from Shannon #1.

Not a tile to waste!

Here are some pictures, before and after:

I learned something new today. Holes, see below for pictures, made for PVC piping and electrical wiring that lead to a different floor (e.g. crawl space below, or second floor above) require a fire retardant foam prior to closing in the walls. Thank you, Max Insulation and DCRA framing inspector, for catching my lack of foam experience.

Never as much as you’d like to complete when it comes to planning and renovating,  it’s time to take a shower, go buy me a toilet, and enjoy the rest of Memorial Day with Ralfster.

Seen from the alley, this set of row homes in Historic Anacostia has been under construction for just a few months. The properties will be move-in ready come August. Following a similar style no matter what street they pop up on, they provide a thoughtful mix of old and new in my favorite DC neighborhood.

Always curious as to how some builders seem to get all the vacant lots, my research tells me a long-term strategy to obtain the land is being, and has been pursued for several years now.

In any case, this style of home may be hitting the market in the late summer and early fall 2015. Previous sales have occurred pre-market … high demand, for sure!

Who’s building, and who’selling? Ask me,  I may tell you.