Bea, Maybe he's gotten the renovation bug from you. He may be aware that you are doing some work at your place, therefore, he has to do some as well. But, one thing for sure, he's communicating more now than before and I think it will continue.
I think he's finally settling down a bit and wants to fix up this particular place in order to have a place to really call his own. I do hope that one day your h will settle himself and reconnect w/his family in a meaningful way and enjoy his children and future grandchildren. He's lost a lot of ground over the years and he won't be able to get that back.
You are absolutely correct...we can't second guess these guys. It's nearly impossible to guess what is really going on in their brains.
BTW, what projects are you working on now? I'm sure you've got some things planned for the coming weeks.
Bea, please take care of yourself.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.