They like us! They really, really like us!

Dear Mr. and Ms. Wahl:

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) is in receipt of your application, dated September 27, 2011, requesting approval to rehabilitate the Bungalow.  The MHT Easement Committee (Committee) reviewed the application at its meeting on October 4, 2011.

Based upon the review and recommendation of the Committee, I approve the rehabilitation of the American Bungalow (as outlined in the September 27, 2011 application to MHT) except for the proposed roof work.  The Easement Committee did not review the roof work item at the Applicants' request and anticipates a future Changes/Alteration submission focusing on that work item.  The Committee approved the construction of a new bedroom closet in the great room space contingent upon the closet height terminating at the height of the picture rail.  While the Committee does not endorse blown-in insulation, the method is approved conditioned upon review and approval of the installation method and details on how cross bracing will be addressed.  Lastly, the proposed architectural plans should be updated to be consistent with the approved work item #3 which states, "as for the entryway between the kitchen and the Great Room, the portion of the remaining wall to the left of the door opening will extend the depth of the kitchen cabinets and the height of the cased opening, thus creating a door opening that is larger than the current opening."  This work is consistent with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, General Rehabilitation Standards 3, 5, and 6.

Approval is valid for a period of six months from the date of this letter.  Should you require additional time to complete the work, make any changes to the scope of work as approved, or have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Amy Skinner, Easement Administrator.

Sincerely,

J. Rodney Little
Director
Maryland Historical Trust

Lions in Place

Leo & Theo have been moved out of our living room, and are now watching the entrance to Forest Glen, right next to the bungalow, as they should be.  Love this pic of them basking in the sun, courtesy of Don Hall.

Leo (left) and Theo basking in the sun.  They'll eventually be restored, once funds are raised.

A Non-Response Response

As you can see, we have received an answer -- albeit a cryptic one -- from the Maryland Historical Trust:
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From me to MHT, Tuesday 10/4, 4:06pm:

"Hi ladies!  Just me being a pest again.  Any word on anything?  Wanting to know whether my margarita tonight should be celebratory or consolatory...  --G

PS- Lions are being moved tomorrow!"
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From MHT to me, Wednesday 10/5, 5:40pm:

"Hi Gregory [changed from "Greg," since my name is not "Greg..."]

Congratulations on having two less lions in the house!  Now you only have your two instead of the four :p, although I guess yours are more "cubs."  Anyways, yes the application was reviewed at the Easement Committee meeting and there was no ground shaking this time, always an improvement.  You will receive a letter from the Director in approximately two weeks.  Until then, go out and have a drink :) and enjoy your time in Mexico!  Thanks, Amy"
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From me to MHT, Wednesday 10/5, 6:01pm:

"Come on, you're killing me with the suspense!  Should the drink be celebratory?  Should I have it but hold the salt?  Oh, the metaphors I could continue to use!"
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From me to my blog, Wednesday 10/5, 10:28pm:

Argh!

Goodbye Lions!

Received word today that Leo and Theo, the lions that have resided in our living room for a while now, are going to be moved tomorrow to their rightful places astride the pathway leading down into Forest Glen from DeWitt Circle.  New pediments will be built for them, and they will eventually be restored.  Found this out via the neighborhood listserve, which has actually proven to be pretty interesting, if you don't count people complaining about their refrigerators... (what does that have to do with anything?)  Anyhow, we're hoping we can make good use of the lions no longer being in the house, because today, hopefully, a decision was made about our application.  I say "hopefully" because the board meeting was scheduled, and as far as I know, not interrupted by an earthquake like the last one was.  I sent an overly pleasant email note to Amy and Renee with MHT, asking them whether I should have a celebretory or a consolatory drink tonight, seeing as I am currently on a business trip in the hometown of Tequila, but didn't get a response.  Who knows what that means?  Could be they were so excited talking about my house at the meeting that they didn't get back to work in time to check emails.  Or could be that they didn't want to tell me the super-awesome news without the sound of a marching band in the background.  Or could be the application continued to be conentious, and we'll have to wait another 45 days.  If that happens, I might just have a few more of those local concoctions than I had planned.

But in the meantime, at least the lions are leaving.  That's progress.  Right?

Right?