Bud moved the metal shelves from the current garage to the new one tonight. The verdict's out on whether they'll remain gray or get a new coat of black paint.
Guess I'm off to work for a while if I have any hope of leaving in time for the game tomorrow. Bud's planning to move more garage things tonight after he plows through some bills and other assorted paperwork.
Here's hoping the Cats can play better tomorrow than they did Saturday. At least if the basketball team continues to suck we'll have a chance to redeem ourselves in football. Who ever thought that would happen?
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Day 115: Dec. 28, 2007
We have the beam, but it's just sitting around 'til Wednesday now. The pouring rain this morning put a halt to today's installation plans.
Bud put a second coat of paint on the workbench. He plans to paint his metal shelving and pegboard tomorrow or Sunday and move them to the new garage after they're dry.
Brian and Janie stopped by the office for a quick visit. It seemed like we hadn't seen them in a hundred years. They're around for their big wedding reception this weekend.
Bud put a second coat of paint on the workbench. He plans to paint his metal shelving and pegboard tomorrow or Sunday and move them to the new garage after they're dry.
Brian and Janie stopped by the office for a quick visit. It seemed like we hadn't seen them in a hundred years. They're around for their big wedding reception this weekend.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Day 114: Dec. 27, 2007
The workbench finally is in the process of turning black. Bud and I painted the first coat tonight. (Mostly Bud. I was just the relief crew.)
I got the Lance update from Laura this afternoon. His first outing since he got home was a hot date with the pediatrician. All's well.
Metal beam tomorrow, I hope. It's supposed to rain, though. We don't know if that'll postpone the installation.
I got the Lance update from Laura this afternoon. His first outing since he got home was a hot date with the pediatrician. All's well.
Metal beam tomorrow, I hope. It's supposed to rain, though. We don't know if that'll postpone the installation.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Day 113: Dec. 26, 2007
We're back to a postless kitchen! Yayyayyay!
No progress in the house -- because the new beam won't arrive until Friday. Too bad. That's a lot of warm weather down the drain.
Bud bought workbench paint today. In a leaky can! So instead of finishing his sanding and prep this afternoon, he had to clean up drips in the Jeep and on the garage floor, and a giant puddle on the workbench. Fun.
No construction progress equals no new photos. So I found this picture from about a week and half ago, when Bud had just moved his and his mom's cars into their new habitat.
This view is pretty much unchanged today. His car now sports a cover, the better to avoid sawdust with. Eventually, his mom's car will get detailed and moved to a place where people who might want to buy it actually can see it.
No progress in the house -- because the new beam won't arrive until Friday. Too bad. That's a lot of warm weather down the drain.
Bud bought workbench paint today. In a leaky can! So instead of finishing his sanding and prep this afternoon, he had to clean up drips in the Jeep and on the garage floor, and a giant puddle on the workbench. Fun.
No construction progress equals no new photos. So I found this picture from about a week and half ago, when Bud had just moved his and his mom's cars into their new habitat.
This view is pretty much unchanged today. His car now sports a cover, the better to avoid sawdust with. Eventually, his mom's car will get detailed and moved to a place where people who might want to buy it actually can see it.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Day 112: Dec. 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
We celebrated with Jamie and Allison this morning and with a whole pile of people at the farm this evening -- once again, not that you'd know by the many pictures I took. I'm hoping to do better in 2008.
We received way more cool and fun stuff than we need or deserve. It's a nice reminder that we're much more fortunate that we often realize.
Back to work for both of us tomorrow. Plus, it should be verdict day on whether we'll have posts in the kitchen.
We celebrated with Jamie and Allison this morning and with a whole pile of people at the farm this evening -- once again, not that you'd know by the many pictures I took. I'm hoping to do better in 2008.
We received way more cool and fun stuff than we need or deserve. It's a nice reminder that we're much more fortunate that we often realize.
Back to work for both of us tomorrow. Plus, it should be verdict day on whether we'll have posts in the kitchen.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Day 111: Dec. 24, 2007
After a visit from Jamie this morning, Bud and I mostly relaxed. He checked out the progress of the drying wood filler on his work bench. I tried to prepare us for a day with no open stores.
Bud picked up his truck from the mechanic, where it was towed Friday when it stopped running for no apparent reason. I guess whatever got fixed wasn't all that was wrong -- because the truck's currently not running in front of our new garage.
We started what could become a new tradition: Christmas Eve Movie Night. We saw "Charlie Wilson's War," which we both enjoyed. There was not an employee to be found when we left the theater, almost like they left us to fend for ourselves with the projector running and the doors unlocked so we could leave when it was over.
Bud picked up his truck from the mechanic, where it was towed Friday when it stopped running for no apparent reason. I guess whatever got fixed wasn't all that was wrong -- because the truck's currently not running in front of our new garage.
We started what could become a new tradition: Christmas Eve Movie Night. We saw "Charlie Wilson's War," which we both enjoyed. There was not an employee to be found when we left the theater, almost like they left us to fend for ourselves with the projector running and the doors unlocked so we could leave when it was over.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Days 109-110: Dec. 22-23, 2007
Oh, Christmas TV, oh, Christmas TV, how we enjoy thy HD football.
Our Christmas decorations are probably in the attic at the new house. So our gifts are piled under the television with care.
Our lack of tree, my favorite part of Christmas decorating, is symbolic of our holiday situation. Call it a transitional year. Many of our old traditions aren't available to us, but because we're still mid-construction, we can't start trying to form new habits yet.
We scraped the paint remover from Bud's workbench Sunday morning, and we relaxed most of the rest of the day. Bud's organizing our mounds of paperwork now, and I'm just enjoying the fact that I don't have to work 12 or 15 hours Monday.
Laura texted Saturday that the new, larger version of her family was on its way home. Talk about a perfect Christmas gift!
Our Christmas decorations are probably in the attic at the new house. So our gifts are piled under the television with care.
Our lack of tree, my favorite part of Christmas decorating, is symbolic of our holiday situation. Call it a transitional year. Many of our old traditions aren't available to us, but because we're still mid-construction, we can't start trying to form new habits yet.
We scraped the paint remover from Bud's workbench Sunday morning, and we relaxed most of the rest of the day. Bud's organizing our mounds of paperwork now, and I'm just enjoying the fact that I don't have to work 12 or 15 hours Monday.
Laura texted Saturday that the new, larger version of her family was on its way home. Talk about a perfect Christmas gift!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Day 108: Dec. 21, 2007
The Great Garage Move-In is steaming ahead full-speed. But things in the house are stalled 'til Wednesday.
The gas line was finally connected today, so now the garage is heated. Bud's sanding and filling the workbench he moved from the current garage. Soon he'll paint it, and then he plans to start stuffing the garage with his stuff.
In the house, Gary and Jimmy may exchange the wooden beam for a metal one -- if that means they won't have to install posts in the kitchen. The metal beam supplier won't be back in until Wednesday. In the meantime, I'm concocting ways to make a couple of posts work in conjunction with the island.
The Lance update is great. He seems to be doing well after receiving his shunt. And he's acing all sorts of tests: Bladder and bowel function, knee and hip movement, and hearing are all good. Surely a trip home is just around the corner.
The gas line was finally connected today, so now the garage is heated. Bud's sanding and filling the workbench he moved from the current garage. Soon he'll paint it, and then he plans to start stuffing the garage with his stuff.
In the house, Gary and Jimmy may exchange the wooden beam for a metal one -- if that means they won't have to install posts in the kitchen. The metal beam supplier won't be back in until Wednesday. In the meantime, I'm concocting ways to make a couple of posts work in conjunction with the island.
The Lance update is great. He seems to be doing well after receiving his shunt. And he's acing all sorts of tests: Bladder and bowel function, knee and hip movement, and hearing are all good. Surely a trip home is just around the corner.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Day 107: Dec. 20, 2007
Gary, Jimmy and Bud installed the ceiling beam today. Bud called so that I could come and document the action in photos, but I was too busy at work to leave. Grrrr.
The bad news is that we may end up with a post of some sort in the kitchen to help support the second floor. So long, wide open floor plan. I'm plenty grumpy about that right now.
Lots of other action at the house today. The bathtub from upstairs found a new home in the trash bin. The refrigerator moved to the garage. The upstairs plumbing is no more.
In baby news, Lance had surgery to have his shunt inserted. Last text I got from Laura, he was back in his room, receiving lots of comfort from Mommy and Daddy.
The bad news is that we may end up with a post of some sort in the kitchen to help support the second floor. So long, wide open floor plan. I'm plenty grumpy about that right now.
Lots of other action at the house today. The bathtub from upstairs found a new home in the trash bin. The refrigerator moved to the garage. The upstairs plumbing is no more.
In baby news, Lance had surgery to have his shunt inserted. Last text I got from Laura, he was back in his room, receiving lots of comfort from Mommy and Daddy.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Day 106: Dec. 19, 2007
When we awoke from our long Wednesday's nap, we found great progress at the other house.
The guys apparently were inspired to fill the new trash bin that arrived sometime today -- because the back of the house is finally gone. All that remains is the one little wall sticking out on the left in this photo.
Open the door that used to lead to the kitchen, and now you're in the great outdoors! It's pretty shocking.
That's temporary bracing you see along the back. It will be replaced by a beam -- and soon, we hope, because we like the second floor where it is.
I had big plans when I took my final vacation day of the year today. Instead, I spent it trying to sleep off a headache. Bud was nappy too because he's got a cold, which I hope he doesn't give me for Christmas.
The guys apparently were inspired to fill the new trash bin that arrived sometime today -- because the back of the house is finally gone. All that remains is the one little wall sticking out on the left in this photo.
Open the door that used to lead to the kitchen, and now you're in the great outdoors! It's pretty shocking.
That's temporary bracing you see along the back. It will be replaced by a beam -- and soon, we hope, because we like the second floor where it is.
I had big plans when I took my final vacation day of the year today. Instead, I spent it trying to sleep off a headache. Bud was nappy too because he's got a cold, which I hope he doesn't give me for Christmas.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Day 105: Dec. 18, 2007
Look whose picture I found in my e-mail this morning! Someday I'll meet him in person. But it won't be soon enough.
Laura texted today that Lance probably will need a shunt, which will help drain spinal fluid from his brain. If he gets one, his hospital stay will have to be a little longer.
At the house, Gary and Jimmy built a temporary wall to support the second floor above the kitchen. They're preparing to remove an original wall. Bud dug through the trash bin, which will be replaced tomorrow, to rescue some trim we wanted to save.
Kentucky plays in a couple of hours. For good luck, we're planning to break in a UK shot glass that our friend Joe gave us. If it works, we'll have to start smuggling it into home games.
Laura texted today that Lance probably will need a shunt, which will help drain spinal fluid from his brain. If he gets one, his hospital stay will have to be a little longer.
At the house, Gary and Jimmy built a temporary wall to support the second floor above the kitchen. They're preparing to remove an original wall. Bud dug through the trash bin, which will be replaced tomorrow, to rescue some trim we wanted to save.
Kentucky plays in a couple of hours. For good luck, we're planning to break in a UK shot glass that our friend Joe gave us. If it works, we'll have to start smuggling it into home games.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Day 104: Dec. 17, 2007
See those two boxes there? Yellow Transportation delivered them today -- in an 18-wheeler. If you call it overkill, I'll understand.
Anyway, the range hood's here. Hooray.
Housewise, that's pretty much the only news. Bud talked with Gary and Jimmy for a half-hour or so this morning. He had other errands to run the rest of the day, and it was one of those days that we couldn't tell what happened by just looking around.
The baby has a name! Lance Edward. His surgery went well, and he's doing great. Laura's already been discharged from the hospital, and if Lance continues along the healthful path he's followed so far, he'll follow her later this week!
Bud bought a few Christmas gifts this afternoon, which we dropped in the mail this evening. For me, work was lighter but didn't go smoothly, so I'll be in extra-early tomorrow. Bleh.
Anyway, the range hood's here. Hooray.
Housewise, that's pretty much the only news. Bud talked with Gary and Jimmy for a half-hour or so this morning. He had other errands to run the rest of the day, and it was one of those days that we couldn't tell what happened by just looking around.
The baby has a name! Lance Edward. His surgery went well, and he's doing great. Laura's already been discharged from the hospital, and if Lance continues along the healthful path he's followed so far, he'll follow her later this week!
Bud bought a few Christmas gifts this afternoon, which we dropped in the mail this evening. For me, work was lighter but didn't go smoothly, so I'll be in extra-early tomorrow. Bleh.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Day 103: Dec. 16, 2007
Solid-color stain is out. Having a wall that white would look even worse than having the one that's too gray.
As the stones sat in the kitchen drying the past couple of days, I started to believe they'd be a perfect match. But all the head games I had played with myself didn't make any difference when I finally took the stones to the other house. They're absolutely arctic against the original foundation.
So I returned to Home Depot tonight. Good news. The semi-transparent base is white. I bought a gallon and tried it out. I think we're going to need to add a little white tint to it, but I'll have a better idea after the second coat tomorrow.
Laura texted today, saying everything's OK and that she'll be calling and sending photos soon. I can hardly wait to see that kid!
As the stones sat in the kitchen drying the past couple of days, I started to believe they'd be a perfect match. But all the head games I had played with myself didn't make any difference when I finally took the stones to the other house. They're absolutely arctic against the original foundation.
So I returned to Home Depot tonight. Good news. The semi-transparent base is white. I bought a gallon and tried it out. I think we're going to need to add a little white tint to it, but I'll have a better idea after the second coat tomorrow.
Laura texted today, saying everything's OK and that she'll be calling and sending photos soon. I can hardly wait to see that kid!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Day 102: Dec. 15, 2007
OK, no more snoring during Kentucky basketball games. Apparently, when I fall asleep at home, the Cats take a nap on the floor. A three-point loss. To UAB? After blowing a 14-point lead! Can you feel my head shaking?
Braving sleet and very cold rain, we waited about two hours this morning at the other house (no electricity) for the new washer and dryer to arrive.
We certainly aren't ready for them yet, but there was method in our early-bird madness. In case the washer and dryer wouldn't go up the stairs, we wanted them on hand when the side of the house comes off to place the whirlpool tub in the expanded second-story bathroom.
Luckily, we didn't have a problem. In fact the delivery guys were so good that they took a door off its hinges and hurdled the toilet in the downstairs half-bath to take away the old washer and dryer.
The garage got its first full-time residents this morning when Bud moved his mom's car, which he's cleaning up to sell, and his own car into the back two bays.
I napped through the time I felt comfortable calling Louis or someone else who's with Laura, and I haven't heard anything. So I'll call tomorrow.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the happiest news of the day. My friend Brian and his fiancee, Janie, got married today. Congratulations and best wishes, guys!
Braving sleet and very cold rain, we waited about two hours this morning at the other house (no electricity) for the new washer and dryer to arrive.
We certainly aren't ready for them yet, but there was method in our early-bird madness. In case the washer and dryer wouldn't go up the stairs, we wanted them on hand when the side of the house comes off to place the whirlpool tub in the expanded second-story bathroom.
Luckily, we didn't have a problem. In fact the delivery guys were so good that they took a door off its hinges and hurdled the toilet in the downstairs half-bath to take away the old washer and dryer.
The garage got its first full-time residents this morning when Bud moved his mom's car, which he's cleaning up to sell, and his own car into the back two bays.
I napped through the time I felt comfortable calling Louis or someone else who's with Laura, and I haven't heard anything. So I'll call tomorrow.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the happiest news of the day. My friend Brian and his fiancee, Janie, got married today. Congratulations and best wishes, guys!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Day 101: Dec. 14, 2007
Tough day. I went to Rusty's funeral, and I still can't make myself believe we'll never see him again. I don't know what else to say. It just doesn't seem possible.
I haven't heard any more from Louis or Laura, so I'm planning to try to call someone tomorrow for an update. I'm sure they have their hands full. If all went according to plan, the baby should have had surgery today to close his lesion.
At the house, the garage passed its final building inspection. Bud celebrated by pressure washing the garage floor tonight. He wanted to give it time to dry so that he can start moving stuff in tomorrow.
Concrete stains are becoming my new obsession. The transparent stain Bud picked up the other day was, you guessed it, not dark enough. Tonight, we went to Home Depot in search of a semi-transparent stain -- which, it turns out, isn't available in white. So we bought the solid color stain. I applied it to two leftover stones when we got home, and as I suspected, they look as if they've been painted white.
I have two new plans of attack for tomorrow. One is to head back to Home Depot and ask the paint guy to open a can of the semi-transparent base. (Tints are added to the base to color it.) I'm hoping it's white.
If that doesn't work out, I'll make myself a half-transparent/half-solid mix from the two products we already have. It would be a nightmare to have to do that for the entire wall, but anything's worth a try right now.
Both Lowe's and Yellow Transportation called today to schedule deliveries. The washer and dryer should arrive at the other house tomorrow morning. We hope the Lowe's delivery people will take them upstairs for us. If not, we may just store them in the garage. The range hood should be here at the current house Monday afternoon.
I haven't heard any more from Louis or Laura, so I'm planning to try to call someone tomorrow for an update. I'm sure they have their hands full. If all went according to plan, the baby should have had surgery today to close his lesion.
At the house, the garage passed its final building inspection. Bud celebrated by pressure washing the garage floor tonight. He wanted to give it time to dry so that he can start moving stuff in tomorrow.
Concrete stains are becoming my new obsession. The transparent stain Bud picked up the other day was, you guessed it, not dark enough. Tonight, we went to Home Depot in search of a semi-transparent stain -- which, it turns out, isn't available in white. So we bought the solid color stain. I applied it to two leftover stones when we got home, and as I suspected, they look as if they've been painted white.
I have two new plans of attack for tomorrow. One is to head back to Home Depot and ask the paint guy to open a can of the semi-transparent base. (Tints are added to the base to color it.) I'm hoping it's white.
If that doesn't work out, I'll make myself a half-transparent/half-solid mix from the two products we already have. It would be a nightmare to have to do that for the entire wall, but anything's worth a try right now.
Both Lowe's and Yellow Transportation called today to schedule deliveries. The washer and dryer should arrive at the other house tomorrow morning. We hope the Lowe's delivery people will take them upstairs for us. If not, we may just store them in the garage. The range hood should be here at the current house Monday afternoon.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Day 100: Dec. 13, 2007
Happy Birthday, Baby! I hope. (And if so, I also hope you have a name by now.)
Laura called me this afternoon about an hour before her C-section was scheduled. We haven't heard anything since, so my fingers are still crossed. Yes, it makes typing more difficult.
At the house, somehow the bathroom seems smaller now that almost everything's out of it. Isn't that strange? The garage plumbing passed inspection today. Overall inspection still to come.
Oh, I almost forgot. Bud found out Suri's real name today. It's Zuri. So close.
FABULOUS, WONDERFUL UPDATE: Louis called. The baby's here! And he and Laura are both doing well. 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Black wavy hair. No name.
Laura called me this afternoon about an hour before her C-section was scheduled. We haven't heard anything since, so my fingers are still crossed. Yes, it makes typing more difficult.
At the house, somehow the bathroom seems smaller now that almost everything's out of it. Isn't that strange? The garage plumbing passed inspection today. Overall inspection still to come.
Oh, I almost forgot. Bud found out Suri's real name today. It's Zuri. So close.
FABULOUS, WONDERFUL UPDATE: Louis called. The baby's here! And he and Laura are both doing well. 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Black wavy hair. No name.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Day 99: Dec. 12, 2007
Although we still haven't heard anything official about Rusty's death, I understand that so far it appears to be natural. He'd had odd blood pressure issues lately -- very high, very low, just all over the map -- and some severe headaches too. Aneurysm seems a likely suspect.
His visitation is tomorrow night, and the funeral is planned for Friday afternoon. At work, it was another day of phone calls and e-mails, and another day of trying to handle the pre-Christmas onslaught of special-section deadlines. The two don't mix well.
At the house, it apparently was business as usual: detail work in the garage and Suri's upstairs escapades.
Bud hit the road this morning to pick up our quart of white stain. I'm so excited about it, and yet, I'm too tired to try it out. It has taken a place of importance on tomorrow's to-do list.
Bud also took his motorcycle to the Harley dealership for a checkup. Last time he rode, he encountered a pretty heavy-duty bump, which he thinks may have loosened his handlebars at the least.
Laura and Louis arrived tonight at the hotel where they'll stay 'til their baby is born. (Which might be tomorrow. Woo hoo!) He has spina bifida, so they're getting some specialized care.
His visitation is tomorrow night, and the funeral is planned for Friday afternoon. At work, it was another day of phone calls and e-mails, and another day of trying to handle the pre-Christmas onslaught of special-section deadlines. The two don't mix well.
At the house, it apparently was business as usual: detail work in the garage and Suri's upstairs escapades.
Bud hit the road this morning to pick up our quart of white stain. I'm so excited about it, and yet, I'm too tired to try it out. It has taken a place of importance on tomorrow's to-do list.
Bud also took his motorcycle to the Harley dealership for a checkup. Last time he rode, he encountered a pretty heavy-duty bump, which he thinks may have loosened his handlebars at the least.
Laura and Louis arrived tonight at the hotel where they'll stay 'til their baby is born. (Which might be tomorrow. Woo hoo!) He has spina bifida, so they're getting some specialized care.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Day 98: Dec. 11, 2007
I've been up for just less than 20 hours, on about three hours of restless sleep. In other words: Beware! Nonsense and rambling ahead.
No official word yet on what caused Rusty's death. The preliminary autopsy was today; apparently more detailed exams and tests will follow. His family plans to make arrangements tomorrow, I think.
Krissy, Rusty's sister, is holding up remarkably well. As shocked as we are as Rusty's friends, I know our pain and disbelief don't even register compared what she's experiencing.
Calls and e-mails of concern and condolence poured into our office from around the state and country all day after our company president sent a memo to our sister publications. Concentrating on pages and deadlines was practically impossible. Not that it would have been easy anyway.
In much happier news, our friends Laura and Louis are just days away from parenthood! Laura could deliver their baby boy by C-section as early as Thursday. We can hardly wait to meet him!
When I finally escaped the office this evening, Bud and I ate our fast-food dinner in the new garage. Gary, Jimmy and Bud installed some of the old kitchen cabinets in there today. They look great.
Also, the garage now has a functioning bathroom. The vanity, toilet and heat are all operational. Bud bought supplies tonight -- paper towels, soft soap, toilet paper, a small trash can. He's nesting.
Inside the house, Suri continued upstairs demolition. I'll never be able to show you the "before" bathroom, but this picture should give you a pretty good idea. Just picture plaster on the walls and a mirrored medicine cabinet above the sink.
No official word yet on what caused Rusty's death. The preliminary autopsy was today; apparently more detailed exams and tests will follow. His family plans to make arrangements tomorrow, I think.
Krissy, Rusty's sister, is holding up remarkably well. As shocked as we are as Rusty's friends, I know our pain and disbelief don't even register compared what she's experiencing.
Calls and e-mails of concern and condolence poured into our office from around the state and country all day after our company president sent a memo to our sister publications. Concentrating on pages and deadlines was practically impossible. Not that it would have been easy anyway.
In much happier news, our friends Laura and Louis are just days away from parenthood! Laura could deliver their baby boy by C-section as early as Thursday. We can hardly wait to meet him!
When I finally escaped the office this evening, Bud and I ate our fast-food dinner in the new garage. Gary, Jimmy and Bud installed some of the old kitchen cabinets in there today. They look great.
Also, the garage now has a functioning bathroom. The vanity, toilet and heat are all operational. Bud bought supplies tonight -- paper towels, soft soap, toilet paper, a small trash can. He's nesting.
Inside the house, Suri continued upstairs demolition. I'll never be able to show you the "before" bathroom, but this picture should give you a pretty good idea. Just picture plaster on the walls and a mirrored medicine cabinet above the sink.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Day 97: Dec. 10, 2007
Our friend Rusty was found dead at his home this morning. He was only 38. We don't know the cause.
When it came to computers and technology, Rusty was truly gifted. He worked in graphics at our newspaper until a few years ago, when he took an IT position at our parent company's central office.
His sister, who also used to work at the paper, called the office to let us know. The news was so unexpected that we were more willing to believe she was kidding than that her report was true. Sadly, Krissy wasn't joking with us this time.
Before we received that shocking news, it was an average construction day. The rain just keeps coming, so the guys covered the entire back of the house with a tarp.
Suri set to work on demolition upstairs, where we're expanding the bathroom and relocating the laundry room. We didn't take a look up there this evening before it got dark, so I don't have photos yet. And we weren't prepared for the upstairs work to start so soon, so I don't think we have any before pictures either.
The plumbers finally showed up today to install the toilet and vanity in the garage bathroom. Remember when we bought the vanity on Nov. 29 and it was going to be installed "tomorrow"? Well, the guys unboxed it when the plumbers arrived -- and it was broken.
So Bud had to exchange it this afternoon. He tried to encourage the plumbers to come back tomorrow.
I finally received new stain sample from the furniture makers today. It was postmarked Saturday. Ahem.
When it came to computers and technology, Rusty was truly gifted. He worked in graphics at our newspaper until a few years ago, when he took an IT position at our parent company's central office.
His sister, who also used to work at the paper, called the office to let us know. The news was so unexpected that we were more willing to believe she was kidding than that her report was true. Sadly, Krissy wasn't joking with us this time.
Before we received that shocking news, it was an average construction day. The rain just keeps coming, so the guys covered the entire back of the house with a tarp.
Suri set to work on demolition upstairs, where we're expanding the bathroom and relocating the laundry room. We didn't take a look up there this evening before it got dark, so I don't have photos yet. And we weren't prepared for the upstairs work to start so soon, so I don't think we have any before pictures either.
The plumbers finally showed up today to install the toilet and vanity in the garage bathroom. Remember when we bought the vanity on Nov. 29 and it was going to be installed "tomorrow"? Well, the guys unboxed it when the plumbers arrived -- and it was broken.
So Bud had to exchange it this afternoon. He tried to encourage the plumbers to come back tomorrow.
I finally received new stain sample from the furniture makers today. It was postmarked Saturday. Ahem.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Day 96: Dec. 9, 2007
Rainy Sunday. I'm taking a break from some work I brought home. Bud's watching a movie.
We stopped by the house this morning, but there's nothing new to report. Suri may be a weekend worker, but apparently even he takes Sundays off.
At the office, we picked up some of the boxes that have been, um, in temporary storage by my desk. Bud's going to use them pack up the garage here at the current house.
The photo is another from last night. When the plaster came down, we discovered a small chimney we didn't know we had -- the broom's leaning on it in this picture. I'm not sure what that means for the cabinet layout.
We stopped by the house this morning, but there's nothing new to report. Suri may be a weekend worker, but apparently even he takes Sundays off.
At the office, we picked up some of the boxes that have been, um, in temporary storage by my desk. Bud's going to use them pack up the garage here at the current house.
The photo is another from last night. When the plaster came down, we discovered a small chimney we didn't know we had -- the broom's leaning on it in this picture. I'm not sure what that means for the cabinet layout.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Day 95: Dec. 8, 2007
Our quest for white concrete stain wasn't as simple as I imagined, but we should have a quart of our very own by Wednesday anyway.
Website printout in hand, we stopped by the local paint/flooring place that carries the stain. When I requested white, the woman looked as if I had asked for neon orange. I showed her that the website listed "quartz white," but she didn't seem interested in ordering it or making any suggestions. So we left her to her customer-free store.
At home, I called the next closest place listed on the site. The phone was disconnected.
I hit the a home run on the third try, though.
Dwight was more than happy to help, even though by now it was just a few minutes before his store was closing. He didn't have white in stock either, so I explained how we wanted to use the stain, asking whether he thought it was worth special-ordering some to test on unused stone.
Since he wasn't familiar with the white, he wanted to research whether it would give us the effect we're looking for. He said he'd call back Monday, but my cell phone rang in about 15 minutes. He said the stain seemed to be a slightly grayish white on the color chart and he thought it might work well. So I bought the quart.
When we stopped by the house this morning, Gary and Jimmy's new assistant was tearing out plaster. (Bud thinks his name sounds something like "Suri," so that what I'll call him 'til we find out we're wrong.) That's the first Saturday work we've seen in a while!
We stopped by this evening and, with the help of a flashlight and the camera's flash, we saw that the blue walls of the pantry are gone.
Website printout in hand, we stopped by the local paint/flooring place that carries the stain. When I requested white, the woman looked as if I had asked for neon orange. I showed her that the website listed "quartz white," but she didn't seem interested in ordering it or making any suggestions. So we left her to her customer-free store.
At home, I called the next closest place listed on the site. The phone was disconnected.
I hit the a home run on the third try, though.
Dwight was more than happy to help, even though by now it was just a few minutes before his store was closing. He didn't have white in stock either, so I explained how we wanted to use the stain, asking whether he thought it was worth special-ordering some to test on unused stone.
Since he wasn't familiar with the white, he wanted to research whether it would give us the effect we're looking for. He said he'd call back Monday, but my cell phone rang in about 15 minutes. He said the stain seemed to be a slightly grayish white on the color chart and he thought it might work well. So I bought the quart.
When we stopped by the house this morning, Gary and Jimmy's new assistant was tearing out plaster. (Bud thinks his name sounds something like "Suri," so that what I'll call him 'til we find out we're wrong.) That's the first Saturday work we've seen in a while!
We stopped by this evening and, with the help of a flashlight and the camera's flash, we saw that the blue walls of the pantry are gone.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Day 94: Dec. 7, 2007
Seems that the stone guys are determined to finish the job today. We stopped by the house around 7 p.m., and they were still working -- by the light of the garage.
Searching around online earlier this evening, I found a transparent acrylic-based concrete stain that might work for whitening the stone. (White is one of the available tints.) The added good news is that its sold by a home-improvement place right here in town.
The new trash bin arrived this morning. Gary, Jimmy and their new assistant got a good start on filling it by hauling over wheelbarrowsful of the kitchen-demolition debris that had been lying around. Turns out that the convenient spot beside the addition where they hoped to put the bin wasn't such a good place after all, so this bin's right back where the first one sat.
The garage passed its final electric inspection this afternoon. Also, the trench that holds the gas, water, telephone and cable lines was filled.
We still haven't received the darker finish sample from the furniture makers. I called at lunch and left a message asking whether I should be concerned. They didn't call back, so I'm kind of assuming that means they don't think it should have arrived yet.
Searching around online earlier this evening, I found a transparent acrylic-based concrete stain that might work for whitening the stone. (White is one of the available tints.) The added good news is that its sold by a home-improvement place right here in town.
The new trash bin arrived this morning. Gary, Jimmy and their new assistant got a good start on filling it by hauling over wheelbarrowsful of the kitchen-demolition debris that had been lying around. Turns out that the convenient spot beside the addition where they hoped to put the bin wasn't such a good place after all, so this bin's right back where the first one sat.
The garage passed its final electric inspection this afternoon. Also, the trench that holds the gas, water, telephone and cable lines was filled.
We still haven't received the darker finish sample from the furniture makers. I called at lunch and left a message asking whether I should be concerned. They didn't call back, so I'm kind of assuming that means they don't think it should have arrived yet.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Day 93: Dec. 6, 2007
Kitchen demo is under way again. Seeing the room stripped down to the studs is exciting and scary.
Despite near-freezing temperatures, the stone masons showed up again. Guess what. It's more than a three-day job. Surprise.
Snow's predicted again tonight. (We didn't get anything except a little rain last time.) I'm certainly not one to hope against a good snow, but I would like the facade to be finished.
Bud had the biggest job today. He cleaned out his workbench here at the current house, and then he, Gary and Jimmy moved it to the new garage, where it's sitting in the middle of the floor right now.
Despite near-freezing temperatures, the stone masons showed up again. Guess what. It's more than a three-day job. Surprise.
Snow's predicted again tonight. (We didn't get anything except a little rain last time.) I'm certainly not one to hope against a good snow, but I would like the facade to be finished.
Bud had the biggest job today. He cleaned out his workbench here at the current house, and then he, Gary and Jimmy moved it to the new garage, where it's sitting in the middle of the floor right now.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Day 92: Dec. 5, 2007
Well, any way you count it, we've been under construction three months. Our money is on at least three more.
The stone masons showed up for the second day in a row. Today, they mortared some of what they put up yesterday, using a mortar that they dyed brown to be a closer match to the original.
If I could follow behind them with a big vat of whitewash, I would. The color difference in the stone is making me a little crazy.
In the garage, Gary, Jimmy and Tom continued with paint and floor/wall trim.
Our friend Joe and his dad took some of the firewood we've created this year off our hands. At least those trees' deaths don't have to be in vain now; they'll be making someone warm this winter.
The stone masons showed up for the second day in a row. Today, they mortared some of what they put up yesterday, using a mortar that they dyed brown to be a closer match to the original.
If I could follow behind them with a big vat of whitewash, I would. The color difference in the stone is making me a little crazy.
In the garage, Gary, Jimmy and Tom continued with paint and floor/wall trim.
Our friend Joe and his dad took some of the firewood we've created this year off our hands. At least those trees' deaths don't have to be in vain now; they'll be making someone warm this winter.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Day 91: Dec. 4, 2007
Just when we had lost hope, the stone masons showed up. I'd like to take credit for sounding extra-menacing when I left a message earlier, but I think they just read our minds. Or it might have been a coincidence.
The stone looks too dark. Of course that's because it is darker than the foundation -- actually even some darker than the sample we picked up way back when we found these guys. And that sample was darker than the foundation to start with, but it was the lightest thing we found anywhere.
But at least it's gray -- not brown or pink. We'll whitewash it in the spring, I think. (LOL. Unintentional Seuss there.)
The masons said the foundation's a three-day job. But it's supposed to snow or rain tomorrow, then turn cold for several days. So who knows when it will be finished. I'm just glad it's started!
Bud was all kinds of busy today with many, many projects. He ran around town searching for RG6 cable that was rated for underground use so that he could run cable TV from the house to the garage while they still had the trench open for the water and gas lines. Then he hand-buried that cable and the phone line from the house to the trench and from the trench to the garage.
His next most important project, in my opinion, was the new license plate he got for the Jeep. The state released new University of Kentucky plates this year, and this time they don't suck. So now I have one! Yay!
In the garage, Gary and Jimmy began installing some sort of metal trim around the inside where the walls meet the floor. They said it will protect the walls from water when we wash the floor. They also installed the pull-down ladder that gives us access to the garage attic. Oh, and the outside lights work now, including the motion sensor at the entry.
As soon as the water and gas are completely installed, we can have the final inspection. And then we can start putting stuff in the garage. How's that for progress?
The stone looks too dark. Of course that's because it is darker than the foundation -- actually even some darker than the sample we picked up way back when we found these guys. And that sample was darker than the foundation to start with, but it was the lightest thing we found anywhere.
But at least it's gray -- not brown or pink. We'll whitewash it in the spring, I think. (LOL. Unintentional Seuss there.)
The masons said the foundation's a three-day job. But it's supposed to snow or rain tomorrow, then turn cold for several days. So who knows when it will be finished. I'm just glad it's started!
Bud was all kinds of busy today with many, many projects. He ran around town searching for RG6 cable that was rated for underground use so that he could run cable TV from the house to the garage while they still had the trench open for the water and gas lines. Then he hand-buried that cable and the phone line from the house to the trench and from the trench to the garage.
His next most important project, in my opinion, was the new license plate he got for the Jeep. The state released new University of Kentucky plates this year, and this time they don't suck. So now I have one! Yay!
In the garage, Gary and Jimmy began installing some sort of metal trim around the inside where the walls meet the floor. They said it will protect the walls from water when we wash the floor. They also installed the pull-down ladder that gives us access to the garage attic. Oh, and the outside lights work now, including the motion sensor at the entry.
As soon as the water and gas are completely installed, we can have the final inspection. And then we can start putting stuff in the garage. How's that for progress?
Monday, December 3, 2007
Day 90: Dec. 3, 2007
Suddenly, we're moving in slow motion. Just more paint in the garage today. The stone layers did not show up. And did not call. I am not pleased.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Days 88-89: Dec. 1-2, 2007
Today's plan: Start working on Christmas cards. Visit the older homes on the local Christmas homes tour. Wash lots of clothes.
What actually happened: Made chili. Watched a movie ("Mr. Brooks" -- very interesting). Took a deer-looking ride.
The Kentucky game sucked up most of yesterday. We expected the loss and actually were glad it wasn't worse. I can't believe I wrote that.
What actually happened: Made chili. Watched a movie ("Mr. Brooks" -- very interesting). Took a deer-looking ride.
The Kentucky game sucked up most of yesterday. We expected the loss and actually were glad it wasn't worse. I can't believe I wrote that.
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