Extremes in Tulsa

Extreme Makeover weather has come to Oklahoma. Well, actually both! Those of you who are familiar with the ABC reality show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" know that it involves going to various towns in the U.S., choosing a deserving family, and in the course of one miraculous week, demolishing their house and rebuilding a beautiful new home for them. I've always been fascinated by the speed with which the homes are built. I was skeptical for a long time, but having followed the progress of another one of the homes built in this area, I know that there's no TV "magic" involved. They really DO build, decorate, landscape, and furnish a whole house in seven days. Amazing.

This week, Extreme Makeover is building a house for a Tulsa family, and the house happens to be less than a half block off Route 66 (11th St.) and easily within view when driving past. Ron M. had signed up to be a volunteer helper, but due to the huge response, apparently he wasn't chosen, so we decided to drive down and check things out today.

Since we have a BIG ice storm arriving today at just about the same time that first day filming was to begin, we found out they've pushed back the actual filming until tomorrow. Nevertheless, there was plenty of activity going on at the site today. The big "Move That Bus!" bus is there, lots of people milling around, and of course lots of roadblocks and police presence. But we managed to take a few pictures on the fly driving past on Route 66, and I'll try to get some more photos as the week progresses.

The bus that brings the "stars" to the site.
People gathering at the house to be demolished.

In the meantime, wish us luck. The ice storm is predicted to be pretty severe. I'm not happy! If I don't lose power, I'll be posting updates.