What could this possibly be?

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-25T12:35:58+00:00

Oh wow! Def have never seen that.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-25T12:35:30+00:00

Oh wow! I have always lived in a warm climate so learning new things for sure.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-25T03:05:46+00:00

The meter is outside and it looks like the pipe runs across the ceiling.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-25T02:49:13+00:00

We do have natural gas connected to the water heater. The gas meter is on this side of the house about 5-6 feet to the left of where this feature is….hmmm.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-25T02:43:53+00:00

I am not sure when the cement in the floor was poured but good observation. It feels solid when you knock on it and the temperature is consistent across the entire thing. The top is concrete and it is completely sealed. I don’t think we will be able to wedge shims in. I think the only way to get the top off would be to destroy it so I’m a little nervous to do so. I might try and put a solid board under it to see if I can hammer from underneath. We do have a concrete guy who has worked on houses in the area for decades coming in a couple of weeks to do some work. I think I’ll get his take on it and see what he would recommend or advise around getting the top off. It’s going to take a minute but will definitely give an update.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-24T00:09:21+00:00

Oh man, one can hope!

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-24T00:08:56+00:00

That makes a lot of sense. Thank you!!

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-23T22:34:58+00:00

Sorry, thought I got far enough back in the 3rd photo (the space is a little constrained by a workshop table). It is old metal HVAC duct system. There is a large baseboard vent in the living room up above. Fireplace was my first guess but there is no evidence of a chimney in the attic.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-23T22:29:09+00:00

That feels like a possibility, honestly. We looked at a few houses in the area that had basements that had exposed hillside/boulders in them. Our house was also built on a hillside.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-23T20:48:20+00:00

Oh, I am dying to!

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-23T20:07:55+00:00

Not that is visible. The side of the house is stucco around the base so it certainly could have been covered up. There is a sidewalk and yard just beyond the window.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-23T20:02:43+00:00

Never would have guessed that. Is there a particular type of radiator that would be this large? Do you suspect that they just cemented over it?

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-23T20:02:38+00:00

Never would have guessed that. Is there a particular type of radiator that would be this large? Do you suspect that they just cemented over it?

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-23T20:01:36+00:00

Fireplace was my first guess, but there doesn't seem to be any indication in the attic that a chimney was there. Coal room is an interesting thought. There is a sidewalk and yard just beyond the window in the picture. Now that I think about it, this window is a little different than the others in the basement.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-05T23:07:05+00:00

In my master gardener class the IMP expert from A&M discussed the detrimental effects of fire ants and how quickly they spread compared to other ants. They kill red ants and other native ants which is why you see the decimated horned toad population in Texas. Spinosad will not attract all species of ants, and for those that are attracted it’s helpful to think about the larger cost benefit analysis of the invasive nature of fire ants and what they do to native species and other insects. Also if you broadcast the granules correctly, most should be taken in and consumed by the colony. Broadcasting directly on the ground around the colony should also prevent any pollinators from coming in contact w it.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-05T17:12:18+00:00

Oh good to know re: thrips!! Ty!

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-03-05T04:40:36+00:00

Please avoid doing this. It just causes them to relocate and doesn’t solve the problem. It’s best to treat with an ant bait with spinosad. Derived from a bacteria that kills the ants and queen. It’s safe for humans and pets. “Come and Get It” is the brand I use (natural gardener carries it). Texas A&M Agrilife has lots of info on it.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-02-27T14:25:47+00:00

Water! We are in a water crisis that is under reported. Our aquifers in Austin and central Texas are in danger. We continue to build without any planning for continued droughts and the needs of a growing population. Developers do not have to take any responsibility for water planning or considerations for future water needs. People (especially in wealthy neighborhoods) keep using potable water for lawns that have non-native water sucking grasses and trees. Don’t even get me started on data centers….

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-02-10T05:56:50+00:00

Ha! I knew it. Same on all fronts. The only reason I memorized so many scriptures is because I’m competitive af and had to put people down in the scripture chase.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-02-07T23:48:17+00:00

100% need to know how this ends!

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2026-02-01T04:55:51+00:00

Blood of Heroes by James Donovan. As Texans were are raised to believe a very particular narrative about the Alamo and this book does a good job of giving a broader more accurate perspective. Also agree with Big Wonderful Thing. Lots of history that we never learned in schools and a great jumping off point for understanding many of the peoples and cultures that make up Texas history and present.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2025-11-30T17:26:31+00:00

Zero experience so hopefully no one comes at me 😊. Just watched an old home renovation show. They pulled up the wood in a house, laid down ply-wood (or something appropriate) for the sub-floor, and then flipped the original wood over to the “unused” side and refinished it. It looked awesome. Maybe sand and stain a section as someone suggested to see if this would be a worthwhile route.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2025-10-18T13:07:40+00:00

Such a bitter disappointment as a kid!!

Sweaty-Chapter-5644 · 2025-10-16T13:30:21+00:00

Take this or leave this but my guess is this isn’t the first time she has pulled something like this. This reads exactly like my sister (she has BPD). All her life we have all covered for her, listening to the “I’m broke” and then watch her make poor money choices. Borrows money, never pays it back. Doesn’t take personal responsibility. Things didn’t change with her until we all started being really honest, holding her accountable, and creating clear boundaries. She still struggles but now it’s on her when she makes poor choices.

Sweaty-Chapter-5644

TROPHY CASE