things to do ...

as the first phase (reporchment and refenestration) approaches, one hopes, completion here's the open task list:

• check out N wall rot spots and determine method for dealing with them
• add exterior flooring to fill gap where N wall has retreated
• install N wall cap piece
• electrical:  reapply interior light switch, interior and exterior outlets
• insulation:  apply to W wall, perhaps to side walls? if feasible
• install window guides and hardware (latches, pulleys, sash weights)
• locate and apply misc. hardware items (keepers for the mortise lock and mortise bolts).
• close up W wall interior with beadboard
• design, fabricate and install pediment over doors and windows
• review top front step geometry and possibly rework it:  the top step is too shallow and with its "trip lip" overhang constitutes a potential safety hazard
• caulk, seal, prepare and paint exterior
• fabricate storm windows and screens

dealing with the upper front window and its trim elements might be a good job to take on later, but if so that area will need to be sealed better than it is at present.  the storms and screens are also not in an immediate hurry to get done but they should be in hand before first frost. 

more sideways stratigraphy

this activity doesn't appear on the Things To Do list below.  knowing that the side walls have more TIG beadboard, I found that the temptation to open up the N wall from the inside to get a look had become irresistible. 

behind the wallboard, the styrofoam layer appeared as expected.  the beadboard behind it needs some TLC.  it has some gaps and even a section that's a completely different colour.  by insulating the N wall from the inside it will be possible for the interior to get some needed attention and for the exterior to remain undisturbed. 

the worklight created an inadvertent shadow effect


this evening's lateral excavation opened up about half of the N wall. 

one interesting element to emerge was an HVAC register, abandoned in place and immured by styrofoam and wallboard.  further investigation will be called for to determine whether it's connected to anything.