More Basement Storage

The space as it was two months ago. Pretty messy, huh?

After clearing out the junk, this is the original wall he built over.

We have been back in town for just over one week. We arrived midday last Wednesday, in almost-but-not-quite record-breaking heat (106°F/41°C, which broke the record for the day, but the record is 107°F, achieved on three other days in history). We met the record for longest hot wave (something like 4 days over 100°F/38°C, surrounded by another week of over 90°F/32°C, most of which we thankfully missed).

This house, this city, is not prepared for that kind of heat. No air conditioning, and the houses aren't built for cross-breezes. The oak tree that FemmeDommi planted on the west side of the house is finally tall enough to shade the front lawn, but not the big sash windows across the house, which soak in the sunlight like sponges. We all promptly wilted, except for HomoDommi, who moved right back into his project in the basement (a relatively cool 85°F/29°C).

He started the project in June, finishing the first part just before we left. He finished the second part, mostly bookcase, two days ago. The heat broke that same day, too, and now it feels like fall, with the high temperatures about 40°F cooler than a week ago. It's already hard to remember being so hot -- I've been wearing a sweater for two days now.

But at least we have a lovely built-in to fill.

The final unit. The stairs up to the main floor are behind all those books.