New Windows & Reframing Existing Walls

This is the existing side door and old kitchen windows. Erik and I are planning on making the old kitchen into an office at some point. We are replacing the existing windows with similar high windows so we can furnish against that wall. We took out the old kitchen door and filled in the opening. As we opened up the interior to take out the windows and reframe for the new rough opening, we realized that there wasn't much framing to begin with. It appeared that the studs that were holding up the sill for the window were either rotten or not existent, it was a wonder that wall was even upright. I believe either the kitchen counters or the insulation had structural integrity at this point of the wall.

This wall made me sad. Thinking ahead to the other 4 exterior walls we are going to encounter before we are done, it just got me wondering what other surprises were lurking beneath the surface. I am lucky that Erik has seen just about everything at this point and we are motivated to keep moving ahead.

Also, as a sidenote, since the exterior of the house is pretty much open at this point and it was just a matter of time before the word was out to the flying squirrel crew. We heard the terrifying sounds of them moving back in! "Google" image flying squirrel and you'll see what made Erik panic and stay home on July 4th weekend to button up the exterior so that they couldn't get back in.