First Night in the Manison

My wife and I were reminiscing about our early days at the Benjamin House.  As people visit today, they enjoy seeing all the lighting, bathrooms, and finished walls.  We also take them for granted - a bit, but we do remember the days when we had to go to Ayerco to use the bathroom. It was not easy to get around the house due to tools, scaffolding, etc.  Our first night to stay in the mansion was after the plumbing was fixed and a bathroom was functional (Ayerco does close after a certain time).  We were excited and a bit nervous as we made a bed.  Then it dawned on us that all the bedrooms are on the second floor and the lone working bathroom was on the first floor!  For all you young people, ghosts might be your main concern on a midnight run to the toilet.  For people my age, the concern is navigating the staircase with stiff knees and very few lights.  So, that first night flashlights and a firm grip on the banister were of most concern us.  Bad knees and an understanding spouse were our companions on a trip in the dark.  Oh, we also had forgotten house slippers so our adventure featured bathrobes and street shoes with us looking like two old people from a Norman Rockwell painting.  Do any of you remember trips to an outside toilet in the dark?  I do and that was scary as a 6 year old.  Now, we enjoy the two bathrooms on the second floor.