True Tales From Old Houses Stacy Grinsfelder

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel revisit some previous conversations and swap stories about unexpected basement floods and a wild weather emergency. 
First, Daniel offers an update about a special Kingston City Land Bank house and shares a podcast episode about the Halifax explosion.
Next, Stacy talks about a basement flood caused by a clogged sewer line, while Daniel describes his experience with water in the basement due to a cistern. 
Then, Stacy details her experience with a (very real) recent tornado warning and her family's lack of emergency preparedness.
Finally, Daniel shares a heartwarming story about a gift from a follower who passed away.
This conversation highlights the challenges and surprises that come with owning and maintaining old houses. 
Mentioned in this Episode
My Favorite Murder - Episode 436 You, Me, & American Geography (Halifax Explosion) Takahashi Jars (Etsy link) WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

This week's episode begins with a book giveaway reminder and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel.
Then, during Listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel address the impact of ivy on old houses. They discuss the different types of ivy and their potential impact on the house, including trapping moisture, damaging mortar, and providing a pathway for pests.
Later, they chat with Pat Evans, the registrar for the art collection at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Pat discusses the process of deep cleaning and caring for historic homes like Taliesin West. The site, built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the late 1930s, is an active community with multiple buildings and cottages. Pat provides practical tips for caring for artwork and collections, such as storing them properly and protecting them from dust and light. She also shares her personal attachment to objects and the value of preserving them for future generations. The conversation touches on Frank Lloyd Wright's influence and his connection to Japanese architecture. 
Finally, Pat highlights the ongoing work at Taliesin West and the organization's commitment to advancing how we build and live.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Enter to win a signed copy of Throwbacks Home Interiors until 7/19/24. Murray Bros. Nurseries, Inc - Orchard Park, NY Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Follow Taliesin and Taliesin West on Instagram Ten agents of deterioration  NPS Conserve O Gram Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Book Giveaway Reminder 06:41 Cottage Update and Maine Cabin Masters 11:07 Listener Q&A - The Impact of Ivy on Old Houses 22:11 Pat D. Evans - Registrar at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ 28:20 The Deep Cleaning Process 41:51 Caring for Artwork and Artifacts 49:16 Frank Lloyd Wright and Japan 54:11 Getting Involved in Preservation

In this episode, Stacy explains how she is lightening her DIY load, and Daniel describes a frustrating week. The conversation highlights the low-key crazy of hyper-local Facebook groups, navigating real estate contracts, dealing with contractor bids, and the emotional impact of online relationships.
First, Stacy shares how she hired someone to help with the lingering home projects around her house. Despite receiving some very unwelcome comments about the ad she posted in her small-town Facebook group, Stacy found the perfect person to fill the position. Her new apprentice is excited to learn and gain skills. 
Then, Daniel expresses his dissatisfaction about the continuing delays with the contracts for the cottage he is selling. The lawyers involved seem to lack urgency.
Next, he discusses the ongoing challenge of securing accurate bids to install air conditioning in his old house. 
Finally, Daniel ends the episode with a touching tribute to a long-time blog reader and Instagram follower who died unexpectedly. 
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Mention
01:21 Enter to win a signed copy of Throwbacks Home Interiors
01:57 Stacy's Experience Hiring Someone for DIY Tasks
06:34 Dealing with Negative Comments on Facebook Related to Stacy's Ad
16:32 The Frustrations of Navigating Real Estate Contracts
20:48 Air Conditioning Update - Daniel Received a Bid
30:15 The Emotional Impact of Online Relationships

This week's episode begins with several book giveaway announcements and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel. 
Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss traditional and modern linoleum flooring options. They touch on the history, manufacturing process, and benefits of linoleum and share their experiences using Marmoleum by Forbo.  
Finally, Stacy and Daniel chat with Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay, the creative duo behind Woodward Throwbacks, a furniture and interior design studio centered around
creating with reclaimed materials. Bo and Kyle share insights into their sustainable approach, transforming a 4,000-square-foot warehouse into their home, and creating their book Throwbacks Home Interiors. They also discuss their journey as artists and business owners.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop Weekend Retreat at Silver Lake: July 19-21 or July 26-28, 2024. (New, lower prices!) Visit TrueTalesFromOldHouses.com/giveaway to enter to win a signed copy of A House Restored by Lee McColgan (ends 7/11/24) or Throwbacks Home Interiors by Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay (end 7/19/24). Modern Linoleum Manufacturers Marmoleum by Forbo Armstrong Gerflor (DLW Flooring) Tarkett (Johnsonite) Roppe Follow Woodward Throwbacks on Instagram Visit the Woodward Throwbacks Website and check out their book. Please consider leaving a rating or review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Thank you! WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

In this week's episode, Stacy tangles with TSA, and Daniel inches closer to selling the cottage. 
First, Stacy and Daniel discuss Stacy's recent trip to Florida and her airport mishaps.
Then, they move on to Daniel's cottage update, including the process of accepting an offer and the potential for the buyer to back out before signing the contract. They also compare their experiences with buying houses and the differences in the process. The conversation ends with their thoughts about the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the buyer. 
Next, Stacy and Daniel discuss Daniel's plans for the extra money he will have after selling the cottage. Daniel's first plan is to pay off his debts, which will provide a sense of relief. He also wants to invest in his current house by adding air conditioning, which will increase the value and improve his comfort. 
Finally, they talk about different options for air conditioning, including conventional HVAC systems, heat pumps, mini splits, and high-velocity systems. They also touch on the challenges of retrofitting an old house with air conditioning. The conversation ends with Stacy expressing her excitement for Daniel's upcoming house sale.
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Chapters
00:00 Airport Mishaps
02:24 Cottage Update
07:01 Accepting an Offer - There are no guarantees!
09:26 Buying Houses
17:22 Paying Off Debts and Finding Relief
19:09 Investing in Home Improvements: Adding Air Conditioning
20:31 Exploring Air Conditioning Options for Old Houses
23:26 Challenges of Retrofitting an Old House with Air Conditioning

This week's episode begins with some quick updates about Daniel's cottage and an announcement from Stacy. Stacy and Scott Sidler are co-authoring a book about energy efficiency and old windows. With the first draft nearly finished, the book is moving right along. Stacy and Scott hope it will become a handy and trusted resource for anyone with a stake in preserving and restoring old buildings.
Next, during listener Q&A, Daniel and Stacy offer input on a kitchen window issue. The homeowner is planning a remodel and wants to place the sink in front of an original window. The problem is that the window is large and cannot fit behind the sink without being shortened or removed. Daniel weighs in with some pragmatic advice, and Stacy agrees. 
Finally, Stacy chats with Lee McColgan, author of A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial. Part memoir, part meditation, Lee's book offers an inspiring snapshot of falling in love with his 1700s home and learning the historic trades necessary to bring it back to life.  
Mentioned in this Episode:
Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop Weekend Retreat at Silver Lake: July 19-21 or July 26-28, 2024. (New, lower prices!) How to leave a rating and review on Spotify The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (book) by Margareta Magnusson A House Restored by Lee McColgan Follow Lee McColgan on Instagram @HelveHistoricTrades A Place of My Own by Michael Pollan Enter to win a signed copy of A House Restored by Lee McColgan WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.