Gary and Jimmy installed the French doors in the kitchen this afternoon. They also trimmed both sides -- trim that we saved from the original house on the hallway side and new trim to match the addition on the kitchen side.
The photo does a nice job of showing how dusty things have gotten again. We're not looking forward to trying to clean the place up before we move. In itself, that will be a weeklong project.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Day 328: July 29, 2008
Gary continued to work on the doors for the first-floor linen closet.
The closet takes advantage for what would otherwise be dead space under the back stairs, so the doors have to be custom-built. Unfortunately, the more unusual door (with a steep angle on the top) isn't very visible in the photo; it's the one on the back of the table, behind the sander.
The painters continued their work, putting a coat on all of the new trim and touching up some areas that have suffered a little during construction.
The closet takes advantage for what would otherwise be dead space under the back stairs, so the doors have to be custom-built. Unfortunately, the more unusual door (with a steep angle on the top) isn't very visible in the photo; it's the one on the back of the table, behind the sander.
The painters continued their work, putting a coat on all of the new trim and touching up some areas that have suffered a little during construction.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Day 327: July 28, 2008
Our new front door is custom-built from the finest chipboard. Bud and Gary removed the original door this morning and took it to be stripped and refinished.
We're eager to see the outcome -- and not too nervous because we can always have it painted white again if the wood isn't as attractive as we hope it will be.
Gary built one of the doors for the linen closet in the downstairs bathroom this afternoon. (Jimmy was at the dentist.) The other Gary, the painter, put a coat of white on the trim that was installed last week.
We got an estimate on the shower doors, and it was quite a bit higher than we expected. But Gary and the other guys seemed to think it was reasonable.
We're eager to see the outcome -- and not too nervous because we can always have it painted white again if the wood isn't as attractive as we hope it will be.
Gary built one of the doors for the linen closet in the downstairs bathroom this afternoon. (Jimmy was at the dentist.) The other Gary, the painter, put a coat of white on the trim that was installed last week.
We got an estimate on the shower doors, and it was quite a bit higher than we expected. But Gary and the other guys seemed to think it was reasonable.
Days 325-326: July 26-27, 2008
We tended to the current house and the garden this weekend. Chose some different deck lighting. Took a ring and a necklace to be repaired. Not so much on the Big Adventures.
Day 324: July 25, 2008
Gary and Jimmy added trim to the back stairs. Now it's time for paint.
Jesse wired the deck for lighting, although not the low-voltage landscape lighting we had chosen. So Bud and I will go back to Lowe's this weekend for the other deck lighting we saw. We'll still use pairs of the landscape lights for the steps.
Jesse wired the deck for lighting, although not the low-voltage landscape lighting we had chosen. So Bud and I will go back to Lowe's this weekend for the other deck lighting we saw. We'll still use pairs of the landscape lights for the steps.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Day 323: July 24, 2008
Harold Wayne grouted the backsplash today, which means he's finished 'til the tile for the front porch arrives. And then, after everyone else is finished, he'll also be back to apply the tile conditioner to the kitchen and sunroom floors.
Gary and Jimmy finished the treads on the back stairs, and they trimmed the doors in the sunroom.
Jesse may have begun wiring the deck. I didn't look closely enough to say for certain, but I couldn't miss the siding that had been removed near the sunroom door.
Gary and Jimmy finished the treads on the back stairs, and they trimmed the doors in the sunroom.
Jesse may have begun wiring the deck. I didn't look closely enough to say for certain, but I couldn't miss the siding that had been removed near the sunroom door.
Day 322: July 23, 2008
At the marble lot, Bud and I chose the portion of the slab we want them to use for the closet countertop.
On the way home, we stopped at Homearama. Last year, we took lots of pictures of things we wanted to do in our house. This year, we mostly decided we liked what we've done better than anything we saw. (Whew!)
The photo is from yesterday -- the downstairs vanity, in place and still wearing its protective wrap.
On the way home, we stopped at Homearama. Last year, we took lots of pictures of things we wanted to do in our house. This year, we mostly decided we liked what we've done better than anything we saw. (Whew!)
The photo is from yesterday -- the downstairs vanity, in place and still wearing its protective wrap.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day 321: July 22, 2008
For once, we had the camera (and remembered that fact) on our evening deer-sighting drive.
Not skittish enough for his own good, the buck we've been seeing frequently struck a few poses as he examined the little black box we were pointing at him. But he didn't run -- which was good for us, probably not so great for his longevity.
At the house, the vanities finally made the trip from the garage to the bathrooms! Now I can't wait for the tops to arrive.
Gary and Jimmy continued installing the wooden treads on the back stairs. The tilers grouted the sunroom and fixed the backsplash. Gary began patching the first-floor-to-second-floor hole in the drywall where Jesse ran the wiring for the three-way switches yesterday.
Sometimes it seems thisclose to move-in ready, but we still think we're optimistic to believe that everything could be finished in a year.
Not skittish enough for his own good, the buck we've been seeing frequently struck a few poses as he examined the little black box we were pointing at him. But he didn't run -- which was good for us, probably not so great for his longevity.
At the house, the vanities finally made the trip from the garage to the bathrooms! Now I can't wait for the tops to arrive.
Gary and Jimmy continued installing the wooden treads on the back stairs. The tilers grouted the sunroom and fixed the backsplash. Gary began patching the first-floor-to-second-floor hole in the drywall where Jesse ran the wiring for the three-way switches yesterday.
Sometimes it seems thisclose to move-in ready, but we still think we're optimistic to believe that everything could be finished in a year.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Day 320: July 21, 2008
Finally, we think we have a top for the closet island! Michelle, our designer at the tile place, called back this morning with an estimate on our second-favorite marble. We OK'd it this afternoon.
We'll miss the fossils that made our first choice so cool. But the only way we could get that one was to buy an entire slab -- far beyond economically unsound when all we need is less than 12 square feet!
At the house, Gary and Jimmy started installing the wood treads on the back stairs, and Jesse ran the wiring for the three-way switch that will help keep us from trying to navigate them in complete darkness.
The shower-door installer came by to measure, but we haven't received his bid yet.
The tilers started and completed the sunroom today, except for grout. They also began fixing the backsplash.
We'll miss the fossils that made our first choice so cool. But the only way we could get that one was to buy an entire slab -- far beyond economically unsound when all we need is less than 12 square feet!
At the house, Gary and Jimmy started installing the wood treads on the back stairs, and Jesse ran the wiring for the three-way switch that will help keep us from trying to navigate them in complete darkness.
The shower-door installer came by to measure, but we haven't received his bid yet.
The tilers started and completed the sunroom today, except for grout. They also began fixing the backsplash.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Days 318-319: July 19-20, 2008
In another attempt to get an island countertop, we stopped by the marble and tile place that has supplied all of our floor tile. Our designer wasn't in, but we chose a couple of colors we like. I'll give her a call Monday.
The photo is the stairs that the guys put up Friday. It's more fun than you might imagine to be able to get into the house from the back without using a ladder.
Atop the post at the top right of the picture is the solar post cap we picked up Friday. We left it out this weekend to see how much light it will provide and decided we'll probably just use a couple -- at the entry from the ground to the stairs in the photo.
Speaking of deck lights, we also visited Lowe's this weekend to choose the lights that will be installed near the deck floor in the big (yet-to-be-built) posts. We think we may want those same fixtures in the stairs too. (Safety first!)
And speaking of lighting in general, by visiting the house after dark one night, we discovered we didn't ask for a three-way switch on the fixture that will illuminate the back stairs -- which means we can either leave a light on downstairs when we go to bed at night, or we can try to go up in complete darkness. Neither sounds all that appealling, so Bud will talk to Jesse on Monday.
Amid our pile of weekend errands, we found time to see "The Dark Knight," which we really enjoyed -- at a Movie Tavern, which we'd never tried. Pretty cool way to see a movie, we thought.
The photo is the stairs that the guys put up Friday. It's more fun than you might imagine to be able to get into the house from the back without using a ladder.
Atop the post at the top right of the picture is the solar post cap we picked up Friday. We left it out this weekend to see how much light it will provide and decided we'll probably just use a couple -- at the entry from the ground to the stairs in the photo.
Speaking of deck lights, we also visited Lowe's this weekend to choose the lights that will be installed near the deck floor in the big (yet-to-be-built) posts. We think we may want those same fixtures in the stairs too. (Safety first!)
And speaking of lighting in general, by visiting the house after dark one night, we discovered we didn't ask for a three-way switch on the fixture that will illuminate the back stairs -- which means we can either leave a light on downstairs when we go to bed at night, or we can try to go up in complete darkness. Neither sounds all that appealling, so Bud will talk to Jesse on Monday.
Amid our pile of weekend errands, we found time to see "The Dark Knight," which we really enjoyed -- at a Movie Tavern, which we'd never tried. Pretty cool way to see a movie, we thought.
Day 317: July 18, 2008
Closet installation continued today. In fact, we thought we were wrapped up, but when the designer stopped by, she pointed out a few trim issues that still need attention.
It should be complete Monday -- except, of course, the countertop for the island, which is still a problem.
Bud, Gary and Jimmy got going on one of the sets of stairs for the deck today. Bud and I made a lunchtime trip to choose railings and post caps, and we picked up a solar cap that might be useful.
Jesse installed the recessed fixtures in the bathrooms, some other stuff like that.
My friends Brian and Janie stopped by the office this afternoon on their way to their baby shower. (Even though I couldn't go, it was fun choosing a gift from the registry because of their adorable Winnie the Pooh theme.)
We decided their little "project" is almost certain to be finished before this unending remodel. Janie's got a little more than a month to go before we get to meet Eliza Jane.
It should be complete Monday -- except, of course, the countertop for the island, which is still a problem.
Bud, Gary and Jimmy got going on one of the sets of stairs for the deck today. Bud and I made a lunchtime trip to choose railings and post caps, and we picked up a solar cap that might be useful.
Jesse installed the recessed fixtures in the bathrooms, some other stuff like that.
My friends Brian and Janie stopped by the office this afternoon on their way to their baby shower. (Even though I couldn't go, it was fun choosing a gift from the registry because of their adorable Winnie the Pooh theme.)
We decided their little "project" is almost certain to be finished before this unending remodel. Janie's got a little more than a month to go before we get to meet Eliza Jane.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Day 316: July 17, 2008
Closet installation began this morning. The installers will be back tomorrow for Round 2, which promises to be every bit as sweltering.
Gary, Jimmy and Bud got started on one set of deck stairs this afternoon, an equally warm task. Tomorrow, Bud and I have a lunch date with Lowe's and a place that sells stair railings.
Laura surprised me with an office visit this afternoon. Hooray! She, Louis and Lance have been vacationing for a week. But it felt like they'd been gone for a year!
Gary, Jimmy and Bud got started on one set of deck stairs this afternoon, an equally warm task. Tomorrow, Bud and I have a lunch date with Lowe's and a place that sells stair railings.
Laura surprised me with an office visit this afternoon. Hooray! She, Louis and Lance have been vacationing for a week. But it felt like they'd been gone for a year!
Day 315: July 16, 2008
Jesse finally got the entry hall light working this afternoon. (His original wiring didn't work for some reason that's still unclear to me, so he had to run a new line under the siding on the front of the house and into the ceiling in the front hall.)
Anyway, when it's lighted, I love it so much more than I thought I would! To me, it's probably the biggest surprise of any of the fixtures. The others lived up to my expectations, exciting or average -- but this one overachieved.
A disappointing backsplash note: I realized this evening that the tilers must think they're finished, except for grout. The thing is, the tile goes beyond where it's supposed to be in one area, and in another, it doesn't go as far as we planned. I don't know if it's easily fixable, but I'm sure it can be fixed. Otherwise, it still looks gorgeous.
Day 314: July 15, 2008
The tilers started on the kitchen backsplash this morning, a day earlier than they had planned. It's looking just like I imagined, giving the look of an exposed stone wall.
Gary and Jimmy began trimming the beadboard in the laundry room and the bathrooms.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day 313: July 14, 2008
In our amazement over the completed tilework, we missed an important development yesterday. Chester, the hardwood floor guy, paid us a visit this weekend! He sanded the floor in the soon-to-be closet room and gave it a first coat of urethane. Looks good so far!
Harold Wayne's helpers grouted both bathrooms today.
We think that's about it. Jimmy was sick, and Gary and Harold Wayne were gone most of the day.
Harold Wayne's helpers grouted both bathrooms today.
We think that's about it. Jimmy was sick, and Gary and Harold Wayne were gone most of the day.
Day 312: July 13, 2008
Our sunny ride to Chattanooga on Saturday seems that much more glorious when you compare it to our return trip today.
Just before we headed toward home, we dropped a few miles south to add pictures of the Georgia sign to this year's ABCs of Touring collection.
You can see that Bud already had donned his rainsuit, which turned out to be little protection against the rain we practically swam through for more than 100 miles. (For the next 200 or so, we alternated semi-drying out with getting re-soggy.)
Happy to be home and dry several hours later, we made a quick trip to the Harley store for new, and we hope better, rainsuits. We're still planning to add gaiters for both of us and a helmet with a face shield for me to our rain-defense repertoire. (Bud already has the helmet, shield flipped up in the photo.)
As for the house, we didn't expect any progress, so we were pleased to find that both bathrooms are completely tiled and just awaiting grout. Also, the sunroom walls got a first coat of color. Not too shabby for a weekend.
Just before we headed toward home, we dropped a few miles south to add pictures of the Georgia sign to this year's ABCs of Touring collection.
You can see that Bud already had donned his rainsuit, which turned out to be little protection against the rain we practically swam through for more than 100 miles. (For the next 200 or so, we alternated semi-drying out with getting re-soggy.)
Happy to be home and dry several hours later, we made a quick trip to the Harley store for new, and we hope better, rainsuits. We're still planning to add gaiters for both of us and a helmet with a face shield for me to our rain-defense repertoire. (Bud already has the helmet, shield flipped up in the photo.)
As for the house, we didn't expect any progress, so we were pleased to find that both bathrooms are completely tiled and just awaiting grout. Also, the sunroom walls got a first coat of color. Not too shabby for a weekend.
Day 311: July 12, 2008
We roared onto the road early this morning, headed for Chattanooga. (Well, Bud roared. My motorcycle's more of a hum. Just ask Bud, who calls it a sewing machine.)
Anyway, after several hours of sunny weather and warm temperatures, we arrived at the hotel. Too early to check in. So we headed for the Tennessee Aquarium and encountered a rain shower. (Foreshadowing.)
So we dripped our way to a late lunch and then spent three hours in the aquarium, which practically bulged with all sorts of cool creatures, including the leafy seadragons in the photo.
Finally, they checked us into the hotel, where we unloaded the bikes and began discussing dinner. But when we glanced out the window, it was raining again, so we took a nap instead.
Later, dinner was at the best Asian buffet we've ever found. Made-to-order sushi included!
Anyway, after several hours of sunny weather and warm temperatures, we arrived at the hotel. Too early to check in. So we headed for the Tennessee Aquarium and encountered a rain shower. (Foreshadowing.)
So we dripped our way to a late lunch and then spent three hours in the aquarium, which practically bulged with all sorts of cool creatures, including the leafy seadragons in the photo.
Finally, they checked us into the hotel, where we unloaded the bikes and began discussing dinner. But when we glanced out the window, it was raining again, so we took a nap instead.
Later, dinner was at the best Asian buffet we've ever found. Made-to-order sushi included!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Day 310: July 11, 2008
More lighting. (The picture is from the laundry room. It's hard to tell from here, but the fixture's mosaic. My favorite.)
Also more tile. More paint. More glass in the bookcases.
I slept the afternoon away with a major headache while Bud cleaned the motorcycles and took care of various other chores and errands.
We played with the phones tonight and jaunted to the Sprint store for accessories. Love new toys!
Also more tile. More paint. More glass in the bookcases.
I slept the afternoon away with a major headache while Bud cleaned the motorcycles and took care of various other chores and errands.
We played with the phones tonight and jaunted to the Sprint store for accessories. Love new toys!
Day 309: July 10, 2008
Bud, Gary and Mike installed the art glass panels in both bathrooms today. Meanwhile, the tilers made lots of progress. And Billy, the cabinet installer, made the final fixes in the kitchen.
Also, Gary and Jimmy put some of the glass in the doors of the living room bookcases. Jesse kept at the lighting.
I'm too tired from activating and setting up our new cell phones to remember what else happened.
Also, Gary and Jimmy put some of the glass in the doors of the living room bookcases. Jesse kept at the lighting.
I'm too tired from activating and setting up our new cell phones to remember what else happened.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Day 308: July 9, 2008
Ever tried to walk in a broken flip-flop? Not possible, let me tell ya.
When we stopped by the house this morning, the guys pointed out that one of the crystals was missing from the dining room chandelier. (Not exactly surprising since we had to buy the floor model.)
So Bud and I zipped over to the lighting store to get a replacement. The trip must've been too stressful for my poor flip-flops. The between-the-toe strap on the left shoe just snapped for no particular reason while I was driving. So we made an emergency side trip Walgreens for a lovely red replacement pair -- a $3 value.
In the second house-related excursion of the day, we visited Lowe's for some ceiling fan accessories Jesse said he needed for the sunroom. One part, he needed; the other, not so much. At least it wasn't an entirely wasted trip.
In addition to more lighting fixtures, the house got more tile today. (That's the downstairs bathroom in the photo.) And appliances! Jesse and his helpers installed the wall ovens, the warming drawer and the cooktop.
When we stopped by the house this morning, the guys pointed out that one of the crystals was missing from the dining room chandelier. (Not exactly surprising since we had to buy the floor model.)
So Bud and I zipped over to the lighting store to get a replacement. The trip must've been too stressful for my poor flip-flops. The between-the-toe strap on the left shoe just snapped for no particular reason while I was driving. So we made an emergency side trip Walgreens for a lovely red replacement pair -- a $3 value.
In the second house-related excursion of the day, we visited Lowe's for some ceiling fan accessories Jesse said he needed for the sunroom. One part, he needed; the other, not so much. At least it wasn't an entirely wasted trip.
In addition to more lighting fixtures, the house got more tile today. (That's the downstairs bathroom in the photo.) And appliances! Jesse and his helpers installed the wall ovens, the warming drawer and the cooktop.
Day 307: July 8, 2008
BIg lighting day. The picture is from the dining room.
Jesse also installed the fixtures in the entry hall, the living room, the front stairs (two, actually -- one as you enter/exit on the first floor and a sconce on the wall between the first and second floors), and the master bedroom.
I finally got in touch with the sales rep from the company that did our kitchen countertops. She's supposed to call back with an estimate on the top for the folding island.
These feel like finishing touches, but we don't really think we're near the finish line yet.
Jesse also installed the fixtures in the entry hall, the living room, the front stairs (two, actually -- one as you enter/exit on the first floor and a sconce on the wall between the first and second floors), and the master bedroom.
I finally got in touch with the sales rep from the company that did our kitchen countertops. She's supposed to call back with an estimate on the top for the folding island.
These feel like finishing touches, but we don't really think we're near the finish line yet.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Day 306: July 7, 2008
Looks like the tilers hit a hot streak upstairs today. The shower's finished, except for the floor.
And they got started on the laundry room floor. Once again, I was relieved to see that my decorating choices seem to be meshing. I'm constantly worried that a color will hit the walls or a tile selection will go down and my reaction will be "Bleeeech!"
Lighting fixtures tomorrow!
And they got started on the laundry room floor. Once again, I was relieved to see that my decorating choices seem to be meshing. I'm constantly worried that a color will hit the walls or a tile selection will go down and my reaction will be "Bleeeech!"
Lighting fixtures tomorrow!
Day 305: July 6, 2008
We took a little motorcycle trip to the Newport Aquarium today. Last time we visited was a few years ago, so we were ready for another tour, prompted by ads for the new frog exhibit.
Nothing to report housewise, though. I guess we misunderstood the tile timeline.
Nothing to report housewise, though. I guess we misunderstood the tile timeline.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Day 304: July 5, 2008
So we moved the lighting fixtures from the garage to the house this afternoon, placing them in the rooms where they belong. I almost didn't recognize some of them because we bought them so long ago.
We made a dry run to Lowe's in an attempt to order the top for the folding island in the closet. Turns out they don't do projects that are less than 25 square feet. Which puts us back to square one.
Our new plan is to visit the place where we ordered our tile and vanity tops. Surely they can stay in business long enough to cut a small marble slab for us! We've never see their marble lot. Maybe the perfect color is just waiting for us there.
We made a dry run to Lowe's in an attempt to order the top for the folding island in the closet. Turns out they don't do projects that are less than 25 square feet. Which puts us back to square one.
Our new plan is to visit the place where we ordered our tile and vanity tops. Surely they can stay in business long enough to cut a small marble slab for us! We've never see their marble lot. Maybe the perfect color is just waiting for us there.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Day 303: July 4, 2008
We marked the Fourth of July by making one last trip to the workshop of the Amish furniture makers who built our vanities. They finally found a buyer for those wrong-color vanities we picked up six months ago!
On the way back, we took a detour to the West Baden Springs Hotel, which was gorgeous. As soon as we drove onto the grounds, we started plotting a return trip to spend a night or two.
Our plans to buy fireworks were foiled by a line that snaked out the store's door and around the building. We were just too exhausted to make the effort.
So we celebrated by getting out to the park for the community fireworks show, our Independence Day tradition.
The picture is from yesterday and shows the tiling progress on the downstairs shower. When we stopped by the house after the fireworks tonight, we didn't spot any changes -- so we're guessing no one worked today.
On the way back, we took a detour to the West Baden Springs Hotel, which was gorgeous. As soon as we drove onto the grounds, we started plotting a return trip to spend a night or two.
Our plans to buy fireworks were foiled by a line that snaked out the store's door and around the building. We were just too exhausted to make the effort.
So we celebrated by getting out to the park for the community fireworks show, our Independence Day tradition.
The picture is from yesterday and shows the tiling progress on the downstairs shower. When we stopped by the house after the fireworks tonight, we didn't spot any changes -- so we're guessing no one worked today.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Day 302: July 3, 2008
More tile. (Still nothing complete.) More bookcases. (They got a first coat of paint.) Gary and Jimmy also trimmed the windows in the sunroom.
Jimmy says Jesse will install light fixtures next week. We're guessing the sunroom won't be ready yet, but I think most everything else will be. I can hardly wait!
Jimmy says Jesse will install light fixtures next week. We're guessing the sunroom won't be ready yet, but I think most everything else will be. I can hardly wait!
Day 301: July 2, 2008
On the tiling front, the interior of the downstairs shower is closer to complete, while the upstairs shower seems to be about where it was yesterday -- unless we're misremembering.
The tile helpers poured leveler on the downstairs bathroom floor before they left this afternoon.
They might have done the laundry room too. LOL. You'd think we'd know that for sure, right?
Well, the door was taped closed, so we couldn't see if that was to keep people off wet leveler in the laundry room or to keep them from going down the back stairs onto the bathroom floor.
Gary and Jimmy continued to work on living room bookcases -- sanding two different ways in two different rooms while I was there. They said they'll probably hinge the doors to test them, then remove the hinges for paint, and finally insert the glass and put the finished product together.
The tile helpers poured leveler on the downstairs bathroom floor before they left this afternoon.
They might have done the laundry room too. LOL. You'd think we'd know that for sure, right?
Well, the door was taped closed, so we couldn't see if that was to keep people off wet leveler in the laundry room or to keep them from going down the back stairs onto the bathroom floor.
Gary and Jimmy continued to work on living room bookcases -- sanding two different ways in two different rooms while I was there. They said they'll probably hinge the doors to test them, then remove the hinges for paint, and finally insert the glass and put the finished product together.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Day 300: July 1, 2008
With all the tumult of my boss's daughter having a relapse of her serious, but still-something-of-a-mystery illness, and my leaving work early too for my first day of jury duty, I forgot to take the camera when we stopped by the house this evening. So no photos to mark Day 300.
The tiling of the walls in both showers began today, although the floor still isn't down in the upstairs shower. Gary and Jimmy worked on the doors for the bookcases. They're looking really good, so I do wish I had a picture to share.
The tiling of the walls in both showers began today, although the floor still isn't down in the upstairs shower. Gary and Jimmy worked on the doors for the bookcases. They're looking really good, so I do wish I had a picture to share.
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