To save you from death by boredom brought on by concrete photos, here's a quick shot of Bud slipping up the driveway behind me on my motorcycle as I was capturing yet another fascinating picture of the millstones.
But don't breathe too easily, those stones (now free of duct tape) could be tomorrow's photo.
Bud and I did a walk-through to check out the floors this morning in anticipation of Chester's arrival. Apparently, we were a little to eager because he didn't come back today.
The good news is the only mistake we found was a small, dried puddle of urethane in the great room that I already had noticed Friday evening.
Jimmy and I also walked through, placing the doorstops in the correct locations. Several more that were on back order are scheduled to arrive soon.
Gary and Jimmy removed the forms from the concrete before a huge rain blew in. Courtesy of that storm, we spent an hour and half in the dark at work. Bleh. Nothing like wasted time on a Monday.
The marble shop crew is supposed to be back Tuesday mid- to late morning. I'm still hoping they can repair the flaws, but if they can't, at least we'll know that and they can get started cutting a new slab.
Jamie and Allyson are in town, so Bud visited with Jamie while I was at work today. Then the four of us had dinner before I headed back for a few more hours at the office.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Day 354: Aug. 24, 2008
Not so much to tell. Cleaned a bit. Tried to make sense of the dining room. Things are in more upheaval than usual in there now that there's no table on which to stack them. Here's hoping for enough room to organize this stuff in the new house!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Day 353: Aug. 23, 2008
Bud and I escorted our neighbor Mark on his first poker run today. The proceeds from the run will benefit children with special needs, which is an even more important cause to us these days because of Lance.
It didn't rain. That's the good news. In fact, it was pretty much the complete opposite of rain -- hot! Temperatures in the mid-90s.
So when we drew our final cards and decided none of us probably would win either highest or lowest hand, we called it quits without riding the final leg of the run.
Maybe we would have won lots of door prizes at the last stop. We'll never know, but by the time we left, air conditioning was prize enough for us.
The photo is the medicine cabinets' first coat of paint Friday. (Mark took pictures today, but we didn't, not even with our phones.)
It didn't rain. That's the good news. In fact, it was pretty much the complete opposite of rain -- hot! Temperatures in the mid-90s.
So when we drew our final cards and decided none of us probably would win either highest or lowest hand, we called it quits without riding the final leg of the run.
Maybe we would have won lots of door prizes at the last stop. We'll never know, but by the time we left, air conditioning was prize enough for us.
The photo is the medicine cabinets' first coat of paint Friday. (Mark took pictures today, but we didn't, not even with our phones.)
Day 352: Aug. 22, 2008
See. Concrete. I told you.
The guys poured this morning. It was a hot and sweaty job, but they made it through. Bud said Gary and Jimmy liked this driver's mix and precision so much that they tipped him!
Now we have this slab for the side deck steps, one between and garage and the back of the deck, and one for the new central heating/air units.
The floors got their final coat of urethane this afternoon. Now all that remains for Chester is the thresholds.
Robert happened to stop by (as he does frequently), so he put a first coat of white paint on the medicine cabinets.
The misunderstanding of the day was pretty big. The marble shop crew stopped by to look at the downstairs vanity, and Chester apparently chased them away because he was ready to put down that final urethane!
Now they'll be back either Tuesday or Wednesday. Who needs plumbing anyway, right?
The guys poured this morning. It was a hot and sweaty job, but they made it through. Bud said Gary and Jimmy liked this driver's mix and precision so much that they tipped him!
Now we have this slab for the side deck steps, one between and garage and the back of the deck, and one for the new central heating/air units.
The floors got their final coat of urethane this afternoon. Now all that remains for Chester is the thresholds.
Robert happened to stop by (as he does frequently), so he put a first coat of white paint on the medicine cabinets.
The misunderstanding of the day was pretty big. The marble shop crew stopped by to look at the downstairs vanity, and Chester apparently chased them away because he was ready to put down that final urethane!
Now they'll be back either Tuesday or Wednesday. Who needs plumbing anyway, right?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Day 351: Aug. 21, 2008
OK, so I was two days ahead on my concrete estimate. The trucks are supposed to arrive tomorrow at 10 a.m. I swear.
We're dining room table-less right now. Bud and I loaded it up just before lunch, and he delivered to the same refinisher who did the front door.
Tomorrow, he's taking the sideboard and the chairs. So I get to choose new upholstery for the chair bottoms. That's one I hadn't anticipated, so I'm sort of excited. Yay!
Gary made the medicine cabinet doors today. Chester put another coat of sealant on the floors.
The shower-door guy finally called me back. He said they have installation scheduled for next week. At least the floors will be dry by then.
The marble shop repair crew is supposed to arrive between 1 and 4 pm. tomorrow. I really hope they don't have to take the top away, but I'm still not optimistic.
We're dining room table-less right now. Bud and I loaded it up just before lunch, and he delivered to the same refinisher who did the front door.
Tomorrow, he's taking the sideboard and the chairs. So I get to choose new upholstery for the chair bottoms. That's one I hadn't anticipated, so I'm sort of excited. Yay!
Gary made the medicine cabinet doors today. Chester put another coat of sealant on the floors.
The shower-door guy finally called me back. He said they have installation scheduled for next week. At least the floors will be dry by then.
The marble shop repair crew is supposed to arrive between 1 and 4 pm. tomorrow. I really hope they don't have to take the top away, but I'm still not optimistic.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Day 350: Aug. 20, 2008
My speculation was only a day off. Gary and Jimmy finished the forms today and are planning to pour concrete tomorrow.
Bud suggested a while back that we take two millstones that used to lie in the back yard (where the garage is now) and set them in the concrete walk from the driveway to the deck.
So there they are in the picture, ready to have concrete poured around them. The duct tape is to keep the concrete off their faces.
The first coat of sealant went on the floors today. When I talked to Jimmy this afternoon, he said Chester plans to do another tomorrow and the final coat Friday. That way, the house can be closed all weekend so the floors will have plenty of time to dry.
The marble shop guys didn't come back today to check the vanity top. They're now scheduled for Friday. When I cleaned the top this morning, I found a natural flaw, kind of a pit. So now I'm less confident they'll be able to repair it on site.
Bud suggested a while back that we take two millstones that used to lie in the back yard (where the garage is now) and set them in the concrete walk from the driveway to the deck.
So there they are in the picture, ready to have concrete poured around them. The duct tape is to keep the concrete off their faces.
The first coat of sealant went on the floors today. When I talked to Jimmy this afternoon, he said Chester plans to do another tomorrow and the final coat Friday. That way, the house can be closed all weekend so the floors will have plenty of time to dry.
The marble shop guys didn't come back today to check the vanity top. They're now scheduled for Friday. When I cleaned the top this morning, I found a natural flaw, kind of a pit. So now I'm less confident they'll be able to repair it on site.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Day 349: Aug. 19, 2008
Well, it's all floors, medicine cabinets and deck now, so get ready for the land of redundancy when it comes to photos.
First, the floors. Looks like everything's sanded, except the front stairs -- so we're a little confused about whether Chester thinks he's doing those. He told Bud this afternoon that the final coat of urethane (or whatever he's using) should go on Sunday or Monday.
The medicine cabinets just need doors and paint now.
Gary and Jimmy did some more deck work today. I only stopped by at lunch, but it seemed that they were working on the concrete forms again. Maybe they'll pour tomorrow. Maybe not. Just speculatin'.
Forgot to mention yesterday that when I pulled into the driveway at lunch, the car in front of me was someone from the PVA office. You'd think they could have waited 'til we were finished.
First, the floors. Looks like everything's sanded, except the front stairs -- so we're a little confused about whether Chester thinks he's doing those. He told Bud this afternoon that the final coat of urethane (or whatever he's using) should go on Sunday or Monday.
The medicine cabinets just need doors and paint now.
Gary and Jimmy did some more deck work today. I only stopped by at lunch, but it seemed that they were working on the concrete forms again. Maybe they'll pour tomorrow. Maybe not. Just speculatin'.
Forgot to mention yesterday that when I pulled into the driveway at lunch, the car in front of me was someone from the PVA office. You'd think they could have waited 'til we were finished.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Day 348: Aug. 18, 2008
Just as I was walking out the door for work this morning, "Money Talks" blasted from Bud's cell phone. It's the ringtone for Jimmy, who was clearing out the house because the floor guys were starting to sand this morning at 9.
So the end is nigh, I guess. Jimmy thinks it could take the rest of the week on the floors, then they'll need to dry.
After that, we've still got plumbing, medicine cabinets, final floor trim, some other trim, final painting (including the big hole in the wall where we ran the three-way wiring from the laundry room to the downstairs bath), those two windows that were the wrong size, installation of the air conditioning units. And probably some other stuff I've forgotten.
But it's amazing that the list takes up a paragraph instead of 300ish blog entries.
And, of course, there's still the deck. But that won't keep us from cleaning up and moving in.
So the end is nigh, I guess. Jimmy thinks it could take the rest of the week on the floors, then they'll need to dry.
After that, we've still got plumbing, medicine cabinets, final floor trim, some other trim, final painting (including the big hole in the wall where we ran the three-way wiring from the laundry room to the downstairs bath), those two windows that were the wrong size, installation of the air conditioning units. And probably some other stuff I've forgotten.
But it's amazing that the list takes up a paragraph instead of 300ish blog entries.
And, of course, there's still the deck. But that won't keep us from cleaning up and moving in.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Day 347: Aug. 17, 2008
Jelly day. Lots of work, but the results are tasty.
If we get many more grapes this year, we may try wine. I've never made it before, and Bud says he's accidentally made vinegar in the past. So that project might not turn out as well as the grape-flavored sugar gel we just finished.
Only one way to get experience, though.
If we get many more grapes this year, we may try wine. I've never made it before, and Bud says he's accidentally made vinegar in the past. So that project might not turn out as well as the grape-flavored sugar gel we just finished.
Only one way to get experience, though.
Day 346: Aug. 16, 2008
So, the photo is the long-awaited closet island countertop -- with one drawer of the island slightly open for some reason. We're already not closing drawers. What's new?
Bud and I joined the fam at the farm today to celebrate the birthdays of Dad and Bill, Linda's husband. The big news was that Bill's son, Chris, bought a motorcycle Thursday.
At the house, Gary worked on the medicine cabinets a little more. He also installed the knobs on the French doors and the downstairs linen closet.
At home, Bud picked grapes and I did laundry. There's jelly in our future.
Bud and I joined the fam at the farm today to celebrate the birthdays of Dad and Bill, Linda's husband. The big news was that Bill's son, Chris, bought a motorcycle Thursday.
At the house, Gary worked on the medicine cabinets a little more. He also installed the knobs on the French doors and the downstairs linen closet.
At home, Bud picked grapes and I did laundry. There's jelly in our future.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Day 345: Aug. 15, 2008
Finally. The vanity tops. (And the closet island top.)
They look great! The only problem is a scratch on the downstairs vanity. In this picture, it's toward the front and to the left of the sink opening -- maybe about where the sawdust is disturbed.
I called Michelle, and she says the installers will be back Wednesday to determine whether it can be polished out or whether they'll have to bring a whole new top.
Bud mowed and trimmed our many yards today. He also dropped off his motorcycle for new tires.
More replacement windows went in. Turns out the last two, the ones for the laundry room, are too big. We hope they can get the right sizes to us quickly.
They look great! The only problem is a scratch on the downstairs vanity. In this picture, it's toward the front and to the left of the sink opening -- maybe about where the sawdust is disturbed.
I called Michelle, and she says the installers will be back Wednesday to determine whether it can be polished out or whether they'll have to bring a whole new top.
Bud mowed and trimmed our many yards today. He also dropped off his motorcycle for new tires.
More replacement windows went in. Turns out the last two, the ones for the laundry room, are too big. We hope they can get the right sizes to us quickly.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Day 344: Aug. 14, 2008
More replacement windows.
I think that's pretty much it today. I didn't get by the house while Gary and Jimmy were there, and Bud didn't either.
Michelle from the marble shop called tonight to let us know we're first on the delivery schedule tomorrow. Woohoo!
I think that's pretty much it today. I didn't get by the house while Gary and Jimmy were there, and Bud didn't either.
Michelle from the marble shop called tonight to let us know we're first on the delivery schedule tomorrow. Woohoo!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Day 343: Aug. 13, 2008
Gary and Jimmy installed replacement windows today, and the vinyl siding guys went right behind them replacing trim.
Bud and I picked up the newly resized glass shelves. They came from the same place that's providing our shower doors, so we asked about those while we were there. The shower door guy wasn't in though, so I'll try to remember to call him tomorrow.
Countdown to vanity tops: T-36 hours (or so).
Bud and I picked up the newly resized glass shelves. They came from the same place that's providing our shower doors, so we asked about those while we were there. The shower door guy wasn't in though, so I'll try to remember to call him tomorrow.
Countdown to vanity tops: T-36 hours (or so).
Day 342: Aug. 12, 2008
Gary and Jimmy built most of forms that will hold the concrete at the base of the deck columns.
The towel racks and other bath accessories arrived -- except for the towel rings, which are on back order, according to the invoice. (That's the first I'd heard of that news!)
Bud visited the Corvette assembly plant this morning. He managed to find the only ZR1 currently being built in whole plant, which made him happy.
It was Tuesday, so I worked a lot.
The towel racks and other bath accessories arrived -- except for the towel rings, which are on back order, according to the invoice. (That's the first I'd heard of that news!)
Bud visited the Corvette assembly plant this morning. He managed to find the only ZR1 currently being built in whole plant, which made him happy.
It was Tuesday, so I worked a lot.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Day 341: Aug. 11, 2008
Things seemed a little slow around the house today.
Jesse installed the range hood. Set on the highest level, the fan on that thing could cause a tornado!
Gary started building the medicine cabinets. Turns out the size he gave us for the glass shelves was too long, so Bud took those back this afternoon to be trimmed a bit.
Jimmy wasn't there. Not sure why.
UPS delivered the knobs for the linen closet while I was home for lunch. And when I looked around the house this evening, I saw that the knobs for the doors between the kitchen and the rest of the house have arrived too. (None of either are installed yet.)
Bud went on his third Patriot Guard mission this morning, the funeral of another Vietnam veteran.
Jesse installed the range hood. Set on the highest level, the fan on that thing could cause a tornado!
Gary started building the medicine cabinets. Turns out the size he gave us for the glass shelves was too long, so Bud took those back this afternoon to be trimmed a bit.
Jimmy wasn't there. Not sure why.
UPS delivered the knobs for the linen closet while I was home for lunch. And when I looked around the house this evening, I saw that the knobs for the doors between the kitchen and the rest of the house have arrived too. (None of either are installed yet.)
Bud went on his third Patriot Guard mission this morning, the funeral of another Vietnam veteran.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Day 339-340: Aug. 9-10, 2008
Not much in the way of house news this weekend. Gary said he was going to work on the medicine cabinets, but we saw that the mirror and glass shelves were still in the garage, so we don't think that actually happened.
Bud suggested a couple of weeks ago that we join the Patriot Guard. This weekend was our first opportunity to go on a ride with them.
And we started big, by doing rides both days. The first was a service for a World War II veteran whose remains had sat unclaimed in a funeral home for 15 years. The second was the funeral of a Vietnam Veteran and fellow Patriot Guard rider.
Although we took the camera, we were so busy trying to figure out the routine that we (surprise!) didn't remember to take photos. And actually, on the second day, I didn't even realize we still had the camera in Bud's bag.
I'm sending good thoughts to Lance, who underwent a minor outpatient surgery Friday (unrelated to his spina bifida), and to Brian and Janie, who are doing everything they can to keep little Eliza Jane from making her debut a bit too early.
Bud suggested a couple of weeks ago that we join the Patriot Guard. This weekend was our first opportunity to go on a ride with them.
And we started big, by doing rides both days. The first was a service for a World War II veteran whose remains had sat unclaimed in a funeral home for 15 years. The second was the funeral of a Vietnam Veteran and fellow Patriot Guard rider.
Although we took the camera, we were so busy trying to figure out the routine that we (surprise!) didn't remember to take photos. And actually, on the second day, I didn't even realize we still had the camera in Bud's bag.
I'm sending good thoughts to Lance, who underwent a minor outpatient surgery Friday (unrelated to his spina bifida), and to Brian and Janie, who are doing everything they can to keep little Eliza Jane from making her debut a bit too early.
Day 338: Aug. 8, 2008
As we hoped, the return of the front door was cause for celebration. It's beautiful! Such an improvement from the flaking white paint.
Bud, Gary and Jimmy put it back on the hinges without incident -- which relieved us all, especially Bud, who was certain the glass (original and beveled!) would get broken even before he delivered it safely to the house.
If Lowe's isn't turning a nice profit, it's not our fault. This time Bud and I contributed to the bottom line by purchasing a custom size storm door -- 42 inches by 84 inches -- to protect our latest pride and joy.
Gary and Jimmy re-installed the downstairs linen closet doors. Depending on what else goes on this week, their picture may make the blog yet.
Bud, Gary and Jimmy put it back on the hinges without incident -- which relieved us all, especially Bud, who was certain the glass (original and beveled!) would get broken even before he delivered it safely to the house.
If Lowe's isn't turning a nice profit, it's not our fault. This time Bud and I contributed to the bottom line by purchasing a custom size storm door -- 42 inches by 84 inches -- to protect our latest pride and joy.
Gary and Jimmy re-installed the downstairs linen closet doors. Depending on what else goes on this week, their picture may make the blog yet.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Day 337: Aug. 7, 2008
Bud, Gary and Jimmy added steps and landings to the back deck stairs today.
If you knew how uneasy heights make me, you'd understand why this photo isn't so great. Hanging onto a post at the edge of the deck and holding the camera out as far as I can reach isn't my idea of a good time.
The front door is supposed to return tomorrow. I'm eager to see it installed because I'm having a tough time picturing the house with an oak-colored door. I'm just so accustomed to seeing the white.
No news is probably bad news when it comes to the vanities. I'm guessing since I haven't heard anything more from the marble shop, that means the tops won't ready any earlier than the end of next week -- even though our designer was supposed to give me a call either way.
If you knew how uneasy heights make me, you'd understand why this photo isn't so great. Hanging onto a post at the edge of the deck and holding the camera out as far as I can reach isn't my idea of a good time.
The front door is supposed to return tomorrow. I'm eager to see it installed because I'm having a tough time picturing the house with an oak-colored door. I'm just so accustomed to seeing the white.
No news is probably bad news when it comes to the vanities. I'm guessing since I haven't heard anything more from the marble shop, that means the tops won't ready any earlier than the end of next week -- even though our designer was supposed to give me a call either way.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Day 336: Aug. 6, 2008
I spent the day being called on way too much during an InDesign/Photoshop seminar. Fortunately, Bud and the guys have something more than a headache to show for their work.
You can see their big progress in the photo. All I managed to do housewise was confirm that the vanity tops actually won't arrive for a week and a half. Not exactly a premium contribution.
(And, for the record, the seminar wasn't bad. It's just that every time I attend one with this particular lecturer, I end up as the unwilling teacher's pet. No chance to relax because as soon as my mind wanders slightly, I'm supposed to be answering another question. Way to stress up an otherwise fun and useful session.)
You can see their big progress in the photo. All I managed to do housewise was confirm that the vanity tops actually won't arrive for a week and a half. Not exactly a premium contribution.
(And, for the record, the seminar wasn't bad. It's just that every time I attend one with this particular lecturer, I end up as the unwilling teacher's pet. No chance to relax because as soon as my mind wanders slightly, I'm supposed to be answering another question. Way to stress up an otherwise fun and useful session.)
Day 335: Aug. 5, 2008
Well, I took a picture of the linen closet doors, but I haven't uploaded it. So instead of that, you get nothing!
Gary, Jimmy and Bud started working on the deck's other set of steps today. They didn't get far before a big batch of rain and wind wrapped the day.
In even slower news, Jimmy said the marble place now says the vanity tops won't be delivered for two weeks!
Gary, Jimmy and Bud started working on the deck's other set of steps today. They didn't get far before a big batch of rain and wind wrapped the day.
In even slower news, Jimmy said the marble place now says the vanity tops won't be delivered for two weeks!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Day 334: Aug. 4, 2008
It's hard to know what to photograph these days. Mostly, the changes are so minor that they're hard to show you.
Gary and Jimmy continued trim-type work inside today, and the painters seemed to be following right behind them. So rather than take another picture of the back stairs, this time fully painted and sporting quarter-round molding, I shot Jesse's deck wiring from several days ago.
Prepare yourself. If the vanity tops don't arrive tomorrow, you'll probably get another shot of the linen closet doors. Can you stand it?
Gary and Jimmy continued trim-type work inside today, and the painters seemed to be following right behind them. So rather than take another picture of the back stairs, this time fully painted and sporting quarter-round molding, I shot Jesse's deck wiring from several days ago.
Prepare yourself. If the vanity tops don't arrive tomorrow, you'll probably get another shot of the linen closet doors. Can you stand it?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Days 332-333: Aug. 2-3, 2008
We made a quick trip this weekend to see Jamie and Allyson and to deliver Jamie's birthday gifts. With so much time on the road, we didn't get an extended visit, but we enjoyed their company during dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning before we set sail for home.
On the way up, we stopped at a couple of Harley dealerships and took a brief detour when we passed Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland. We hiked up to the falls, which looked pretty dry compared to the photo on the informational marker nearby.
After we got home Sunday night, we measured at the house so we could order bath accessories (towel rings, etc.). And because those are coming from Rejuvenation, we also threw a few reproduction push-button light switches on the order.
On the way up, we stopped at a couple of Harley dealerships and took a brief detour when we passed Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland. We hiked up to the falls, which looked pretty dry compared to the photo on the informational marker nearby.
After we got home Sunday night, we measured at the house so we could order bath accessories (towel rings, etc.). And because those are coming from Rejuvenation, we also threw a few reproduction push-button light switches on the order.
Days 330-331: July 31-Aug. 1, 2008
We finished up the week with detail work, which seems to be pretty time-consuming but gives us little to report. Trimming, painting, switching interior doors around.
On Friday afternoon, Bud and I checked on the front door, which had been stripped of its white paint. (Why didn't I remember to take the camera?!) The peeling coats of paint were hiding the places that had been filled as locks and knobs were replaced over the past 100 years. Some knicks had been filled with plaster.
The furniture restorer said he's dealt with all of that before -- and the other pieces in his shop were beautiful, so we have lots of faith in him. The door's supposed to finished Wednesday. We can hardly wait!
On Friday afternoon, Bud and I checked on the front door, which had been stripped of its white paint. (Why didn't I remember to take the camera?!) The peeling coats of paint were hiding the places that had been filled as locks and knobs were replaced over the past 100 years. Some knicks had been filled with plaster.
The furniture restorer said he's dealt with all of that before -- and the other pieces in his shop were beautiful, so we have lots of faith in him. The door's supposed to finished Wednesday. We can hardly wait!
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