“Community-collaborative news” at WSB means this can be a place for you to tell your story. Twice this year, we have heard from a local chiropractor who first followed up our coverage of his March kayaking mishap with his own account, and then shared the story of his purchase and renovation of an older Morgan Junction home. After the latter, he promised followups, and today we have one:

Story and photos by Dr. Scott Redfern

On August 30th I published a story of my purchase of “a home with history” (see it here). I enjoyed the many responses, so the story continues.

Shortly after the last piece, I had a banner day. The handyman I hired hooked up the gas dryer I found on craigslist. I was very excited because, you see I have never owned my own washer and dryer. I am a virgin homeowner. He also fired up the water heater and it works.

To top it off, the furnace I was told was broken had its flywheel reattached and heat doth pour out. I was so happy I think I jumped up and down. Triple the pleasure of owning the house. Truly a landmark day.

Now, I take hot bucket baths instead of cold, still no shower, but hey, I’m doing fine.

I no longer use the garden hose to shower off either.

Recently the 5-gallon white bucket I used to dump water over my head went missing.

I looked in the yard, in the basement and up and down. Who would steal my bucket?

I felt truly sad that it was gone. It was my shower bucket for crying out loud and I liked it. I reverted to a red 2.5 gallon pail but it just wasn¹t the same. I did have hot water thought which was a giant bonus.

A couple of days ago it came tumbling/crashing down the stairs with the gusty, high winds we received. I had propped in between a couple of 2X4s to catch water from my leaky roof and forgotten all about it.

What relief, I have my bucket back and I’m happy about it. Now I can take a bigger bucket bath. I transfer smaller buckets into it by way of the basement where I siphon off the hot water heater and carry it upstairs. The pipes in the house are what I would call low flow. Very green, I¹m sure you get the gist.

A couple of days ago, I removed about two thirds of the ceiling upstairs exposing the 6 inch profile tong and groove pine. The space now feels amazingly open. It¹s very cool.

One of the bathrooms, a bedroom closet, the laundry room and a bedroom wall are now in place. It is taking shape after a half dozen design changes.

I’ve moved down to the first floor so all this could happen. With the change in weather the heat from the furnace feels good.

Recently, a gentleman by the name of Tom stopped by to tell his story.

He helped the previous owners with the never-finished remodel.

He said they had an old International Harvester truck with a crane on the back to lift the huge sandstone block that compose the wall the partially wraps the property.

Evidently the owner of the house lost his oldest son in an accident and, after that his heart went out of the remodel. My heart goes out to the man.

Next on my agenda is replacing the plumbing, windows and siding.

Two nights ago after tearing out ceiling all day, I bent over and felt what I thought was a muscle spasm in my back. Again and again it hit and all I could think of was “oh great, my back is going out.”

I reached back to touch the spot and it was wet. I looked up to see giant drops of water falling 15 feet to the floor. Now I’m thinking I should put replacing the roof towards the top of the list.

Other exciting new is that we have a new 200-amp electric service circa 2009. Wiring the house should follow soon. Wait a minute — how could all this be happening simultaneously?

Every day it’s something new. I scour craigslist for materials, make phone calls, and go take a look.

Some of you may have noticed that I am a doctor. I sold my Chiropractic sports medicine practice downtown in Feb of 07. How to fund the remodel? Go back to work, Scott!

Seriously, I hadn’t intended to be off work this long. I miss having an income and the positive interaction of caring for people regularly.

So in addition to the remodel I am seeking an office space, equipment, etc, etc to open a new clinic. When I left practice I swore I would never be an insurance-based provider of health care again. To my credit, I have stuck to my guns. My plans are to open a Spinal decompression clinic paired with weight loss. The weight loss side will be lifestyle and nutrition based paired with exercise and tools for the emotional side of things. No insurance.

I am quite excited. Southcenter seems to be my best choice for a location so far.

When I¹m not putting together a new clinic or running the remodel project, I can be found in my favorite place, Lincoln Park. Daily I am amazed at the bountiful nature therein.

Two nights ago at dusk while running the trails, I came across an owl. I stopped to take in his silhouette amongst the dark branches just off the trail. What a treat to stand there in the darkness of the tree shrouded path hearing nothing other than an owls wings in short flight. I take a deep breath and remember that all the craziness of my days — is just that.

I take pleasure in remembering that I too am an animal in these woods. I am part of this nature and so grateful to have this grounding place to abide with nature. This is part of what makes West Seattle such a special place to live.

Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, I grew up amongst abundant rivers, lakes and forests. I just returned from a trip with my momma up the North shore of Lake Superior.

If you¹ve never seen that part of the world, I highly recommend it, especially in the fall.

I saw a black bear on a back road laced with changing maples on our way to a syrup farm and, on our way home a moose graced us with its presence along the highway. How great is that?

Well, my back is getting sore sitting like this, so I’m signing off.

The invitation to stop by is still open. Midwestern=style friendly hospitality awaits you if you do. The address again is 4514 SW Willow Street.