Gary, Jimmy and Tom put the first coat of paint on most of the garage's interior today. Of course, you can't really see that in the picture, but at least it shows the lights that were installed yesterday.
Laverne called with a couple more questions about the vanities. He said he'd already mailed the darker finish sample, so I'm hoping that will arrive tomorrow or Monday.
Our friend Laura got to check out our progress in person again today. In a couple of weeks, she'll be way too busy stop by (but in a good way), so I'm glad she had time for a quick tour this morning.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Day 86: Nov. 29, 2007
The truck and the Jeep both made their first appearances in the garage today! Thanks to the six dump-truck loads of gravel that form the base of our new driveway, it's now possible to drive into the bays.
Actually, it was a pretty big day in the life of the garage, which also sports gutters, a textured ceiling and one row of interior lights now. And tonight, Bud and I bought a vanity, which will be installed tomorrow in the garage bathroom.
Meanwhile, the stacks of stone for the foundation's facade continue to sit in the way of our getting a new trash bin. And Jonas, the stone manufacturer, called tonight to say that his guy is running a day behind on the job he's currently doing.
Our foundation is now scheduled for Monday. I tried to use my patient voice when I explained that their stuff is in our contractors' way. We may need to try a different approach when we lay the stone for the fireplace.
Actually, it was a pretty big day in the life of the garage, which also sports gutters, a textured ceiling and one row of interior lights now. And tonight, Bud and I bought a vanity, which will be installed tomorrow in the garage bathroom.
Meanwhile, the stacks of stone for the foundation's facade continue to sit in the way of our getting a new trash bin. And Jonas, the stone manufacturer, called tonight to say that his guy is running a day behind on the job he's currently doing.
Our foundation is now scheduled for Monday. I tried to use my patient voice when I explained that their stuff is in our contractors' way. We may need to try a different approach when we lay the stone for the fireplace.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Day 85: Nov. 28, 2007
Our remodel kept us warm tonight. The fire Bud built in the fireplace where we live now was fueled by yellow poplar from the demolition that's going on at the other house.
Gary, Jimmy and Bud continued to take down the roof on the back of the house today, while Tom carefully removed the trim from the windows and doors of the kitchen.
The tree trimmers were there briefly to remove a few low branches from the big pine that's between the house and the garage.
I stopped by on my way back to work after lunch to ask Gary the Amish guys' questions about the vanities. While I was there, he showed me that structurally, there's probably no way to avoid putting a beam in the kitchen.
I'm disappointed, but I guess the alternative is wearing the second floor as a hat. The pantry wall, which is coming out, fills a gap in the original beam that spans the house at that point.
I talked with Laverne, the main man at the Amish furniture place, this afternoon. He's mailing us a sample of a darker finish than we originally chose. We'll mail back our approval (I hope), along with the answers to their questions and the down payment. We'll have our vanities by the end of January. Woo hoo!
Gary, Jimmy and Bud continued to take down the roof on the back of the house today, while Tom carefully removed the trim from the windows and doors of the kitchen.
The tree trimmers were there briefly to remove a few low branches from the big pine that's between the house and the garage.
I stopped by on my way back to work after lunch to ask Gary the Amish guys' questions about the vanities. While I was there, he showed me that structurally, there's probably no way to avoid putting a beam in the kitchen.
I'm disappointed, but I guess the alternative is wearing the second floor as a hat. The pantry wall, which is coming out, fills a gap in the original beam that spans the house at that point.
I talked with Laverne, the main man at the Amish furniture place, this afternoon. He's mailing us a sample of a darker finish than we originally chose. We'll mail back our approval (I hope), along with the answers to their questions and the down payment. We'll have our vanities by the end of January. Woo hoo!
Day 84: Nov. 27, 2007
Gary and Jimmy tore out the base cabinets in the kitchen and removed the overhang from the back door.
They also moved the refrigerator from the kitchen to the doorway of what Bud's dad called "the breakfast room," which is soon to begin a new life as Bud's office.
That refrigerator needs to go to the garage, but there's not really a good way to get it there -- no steps from the back and no driveway from the front.
And besides, the drywall subcontractors are still are at work in the garage anyway. They continued to sand today, and they still have to texture the ceiling. And then there's paint after that.
The gravel for the driveway base won't arrive until at least Thursday, which means we haven't gotten a replacement trash bin yet -- which means the waste from the kitchen demolition is going out the back door and onto the ground.
Now that real work finally has begun on the house, our feet are getting a little cold. (Figuratively. It certainly isn't warm outside, but that's not what I meant, silly!) We're telling ourselves we won't regret this.
They also moved the refrigerator from the kitchen to the doorway of what Bud's dad called "the breakfast room," which is soon to begin a new life as Bud's office.
That refrigerator needs to go to the garage, but there's not really a good way to get it there -- no steps from the back and no driveway from the front.
And besides, the drywall subcontractors are still are at work in the garage anyway. They continued to sand today, and they still have to texture the ceiling. And then there's paint after that.
The gravel for the driveway base won't arrive until at least Thursday, which means we haven't gotten a replacement trash bin yet -- which means the waste from the kitchen demolition is going out the back door and onto the ground.
Now that real work finally has begun on the house, our feet are getting a little cold. (Figuratively. It certainly isn't warm outside, but that's not what I meant, silly!) We're telling ourselves we won't regret this.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Day 83: Nov. 26, 2007
Rain day. Very little work: The drywall guy did some sanding.
We got mail from the Amish furniture makers this afternoon. They need to know exactly where the plumbing for the vanity will exit the wall in each bathroom, that sort of thing.
Bud stayed busy today running all sorts of errands. I'm headed back to work now -- to make my best effort at getting away in time for the game tomorrow.
No photos for three consecutive posts. Feelin' pretty guilty about that.
We got mail from the Amish furniture makers this afternoon. They need to know exactly where the plumbing for the vanity will exit the wall in each bathroom, that sort of thing.
Bud stayed busy today running all sorts of errands. I'm headed back to work now -- to make my best effort at getting away in time for the game tomorrow.
No photos for three consecutive posts. Feelin' pretty guilty about that.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Day 82: Nov. 25, 2007
Pretty much no news of any sort today.
Because the past couple of nights have been fairly cold, we checked on the pipes at all the houses this afternoon. Nothing frozen.
Other than that, we mostly napped and watched TV. We finished thank you cards for the most recent batch of donations to the Humane Society in Ann's memory. And we made the rounds to our usual deer-sighting haunts.
Finally -- enough days off in a row that we really had a chance to relax. We should have given thanks for that Thursday.
Because the past couple of nights have been fairly cold, we checked on the pipes at all the houses this afternoon. Nothing frozen.
Other than that, we mostly napped and watched TV. We finished thank you cards for the most recent batch of donations to the Humane Society in Ann's memory. And we made the rounds to our usual deer-sighting haunts.
Finally -- enough days off in a row that we really had a chance to relax. We should have given thanks for that Thursday.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Day 81: Nov. 24, 2007
After four overtimes, "disappointing" doesn't do the Kentucky football outcome justice. On the bright side, the basketball team seemed to gel a little more tonight.
We checked on the other houses on our way home from the game and didn't see anything out of place. We now have a sign from the HVAC subcontractor in the front yard to go with our fancy house number and the stone manufacturer's sign. It's getting crowed out there.
Speaking of the stone guys, Jonas called Bud this afternoon and said they're planning to start laying the facade either Thursday or Friday.
I know the stone pattern won't match exactly. The original foundation was laid in straight lines, and the new stones are all different sizes. But I think that'll be OK. And while the color's not as white as our 100-year-sun-bleached original, at least it's off to the gray side instead of the pinkish taupe ridiculousness we were given at first. I'm excited to see it go up.
We checked on the other houses on our way home from the game and didn't see anything out of place. We now have a sign from the HVAC subcontractor in the front yard to go with our fancy house number and the stone manufacturer's sign. It's getting crowed out there.
Speaking of the stone guys, Jonas called Bud this afternoon and said they're planning to start laying the facade either Thursday or Friday.
I know the stone pattern won't match exactly. The original foundation was laid in straight lines, and the new stones are all different sizes. But I think that'll be OK. And while the color's not as white as our 100-year-sun-bleached original, at least it's off to the gray side instead of the pinkish taupe ridiculousness we were given at first. I'm excited to see it go up.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Day 80: Nov. 23, 2007
Since I wasn't smart enough to take a camera to the farm for Thanksgiving, I'm finally posting the most recent CAD drawing of the kitchen. Maybe we'll spend next Thanksgiving there.
We checked out the other house late this morning but didn't find anyone working. Bud did a great job of cleaning up yesterday, though.
Jamie came over in the early afternoon after a morning round of after-Thanksgiving sale shopping. We all hung out for a while and then headed for the farm.
Linda, Bud and I rode along while Bill gave Jamie a tour of the farm. When we got back, the rest of the gang joined us for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
We missed Dad since he and his wife, Ann, have been in Florida this week. Linda was dogsitting for them, so at least Daisy and Ali were there.
We checked out the other house late this morning but didn't find anyone working. Bud did a great job of cleaning up yesterday, though.
Jamie came over in the early afternoon after a morning round of after-Thanksgiving sale shopping. We all hung out for a while and then headed for the farm.
Linda, Bud and I rode along while Bill gave Jamie a tour of the farm. When we got back, the rest of the gang joined us for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
We missed Dad since he and his wife, Ann, have been in Florida this week. Linda was dogsitting for them, so at least Daisy and Ali were there.
Day 79: Nov. 22, 2007
After brunch and some parade-watching, Bud suggested that it might be a good (read: uncrowded) day to visit the Sportsman Club. A huge dark cloud loomed as we loaded his truck with targets, pistols, hearing protection, safety glasses.
We hung a target, and I proceeded to miss almost everything in sight. Poor Bud fired just two rounds before it started raining and hailing.
Later in the afternoon, Bud cleaned his almost-garage while I cooked our feast. He's eager to get into the new garage, and I can't blame him. I'm excited to use the new kitchen, and it's not even really started yet.
Sadly, we can't give the turducken roll a thumbs up. Even with the recommended turkey bag, it was kind of dry. Because Bud wanted brown gravy with his mashed potatoes, I hadn't planned to make gravy from the drippings -- which was fortunate because there was virtually nothing there to work with! So the texture wasn't great, but the taste was good. Maybe a whole turducken would fare better.
The chipotle scalloped sweet potatoes were tasty. I'll be taking those -- and probably some wine and maybe a broccoli casserole -- when we go to the farm to celebrate Thanksgiving with Linda and the gang.
I've got one more run of the dishwasher, must be the 40th of the day. I'm hoping by the time I get it loaded, I'll be ready for another nap. Happy Thanksgiving!
We hung a target, and I proceeded to miss almost everything in sight. Poor Bud fired just two rounds before it started raining and hailing.
Later in the afternoon, Bud cleaned his almost-garage while I cooked our feast. He's eager to get into the new garage, and I can't blame him. I'm excited to use the new kitchen, and it's not even really started yet.
Sadly, we can't give the turducken roll a thumbs up. Even with the recommended turkey bag, it was kind of dry. Because Bud wanted brown gravy with his mashed potatoes, I hadn't planned to make gravy from the drippings -- which was fortunate because there was virtually nothing there to work with! So the texture wasn't great, but the taste was good. Maybe a whole turducken would fare better.
The chipotle scalloped sweet potatoes were tasty. I'll be taking those -- and probably some wine and maybe a broccoli casserole -- when we go to the farm to celebrate Thanksgiving with Linda and the gang.
I've got one more run of the dishwasher, must be the 40th of the day. I'm hoping by the time I get it loaded, I'll be ready for another nap. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Day 78: Nov. 21, 2007
The garage door installers did their thing today. All five doors seem to be working fine. The garage feels this close to complete now.
Still there's painting, the ceiling finish work, the bathroom fixtures. But the fact that it can be entirely locked somehow makes the end seem nearer.
Bud, Jamie and the dogs hung out again this morning. I worked all day, but at least it was for the last time 'til Monday.
The turducken arrived safely this afternoon and currently is thawing the refrigerator. I'm about to head to the kitchen to make a pumpkin cheesecake. Or maybe mini-cheesecakes. I'll decide when I start pouring.
After Kentucky's last performance, a win wasn't a foregone conclusion tonight. So we were glad the Cats made our Rupp visit worthwhile.
Bud caught one of the t-shirts they throw into the crowd at the game. It was from Qdoba, and because of the way it was wrapped, I genuinely was worried I was opening real burrito instead of a shirt. In retrospect, it was ridiculous to think even for a second that they were throwing burritos at the fans. But it seemed possible at the time. At least to me.
Still there's painting, the ceiling finish work, the bathroom fixtures. But the fact that it can be entirely locked somehow makes the end seem nearer.
Bud, Jamie and the dogs hung out again this morning. I worked all day, but at least it was for the last time 'til Monday.
The turducken arrived safely this afternoon and currently is thawing the refrigerator. I'm about to head to the kitchen to make a pumpkin cheesecake. Or maybe mini-cheesecakes. I'll decide when I start pouring.
After Kentucky's last performance, a win wasn't a foregone conclusion tonight. So we were glad the Cats made our Rupp visit worthwhile.
Bud caught one of the t-shirts they throw into the crowd at the game. It was from Qdoba, and because of the way it was wrapped, I genuinely was worried I was opening real burrito instead of a shirt. In retrospect, it was ridiculous to think even for a second that they were throwing burritos at the fans. But it seemed possible at the time. At least to me.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Day 77: Nov. 20, 2007
I didn't go back to work last night. So I got an extra-early start today, even by Tuesday standards. It's good to be home.
The guys built the driveway retaining wall today. In the picture, you can see the pieces of the old back steps on the garage side of the wall.
The siding is finally finished! And the vent in the dormer has been replaced. I'm not sure if any of our previous pictures show that it was octagon-shaped. The architect's plans called for a half-moon vent, echoing the attic windows, so now that's what we have.
The garbage company picked up the full trash bin this afternoon. But we didn't get another one just yet. First, the driveway's gravel base will be delivered and graded. We'll spend all winter driving on it to pack it down in preparation for paving in the spring.
I called the Amish furniture guys today and gave them the go-ahead on our vanities and bed. It's pretty frustrating to try to do business without the benefit of anything electronic except the phone. They'll mail us some questions -- I'm assuming to make sure all the details, like dimensions and finish, are correct. Then we'll mail the answers back with a 50 percent down payment. With all that snail mail, maybe they'll actually get started by Christmas!
I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of our Thanksgiving turducken. He made it from Lafayette, La., to Memphis, Tenn., last night. At 5 this afternoon, he departed Memphis. He's due here tomorrow, so he'd better fly faster tonight.
The guys built the driveway retaining wall today. In the picture, you can see the pieces of the old back steps on the garage side of the wall.
The siding is finally finished! And the vent in the dormer has been replaced. I'm not sure if any of our previous pictures show that it was octagon-shaped. The architect's plans called for a half-moon vent, echoing the attic windows, so now that's what we have.
The garbage company picked up the full trash bin this afternoon. But we didn't get another one just yet. First, the driveway's gravel base will be delivered and graded. We'll spend all winter driving on it to pack it down in preparation for paving in the spring.
I called the Amish furniture guys today and gave them the go-ahead on our vanities and bed. It's pretty frustrating to try to do business without the benefit of anything electronic except the phone. They'll mail us some questions -- I'm assuming to make sure all the details, like dimensions and finish, are correct. Then we'll mail the answers back with a 50 percent down payment. With all that snail mail, maybe they'll actually get started by Christmas!
I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of our Thanksgiving turducken. He made it from Lafayette, La., to Memphis, Tenn., last night. At 5 this afternoon, he departed Memphis. He's due here tomorrow, so he'd better fly faster tonight.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Day 76: Nov. 19, 2007
Bud, Gary and Jimmy spent the morning breaking up the old concrete back steps with a rented jackhammer. Tomorrow morning, they'll move the pieces to the area in front of the garage, where the ex-steps will become fill for the new driveway. (Less gravel to buy. Hooray!)
The pieces have to be moved to make way for the garbage truck that's scheduled to retrieve our giant (and full!) trash bin tomorrow. Another bin will take its place so that the destruction of the back part of the house can begin soon.
At lunch, Bud and I returned to Lowe's, where the extremely helpful appliance manager got us all fixed up with the correct dryer. We also bought a new vacuum cleaner because ours had a meltdown last night.
There are so many new toys around here right now that I can't decide what to enjoy first. The new super-sucky vacuum made its debut after dinner. Since I made a pass around the house last night with a vacuum we borrowed from Bud's mom's, I was amazed (or maybe just disgusted) at how much the new one picked up.
Our cordless phone stopped letting us make outgoing calls sometime last week, so next I sat on the cleaner-than-ever floor to set up the phone we bought yesterday. We're capable of communicating with the outside world via landline again, and we're now the proud owners of three handsets, which is more than overkill in our current house but will be helpful at the new house.
Jamie's in town for Thanksgiving, so she, Bud and her dogs visited for a few hours this afternoon. I was still at work, where I'm returning now. Bleh.
The pieces have to be moved to make way for the garbage truck that's scheduled to retrieve our giant (and full!) trash bin tomorrow. Another bin will take its place so that the destruction of the back part of the house can begin soon.
At lunch, Bud and I returned to Lowe's, where the extremely helpful appliance manager got us all fixed up with the correct dryer. We also bought a new vacuum cleaner because ours had a meltdown last night.
There are so many new toys around here right now that I can't decide what to enjoy first. The new super-sucky vacuum made its debut after dinner. Since I made a pass around the house last night with a vacuum we borrowed from Bud's mom's, I was amazed (or maybe just disgusted) at how much the new one picked up.
Our cordless phone stopped letting us make outgoing calls sometime last week, so next I sat on the cleaner-than-ever floor to set up the phone we bought yesterday. We're capable of communicating with the outside world via landline again, and we're now the proud owners of three handsets, which is more than overkill in our current house but will be helpful at the new house.
Jamie's in town for Thanksgiving, so she, Bud and her dogs visited for a few hours this afternoon. I was still at work, where I'm returning now. Bleh.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Day 75: Nov. 18, 2007
We bought the washer and dryer this afternoon. But when I visited the Bosch website to find pictures to post here, I discovered that we ordered to wrong dryer. You see, there's the 500 Series and then there's the 500 Plus Series; we ordered the washer in one model and the dryer in the other. :-(
So it's back to Lowe's at lunch tomorrow. So frustrating! I was all proud because, with rebates and discounts, I squeaked in under my original appliance budget -- even with that huge price jump on the refrigerator. I'll bet the upgraded dryer will negate my tiny savings.
At the open house, Bud picked up a new possibility for mounting the television in the great room. We may be able to put it over the fireplace after all. Bud'll decide whether we can work out the details, and we'll need to know what we want to do before the guys start framing the addition -- because the windows are configured asymmetrically right now to allow a spot for the TV on one side of the room.
I guess I'm off to the grocery -- with nothing but the washer and dryer on my mind. Ugh.
So it's back to Lowe's at lunch tomorrow. So frustrating! I was all proud because, with rebates and discounts, I squeaked in under my original appliance budget -- even with that huge price jump on the refrigerator. I'll bet the upgraded dryer will negate my tiny savings.
At the open house, Bud picked up a new possibility for mounting the television in the great room. We may be able to put it over the fireplace after all. Bud'll decide whether we can work out the details, and we'll need to know what we want to do before the guys start framing the addition -- because the windows are configured asymmetrically right now to allow a spot for the TV on one side of the room.
I guess I'm off to the grocery -- with nothing but the washer and dryer on my mind. Ugh.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Day 74: Nov. 17, 2007
I ordered the range hood last night after I posted. So we still have to buy the washer and dryer, lighting for the bathrooms, and ceiling fans for the great room and screened porch. I think that's all.
I also need to contact the Amish furniture makers to get them started on the vanities and the bed.
After (and during) the Kentucky game, Bud and I worked around the house where we live now. He cleaned the gutters and the winterized the water garden. I took care of laundry and dishes, and I decluttered. If you looked at the inside of our house right now, you might wonder exactly what I did, though! There are a heck of a lot of piles of stuff from the other houses around here these days.
I dropped a pot rack off at Bud's dad's house at halftime and took a look around while I was there. (We've been calling it "the new house," but that seems sort of strange since it's so old. But part of it will be new, so there's that.) The picture is an interior view of the garage. In the upper right of the photo, you can see the heater that was installed earlier this week.
Tomorrow, I'm planning to continue decluttering. We also want to visit at least one open house -- a home that's about the same age as Bud's dad's and was remodeled in the past year.
And we might buy the washer and dryer. Checking things off the to-do list is even more fulfilling than usual these days.
I also need to contact the Amish furniture makers to get them started on the vanities and the bed.
After (and during) the Kentucky game, Bud and I worked around the house where we live now. He cleaned the gutters and the winterized the water garden. I took care of laundry and dishes, and I decluttered. If you looked at the inside of our house right now, you might wonder exactly what I did, though! There are a heck of a lot of piles of stuff from the other houses around here these days.
I dropped a pot rack off at Bud's dad's house at halftime and took a look around while I was there. (We've been calling it "the new house," but that seems sort of strange since it's so old. But part of it will be new, so there's that.) The picture is an interior view of the garage. In the upper right of the photo, you can see the heater that was installed earlier this week.
Tomorrow, I'm planning to continue decluttering. We also want to visit at least one open house -- a home that's about the same age as Bud's dad's and was remodeled in the past year.
And we might buy the washer and dryer. Checking things off the to-do list is even more fulfilling than usual these days.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Day 73: Nov. 16, 2007
Trim, siding and drywall continued today.
We officially hired the CAD cabinet place this morning after I finally remembered to ask the owner, Bryan, whether he can do a matte finish. (He can.) I'll call him Monday to tell him that Gary said the addition should be framed by the first week in December, and after that, we probably won't talk with him again 'til then.
Tonight we stopped by Home Depot and bought our kitchen appliances. I wanted to make sure everything I had chosen was still available. It was, except that we had to buy an updated version of the wall oven. The refrigerator had gone up $700 since August! How ridiculous is that?
Anyway, those appliances will be delivered the first week in January. If we aren't ready for them by then, we hope we can just store them in the dining room. The only thing I still have to order is the range hood, which was significantly more at Home Depot that at the place I found it online.
We officially hired the CAD cabinet place this morning after I finally remembered to ask the owner, Bryan, whether he can do a matte finish. (He can.) I'll call him Monday to tell him that Gary said the addition should be framed by the first week in December, and after that, we probably won't talk with him again 'til then.
Tonight we stopped by Home Depot and bought our kitchen appliances. I wanted to make sure everything I had chosen was still available. It was, except that we had to buy an updated version of the wall oven. The refrigerator had gone up $700 since August! How ridiculous is that?
Anyway, those appliances will be delivered the first week in January. If we aren't ready for them by then, we hope we can just store them in the dining room. The only thing I still have to order is the range hood, which was significantly more at Home Depot that at the place I found it online.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Day 72: Nov. 15, 2007
Gary and Jimmy removed the forms that held the concrete they poured earlier this week.
Yesterday, they had hung plastic over the holes where the garage doors will go someday. Bud found out today that the plastic is to help hold in the warmth from their kerosene heater.
So they moved their saws into the garage today and started working on the trim for the windows and doors. The siding subcontractor also continued his work today.
At home, Bud filled the squirrel box this morning, and we immediately had a couple of takers. They're at their funniest when they fight and chase each other around the tree.
Work was another extra-long day, which is getting old quickly.
Yesterday, they had hung plastic over the holes where the garage doors will go someday. Bud found out today that the plastic is to help hold in the warmth from their kerosene heater.
So they moved their saws into the garage today and started working on the trim for the windows and doors. The siding subcontractor also continued his work today.
At home, Bud filled the squirrel box this morning, and we immediately had a couple of takers. They're at their funniest when they fight and chase each other around the tree.
Work was another extra-long day, which is getting old quickly.
Day 71: Nov. 14, 2007
Another rain day, but there was still some work going on. The HVAC subcontractors installed the heater in the garage. And it looks like the drywall guy is finished, or at least very close.
Bud endured the downpour to assemble a new house for our dog, Kirby. That was sweet.
We e-mailed the CAD cabinet guy, asking if we could make an appointment at his convenience Saturday or Sunday to take a final look at finishes. He got back to us with new drawings within a few hours of my call earlier this week, so I hope he's still that eager.
I hated to ask for a weekend appointment, but I can't get away Friday. And besides, it seems as if we've spent every moment I could spare from work chasing cabinets lately, so it would be great for someone to accommodate us (well, mostly me) for once.
Bud endured the downpour to assemble a new house for our dog, Kirby. That was sweet.
We e-mailed the CAD cabinet guy, asking if we could make an appointment at his convenience Saturday or Sunday to take a final look at finishes. He got back to us with new drawings within a few hours of my call earlier this week, so I hope he's still that eager.
I hated to ask for a weekend appointment, but I can't get away Friday. And besides, it seems as if we've spent every moment I could spare from work chasing cabinets lately, so it would be great for someone to accommodate us (well, mostly me) for once.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Day 70: Nov. 13, 2007
Rain day. Not much going on constructionwise. When Bud and I cruised by at lunch, we saw the drywall subcontractor leaving, but that was probably about the size of it today.
Our detailed estimate from the Amish furniture guys arrived today. Those neatly hand-drawn plans are such a change from the computer designs we've grown to love lately.
I also got an e-mail with a new estimate from the CAD guy. Even with all the changes we've made, he's still about two-thirds the price of the other contender. I guess we all know what that means. And I really think I'm OK with it.
I just hope I don't have to be the one who calls all the other places to tell them we chose someone else. Maybe I could send notes instead.
Our detailed estimate from the Amish furniture guys arrived today. Those neatly hand-drawn plans are such a change from the computer designs we've grown to love lately.
I also got an e-mail with a new estimate from the CAD guy. Even with all the changes we've made, he's still about two-thirds the price of the other contender. I guess we all know what that means. And I really think I'm OK with it.
I just hope I don't have to be the one who calls all the other places to tell them we chose someone else. Maybe I could send notes instead.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Day 69: Nov. 12, 2007
Gary and Jimmy poured concrete into a form in front of the garage doors today, and the drywall guy started applying mud in the garage.
Jesse, the electrician, buried the underground utilities and leveled the yard. Jonas and Allen, the stone manufacturers, delivered the stone facade for the room addition.
It must've been one of those days when lots of activity boils down to few words -- because it sure seemed busy around there.
I got new drawings from the CAD cabinetmaker this morning. We've narrowed it down to him and the really expensive estimate we got Friday. So we've asked him to make several changes and give us a new estimate. That way that we'll be making a fair comparison.
I hate going back to work after dinner on Mondays.
Jesse, the electrician, buried the underground utilities and leveled the yard. Jonas and Allen, the stone manufacturers, delivered the stone facade for the room addition.
It must've been one of those days when lots of activity boils down to few words -- because it sure seemed busy around there.
I got new drawings from the CAD cabinetmaker this morning. We've narrowed it down to him and the really expensive estimate we got Friday. So we've asked him to make several changes and give us a new estimate. That way that we'll be making a fair comparison.
I hate going back to work after dinner on Mondays.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Day 68: Nov. 11, 2007
Bud actually took Veterans Day off for once. He talked about cleaning cars and mowing the lawn at our current house, but instead, we spent most of the day away from home.
We went out to breakfast and then decided to go for a ride. (In the Jeep. No motorcycling when it's this cool!) Along the way, we stopped to roam around an under-construction house. From there, we were inspired to visit a few open houses, hoping to spark ideas for some kitchen and bath details we have yet to decide.
So we looked and we looked and we looked at some very nice new construction. We gathered ideas until we were so exhausted that we fell asleep almost as soon as we walked back through the door at home.
In the picture, subcontractors are drywalling the garage. They hung most of the sheets Friday.
We went out to breakfast and then decided to go for a ride. (In the Jeep. No motorcycling when it's this cool!) Along the way, we stopped to roam around an under-construction house. From there, we were inspired to visit a few open houses, hoping to spark ideas for some kitchen and bath details we have yet to decide.
So we looked and we looked and we looked at some very nice new construction. We gathered ideas until we were so exhausted that we fell asleep almost as soon as we walked back through the door at home.
In the picture, subcontractors are drywalling the garage. They hung most of the sheets Friday.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Day 67: Nov. 10, 2007
Bud and I got rid of the remnants of the water maple early this afternoon. I hate to say goodbye to another old tree, but I'm relieved that the lawn looks fine without it. Actually, it's nice to see more of Ann's house.
Linda, my sister, called this morning to invite us to the farm for dinner. So I threw a broccoli salad together in the late afternoon as we watched Kentucky defeat Vandy, and we took off when the game ended.
At the farm, we celebrated the birthdays of Allison, who turns 37 on Sunday, and Ella Mae, who's now 91. Allison is the wife of Linda's stepson, Chris. Ella Mae is the stepgrandmother of Linda's husband, Bill.
The picture is from Friday, when the guys installed the subfloor of the room addition. If we could find a key to the back door, we could walk onto the floor from the existing kitchen. As it is, we can climb a ladder to take in the view -- which is not my preferred method of scaling great heights.
Linda, my sister, called this morning to invite us to the farm for dinner. So I threw a broccoli salad together in the late afternoon as we watched Kentucky defeat Vandy, and we took off when the game ended.
At the farm, we celebrated the birthdays of Allison, who turns 37 on Sunday, and Ella Mae, who's now 91. Allison is the wife of Linda's stepson, Chris. Ella Mae is the stepgrandmother of Linda's husband, Bill.
The picture is from Friday, when the guys installed the subfloor of the room addition. If we could find a key to the back door, we could walk onto the floor from the existing kitchen. As it is, we can climb a ladder to take in the view -- which is not my preferred method of scaling great heights.
Day 66: Nov. 9, 2007
At work, we had a lunchtime shower at a local bed and breakfast for my friend Laura, who's having a baby next month. (I still can't believe it's so close now!)
We enjoyed ourselves so much that it felt as if we had just gotten there when it was time to leave. I wish all showers had such a great mix of fun people.
Bud and I received our final cabinet estimate yesterday -- from the place that we visited several weeks ago after the first dealer of the same line never got back to us.
I've loved these cabinets from the first time I saw them. And this rep's design skills? 'Wow!' doesn't cover it. Far beyond anything else we've seen. Although her presentation included CAD drawings, I can't show you because she's not permitted to release them unless we choose her company.
We're fairly certain this was the priciest bid we've gotten so far, but we'll have to take a closer look this weekend. Not all of the bids include countertop estimates. Some don't include hardware. At least a couple were completed before we decided we wanted a few glass panels.
Of course, the design work we got with this bid is worth a lot. With her plan, I'm comfortable that the kitchen will look fabulous. With the others, I almost feel that we're throwing together some ideas we like and hoping for the best.
Bud and I also stopped at the hospital briefly to visit Bob, who's the father of Jamie's friend Allyson. Bob underwent a triple heart bypass earlier this week, after having had a heart attack last weekend. He looked great (except for that big scar on his chest) and seems to be on his way to a smooth recovery.
We enjoyed ourselves so much that it felt as if we had just gotten there when it was time to leave. I wish all showers had such a great mix of fun people.
Bud and I received our final cabinet estimate yesterday -- from the place that we visited several weeks ago after the first dealer of the same line never got back to us.
I've loved these cabinets from the first time I saw them. And this rep's design skills? 'Wow!' doesn't cover it. Far beyond anything else we've seen. Although her presentation included CAD drawings, I can't show you because she's not permitted to release them unless we choose her company.
We're fairly certain this was the priciest bid we've gotten so far, but we'll have to take a closer look this weekend. Not all of the bids include countertop estimates. Some don't include hardware. At least a couple were completed before we decided we wanted a few glass panels.
Of course, the design work we got with this bid is worth a lot. With her plan, I'm comfortable that the kitchen will look fabulous. With the others, I almost feel that we're throwing together some ideas we like and hoping for the best.
Bud and I also stopped at the hospital briefly to visit Bob, who's the father of Jamie's friend Allyson. Bob underwent a triple heart bypass earlier this week, after having had a heart attack last weekend. He looked great (except for that big scar on his chest) and seems to be on his way to a smooth recovery.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Day 65: Nov. 8, 2007
Bud conquered the water maple today. All that's left is some minor cleanup of leaves and small broken limbs.
At the other house, it was more of what's been going on all week. The siding subcontractors continued to work on the garage. Gary and Jimmy built some sort of frame (I don't know what it's actually called) around the outside edge of the floor joists.
We spent a good part of the day trying to fax a diagram of the foundation wall to the Amish stone makers. Their fax machine never answered, so Bud's driving the dimensions to them tomorrow morning.
The Amish furniture makers called this afternoon with an estimate. We haven't had time to compare their number with the others yet; that's the only project on deck for the weekend. They don't fax or e-mail, so we'll get a detailed bid by postal mail next week.
Carl, the HVAC contractor, turned the heat back on in the house, so we won't have worry about frozen pipes now that temperatures are starting cool off quite a bit at night. Bud said Carl has most of the upstairs system installed.
At the other house, it was more of what's been going on all week. The siding subcontractors continued to work on the garage. Gary and Jimmy built some sort of frame (I don't know what it's actually called) around the outside edge of the floor joists.
We spent a good part of the day trying to fax a diagram of the foundation wall to the Amish stone makers. Their fax machine never answered, so Bud's driving the dimensions to them tomorrow morning.
The Amish furniture makers called this afternoon with an estimate. We haven't had time to compare their number with the others yet; that's the only project on deck for the weekend. They don't fax or e-mail, so we'll get a detailed bid by postal mail next week.
Carl, the HVAC contractor, turned the heat back on in the house, so we won't have worry about frozen pipes now that temperatures are starting cool off quite a bit at night. Bud said Carl has most of the upstairs system installed.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Day 64: Nov. 7, 2007
Well, the Cats pretty much blew. Fortunately, the early part of our day went much better.
The first block place Jimmy and Gary sent us to visit today didn't have a facade that was light enough to match our foundation. But instead of trying to sell us something we couldn't use, they sent us to an Amish guy nearby.
He had just what we wanted! And the thing that probably makes me happiest is now we get to send back the wrong-color stone and we don't have to buy anything else from the salesman who supplied it.
At the house, Gary and Jimmy installed all the joists for the great room floor(!), and the siding guys continued to work on the garage.
Bud spent his morning wrestling the fallen tree, with a brief stop by the office to play handyman on the furnace.
The first block place Jimmy and Gary sent us to visit today didn't have a facade that was light enough to match our foundation. But instead of trying to sell us something we couldn't use, they sent us to an Amish guy nearby.
He had just what we wanted! And the thing that probably makes me happiest is now we get to send back the wrong-color stone and we don't have to buy anything else from the salesman who supplied it.
At the house, Gary and Jimmy installed all the joists for the great room floor(!), and the siding guys continued to work on the garage.
Bud spent his morning wrestling the fallen tree, with a brief stop by the office to play handyman on the furnace.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Day 63: Nov. 6, 2007
The siding subcontractors continued their work on the garage today. Meanwhile, Gary and Jimmy began removing siding from the back of the house. (Yay! Finally some work that's not on the garage!)
Bud's job for most of the day involved a chainsaw and that fallen tree at his mom's. His progress was incredible, but he's really tired. He wasn't making a lot sense just now when I asked him to describe what happened at the house today, and the second I finished my questions, he started snoring!
Bud and our neighbor Mark went to the game tonight. Because it was Election Day, I had to work even later than usual for a Tuesday, so I missed the year's first regular-season game. I'm just a little whiny about it.
Tomorrow, we're making the rounds to check out some other facades for the foundation.
Oh, Bud saw our deer again this afternoon! (No, not the one we hit.) One of the times we stopped by the house last week after dark, we saw two deer playing in the back yard. We must've watched them running and kicking for 20 minutes. It was hilarious! I took a 30-second phone video, but I know the quality will be much less than great because it was completely dark except for our headlights -- so I haven't even bothered to watch it.
Bud's job for most of the day involved a chainsaw and that fallen tree at his mom's. His progress was incredible, but he's really tired. He wasn't making a lot sense just now when I asked him to describe what happened at the house today, and the second I finished my questions, he started snoring!
Bud and our neighbor Mark went to the game tonight. Because it was Election Day, I had to work even later than usual for a Tuesday, so I missed the year's first regular-season game. I'm just a little whiny about it.
Tomorrow, we're making the rounds to check out some other facades for the foundation.
Oh, Bud saw our deer again this afternoon! (No, not the one we hit.) One of the times we stopped by the house last week after dark, we saw two deer playing in the back yard. We must've watched them running and kicking for 20 minutes. It was hilarious! I took a 30-second phone video, but I know the quality will be much less than great because it was completely dark except for our headlights -- so I haven't even bothered to watch it.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Day 62: Nov. 5, 2007
The garage is fully insulated, and the siding subcontractors started doing their thing today. They finished the back soffit first.
We're still struggling with correcting the wrong-color stone facade, so the block layers probably won't be back for a while.
The big news, though, was at Bud's mom's house. When I came home for dinner, Bud and I took off for his dad's so I could get a look at today's progress. But as we passed his mom's, we found a new project.
One of the huge water maples in her front yard was lying on the ground, blown over by the wind that had accompanied a strong but brief rainstorm.
At first glance, we seem to have been pretty lucky. As it fell, the tree scraped off some paint and ripped away an awning. I had to lighten this photo quite a bit because it was nearly dark when we found the wreckage, so we're not sure we saw everything. We'll take a closer look in the morning.
Back to work for me now, and Bud's got all kinds of paperwork projects going on here.
We're still struggling with correcting the wrong-color stone facade, so the block layers probably won't be back for a while.
The big news, though, was at Bud's mom's house. When I came home for dinner, Bud and I took off for his dad's so I could get a look at today's progress. But as we passed his mom's, we found a new project.
One of the huge water maples in her front yard was lying on the ground, blown over by the wind that had accompanied a strong but brief rainstorm.
At first glance, we seem to have been pretty lucky. As it fell, the tree scraped off some paint and ripped away an awning. I had to lighten this photo quite a bit because it was nearly dark when we found the wreckage, so we're not sure we saw everything. We'll take a closer look in the morning.
Back to work for me now, and Bud's got all kinds of paperwork projects going on here.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Days 60-61: Nov. 3-4, 2007
We got home from the Kentucky game late Saturday night. We had arrived at the game later than usual, which meant we got a crappy parking place. (We had a delicious early dinner at Malone's, though, and I did some Christmas card shopping at Hallmark.) So we decided to spend our time watching the post-game live, instead of sitting in traffic listening to it.
It was the first time we'd seen and heard new coach Billy Gillispie so close. That was kind of cool. And the parking lot was bare when we left, so that was pretty cool too.
Also cool was the lack of deer in the road on the way home! We had been pondering whether wildlife might have some strange attraction to the Jeep after a crow drifted down from a telephone pole and collided with the front passenger door Friday morning while we were driving. Ironically, its beak or claws did more damage than the deer we nudged earlier in the week. Bud thinks the scratches will buff out.
On Friday, I missed a call from the other cabinet place we visited a few weeks ago. The rep wants to meet next week to show us her plans. She said, "It's looking really good. I can't wait for you to see it." While I understand that's probably an early sales pitch, I'm excited because it makes me wonder if they use CAD too.
It was the first time we'd seen and heard new coach Billy Gillispie so close. That was kind of cool. And the parking lot was bare when we left, so that was pretty cool too.
Also cool was the lack of deer in the road on the way home! We had been pondering whether wildlife might have some strange attraction to the Jeep after a crow drifted down from a telephone pole and collided with the front passenger door Friday morning while we were driving. Ironically, its beak or claws did more damage than the deer we nudged earlier in the week. Bud thinks the scratches will buff out.
On Friday, I missed a call from the other cabinet place we visited a few weeks ago. The rep wants to meet next week to show us her plans. She said, "It's looking really good. I can't wait for you to see it." While I understand that's probably an early sales pitch, I'm excited because it makes me wonder if they use CAD too.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Day 59: Nov. 2, 2007
No idea what happened at the house today. We left town this morning before they got started, and we didn't get back 'til after dark.
Boy, did we make kitchen progress, though! Our first appointment was at the cabinet place that offers CAD. Although many of the colors in this first draft aren't right, we were excited to see how our kitchen might come together.
We made a couple of changes right away. First, we switched the panels in the small uppermost doors to seeded glass. Then we shortened the two middle cabinets over the desk (at the far left of the drawing). They'll still extend to the ceiling, but they'll be shorter at the bottom by a few inches.
We'll examine the draft more closely this weekend. For one thing, I forgot again to ask if inset doors are a possibility here. And maybe we'd rather have additional counter space instead of a desk. Anyway, we're leaning pretty hard toward this cabinetmaker right now.
But we're expecting two more bids, including one from the Amish place we visited this afternoon. We spent a couple of hours there making all the usual cabinet choices.
The thing that excites me the most about the Amish guys is that they build other furniture too. So we took them photos of the vanity we're planning to buy and a bed we really like. They'll give us estimates on those also.
Boy, did we make kitchen progress, though! Our first appointment was at the cabinet place that offers CAD. Although many of the colors in this first draft aren't right, we were excited to see how our kitchen might come together.
We made a couple of changes right away. First, we switched the panels in the small uppermost doors to seeded glass. Then we shortened the two middle cabinets over the desk (at the far left of the drawing). They'll still extend to the ceiling, but they'll be shorter at the bottom by a few inches.
We'll examine the draft more closely this weekend. For one thing, I forgot again to ask if inset doors are a possibility here. And maybe we'd rather have additional counter space instead of a desk. Anyway, we're leaning pretty hard toward this cabinetmaker right now.
But we're expecting two more bids, including one from the Amish place we visited this afternoon. We spent a couple of hours there making all the usual cabinet choices.
The thing that excites me the most about the Amish guys is that they build other furniture too. So we took them photos of the vanity we're planning to buy and a bed we really like. They'll give us estimates on those also.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Day 58: Nov. 1, 2007
The roofers arrived early this morning and were still there when Bud and I stopped by after dinner. The sunlight was getting pretty scarce, but I think we got an entire roof today.
I chose a keyless lock for the door to the garage this afternoon. I think it makes sense not to have to dig for a garage key every time we leave the house.
The stone facade for the addition's foundation arrived today. It's grayer than I remembered (which translates to grayer than the existing foundation), so I'm going to check on that tomorrow.
Gary and Jimmy installed the door, and they finished the wrap.
I think Bud said the plumbing and electrical work have to be inspected before the guys can start on insulation.
I chose a keyless lock for the door to the garage this afternoon. I think it makes sense not to have to dig for a garage key every time we leave the house.
The stone facade for the addition's foundation arrived today. It's grayer than I remembered (which translates to grayer than the existing foundation), so I'm going to check on that tomorrow.
Gary and Jimmy installed the door, and they finished the wrap.
I think Bud said the plumbing and electrical work have to be inspected before the guys can start on insulation.
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