As you can see, we now have a door on the new part of the basement.
Gary and Jimmy also installed the washer and dryer -- at which point Bud discovered that we were missing one of the adjustable feet on the dryer. So he went to Lowe's and was able to come right back with one!
The painters were at work on the front porch today, so it's nice and crisp white. Harold Wayne is supposed to be back next week to install the tile out there.
The gutterers hope be here Thursday, and I'm sure I'm hoping harder than they are. I might cry if we have to let another weekend pass without being able to start moving in!
Tomorrow could be exciting. The post caps for the columns should be in. (Can't believe it's already been three weeks since we ordered those.) Kathy is scheduled to do her first round of cleaning upstairs.
And the dining room table is refinished and ready to be picked up. I'm not sure where we'll put it -- too bad we're not finished with the final inspection -- but I'm excited to see it!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Day 390: Sept. 29, 2008
Using 197 blocks, Bud, Gary and Jimmy built the retaining wall under the deck today.
Meanwhile, Jesse passed the final electrical inspection.
Now all that's left is the overall final inspection. Before we can get that, Gary and Jimmy have put an entry door on the area under the great room. Gary has some quarter-round molding to install in the house. And the gutter subcontractors have to do their thing.
Please let all of that, including the inspection, be finished by the end of the week!
Meanwhile, Jesse passed the final electrical inspection.
Now all that's left is the overall final inspection. Before we can get that, Gary and Jimmy have put an entry door on the area under the great room. Gary has some quarter-round molding to install in the house. And the gutter subcontractors have to do their thing.
Please let all of that, including the inspection, be finished by the end of the week!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Day 389: Sept. 28, 2008
Nothing to report, except that the Raiders are actually winning at the moment.
The photo, from several days ago, is another of the wild cats from our back yard. This one we may call "Leaf." (Can't do the spelled-like-a-name "Leif" because that's pronounced layf, right?)
Anyway, before this picture, we had a lengthy discussion about whether that thing lying by the tree was a cat or a pile of leaves. I voted leaves.
The photo, from several days ago, is another of the wild cats from our back yard. This one we may call "Leaf." (Can't do the spelled-like-a-name "Leif" because that's pronounced layf, right?)
Anyway, before this picture, we had a lengthy discussion about whether that thing lying by the tree was a cat or a pile of leaves. I voted leaves.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Day 388: Sept. 27, 2008
After a relaxing morning and an afternoon ride, we're watching Kentucky overpower Western Kentucky. Yay.
Nothing to report housewise, except that everything seems undisturbed despite a lot of extra foot traffic nearby because a festival downtown this weekend.
The picture is the steps that will lead to the under-deck patio from just outside the garage entry door. We didn't get them from our usual materials supplier because their only set was chipped on one corner.
So Bud had to go out of town to find these last week, and when he got back, the guys discovered that the steps are so heavy and unwieldy that manpower alone (even though we had a lot of it) wasn't enough to get them unloaded from the back of his truck.
Our usual supplier was nice enough to send a forklift over to save the day (also probably saving Bud, Jimmy, Gary and the painters from serious injury).
Nothing to report housewise, except that everything seems undisturbed despite a lot of extra foot traffic nearby because a festival downtown this weekend.
The picture is the steps that will lead to the under-deck patio from just outside the garage entry door. We didn't get them from our usual materials supplier because their only set was chipped on one corner.
So Bud had to go out of town to find these last week, and when he got back, the guys discovered that the steps are so heavy and unwieldy that manpower alone (even though we had a lot of it) wasn't enough to get them unloaded from the back of his truck.
Our usual supplier was nice enough to send a forklift over to save the day (also probably saving Bud, Jimmy, Gary and the painters from serious injury).
Friday, September 26, 2008
Day 387: Sept. 26, 2008
Painting and deck stuff. Other miscellaneous things, like the guys hung the mirror in the closet room.
Now that the great-room floor has dried, it turns out that the spot is still there. So it looks like Chester's coming back again.
The picture is the blocks that will form a retaining wall around the patio under the deck. That's on the agenda for next week.
Now that the great-room floor has dried, it turns out that the spot is still there. So it looks like Chester's coming back again.
The picture is the blocks that will form a retaining wall around the patio under the deck. That's on the agenda for next week.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Day 386: Sept. 25, 2008
Bud picked up some pre-cast concrete steps for the patio under the deck today. Gary and Jimmy continued deck work.
Two of the painters stayed at work staining the underside of the deck, while Robert painted and caulked the half-moon attic window.
Chester stopped by in the afternoon and refinished the great room floor. Jesse checked all the wiring in the kitchen.
Bud and I walked through a house a couple of doors down that will be auctioned next weekend. A couple of owners ago, it belonged to his other grandparents, his mother's parents.
Two of the painters stayed at work staining the underside of the deck, while Robert painted and caulked the half-moon attic window.
Chester stopped by in the afternoon and refinished the great room floor. Jesse checked all the wiring in the kitchen.
Bud and I walked through a house a couple of doors down that will be auctioned next weekend. A couple of owners ago, it belonged to his other grandparents, his mother's parents.
Day 385: Sept. 24, 2008
We now have all three central units -- the original one, which controls the original furnace and the temperature in the first floor of the old part of the house; a new one to control the entire upstairs; and a second new one to control the addition. Here's hoping they're all very efficient.
Jesse is supposed to return Thursday to do the electrical part, so it's possible that we'll have air conditioning by tomorrow afternoon.
I chose a fabric and ordered the window seat for the closet room. It should be ready in a couple of weeks at most, I think.
Chester, the floor guy, apparently made it back yesterday afternoon. He installed the thresholds, which look good -- although we may need to do a little something to even up the one between the original house and the kitchen.
He also took a shot at fixing the pool of urethane in the living room. That didn't work out so well, so he's going to come back and reseal the whole floor.
Jesse is supposed to return Thursday to do the electrical part, so it's possible that we'll have air conditioning by tomorrow afternoon.
I chose a fabric and ordered the window seat for the closet room. It should be ready in a couple of weeks at most, I think.
Chester, the floor guy, apparently made it back yesterday afternoon. He installed the thresholds, which look good -- although we may need to do a little something to even up the one between the original house and the kitchen.
He also took a shot at fixing the pool of urethane in the living room. That didn't work out so well, so he's going to come back and reseal the whole floor.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Day 384: Sept. 23, 2008
More staining. More railings. One of the central air/heating units is finally in place! One more to go.
Bud and I ended up behind Jimmy in a drive-thru line at lunch. When we got to the pick-up window, Jimmy already had paid for our lunch. So nice. (But sneaky!)
Bud and I ended up behind Jimmy in a drive-thru line at lunch. When we got to the pick-up window, Jimmy already had paid for our lunch. So nice. (But sneaky!)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Day 383: Sept. 22, 2008
Don, a friend of Bud's, died last night in a motorcycle accident. He was driving down a four-lane highway, and a car pulled out of a gas station and into his path. From the looks of things, he never had time to react.
We didn't see Don often, but ironically, we'd just run into him a couple of times recently. He was on both the poker runs I wrote about over the past few weeks, and he actually helped organize the one that benefited the animal rescue. He was a good guy.
At the house, Gary and Jimmy put up more railing, and the painters continued to stain the deck. Bud used caulk to seal the backs of the lighting fixtures on the deck stairs. "Looks like the circus came to town," Bud said the first time we saw all the light leaking from the underside of the steps.
One of the electrician's helpers stopped by and apparently fixed the power to the dishwasher. But when I tried to test it, it didn't fill with water. Sigh. Back to the drawing board.
We didn't see Don often, but ironically, we'd just run into him a couple of times recently. He was on both the poker runs I wrote about over the past few weeks, and he actually helped organize the one that benefited the animal rescue. He was a good guy.
At the house, Gary and Jimmy put up more railing, and the painters continued to stain the deck. Bud used caulk to seal the backs of the lighting fixtures on the deck stairs. "Looks like the circus came to town," Bud said the first time we saw all the light leaking from the underside of the steps.
One of the electrician's helpers stopped by and apparently fixed the power to the dishwasher. But when I tried to test it, it didn't fill with water. Sigh. Back to the drawing board.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Day 382: Sept. 21, 2008
Most of the day, Bud and I cleaned up the house and yard. We hope the remaining subcontractors will take the hint and begin to treat the place like a home instead of a construction site.
I had planned to give the dishwasher a whirl, just to make sure it works correctly, but I guess it won't have power until Jesse comes back to finish up the electric.
I had planned to give the dishwasher a whirl, just to make sure it works correctly, but I guess it won't have power until Jesse comes back to finish up the electric.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Day 381: Sept. 20, 2008
At the house this morning, Bud removed the construction trash from the front yard. I took the pot rack that I'd almost forgotten from the garage to the kitchen, so the guys don't forget to hang it.
This afternoon, we rode the motorcycles to a fall festival, a trip that included a ferry ride we usually try to do a couple of times a year.
Nice day, nice ride. It was a good way to find some time to contemplate the happiness in Kirby's life, rather than dwelling on the sadness of the past few days.
This afternoon, we rode the motorcycles to a fall festival, a trip that included a ferry ride we usually try to do a couple of times a year.
Nice day, nice ride. It was a good way to find some time to contemplate the happiness in Kirby's life, rather than dwelling on the sadness of the past few days.
Day 380: Sept. 19, 2008
Gary and Jimmy finished the replacement railings on the front porch this morning and started on the deck railings.
The siding guys finished putting up the shutters. The painters were touching up everything they could find.
Bud suggested a weekend trip, in our usual get-out-town-to-take-your-mind-off-the-bad-news style. But both of us slept so little Thursday night that we weren't up to trying to hit the road Friday after work. So we went out for sushi instead.
The siding guys finished putting up the shutters. The painters were touching up everything they could find.
Bud suggested a weekend trip, in our usual get-out-town-to-take-your-mind-off-the-bad-news style. But both of us slept so little Thursday night that we weren't up to trying to hit the road Friday after work. So we went out for sushi instead.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Day 379: Sept. 18, 2008
Gary and Jimmy have been building the lower posts and railings for the front porch this week. They're not quite finished, but you wouldn't believe the things they've had to do to match the sizes on the original porch railing!
We have pictures of a baby Bud standing on one of the lower posts that used to be there. His dad removed them -- Bud guesses because keeping them painted became too much trouble -- but we love the way they looked, so we're putting them back.
Robert, the painter, has started putting sealer on the deck. The plumber came back today and fixed the smelly water problem, which was a relief. We're not sure what's become of the HVAC guys, but they're not finished yet.
The new shutters starting going up today. I didn't look carefully enough to see if they're all installed yet.
I forgot to mention in Tuesday's post that I called Bryan again to try to get an estimate on when he'll be back. He says four weeks. Guess we won't be truly in for at least a month, huh?
We have pictures of a baby Bud standing on one of the lower posts that used to be there. His dad removed them -- Bud guesses because keeping them painted became too much trouble -- but we love the way they looked, so we're putting them back.
Robert, the painter, has started putting sealer on the deck. The plumber came back today and fixed the smelly water problem, which was a relief. We're not sure what's become of the HVAC guys, but they're not finished yet.
The new shutters starting going up today. I didn't look carefully enough to see if they're all installed yet.
I forgot to mention in Tuesday's post that I called Bryan again to try to get an estimate on when he'll be back. He says four weeks. Guess we won't be truly in for at least a month, huh?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Day 378: Sept. 17, 2008
We said goodbye to Kirby today.
Fourteen is up there for a dog, and she had been showing her age lately. She was getting thinner and thinner, didn't want to eat, could hardly see a thing.
It wasn't easy to accept those changes in Kirby. I chose her from the animal shelter for my birthday in 1996, when she was 2 and I was 24. We went through a lot together, and I continued to think of her as a young girl. (I know she wouldn't appreciate being just a couple of blog posts away from a cat!)
This morning, she was so weak she couldn't stand. After I spent some time snuggling her and talking with her, we took her to the vet and sent her to Rainbow Bridge.
She's buried in a nice shady spot under a couple of trees in our new back yard, where we can visit her often and remind her what a good girl she is.
Fourteen is up there for a dog, and she had been showing her age lately. She was getting thinner and thinner, didn't want to eat, could hardly see a thing.
It wasn't easy to accept those changes in Kirby. I chose her from the animal shelter for my birthday in 1996, when she was 2 and I was 24. We went through a lot together, and I continued to think of her as a young girl. (I know she wouldn't appreciate being just a couple of blog posts away from a cat!)
This morning, she was so weak she couldn't stand. After I spent some time snuggling her and talking with her, we took her to the vet and sent her to Rainbow Bridge.
She's buried in a nice shady spot under a couple of trees in our new back yard, where we can visit her often and remind her what a good girl she is.
Day 377: Sept. 16, 2008
Gary and Jimmy continued replacing trim. When there wasn't enough old trim leftover to surround the door from the hall to the downstairs bathroom, Bud took Gary to a new source, the second floor of the building where my office is located.
Decades ago, Bud's dad was the owner and publisher of the newspaper where I work now. (Bud's grandfather bought it in 1921.) Bud's dad and Bud's aunt sold the paper to a newspaper group in the early 1970s, but they still owned the building -- so we own it now.
Above the newspaper office were several more office spaces, including Bud's grandmother's hat shop -- where Bud and Gary found trim very similar to what's in our house.
It's not easy to see in this picture, but C.E. Bond, the guy who built our house near the turn of the century, signed the back of this trim piece, which Bud and Gary borrowed from the office for our bathroom door!
Decades ago, Bud's dad was the owner and publisher of the newspaper where I work now. (Bud's grandfather bought it in 1921.) Bud's dad and Bud's aunt sold the paper to a newspaper group in the early 1970s, but they still owned the building -- so we own it now.
Above the newspaper office were several more office spaces, including Bud's grandmother's hat shop -- where Bud and Gary found trim very similar to what's in our house.
It's not easy to see in this picture, but C.E. Bond, the guy who built our house near the turn of the century, signed the back of this trim piece, which Bud and Gary borrowed from the office for our bathroom door!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Day 376: Sept. 15, 2008
While Bud made sawdust of the fallen trees today, one of the wild cats that roams through our yard kept him company.
When we stopped by the house in the winter, we even saw her lying on the front porch a couple of times. We just call her “the gray one.” LOL. We probably can do better.
Jimmy was sick today, but Gary worked on trim. We chose a color to stain the deck (dark brown), and Bud thinks the siding guys may have finished up the columns.
The HVAC guys are supposed to place the central heating/air units tomorrow. I'm not sure whether the plumber ever reported in today.
Still no word from Bryan on when he thinks his guys will be back to fix the cabinets. Guess I'll call him again tomorrow.
When we stopped by the house in the winter, we even saw her lying on the front porch a couple of times. We just call her “the gray one.” LOL. We probably can do better.
Jimmy was sick today, but Gary worked on trim. We chose a color to stain the deck (dark brown), and Bud thinks the siding guys may have finished up the columns.
The HVAC guys are supposed to place the central heating/air units tomorrow. I'm not sure whether the plumber ever reported in today.
Still no word from Bryan on when he thinks his guys will be back to fix the cabinets. Guess I'll call him again tomorrow.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Day 375: Sept. 14, 2008
Some of the remnants of Hurricane Ike arrived today, which made for an adventurous motorcycle ride to breakfast. Gusty winds have a tendency to move you in directions you weren't expecting.
This evening, we found that we had lost one tree in the back lot -- but only because part of a neighbor's tree fell on it.
In disgusting house news, I cleaned the downstairs toilet, which someone had used before the plumbing was ready. Blech. We also started working on the dirty tub, but we had to cut it short when I accidentally turned on the hot water. Long story.
Just before we started the remodel last year, we discovered that the hot water had developed a horrible sulfury smell. Last week when I cleaned the sinks, I noticed that it's still there. The plumber's supposed to be back Monday to troubleshoot.
Here's hoping the HVAC guys are there Monday too, as scheduled. Nothing would help us more than some air conditioning!
The photo is the deck at night, by the way.
This evening, we found that we had lost one tree in the back lot -- but only because part of a neighbor's tree fell on it.
In disgusting house news, I cleaned the downstairs toilet, which someone had used before the plumbing was ready. Blech. We also started working on the dirty tub, but we had to cut it short when I accidentally turned on the hot water. Long story.
Just before we started the remodel last year, we discovered that the hot water had developed a horrible sulfury smell. Last week when I cleaned the sinks, I noticed that it's still there. The plumber's supposed to be back Monday to troubleshoot.
Here's hoping the HVAC guys are there Monday too, as scheduled. Nothing would help us more than some air conditioning!
The photo is the deck at night, by the way.
Day 374: Sept. 13, 2008
When we got home from the volleyball game Friday night, we were greeted by lights on the deck steps. Hooray!
We did part of a poker run today to benefit a local animal rescue program. It started late, and we had an appointment with the interior-shutter measurement guy, so we only made it to the first stop before we headed home.
Speaking of measuring for plantation shutters -- wow, that was a hot couple of hours! But we have our order forms now, which we're supposed to take to Lowe's on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.
The shutters should arrive in four to six weeks -- either at the installer's warehouse or, more conveniently, at our house, depending on whether the company will agree to ship them to us.
Happy anniversary to Linda and Bill! If I'm counting correctly, this makes 23 years!
We did part of a poker run today to benefit a local animal rescue program. It started late, and we had an appointment with the interior-shutter measurement guy, so we only made it to the first stop before we headed home.
Speaking of measuring for plantation shutters -- wow, that was a hot couple of hours! But we have our order forms now, which we're supposed to take to Lowe's on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.
The shutters should arrive in four to six weeks -- either at the installer's warehouse or, more conveniently, at our house, depending on whether the company will agree to ship them to us.
Happy anniversary to Linda and Bill! If I'm counting correctly, this makes 23 years!
Day 373: Sept. 12, 2008
Lots of inside stuff going on today. Most important, the medicine cabinets are finally installed! They look great, and the mirrors are huge! (The picture is the downstairs bathroom -- with the back stairs reflected in the mirror.)
The other bath accessories went up too -- towel racks and rings, robe hooks, toilet paper holders. And the rest of the doorstops found their homes also.
Outside, siding is still going up. We chose exterior shutters Thursday. Actually not much of a choice -- we just went with exact replacements for what's already there and decided how many more to add.
In an exceptionally warm Memorial Coliseum, we watched the Kentucky volleyball team defeat Indiana. We'd love to go back if someone could find the thermostat.
The other bath accessories went up too -- towel racks and rings, robe hooks, toilet paper holders. And the rest of the doorstops found their homes also.
Outside, siding is still going up. We chose exterior shutters Thursday. Actually not much of a choice -- we just went with exact replacements for what's already there and decided how many more to add.
In an exceptionally warm Memorial Coliseum, we watched the Kentucky volleyball team defeat Indiana. We'd love to go back if someone could find the thermostat.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Day 372: Sept. 11, 2008
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, dear Laura.
Happy birthday to you!
For Laura's birthday, I got to see her! And Lance. And even Louis.
Gary, Jimmy and Bud installed the light fixtures on the steps. Jesse hasn't been back to wire them, but we're all really excited to see them lighted.
I think I forgot to mention that we passed our final plumbing inspection Tuesday. Not quite ready for the electrical yet, though.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, dear Laura.
Happy birthday to you!
For Laura's birthday, I got to see her! And Lance. And even Louis.
Gary, Jimmy and Bud installed the light fixtures on the steps. Jesse hasn't been back to wire them, but we're all really excited to see them lighted.
I think I forgot to mention that we passed our final plumbing inspection Tuesday. Not quite ready for the electrical yet, though.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Day 371: Sept. 10, 2008
Gary and Jimmy installed the storm door today. Not an easy job, apparently. But it's finished, and it looks great.
While they were slaving over the door, Bud and I slogged through another errand day.
We visited two block places to find capstones for the deck columns. After all that driving, we ordered from the first place we had been. The stones won't be in for three weeks.
While we were close, we stopped by Lowe's because the representative who's supposed to measure for our plantation shutters hadn't called yet. We talked to him this afternoon and made an appointment for Saturday afternoon.
The electrician's helper worked on the deck lights late in the afternoon. Looks like he finished a few.
I cleaned out the sinks when I stopped by the house this evening for photos. The tub is so covered in dust and dirt that I think we should vacuum it before I turn on the water!
While they were slaving over the door, Bud and I slogged through another errand day.
We visited two block places to find capstones for the deck columns. After all that driving, we ordered from the first place we had been. The stones won't be in for three weeks.
While we were close, we stopped by Lowe's because the representative who's supposed to measure for our plantation shutters hadn't called yet. We talked to him this afternoon and made an appointment for Saturday afternoon.
The electrician's helper worked on the deck lights late in the afternoon. Looks like he finished a few.
I cleaned out the sinks when I stopped by the house this evening for photos. The tub is so covered in dust and dirt that I think we should vacuum it before I turn on the water!
Day 370: Sept. 9, 2008
Gary and Jimmy put one of the medicine cabinets together this afternoon. You can just see the corner of the other cabinet door in this photo -- it's not attached to the rest of the cabinet yet.
They also replaced some warped deck boards and cut holes for the lighting fixtures on the garage-side steps.
Bryan stopped by today and agreed to fix the too-shallow area around the refrigerator.
He'll also replace the panels and trim that surround the wall oven -- because that area is connected to the refrigerator compartment by the arch over the French doors (which means that the beadboard on the ceiling between the arch and the wall will have to be replaced with bigger panels too).
Such a mound of rework! Now you know why I was so stressed.
They also replaced some warped deck boards and cut holes for the lighting fixtures on the garage-side steps.
Bryan stopped by today and agreed to fix the too-shallow area around the refrigerator.
He'll also replace the panels and trim that surround the wall oven -- because that area is connected to the refrigerator compartment by the arch over the French doors (which means that the beadboard on the ceiling between the arch and the wall will have to be replaced with bigger panels too).
Such a mound of rework! Now you know why I was so stressed.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Day 369: Sept. 8, 2008
Gary and Jimmy continued to work on the holes for light fixtures on the deck steps. They also tried a few post caps on for size.
Robert, the painter, is out of town this week, but he'll stain the deck when he gets back.
The guys also installed the laundry room windows, which were the right size this time. That's it for windows. So at least something's finished. (Or at least we think it is. Is anything ever really finished on this project? Probably all the new windows will crack or fall out or something tomorrow.)
I called Bryan this morning. He and Billy, the lead cabinet installer, are supposed to stop by tomorrow morning.
Robert, the painter, is out of town this week, but he'll stain the deck when he gets back.
The guys also installed the laundry room windows, which were the right size this time. That's it for windows. So at least something's finished. (Or at least we think it is. Is anything ever really finished on this project? Probably all the new windows will crack or fall out or something tomorrow.)
I called Bryan this morning. He and Billy, the lead cabinet installer, are supposed to stop by tomorrow morning.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Day 368: Sept. 7, 2008
One of the Roman shades I ordered last week arrived Saturday, so we stopped by the house this afternoon to check the fit and color. The second size should arrive tomorrow, and the other two (which are the same two sizes in a different color) were on back order 'til later in the week.
That's it for excitement at the House of Naps today.
That's it for excitement at the House of Naps today.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Day 367: Sept. 6, 2008
Along with our neighbor Mark, we went on a poker run to benefit Kentucky's Healing Field, a memorial honoring military members who've died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The memorial, which features a flag and plaque for each person who is honored, was dedicated a little less than a year ago. This past spring, high winds destroyed almost all of the flagpoles. The run raised more than $9,000 to rebuild the memorial.
Bud and I had horrible poker hands, as usual -- although not bad enough to win "worst hand" honors. Mark got two pair, but that wasn't enough to score one of the two plaques for the best hands.
At our last stop before the run concluded, we watched the sky as the Goodyear blimp flew overhead. (It was much closer than it appears in this phone picture.) We wondered if it was going to the Kentucky game, but that's not exactly the direction it was headed.
The memorial, which features a flag and plaque for each person who is honored, was dedicated a little less than a year ago. This past spring, high winds destroyed almost all of the flagpoles. The run raised more than $9,000 to rebuild the memorial.
Bud and I had horrible poker hands, as usual -- although not bad enough to win "worst hand" honors. Mark got two pair, but that wasn't enough to score one of the two plaques for the best hands.
At our last stop before the run concluded, we watched the sky as the Goodyear blimp flew overhead. (It was much closer than it appears in this phone picture.) We wondered if it was going to the Kentucky game, but that's not exactly the direction it was headed.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Day 366: Sept. 5, 2008
lanceplays
Originally uploaded by budandmary
Not much to say about the house today. It rained this morning, and everyone went home.
Bryan e-mailed me with a couple of plans for fixing the kitchen. Bud and I are discussing what we want to try.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Day 365: Sept. 4, 2008
Welcome to one year! It would be fitting to report some big breakthough or exciting accomplishment for the day, but as you can probably guess, I have none.
Gary and Jimmy continued to work on the deck. They placed the fixtures for the lighting in the posts. They also cut the holes in the driveway-side steps for the lights that will go there.
Bud suggested tonight that we install lights in the garage-side steps too, so we visited a couple of Lowe's store and managed to scrounge up enough fixtures.
The replacement top for the downstairs vanity arrived today. I tried to look it over carefully before the installers left. I didn't see anything, but Bud found a tiny scratch after they were gone. I think we can live with that.
Still haven't heard back from Bryan. I left him a voicemail this morning.
Gary and Jimmy continued to work on the deck. They placed the fixtures for the lighting in the posts. They also cut the holes in the driveway-side steps for the lights that will go there.
Bud suggested tonight that we install lights in the garage-side steps too, so we visited a couple of Lowe's store and managed to scrounge up enough fixtures.
The replacement top for the downstairs vanity arrived today. I tried to look it over carefully before the installers left. I didn't see anything, but Bud found a tiny scratch after they were gone. I think we can live with that.
Still haven't heard back from Bryan. I left him a voicemail this morning.
Day 364: Sept. 3, 2008
More work on the deck today. Bud and I went back to Lowe's to request an appointment for measuring the windows where we've decided to put plantation shutters.
We also went to the dentist. Woo hoo. It was my first day back to work -- so I was glad to stay just half the day, even though the reason I left was to get my teeth cleaned.
The replacement vanity top is scheduled to arrive Thursday morning. No word from Bryan yet on a cabinet solution.
We also went to the dentist. Woo hoo. It was my first day back to work -- so I was glad to stay just half the day, even though the reason I left was to get my teeth cleaned.
The replacement vanity top is scheduled to arrive Thursday morning. No word from Bryan yet on a cabinet solution.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Day 363: Sept. 2, 2008
Gary and Jimmy said they can't recess the refrigerator into the wall for lots of reasons -- from the structure of the house beyond the wall to the fact that plumbing and electrical are already inside it.
So after we talked to them this morning, I called Bryan, who's supposed to call back with his possible solution.
We took care of some other house errands this afternoon.
We picked up the storm door from Lowe's and delivered it the garage. While Bud prepared the deck lights for the guys, I went back to Lowe's to return one of the lights that didn't have its lens cover.
We also picked up the bottoms to the dining room chairs from the refinishing place and took them to be reupholstered. While we were near Lowe's again, we checked on interior shutters.
Then we went back to the house, did some rough measuring on the windows and decided it's beyond ridiculously expensive to put the shutters on all of them. So we're thinking we'll do a combination of shutters and Roman shades.
Last step: Back to Lowe's to turn in our 'Measurement Estimate Request Worksheet,' so that someone will come take measurements. We have to take a piece of trim too so we can choose a paint color.
I already ordered a couple of different sizes and colors of shades for us to try.
Oh, almost forgot the picture. The siding subcontractors started working on the columns today.
So after we talked to them this morning, I called Bryan, who's supposed to call back with his possible solution.
We took care of some other house errands this afternoon.
We picked up the storm door from Lowe's and delivered it the garage. While Bud prepared the deck lights for the guys, I went back to Lowe's to return one of the lights that didn't have its lens cover.
We also picked up the bottoms to the dining room chairs from the refinishing place and took them to be reupholstered. While we were near Lowe's again, we checked on interior shutters.
Then we went back to the house, did some rough measuring on the windows and decided it's beyond ridiculously expensive to put the shutters on all of them. So we're thinking we'll do a combination of shutters and Roman shades.
Last step: Back to Lowe's to turn in our 'Measurement Estimate Request Worksheet,' so that someone will come take measurements. We have to take a piece of trim too so we can choose a paint color.
I already ordered a couple of different sizes and colors of shades for us to try.
Oh, almost forgot the picture. The siding subcontractors started working on the columns today.
Day 362: Sept. 1, 2008
So, about the refrigerator. See the picture? That's as far as it goes into the cabinetry! Not cool.
The whole thing sticks out about 8 inches. Part of that is the doors, which obviously need room to open. But more than 4 1/2 inches of it is refrigerator body! It looks awful.
I can't stand to be in the house right now because it makes me so mad!
The whole thing sticks out about 8 inches. Part of that is the doors, which obviously need room to open. But more than 4 1/2 inches of it is refrigerator body! It looks awful.
I can't stand to be in the house right now because it makes me so mad!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Day 361: Aug. 31, 2008
Time to head home. The trip around Chicago on I-294 may have been the worst part. I thought it would never end!
After a late lunch somewhere mid-Indiana, Bud's idle cable broke!
We were nervous the rest of the way home, each planning what we'd do if the throttle cable gave way too. (It's happened to him before. He coasted to a stop, and that was all she wrote.)
Luckily, we made it into the driveway with no further problems. After we unpacked, we delivered the bikes back to the other garage and took a few quick pictures of what happened while we were away.
As you can see, most of the columns for the deck are built. Inside, plumbing is started and lots of doorstops have been installed. There may be more to tell, but we were too tired to notice lots details.
One detail wasn't so great: the fit of the refrigerator into the cabinets.
After a late lunch somewhere mid-Indiana, Bud's idle cable broke!
We were nervous the rest of the way home, each planning what we'd do if the throttle cable gave way too. (It's happened to him before. He coasted to a stop, and that was all she wrote.)
Luckily, we made it into the driveway with no further problems. After we unpacked, we delivered the bikes back to the other garage and took a few quick pictures of what happened while we were away.
As you can see, most of the columns for the deck are built. Inside, plumbing is started and lots of doorstops have been installed. There may be more to tell, but we were too tired to notice lots details.
One detail wasn't so great: the fit of the refrigerator into the cabinets.
Day 360: Aug. 30, 2008
Bruuuuuuuuce! We concluded our trip with a Bruce Springsteen concert on the lakefront in Milwaukee. That was one crowded place!
Unfortunately, my camera-phone photos left so much to the imagination that they weren't even worth posting. For a set list, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Earlier in the day, we toured the Jelly Belly plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisc. It was really just a trip around the warehouse (see the photo), so we think all of the actual candy-making must take place in California.
We also zipped over to the Chicago Harley shop for a couple of shirts before napping briefly to get set for the concert.
As we pulled out of the parking lot after the concert, the police officer directing traffic told Bud to turn on his headlight -- which was strange because it's supposed come on automatically when you start the bike.
Turned out that the low beam was out -- so Bud hit the high-beam button, probably to the annoyance of a few drivers, and we pulled onto I-94 once again.
We had decided to take a back road home, hopping off the interstate just before we reached the construction zone. That turned out to be a better plan than we could have dreamed because before we got back to the hotel, Bud's high-beam light stopped working too!
So for the final 15 or 20 miles, headlightless Bud followed me, trying to use my headlight to see and unable to avoid quite a few potholes in the darkness.
When we got back to the room in the wee hours of Sunday morning, we packed and showered so we could hit the road for home when we got up.
Unfortunately, my camera-phone photos left so much to the imagination that they weren't even worth posting. For a set list, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Earlier in the day, we toured the Jelly Belly plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisc. It was really just a trip around the warehouse (see the photo), so we think all of the actual candy-making must take place in California.
We also zipped over to the Chicago Harley shop for a couple of shirts before napping briefly to get set for the concert.
As we pulled out of the parking lot after the concert, the police officer directing traffic told Bud to turn on his headlight -- which was strange because it's supposed come on automatically when you start the bike.
Turned out that the low beam was out -- so Bud hit the high-beam button, probably to the annoyance of a few drivers, and we pulled onto I-94 once again.
We had decided to take a back road home, hopping off the interstate just before we reached the construction zone. That turned out to be a better plan than we could have dreamed because before we got back to the hotel, Bud's high-beam light stopped working too!
So for the final 15 or 20 miles, headlightless Bud followed me, trying to use my headlight to see and unable to avoid quite a few potholes in the darkness.
When we got back to the room in the wee hours of Sunday morning, we packed and showered so we could hit the road for home when we got up.
Day 359: Aug. 29, 2008
All business today. Lots of ABCs of Touring photos to get!
Traveling back and forth from our hotel to Milwaukee on I-94, we hadn't noticed a 'Welcome to Wisconsin' sign. Maybe that's because of all the construction.
Anyway, we decided to take a photo at a Harley dealership for our Wisconsin photo. So there I am at Racine Harley-Davidson.
We also visited the Buell motorcycle factory in East Troy, Wisc.; the Powertrain Operations plant in Wauwatosa, Wisc., which was particularly difficult to find, even though it was right there; the Harley headquarters on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee; and the new Harley museum on Canal Street in Milwaukee.
We couldn't go into the museum because entry was by lottery draw during the 105th celebration. But we visited the store and had dinner at the restaurant.
We also stopped by main festival grounds on the lakefront before a dark, chilly ride back to the hotel.
Traveling back and forth from our hotel to Milwaukee on I-94, we hadn't noticed a 'Welcome to Wisconsin' sign. Maybe that's because of all the construction.
Anyway, we decided to take a photo at a Harley dealership for our Wisconsin photo. So there I am at Racine Harley-Davidson.
We also visited the Buell motorcycle factory in East Troy, Wisc.; the Powertrain Operations plant in Wauwatosa, Wisc., which was particularly difficult to find, even though it was right there; the Harley headquarters on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee; and the new Harley museum on Canal Street in Milwaukee.
We couldn't go into the museum because entry was by lottery draw during the 105th celebration. But we visited the store and had dinner at the restaurant.
We also stopped by main festival grounds on the lakefront before a dark, chilly ride back to the hotel.
Day 358: Aug. 28, 2008
Thursday morning brought rain. But we were OK with that because we were ready for some rest.
After some great Chicago pizza for lunch, we set off for the 25th anniversary event for the Harley Owners Group. There, we took pictures (like this one of Bud) for ABCs of Touring, looked around a bit and bought a couple of shirts.
We didn't stay very long because there was more rain the forecast, and we knew the place would be a madhouse of scrambling motorcyclists as soon as the first raindrop fell.
Back in Kentucky, Brian and Janie welcomed Eliza Jane to the world.
After some great Chicago pizza for lunch, we set off for the 25th anniversary event for the Harley Owners Group. There, we took pictures (like this one of Bud) for ABCs of Touring, looked around a bit and bought a couple of shirts.
We didn't stay very long because there was more rain the forecast, and we knew the place would be a madhouse of scrambling motorcyclists as soon as the first raindrop fell.
Back in Kentucky, Brian and Janie welcomed Eliza Jane to the world.
Day 357: Aug. 27, 2008
Before leaving Purdue behind, we stopped at the nearest Sprint store to buy a home charger for our phones -- seeing as how both of ours remained on the kitchen counter from Monday night's charging session.
We also talked to Jimmy, who said the shower doors were looking good so far.
And then we were off -- toward Iroquois County in Illinois (which is where I'm standing the photo) and then to the Indiana-Michigan line for a Michigan photo.
Along the way, we encountered those huge electricity-generating windmills for the second time. (The first was on our quick trip to Iowa last year.)
Something about those windmills captivates to me. They're huge, and I understand that there are issues with them disturbing the migratory patterns of birds. I'd guess some locals dislike them as much as I abhor mountaintop-removal mining in eastern Kentucky.
But I love the windmills anyway. We took pictures, but they don't do any better a job than TV in conveying just how massive the darn things are. Stopping to take the photos felt like meeting a celebrity.
So we finally made it to the hotel, which was actually in the northern suburbs of Chicago -- about 60 miles or so from Milwaukee. We ventured out for dinner and found a great sushi place. Huge! With five sushi chefs!
We also talked to Jimmy, who said the shower doors were looking good so far.
And then we were off -- toward Iroquois County in Illinois (which is where I'm standing the photo) and then to the Indiana-Michigan line for a Michigan photo.
Along the way, we encountered those huge electricity-generating windmills for the second time. (The first was on our quick trip to Iowa last year.)
Something about those windmills captivates to me. They're huge, and I understand that there are issues with them disturbing the migratory patterns of birds. I'd guess some locals dislike them as much as I abhor mountaintop-removal mining in eastern Kentucky.
But I love the windmills anyway. We took pictures, but they don't do any better a job than TV in conveying just how massive the darn things are. Stopping to take the photos felt like meeting a celebrity.
So we finally made it to the hotel, which was actually in the northern suburbs of Chicago -- about 60 miles or so from Milwaukee. We ventured out for dinner and found a great sushi place. Huge! With five sushi chefs!
Day 356: Aug. 26, 2008
After breakfast with Jamie and Allyson, we waited around all morning for the marble fix-it crew to arrive. But when we got a call that it would be later than 1:30 p.m. before they showed up, we headed off on our vacation, leaving Jimmy and Gary to handle the vanity problems.
The guys had begun building one of the columns for the deck before we left.
Motorcycles loaded and no rain in the forecast, we began our trip to Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson's 105th anniversary celebration -- our first-ever longer-than-overnight trip on the bikes.
Bud had a few ABCs of Touring photos scheduled along the way, so on the first day, we only went as far as Lafayette, Ind., near Purdue University.
In the photo, Bud checks out the Wasbash River, which runs through Purdue's campus, after our great dinner at 9 Irish Brothers, recommended to us by a really helpful clerk at the local Harley shop.
Jimmy left a voicemail in the late afternoon that the marble guys weren't able to fix the pit in the marble, so they'll be cutting a new top. No word yet on when it will arrive.
The guys had begun building one of the columns for the deck before we left.
Motorcycles loaded and no rain in the forecast, we began our trip to Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson's 105th anniversary celebration -- our first-ever longer-than-overnight trip on the bikes.
Bud had a few ABCs of Touring photos scheduled along the way, so on the first day, we only went as far as Lafayette, Ind., near Purdue University.
In the photo, Bud checks out the Wasbash River, which runs through Purdue's campus, after our great dinner at 9 Irish Brothers, recommended to us by a really helpful clerk at the local Harley shop.
Jimmy left a voicemail in the late afternoon that the marble guys weren't able to fix the pit in the marble, so they'll be cutting a new top. No word yet on when it will arrive.
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