Week 15…
will go down in infamy in the Woodward household. Because week 15 was the week in which all hell broke lose.
Accident #1
Backstory: Ryan and brother bear were putting in a fence last week, and there was a bit of an accident. Here’s how it went down.
Friday, Nov. 12
4:32 p.m. –
I receive a call at work as I’m walking out the door.
Ryan: “Kim…. We busted a gas line.”
Kim: “WHAT? What happened? Are you okay?”
Ryan: “Yeah… but the fire and police are here. I just wanted you to know. I’d better go.”
Ummm…… yeah. What would you have done if you got that call? I raced to my car and headed directly to the house. Freaking out would be an understatement.
4:48 p.m. –
I pull up the hill in our new neighborhood and see lights flashing. Lots of lights flashing. In all, there were:
4 fire trucks (with at least 10 firemen)
6 cops with police cars
8 energy folks with a few emergency vehicles
4 square blocks blocked off by fire trucks and caution tape
6 neighbors evacuated
No husband in sight. As I walk to the house, there is a group of neighbors out chatting and generally being nosy. (You know how that goes.) They didn’t see me coming, and I overheard one neighbor say loudly, “Yeah, so much for that guy making any money. (Laugh.) Because it’s a $10,000 fine for breaking a gas line.”
Let’s just say it’s a good thing I had some other things on my mind besides knocking him into next week. When he saw me, he shut up really quick. He doesn’t know us AT ALL, and he has the gall to talk about us when we have something terrible happen?
Keep walking. Stone faced.
When I get right up to the house, a fireman tries to shoo me away. But I tell him this is my house and I’m looking for my husband.
The fire chief approaches me and tells me that he hasn’t seen anyone at the house since he got there. I tell him that Ryan most certainly is there because he called to tell me what happened. So, I call Ryan up. Turns out that another fireman shooed brother bear and Ryan away into an alley a block away. I tell him that he should come back.
Luckily for us, the fire chief was an amazing guy. So kind and helpful. We filled out all the forms we needed to and the whole light show continued for another hour or so, while the energy guys got the gas line crimped.
It was about this point that I turned to Ryan and said, “I wish I had my camera.” The husband didn’t seem to enjoy that. But the first thing that my dad asked was, “Did you get any pictures?” So, clearly people expect it of me. I know you all expect it, too. Don’t lie.
6 p.m.
The fire trucks and police leave and the folks from the gas and electric company work on fixing everything. The guys who were working were also wonderful. They put our minds at ease and took care of it all.
Thank goodness we called Julie before we dug (as is required.) They had come out and marked out the gas and electric lines before we built the fence. It was just an accident. When they were using the auger on the last post, they were they hit a gas line that wasn’t quite marked correctly. We don’t really know what happened but the gas and electric guys think some rock and cement bumped the line and broke it.
When Ryan and brother bear hit it, they said it immediately began hissing. After a few seconds in shock, they decided to take off running – and then called 9-1-1. It turned out to be a 1 1/2 inch gas line.
Since we had called the company before digging, we won’t have any fines.
(Angels singing)
Take THAT, neighbor dude.
We went out for Mexican and a drink after all those two hours of chaos. We deserved it, don’t you think?
Accident #2
Oh yeah, and did I mention I got in a car accident this week?
(I understand this has nothing to do with the house, but I’m just so sad about my car. And you know how everything just seems to run together?)
But, let’s move on to the good things, okay. Because I don’t want to think about the bad anymore.
The good
After nearly blowing up the neighborhood (I jest), Ryan and brother bear made it their mission to work more on the fence. It’s nearly done by now, but you won’t see the full reveal until next week since it seems to get dark at 1 in the afternoon around here. It’s great that they were able to get it done prior to the ground freezing solid.
We decided to go with a four-foot shadowbox fence. I didn’t want anything too tall, but I wanted something that left less space for the dogs to see through.
Our current fence is picket-style and the dogs bark too much at walkers. We hoped that by putting in the shadowbox style, they may be able to ignore what’s going on outside the fence. We’ll see.
We used pressure treated boards and six-inch dog-eared pickets.
Here’s how it approaches the front porch. It’s a bit less than 4 feet here because we chose to make all the boards level at the top. So, it’s four feet at the street side and it adjusts from there.
Here’s the side street, before the inside pickets.
I am really pleased with how it’s shaping up.
And, our new furnace and air are installed.
It took a little longer than expected, but the heat works and it’s nice to have a house that is warmer than 50 degrees.
And having vents instead of radiators frees up lots of space in the rooms.
I love that.
Have you ever caused neighborhood evacuations, or are we on our own? We’re all ears.
House list updated here.
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Amanda Sevall says
So I’ve been on a break from my reader… not by my choice. Imagine my shock catching up on your blog to read this one!! WOW!!! I totally would have kicked the booty of the new next door neighbor. Hopefully, the pugs will know that he must be barked at incessantly just to annoy in return for the snarky comments. 😉 Glad everyone was okay and the new fence is awesome!!! And thanks for the laugh — it shouldn’t be funny, but you totally tell the story in a way that made me laugh!! 🙂
Leigh says
holy cow Kim! I’m so sorry to hear about all this trouble. But I’m glad you were able to look at the positive (and really glad you didn’t get fined!). Can the car be fixed? The fence looks great! What color will it be? I’ve always wanted a white picket fence.
micah @ the yellow front door says
Yikes! Glad no one was hurt by the gas line or the car accident! How scary!
Oonafey says
Oh my god, you poor baby! And your poor car… Stupid bastard in his big truck, what a jerk! And your neighbor is a jerk too. That’s why we don’t want “neighborhood neighbors”. Although the people across the street waved at me today – it only took them 18 months!
Great news about the fence and the heating though!
Stephanie says
ohs nos!! sorry for all your bad luck :-/ glad everything is ok though.
Tara @ Tara Being Tara says
Oh my goodness… glad you’re ok! And forget that jerkface neighbor guy!!
-Kasey says
Oh my Goodness. How scary. I had a knot in my stomach while reading your post… Glad to hear everyone is okay and everything worked out fine.
Sorry about the car! I know how that goes. I had one of those ‘weeks’ a couple years ago when I got T-Boned. Your little car will be good as new in no time!
Kristi says
OH MY GOODNESS, KIM!! What a week!! And since you are all okay, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed your reporting of the incident. I even read it aloud to my hubby. You will sure have lots of good stories when you move into this house.
PS Hope your car gets fixed soon!
Ellie says
What a crazy week! Glad everyone and everything is ok, minus the car… Thinking of you!
christi says
Oh my gosh Kim! I am so glad that everyone is ok and that you aren’t getting fined. I think I would have done the exact same thing … RUN then call 911! And your little car. =( So bad things come in 3’s … here’s hoping all three are done now.
xoxo
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog says
Woah, talk about a crazy week! I’m glad that you all are okay.
PS Somehow, even when your mean neighbor said that you would pay a big fine, I knew it wasn’t really your fault :).
Amber says
Not sure how I missed the radiators to forced air post, but do you mind sharing some numbers? We have a one pipe steam system in our house… and were considering an upgrade to forced air. I’d like to get an idea of how much of a hit we would be talking about. How many sq feet is your house?
LizzieBeth says
First off, can I say that Michael the Innkeeper is a posting beast! That dude always has the first post!!!
Anywho, I’m glad you are ok from the accident. And fear not, the weekend is in sight 😉
I’ve never evaculated a neighborhood, but to make a long story short, I did evacuate our entire building when I poured water on a pan of grease. I got the side-eye for about a week.
LB
Aleah @ HeyBaklenko.com says
OH MY GOODNESS. I’m glad everyone was okay, but sorry to hear it was such a rough week. Keep up the great work though! (And thanks for letting everyone know about calling the gas company before any digging – I definitely didn’t know that!)
Leah says
i would have said something to your neighbor. what an absolute JERK! how dare he be such a tool!!!!!!
forgiving him, moving on . . .
so sorry to hear about your accident(s) this week. that is just rotten luck. i will be thinking about you and praying for you and the hubbs. i hope bad things don’t come in threes, like “they” say!!
Kim says
Oh you poor dear. I’m so glad you have a sense of humor and can laugh about it. Nothing is ever easy is it? Well, keep your chin up because the progress you have made so far is AMAZING!!! You’ve come a long way girl and you will appreciate and love your beautiful home all the more because of the love that you put into it. And what a great story to share at the Thanksgiving table!
xoxo,
Kim
Danielle says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Danielle says
i’m glad you guys are okay! car accident included. don’t worry toyotas are warriors. i know from experience. and is it wrong to say that i love the fence? hopefully next week brings better luck!
Kim @ EF eDesigns says
Oh goodness! That’s terrible! Hope things have improved since then…though I suppose that won’t be much of a stretch!
🙂
Kate@TwentySixToLife says
Omg what a crazy week! At least you can always say “remember that time when …”
I’m glad everything turned out okay in the end!
Lucky Girl says
So sorry that all this happened Kim! But glad that you all are ok!
While not exactly as terrifying as hitting a gas line, we did take out our neighbours phone, cable and internet when we got our fence installed and they were NOT happy. While we also called for a survey to make sure we wouldn’t be touching any lines, the survey was wrong. The neighbours (who weren’t fans of ours at all – them shouting at us was what prompted the fence) came over, pounded on the door and were livid because they had a newborn baby and were without any communication abilities… Anyways, the phone company came out ASAP after I called them, but it still wasn’t a fun experience – so I can only *imagine* how challenging your ordeal was!
Deb says
Aw, you pooor thing!! The same thing happened to my mom and dad when installing a fence (back in the 80’s) Miss Utility had mismarked where the gas line was by 2 feet. Seems to be a pretty common occurence around here! Sorry about your car – but at least it wasn’t you fault.
Wendy says
Oh Kim, I was sitting on the edge of my seat as I read your post. I am soooo glad everyone is okay!
The fence does look awesome! There is something about a picket fence that just says home and welcome!
So sorry to hear about your car! Things can only look up! Wishing you a Happy End of the week!!
Wendy
Jordan and Jandee says
Oh my goodness that is a crazy week. I HATE car problems more than anything so your car accident trumps all for me. Hope next week is incredible! (love the fence)
Tristina says
one evening several years ago when we were living in a townhouse I came home to a neighborhood full of police cars, firetrucks and a police officer sitting on the couch in my living room. Our next door neighbors had a gas leak and they had to break into our house to check the gas levels.
We have a 75 lb boxer and we learned that the officers that broke into our house were armed with crow bars in case he attacked them. Luckily, we crate him during they day, so he was untouched.
Once I got over the terror of what could have happened to our dog, I was overwhelmed with embarrassment as our bedroom floor was covered with dirty laundry. I could just imagine all of the firefighters walking all over our messy room. Oh my!
Then everyone left – and they didn’t even fix the lock on the window that they broke. Awesome.
hiphousegirl says
You poor dears! I read that whole post transfixed- I’m soooo glad that everyone was okay and that you didn’t have any fines! So scary.
Your fence is looking really nice too! And having heat is nice, too. 🙂
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
Holy cow! Thank God you guys called that gas company! Glad you are safe and everything will be on the mend soon. What a story!
Jen says
Oh my gosh, Kim! What a week! I’m so sorry you guys had to deal with all of that. But thank heavens you’re all ok, and there’s no fines or tickets.
Here’s hoping that next week will be extra wonderful to make up for this!
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
Oh my goodness! I can’t even imagine what it would be like showing up at a scene like that. Thank goodness everyone is okay (except your poor car). I am so glad everything worked out in your favor with the gas line…I can’t wait until you can tell the neighbor that it wasn’t your fault!
Despite those two big hiccups, you made some serious progress. It all looks great!
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
We refer to these kinds of days as “The Really Bad Horrible Day” a la Winnie the Pooh, and this is definitely one of them! So glad you are all ok, and that you won’t be fined. Sorry about your car too! Such a sucky week! Hopefully next week will be loads better.
Robin says
WOW! Scary! So glad everyone is ok.
After all that, the fence is looking good!
Breanne says
Holy crap! I’m sorry that all that happened to you guys!!! We’ve never caused an evacuation, but we aren’t nearly as home-saavy as you are!
Luckily you did everything you were supposed to and it’ll turn out alright!
*claire* says
wow. that is quite…eventful! that really sucks – i’m sure that is quite stressful. but i’m SOO glad it turned out ok and that you didn’t have to pay a fine!
your silly neighbors should know that you all know what you’re doing and don’t just go digging holes willy-nilly (couldn’t resist using that word..)
too bad you didn’t get pics. hope week 16 is A LOT better!
jen @ homeinthecountry says
Oh, Kim! Such a rough week! Yikes.
It’s good that you have a great sense of humor about these things (and, okay, I would have totally liked pictures of the neighborhood gathered for the gas line incident)! And your fence looks nice! 🙂
Rita/Fighting Off Frumpy says
Holy crap, Kim! What a hellish week you’ve had! But look at it this way: things could have been worse ($10,000 fines or more serious injuries, for example).
Still doesn’t change the fact that all of that must have SUCKED, though. 🙁
I’m hoping this means you’ve met your “freak accident quota” for the next ten years or so!
Emily says
First things first. I’m so glad that you, Ryan and brother bear are ALL okay. That is a really dramatic week and even though it turned out okay, I feel the need to send you lots of liquor to recover from it.
Moving on. It’s a good thing I wasn’t with you because I would have knocked your neighbor guy into next week (and probably broken my thumb while I was at it b/c I don’t know how to hit, but it would have been worth it). You are a stronger woman than I. When I come to visit you, don’t introduce me to him, I’ll make snarky comments – it’s just who I am.
And the fence is so cool. I’ve never heard of shadowbox style, but I love it! The pugs will totally behave because you put so much thought into the design for them. I’m sure of it.
Mrs. 5C says
Oh Kim!!! I’m so glad you’re ok!!!!! And not paying a $10,0000 fine!!! I’m so sorry about your car! What a week! 🙁
The fence looks GORGEOUS. Truly fantastic choice. You’re so inspiring!
Mike and Katrina @HA says
Oh my gosh! I’m glad everyone is ok after all that drama. That’s an insane week!
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
Oh honey. I can’t even begin to imagine the chaos and heart-dropping stomach-twisting feeling. I’m SO glad everyone’s ok, your house is still standing and that there’s no fine.
I hope this weekend starts a new chapter and that next week’s awesomeness makes up for this week’s crappiness.
And I’m so glad you guys are ok!
Shannon says
Ho-leee crap Kim! What an insane week. What a relief you guys are totally legit so that you don’t have to pay the fine…but geez, how scary! I’m glad everyone (and the house) is safe and sound.
And no, no evacuations. But it’s only a matter of time with the state of my cooking lately.
Kristen says
yikes! Glad everything turned out ok and especially glad that you don’t have to pay that fine! I’ll admit though the first thing I thought was, man I can’t wait to see pics! lol
Mrs. Adventure says
Sorry to laugh my dear but yes you totally SHOULD have had your camera… its totally expected ha ha.
Sorry this week all hell broke loose, at least its Friday (Eve) xoxo.
The Brick Cottage says
Oh my goodness! What a rough week! Kudos to your husband and brother for taking the necessary precautions and then handling the situation level headed! I hope it’s not too much of a pain getting your car repaired.
I’d love to hear an update about the fence/ barking dog situation. Our dog barks too at walkers (and if they have dogs, oh my!) and would love to know if the new fence helps.
longbrakeliving says
Yikes! Glad everything is okay that you don’t have to pay that fine! How wonderful that everyone who came to “rescue” the neighborhood was nice and caring too.
When I first saw the picture of your car, I thought an emergency vehicle may have hit it. I’m glad it didn’t and that everyone was okay!
Heather says
My goodness. I am glad everything turned out ok. Gas line and car accidents are very scary.
I would ignore the neigbhor as payback will come to him one day.
The fence and everything is looking good. Hopefully your week will get better
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
O.M.G. I’m sending you virtual hugs, that sounds like such a terrible week! Thank goodness you called the company and had all the lines marked – a little more peace of mind since you know it wasn’t y’alls fault, and no fine. Yikes!
We had a rude neighbor when we moved in – for some reason our very first night there he decided to invite himself over and try to freak us out about our new neighborhood. Nice.
I’m so sorry about your car!!!!! Can it be fixed, or is it totaled? I’m glad you’re okay!
Heat and fences are HUGE, so glad there were some highlights this week!
Michael - Innkeeper says
again your post has completely stopped me from cooking breakfast for my guests.
yes, you are right, when it rains it pours. i guess the good thing is it could have been worse and everyone is ok. and what a nice introduction to the neighboorhood! (and don’t worry that rude neighbor will get what’s coming to him one way or another. karma.)
you guys are troopers. the accidents makes the successes that much sweeter!