The dig, Day 2

Orby, who works with Wade, was on the job Wednesday. He's every bit as deft at digging (and every bit as nice), and he brought a Bobcat and dump truck to haul off the incredible amount of rock and debris that's coming out. Turns out it's saleable as fill -- several hundred dollars a load.

In the top picture he's plucked out yet another vintage bottle. But take a look at the size of the boulders at his feet, and notice the white layer: all rock, and all a noisy challenge to break up.

As for the threat of rain: We got a few afternoon sprinkles, but nothing to dampen the pace of work. It's rainy season, after all, and these little tropical things move through.

Meanwhile, all the old windows have been torn out and re-framed, and the loft subfloor is going down. Bit by bit, Ref is getting ready for the trades to come in.