September 2, 2003: Beginning
We met with two contractors, and I feel like a complete ingrate. In my defense, I am a Southern California native, and we’re not known for historic sensitivity. Also, Dawn told me we’d be restoring the place before I even saw it, so whenever I visited I just saw the problems and the costs. It took two strangers to point out the elegance and beauty of the mansion. I had resigned myself to it without ever appreciating it!
So this project has taken on a renewed vigor, as we now have a better idea of what we’re preserving. Unfortunately, we also now have a better idea of how much it will cost. We’ve got a year before we want to start, so we’ll figure it out.