If the roof had to go, it would take six months. As it turned out, my neighbor, Tom Russano, a master carpenter who is the finest craftsman I have ever known, found a way to replace the pine paneling on the ceiling from the inside. The roof was saved, and we moved into the house in May 1995. Things have been relatively uneventful ever since. We still go to the horse races at Saratoga a couple of times a year, and have recently discovered good cigars.
Life is good.
If you've read this rambling recollection this far, you really should consider getting a life . However, if you're still awake, please go back to my home page and drop me a note. You might even look through the Candlewood Consultants information, and see if you might need my consulting services.